Getting to Know
"There," Neo said once she finished with her letter to Topaz explaining why she and her family wasn't going to come back to the castle for a while. She folded the paper then turned to everyone. "So how are we getting it back to the castle?"
"I'll run it over," Archer said.
"Are you sure?" Neo asked.
"Of course." He took the letter from her. "This won't take long at all. I'll be back before dinner is ready."
"All right then," Neo said.
Archer gave her a thumb up before leaving the kitchen.
Neo ran her eyes over the room. Currently the majority of the crew was outside enjoying the warm weather and teaching some elementals some more fighting techniques. Herself, Law, Penguin, and Kailen were the only ones of the crew inside now. She eyed the small table they were sitting at. "Are we going to have enough room for everyone in here?"
"Of course," Kailen said. "Remember we can expand these crystals in any way we wish."
"Oh, I forgot about that." Neo scratched her cheek. "They could also eat outside. They might want to do that. It's really nice weather. We will need more beds for them in case it rains."
"Later I'll add some bedrooms for the crew. There's plenty of room to extend the house out into the yard," Kailen said. "For now we should really get started on dinner."
"Yeah." Neo nodded. Standing up she walked towards the stove. "So what are we making?"
"Anything you want." Kailen walked over to the cabinet and pulled out a book. He walked it over to Neo and handed it to her. "Our dad kept a book with all his favorite recipes. Maybe you would like to try one of them?"
"Well, let's take a look," Neo said. She opened the book and started flipping through it. "Oh, this coconut curry sounds really nice." She looked over at Law. "Would that be all right?"
"Sounds great to me," Law said.
"Me too," Kailen said.
"I'm always up for new dishes," Penguin said. "I don't think I've ever heard of coconut curry before."
"Then we'll make it," Neo said. Placing the book down on the counter she read through the food and spices they were going to need then started looking around for them. Gathering them up she placed them on the counter as Kailen pulled out some knifes, mixing bowls, and pans. The two elementals then set out to work. Eyeing the crystal stove she asked, "So we turn the heat on by using our crystal's glow?"
"That's right. Give it a try," Kailen said.
Neo summoned a crystal. Hovering it close to the red crystals on top of the stove she engulfed them. The crystals started to glow and emitted heat from them. "Amazing. Our people really do use crystals for everything." She glanced up at the yellow crystals hanging from the ceiling. Though they weren't glowing, as the curtains were open for the sun's rays to come in, they would be lit later for nighttime. "So many types of crystals."
"I guess it would be impressive to someone who wasn't use to it," Kailen said slicing up some coconut.
"So, um, would it be all right if we talked while we work?" Neo asked.
"Of course. What did you want to talk about?" Kailen asked while he continued working on the coconut.
"Mostly about you. Things like, what did you do when you were looking for me? How did you survive out there?" Neo asked.
"Oh, that," Kailen said. "It was hard at times, but most of the time it was okay. Being an earth elemental I didn't have to worry about food since I could create anything I needed. Water could be a challenge at times but during those moments I would eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with high water content in them to stay hydrated. And of course sleeping outside wasn't an issue. I had plenty of animals to keep me warm on cold islands."
"What about clothing?" Neo asked. "Were you able to get some without stealing? Or did you have to steal them?"
"Luckily I didn't have to steal any. I was able to pick up odd jobs here and there to pay for any clothing I need. And some people even gave me some clothing when I told them I was looking for you," Kailen said. "There were also times that I ran across people who know Shanks. They were more than glad to help me out when I told them who I was and what I was doing."
"It must have been so hard for you," Neo said.
"It was nothing compared to what you went through," Kailen said.
Neo gave him a slow nod.
"Along the way I also learn some artistic skills and did some painting for people," Kailen said.
"You're an artist?" Neo asked.
"I guess you could call me that." Kailen shrugged. "Though I doubt I'll do it much anymore. It'll be nothing but a hobby if I keeping doing it."
"I'm glad you were able to handle yourself out there," Neo said. "But I'm also sorry you had to go through all of that because of me."
"I will never blame you for that." Kailen glanced at her with a smile. "And remember it's not your fault. Atlas was the one who did all of this."
"So how is Tao doing? Have you spoken to him?" Neo asked.
"No, I haven't seen him around much," Kailen said.
"I think we should check on him soon," Neo said. "It can't be easy for him with what his dad did. I don't want him to feel guilty."
"Sounds like a good idea to me," Kailen said. "He obviously wants you to be happy."
"Yeah." Neo nodded. She thought back to her announcement. Tao was one of the few to stand up for her but he was the only one that was never around. She wanted to be sure she let him know she didn't blame him for anything that happened.
"We can go find him if you want," Law said.
"Do you think he's lonely?" Neo asked. "He doesn't have any other family, right?"
"Not that I'm aware of," Kailen said. "And I doubt he was looking for a wife when they all were under the darkness crystal's control."
"Where does he live?" Penguin asked.
"In the southeast town," Kailen said. "Last I knew it was a three story home with bushes shaped in the form of the solar crystal in front of it."
"How about it, Neo?" Penguin asked. "Would you like to invite him to dinner with us?"
Neo looked at Law. When he gave no sign of objection she said, "Yes. I do."
"Then we'll get right on that," Penguin said standing up.
"Want me to fly you over there?" Neo asked.
"No. You keep cooking," Penguin said heading for the living room. "I'll grab Shachi and Raina." He smirked at Kailen. "I'm sure she would be more than glad to go on another kidnapping mission."
"Very funny," Kailen said.
Penguin waved before leaving the house.
Neo stared after him, wondering if it was still okay for them to roam about the island since many elementals still weren't happy with her announcement.
"They'll be all right, Neo," Kailen said. "Our people won't hurt them because of your announcement."
Neo nodded and turned back to preparing the food. Her heart fluttered when she felt Law wrap his presence around her. She glanced at him, flushed at his smirk, and then focused back on dinner. Before long the spices of their meal filled the room. It made her stomach rumble. Glancing out the window at the opposite end of the kitchen, she wondered where Penguin and the others were. "They're not back yet."
"Tao was probably being stubborn," Kailen said opening the oven. "I think your rolls are done."
"Oh." Neo stepped beside him. Looking inside she found the tops were golden brown. "Yes, they are." She pulled them out with her winds and placed them on the counter to cool. "I hope they get here soon. The food's going to get cold. I'll have to use my crystals if they're going to be much longer."
Kailen opened a cabinet and pulled out several plates and utensils. He placed them on the counter. They had decided to let the crew eat wherever they wished.
Neo walked over to the window and looked out. The rest of the crew were still talking to some elementals, a few going through some punching and kicking practice. None of them noticed her, yet. Her eyes lifted to the sky. In the distance she saw a couple black dots. As they came closer she was able to see it was Penguin and Raina finally returning. And Tao was with him. She gulped, now nervous that he was here. She glanced over her shoulder at Law. He, like always, was watching her carefully. He had killed Atlas, Tao's father. While the old man did betray their people, he was still Tao's dad. Surely there would be a little resentment against Law. She should have thought about it before. Maybe inviting Tao over wasn't a good idea.
'It'll be fine, love.'
'Law.'
'I don't care if he holds it against me. I doubt he does. He knows what his dad did was wrong. Plus, he stood up for your decision to leave.'
'I guess you're right.'
'Relax. You'll see for yourself soon.'
"Honey, we're back!" Penguin called out from the living room.
Neo giggled. "He so silly."
"Did ya miss me?" Penguin walked over to her and kissed her cheek.
"Don't I always?" Neo breathed in his scent. It was freshened with Raina's winds.
"Oh, if you don't mind," Penguin said. "We invited Raina to dinner. That okay?"
"Yes." Neo nodded. "She's helped out a lot. It's the least we can do for her."
"Great," Penguin said.
"Let's eat then," Kailen said. "The food's done."
The room filled with chatter as everyone came in and got their meal. A few pirates went back outside while some stayed inside. Tao stepped into the room and bowed to Neo. "Princess, thank you for the invitation."
"Thank you for coming," Neo said. "Will you please sit with us? There's something I'd like to talk to you about."
"Of course." Tao got his food and sat down at the table with her, Law, Kailen, Penguin, and Bepo. Once they were halfway done eating, he asked, "What did you want to speak with me about?"
"Well, it's about what happened." Neo looked to Law, tapping her fingers on her legs in a nervous twitch.
"You mean it's about what my father did," Tao said.
"I'm sorry," Neo said. "It's because of me that he's no longer…"
"No, Princess." Tao shook his head. "My father has always had envy issues with royals. What happened is not your fault. You are not responsible for what he chose to do. I don't blame you or your bonded for how this whole thing ended. You have nothing to worry about."
"But you've been so distant," Neo said.
"I'm sorry about that," Tao said. "I needed a little time to process what happened. My father's actions are inexcusable. He chose to do what he did. And because of that he lost his life. Please, don't blame yourself."
"Thank you, Tao," Neo said.
"I'll try and be around more," Tao said.
"It's fine. Take all the time you need to recover from this," Neo said. "I'm sure it's not easy."
Tao nodded. "I think I would like to learn about some physical attacks the crew has been showing our people. Maybe I can help keep them in shape when you and your crew leave."
"They would be happy to show you," Neo said.
"Yeah. It'll be fun," Penguin said finishing up his meal. "Shall we go?"
"Yes. That would be fine," Tao said.
"You coming, Neo?" Bepo asked.
"In a little while. I'm going to help Kailen clean up." Neo waved them off then gathered up the dishes. She and Kailen stepped over to the sink and washed them. Once they were done they headed outside with Law and watched the crew and elementals train until the sun went down. They all said their goodbyes and went home.
"Come on," Kailen said. "I'll show you how to reshape the house."
Neo nodded. They headed back inside. Waiting patiently, she watched as Kailen summoned three crystals. The back wall of the house started to glow in response to the light green glow around his crystals. Then the wall moved backwards, creating more space they needed. Next beds rose up from the floor before Kailen created cotton and flowers for the mattresses and pillows. "That's amazing. You're so good with your crystals."
"It's nothing really," Kailen said. "You're just not use to it."
"Maybe," Neo said. "So what were you like as a kid? Were you rowdy?"
"No," Kailen said. He led her out of the room and back into the living room where some of the crew was hanging out. "I don't believe I was ever the rowdy type."
"Did you have many friends?" Neo asked.
"I guess so," Kailen said.
"What are some of your favorite things?" Neo asked.
"You're full of questions," Kailen said.
"I want to know," Neo said. "You're my brother after all."
"Okay, okay. Let's see. My favorite foods are just about anything spicy," Kailen said. "My favorite treat is ice cream. My favorite color is light green. My favorite animal is a bat. And my favorite person is you."
Neo giggled. They spent hours talking into the night until she finally yawned from being tired.
"We should go to bed now," Kailen said.
"Okay," Neo said. Standing up from the couch with Law, they plus Kailen headed upstairs to their rooms. Before splitting up she kissed Kailen's cheek and when to her room with Law. After changing into their pajamas they laid down on the bed she had made for them. "Law?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks for coming here," Neo said. "I'm glad I'm getting to know my brother."
"Of course." Law pulled her closer to him. "Now sleep. It's late."
"Okay." Neo yawned and closed her eyes.
…
"What is all this?" Neo asked looking at the items scattered on the table.
"They're my painting tools. I thought I could show you how to paint," Kailen said. "Would you like that?"
"Yes!" Neo nodded. "I would! I've never actually painted anything big before."
The two sat down. Kailen placed a canvas in front of her and pulled one in front of him. Next he opened the paints and put some on his pallet. "Do you know the primary colors?"
"Red, blue, and yellow," Neo said. "Penguin taught me that. You can make secondary colors by mixing them. Red and blue make purple. Blue and yellow make green. Yellow and red make orange. You can change the tone of them by adding a little of one color or a lot. Or use black or white to lighten and darken them."
"That's right," Kailen said.
"So what are we going to paint?" Neo picked up a brush and inspected it.
"We're going to do a simple landscape," Kailen said. "It's the easiest thing to do."
"Okay," Neo said. "Show me what to do."
"First let's block in the sections." Kailen mixed up some green and painted some lines on the canvas.
Neo followed his moves. Before long they both had an outline of the trees, mountains, and a lake. Step by step he told and showed her how to fill everything in.
"Add in some darker greens here where the shadows are," Kailen said.
"Why not black?" Neo asked.
"Black and white doesn't actually exist in nature," Kailen said. "If you take a closer look at the colors you'll see that."
"I guess I never noticed before," Neo said.
"It can be hard for people to notice," Kailen said. "I never did until I started painting. Then I started noticing all the colors that were there."
"I'll have to look the next time I'm outside," Neo said. She glanced down at her painting then over to Kailen's. Her trees came out a lot more thick and crooked, like a child did it while Kailen's looked identical to real trees. "You're so good."
"You didn't do so bad," Kailen said.
"It looks like a child done it," Neo said.
"That's what mine looked like when I first started," Kailen said. "If you keep practicing you'll get a lot better at it."
Neo hummed in thought. It was an idea that she might consider doing one day. "Maybe."
"So what would you like to do now?" Kailen asked.
"I'm not sure," Neo said.
"When do you think you'll return to the castle?" Kailen asked.
"Probably soon," Neo said. She glanced out the window. A couple of guards were out there talking to Law. And from the looks on their faces Law just told them they weren't returning to the castle yet. "I think the elementals are getting upset that we're, or I'm, still here."
"Well, it's your choice," Kailen said. "You know our mom would have had you live here."
"She would have?" Neo glanced at him.
"At least part of the time." Kailen nodded. "She and our dad talked about it. If they ever had a royal Mom wouldn't want you to have gotten spoiled from all the attention our people would have given you."
"Would it have been that bad?" Neo asked.
"It might have been," Kailen said. "Some people really spoil their kids rotten. Those kids then always grow up to be very selfish. And royals do get a lot of attention from our people."
"I can't imagine myself like that," Neo said.
"What are you talking about?" Archer asked as he and Conner came into the room. He ruffled her hair. "You are spoiled."
Neo giggled. "I am not."
"You are too." Conner glanced at the paintings on the table. "You just don't notice because the captain doesn't let us over do it. Hey, these are good."
"Not mine," Neo said. "It looks like a kid did it."
"It looks great, Neo," Archer said. "You going to put it up in the sub?"
"I didn't think about it," Neo said. "I suppose I could."
"Hey! Neo!" Penguin called before he came running into the kitchen.
"What is it?" Neo asked.
"Come outside," Penguin said. "We have a surprise for you."
"Um, okay." Neo stood up.
"You too, Kailen," Penguin said. "Everyone should come outside."
The group headed outside.
"What's going on?" Neo asked when she saw Raina, with her hands behind her back, and the crew with bright smiles on their faces.
"We have a little surprise for you," Raina said. "You and Kailen stand together."
"What's this about?" Kailen asked.
"Just do it," Raina said.
Kailen stepped up to Neo.
"Look like you actually know each other," Raina said. "You're siblings for crying out loud."
Kailen slipped his arm around Neo's shoulders. A flash of light went off.
"What was that?!" Neo's heart raced. Blinking the light away she saw Raina holding a camera in her hands. "A camera?"
"It's one that Shanks brought to the island before," Raina said. "A neighbor of mine had it. There's not much film left but he said he would be glad to let us use it and develop the pictures for you."
"Really?" Neo asked.
"Yes." Raina nodded. "Your crew told me Kailen gave you a couple of pictures of your family but he doesn't have any of you. I thought you both would like this gift."
"That's very sweet of you," Neo said.
"There's a couple more left," Raina said. "Let's get some extras and some with the crew with you two."
The crew moved closer. Raina snapped the pictures until they were all used up then rushed off to get them developed.
"She's in a hurry," Archer said.
"Well, we don't know exactly when we're leaving," Conner said. "She wants to get them developed before we leave."
"She always is in a hurry," Shachi said. "It seems like her wind crystals make her like that."
"Is that possible?" Penguin asked.
"For some," Kailen said. "But not for everyone."
Neo jumped when she noticed elementals were coming out of the homes to look at her. Law slipped his arm around her and walked her back inside.
…
"Wow. These turned out great," Neo said looking the pictures Raina just delivered.
"They are," Kailen said. "That camera's so old. I'm surprised it still worked."
"I'm glad you like them," Raina said. "Well, I'd like to stay longer but I have to get home and help my mom. She's doing a bake sale for her knitting group."
"Thanks, Raina," Neo said.
Raina waved then left.
"I guess we're going back to the castle now." Neo turned to Kailen. "You could come with us. You don't have to stay here."
"I know," Kailen said. "I'll join you later. I'm going to clean up the house a bit then head over to the castle."
"Okay." Neo nodded. "The crew's already there. I think. They might still be with the elementals."
"You ready to go, Neo?" Law asked.
"See you later, Kailen," Neo said.
"Later." Kailen waved.
Neo stepped outside with Law. She scanned around for elementals but they all appeared to be too busy to come out and look at her. They headed for the forest. "Where we going? I thought we were going to the castle."
"We're going to go for a walk before heading back to the castle," Law said.
"Oh, okay," Neo said. As he took her hand in his, she followed Law through the forest and out to the beach. "It's so nice here. There's a real peace to this place that other islands don't seem to have. I wonder if that's because of the elementals."
"Not having second thoughts about leaving, are you?" Law asked.
"Of course not," Neo said. "I just think that it would have been a nice life growing up here. But I love being with you. And I'll always stay with you."
"And I will always stay with you." Law pressed a kiss into her hair.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Neo asked.
"You know I want to talk to you?" Law looked at her.
"It was just a guess since you're not kissing me yet," Neo said.
"Oh, don't worry. Kissing will still happen. I still have to get you use to it after all," Law said. "But you are right. There is something I want to talk to you about."
"And what is it?"
"About my past," Law said.
Neo stopped walking at the same time Law did. He pulled her down onto the sand.
With a deep breath, Law told her everything about his past. He started off with his family then everything that lead up to the point they were at now.
"You did all of that?" Neo breathed out like the wind got kicked out of her lungs. Her head was spinning. It was hard for her to imagine him being so hateful to anyone besides enemies. It wasn't possible. She knew pirates did some bad things, but Law couldn't have been one of them. She dropped her eyes to the ground.
"Yes." Law nodded.
The wind blew, bring a cool chill off the water. Or she thought it was off the water. At the moment she wasn't sure. It could have been her own body turning cold from what Law had just told her. Neo raised her eyes back to Law when he sighed.
"I'm sorry, love. I know this is a lot to take in. But I'm not going to keep my past a secret from you. I want you to know everything about me. And some of that is going to be bad. I'm not as innocent as you have come to think I am. I've done bad things. I've been a bad person." Law squeezed her hands.
"No!" Neo shot her eyes up to his. She shook her head. Narrowing her eyebrows, she grabbed the front of his hoodie with both of her hands. "You're not a bad person! You were hurt back then! You were upset, angry, scared, and confused! I know that! I've been there! You're not a bad person! You'll never be a bad person! That man! That Doflamingo is the one who hurt you! He's the one who's bad! Not you! Don't you dare punish yourself for what you did then! You needed help and didn't get it! Now it's over! It's in the past! You broke free from that because of Corazon! And I love you! I love you in the here and now! You are a good person! If you weren't then you would have done everything you have for me! I don't ever want to hear you say that you've been a bad person! If you do it again I'll…I'll…okay I don't know what I'll do, but I'll do something!"
Law blinked as he stared at her. He noticed the tears gathering in her eyes, but pushed passed that when he saw the determination in her eyes. She was dead set on refusing to let him think he had been a bad person and done bad things. His lips then curved up into a smile before he broke out in laughter.
Neo pouched out her lips in a pout. "What? What did I say that so funny?"
Law laughed for several more second before composing himself. He pulled her onto his lap and pecked her cheek. "I'm sorry, love. It's just that I'm not quite use to you being so forward and determined like that. It's very cute."
"Oh." Neo blinked. "I guess I am different now. I feel different too."
"That's good. And I'm glad you see me like you do. But, unlike you, I haven't broke free of the past just yet," Law said. He ran his hand over her wingless back while leaning against the rock behind them.
"What do you mean?" Neo asked.
"For me to finally be free of Doflamingo…I need to take him down," Law replied. He sighed when he felt Neo's anxiety rise. "Don't worry about it for right now. I'm still not strong enough yet to go after him. For now we still have a lot of training to do. We'll worry about that after we leave Luminous."
Taking her hand again, Law pulled her up to her feet before walking along the beach again. They stayed out there for two hours before heading back to the castle. Entering into the foyer they were instantly greeted by Medina and Lyra. Both maids looking rather upset with them.
"Princess," Medina said. "Where have you been?"
"Do you know how late it is?" Lyra added.
Neo stepped closer to Law. "Y-yes. I know. We were out walking."
"Princess, things are getting out of hand," Medina said. "You can't keep running off like this. You are our royal. You have duties to preform here. We would appreciate it if you didn't abandon them."
"No," Neo murmured.
"Excuse me?" Medina asked.
"I won't stay locked up in here," Neo said.
Law glanced down at her.
"Princess, be reasonable," Lyra said. "You need to understand how important it is for you to listen to-"
"No!" Neo said. "I'm done with you two! You are no longer my maids!"
"Princess, you're being unreasonable," Medina said.
"No! You are being unreasonable," Neo said tightening her hold on Law's hand. "I want Topaz to be my maid for the rest of the time we're on this island. I'm done with you two trying to tell me what to do and what to wear." With nothing else to say, she turned and hid her face into Law's chest. Her body shook against his.
"Princess," Medina said.
"You heard your princess," Law said. "Get lost!"
The maids jumped. With no more room to argue they walked away.
"Why do they keep being like that?" Neo asked.
"Stuck in their own ways," Law said. "That's all it is."
"Do you think they'll really listen to me?" Neo asked. "Will they stay away now?"
"They will whether or not they want to," Law said. "I'll enforce your decision. All we have to do now is tell Topaz of your decision. I'm sure she'll listen."
"I hope so," Neo said.
"Let's see if Topaz is in the kitchen," Law said.
Neo nodded before they headed for the kitchen. Upon entering the room they found several elementals rushing about getting supper ready. They spotted Topaz peeling some potatoes and walked over to her. "Topaz, can we talk?"
"Princess," Topaz said.
Neo jumped when everyone stopped working and bowed to her. Her eyes dropped to the floor.
"All right, everyone," Topaz said. "Get back to work."
The kitchen staff turned back to their duties.
"Let's talk in the dinning room," Topaz said.
"Okay." Neo nodded.
"So what did you want to talk about?" Topaz asked once they were back in the dinning room.
"I, uh, kind of told Medina and Lyra I don't want them to be my maids anymore," Neo said.
"Oh?" Topaz said.
"I want, or would like, for you to take over their duties." Neo fiddled with her shirttail before looking up at the woman. "Would you do that?"
"If that is what you wish. Then I would be honored," Topaz said.
"Thank you." Neo smiled.
"Is there anything you would like me to do right now?" Topaz asked.
"No, I don't think so," Neo said. "We're just going to go rejoin the crew. Kailen's here too."
"Then I will make sure to set an extra plate at the table," Topaz said.
"Thank you," Neo said.
Topaz bowed before heading back to the kitchen.
Neo and Law left the dinning room and headed for the library.
"You did really well," Law said. "You're starting to voice your opinions and feelings more."
"I guess so. I should have done this several days ago," Neo said.
Stopping short of the library, Law tilted her chin up and kissed her.
Neo tensed and squeaked.
"That was for speaking your mind," Law said before pulling her into the library. "About time you two showed up," Penguin said.
"Neo was taking care of some long over due business," Law said.
"Business?" Bepo asked.
"I got rid of Medina and Lyra," Neo said sitting down on the couch with Law.
"You did what?" Kailen asked.
"I got tired of them trying to tell me what I could and couldn't do," Neo said. "So I told them I didn't want them as my maids anymore. Topaz is going to take over."
"That's good to hear," Jean Bart said. "You're more relaxed with her around."
"Yeah." Neo nodded. "She's nice. I like her. So what have you all be doing?"
"Nothing much," Shachi said. "Just chilling and enjoying the place."
"How's the elementals' training going?" Neo asked.
"It's great," Shachi said. "They're fast learners, especially Tao. They want us to stay even longer, but we told them we couldn't. So we've been writing down different training exercises for them to do. Tao's going to take over their training when we leave."
"They're really getting into this, aren't they?" Neo asked.
"They are." Penguin nodded.
"They'd like for you to come see them practice one day," Bepo said.
"I don't know," Neo said. "Maybe. I'm still not sure of them."
"It's your choice of course," Bepo said.
"I know." Neo nodded.
