Disobey
Part One
"Wow!" Neo gasped at the large, colorful, island before her as the sub glided along in the water to its port. The rolling hills on the west side of the island were covered in a large variety of flowers making the ground look like colorful waves frozen in place. A warm breeze brought the mixed smells of the flowers with the sea salt to her nose and teased her long hair. She fluttered her wings in excitement, lifting herself off the deck a couple of inches.
"You better clip those wings," Penguin said with a light, amused chuckle. He grabbed the tail, of the dark blue shirt of Law's, she was wearing and tugged her feet back down to the deck. "We're about to reach the town side of the island."
"I can't help it. I know Bepo said this island was known for these flower hills, but this is just amazing. I think he said the name of this place was Kiko Island," Neo replied, not taking her eyes off the fields. She folded her wings against her back but didn't banish them. Forcing herself to take her eyes off the island, she looked over at Penguin. "He also said this place has a pretty big book store. Will you take me?"
He returned her look with a guilty one of his own. Rubbing the back of his neck, he said, "Sorry. I kind of already made plans. Some of the guys are going to go get drinks and…"
Neo tilted her head in question when Penguin's voice trailed off. She started to flick her wings, but stopped short when she remembered she was outside the sub and near people. Her eyes widened slightly when she figured out what he was saying without his words. Her shoulders slumped, her lips curved down and she sighed. "Oh. I should have known with how the others were talking this morning. They were all but drooling over themselves."
"Hey, don't make that face," Penguin said. He stepped closer to her. Slipping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her to his side. "You're the prettiest when you're happy and smiling."
"I'm sorry. I'm just so use to having you all to myself. We don't really stop much for pleasure on islands since Law started collecting hearts," Neo said. She chewed on her bottom lip while adjusting Law's over sized shirt. "You know it's very tempting to convince Law to order you all not to engage in sexual intercourse."
Penguin laughed. He tightened his hold on her then pecked her temple. "Just keep in mind that we're your boys. And we'll always return to you."
"Yeah." Neo nodded with a smile. She scanned her eyes over the island again. They were getting closer to the port. She needed to either banish her wings or go inside the sub. "I know. I guess I'll go to Law."
"He could always take you," Penguin said as the two headed inside.
"I wish. He's already got plans with an appraiser. He's decided we've accumulated enough treasure and wants to exchange it for cash," Neo replied. "I think Jean Bart is going with him to carry it all."
"Where is the captain right now anyway?" Penguin asked.
"Down in one of the storage rooms. I think he and Jean Bart are still packing up some of the treasure. Hm? Topaz is down there too," Neo said while she felt out where Law was. The two siblings walked through the door of the sub. They waved at a couple crewmates, who were heading out onto the deck, before walking deeper into the vessel. The large yellow sub creaked and swayed as it finally pulled into the docks. More of the Heart Pirates scuttled towards the exit. Sensing Penguin's patients waning, she granted him the right to leave her side. "Oh! Just go already!"
"Thank you!" Penguin kissed her cheek.
"Just be careful, huh?" Neo clung tightly to his boiler suit. "I don't want none of my brothers getting hurt, especially you. I love you all too much."
"We all will be. The captain instilled caution in us all during our very first exam with him when we each joined the crew," Penguin said. He took a moment to study her eyes. Her big, blue, rounded eyes were staring up at him like a cute little puppy pleading to be taken home and cuddled. Feeling his resolve weakening, he sighed inwardly. He wondered how it was possible for any of them, especially the captain, to ever say no to her. He also thought about how much she had grown up since Luminous yet was still a child in so many ways. She had such an innocent charm about her. A charm that would get them all, possible even strangers, to bend over backwards to give her whatever she wanted. A charm that he hoped, wished, and prayed would always be a part of her no matter what she went through. And a charm that he was secretly grateful that she didn't abuse. He wasn't even sure if she knew she had this ability over them or not. "We'll be back later. Love you, little sister."
"Love you too." Neo wrapped her arms around his torso.
He returned the embrace for several seconds before finally pulling apart from her. He tweaked her cheek then scurried off to join his fellow crewmates.
She watched him disappear down the hall before lifting herself into the air with her wings. She flittered through the passageways until she reached her destination. Coming upon the door, she heard Law's and Topaz's voices in a low, but not quiet a whispering tone. She noticed their tone changing to a slightly louder one just before she entered into the room. She gave a quick glance at the people in the room.
Jean Bart was fiddling with one of the three sacks that held their treasure, Topaz was scribbling something in a notebook while nodding her head as Law spoke to her. The fire elemental nodded. "Of course. I'll be sure to pick that up as well. I'll head out right now unless there is something else you need me to do before hand."
"No, your free to go," Law replied, casting a glance at Neo from the corner of his eye.
"Aw," Neo protested as she latched herself onto Law's back. His arms instantly hooking under her knees when she wrapped her legs around his torso and her arms around his neck. "Sounds like you're going to be busy on this island, too. You're not seeking out sexual companionship as well, are you?"
"Neo," Law warned with a smile.
"Sorry. I keep forgetting that sexual intercourse is a private matter," Neo said nuzzling her nose behind Law's ear, making his heartbeat speed up and his cheeks flush. "We just talk about it so casually."
Jean Bart snickered, but wisely kept his mouth shut as he continued to close the bag he was fiddling with.
"Apologies, Princess," Topaz replied. She closed her notebook and tucked it under her arm. "I have a few things I need to pick up. Perhaps if I can get done on time, I can join you later for some girl time?"
"I'd like that. That is, if I can find someone to take me off this sub," Neo said with a pout. Topaz gave her a friendly, apologetic smile before exiting the room to carrying out her own shopping mission. "Everyone seems so busy today for some reason. And I'm still not allowed off the sub without an escort. Right?"
"Right," Law confirmed with a tight nod. "Looks like you're coming with me and Jean Bart."
"But appraisers are so boring," Neo whined. She tightened her hold on him. "They're nothing but greedy and they give me the creeps. And I can't even touch you in public. How am I supposed to entertain myself?"
"You'll survive," Law replied making Neo puff out her cheeks in mild annoyance. 'Besides, we still can communication through our bond.'
'I know. But it's not the same. I like touching you. And I know you like me touching you to despite your attempts to hide it among the crew most of the time.' Neo nuzzled her nose behind his ear again before trailing the tip of her tongue against the shell of his ear, earning a satisfying shiver from him. She smiled against his neck at the reaction she got from him. He grunted in response before his fingers moved against the sensitive underside of her knees. Squealing in shock, her arms loosened causing her fall backwards. She flapped her wings to right herself then held onto him even tighter. "Ah! Law!"
"That's what you get for teasing me like that," Law said with a deep chuckle.
"I'm ready to go when you are, Captain," Jean Bart said. The large man was patiently waiting and looking like a forgotten third wheel. He had his arms crossed over his broad chest and a smirk on his lips as he quietly watched the two flirt with each other. "That is, if you two are done flirting."
"Yes, we-" Law started, but was interrupted by Bepo.
"Neo!" Bepo shouted as he ran into the room.
"What's up, Bepo?" Neo tilted her head.
"Nothing much," Bepo said walking over to his captain and Neo. "I was just wondering, if you didn't make plans already, if you'd like me to escort you around the island. I know you really wanted to check out the bookstore here."
"Yeah. We haven't spent much time together lately." Neo nodded. "Is that fine, Law?"
"As long as it makes you happy and bored free," Law said.
"You're the best." Neo flutter her wings again. She lifted from his back and flew around to his waiting arms. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her firmly to his chest. She pecked his lips while wrapping her hold back around his body. "Will you join us later? Or will we just meet back here?"
"We'll meet up for lunch once you and Bepo are done browsing the stores and we're done with the appraiser. You know those things can take a lot time," Law replied through multiple pecks. Feeling the snickers Jean Bart and Bepo were holding in, he rubbed his hands on her sides. "You go on now. And try not to buy too many books. You've already turned the sub into a floating library."
"I don't have that many books!" Neo protested. "You wouldn't let me bring all the ones I really wanted from Luminous."
"You wanted the entire library from the castle," Law pointed out.
"So?" Neo pouted. "I love reading. And you should have let me brought them."
"Sorry, love." Law pecked her pouting lips. "Maybe someday I can build you an entire building for you to fill with as many books as you want."
"Really?" Neo's eyes light up, making Law's heart grow warm. "And you'll cuddle up and read with me?"
"Of course." Law pecked her lips once more. "Now, get going. We're leaving here shortly after lunch."
"Okay. I promise not to buy too many books until then," Neo replied as Law sat her down on her feet. She stole one more kiss from him before turning to the patiently awaiting bear. She hooked her arm through his and pulled him towards the door.
"You better change out of my shirt before you leave this sub," Law called out in a warning tone. "Put on your sandals and hide your wings."
"Oh? And here I thought you wanted me to wear your clothes." Neo winked at Law from over her shoulder.
"Don't you get smart with me," Law shot back with a smirk.
Neo laughed as she finally disappeared out of the room with Bepo smiling brightly beside her.
"It always feels so good to see her so happy," Jean Bart said.
"Yeah." Law nodded. He turned back to the large man and grabbed one of the sacks. "Let's get going."
…
"Huh?" Neo paused when her aching sandal covered feet hit the wooden dock of the harbor the Polar Tang was resting in. Shouts of the busy harbor couldn't hide the strange feeling of intense sadness washing over her chest. A strong gust of wind blew over the island. She placed her hand on her hair to keep it out of her face while facing west. West. The direction the sadness seemed to be coming from.
"What is it, Neo?" Bepo asked.
"I don't know," Neo whispered. She ran her eyes over the harbor and town. She took in all the men and women standing around chatting happily, at the other people who were boarding and disembarking from their own ships, at some kids running around with a ball. Her eyes pulled back over in the direction of the flower fields, to the west. Tension pulled across her shoulders. "Something just feels very sad here."
"Sad?" Bepo took in the laughing people around them. "People look pretty happy to me."
"I know." Neo nodded. "But the island still feels sad."
"Would you like me to take you to the captain?" Bepo placed his paw on her shoulder.
"No." Neo shook her head. "I still want to be with you. Let's proceed. Perhaps I'm just a little nervous. I still need time to adjust to new places and things after all."
"You're right." Bepo nodded while offering his arm to her. "I'm right beside you. If at anytime you wish to return to the captain, I'll be happy to take you to him."
"You're the best, Bepo." Neo smiled. She linked her arm with his and allowed him to lead her inland. While walking she scanned her surrounds from the people to the buildings. Nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. No one even seemed to notice they were there. The inhabitants of the island seemed friendly enough going about their daily business. Neo's shoulders relaxed, but that nagging feeling of sadness wouldn't leave her. It pulled at her to find the source. She grew thankful when Bepo sensed her distress and started up a conversation in an attempt to distract her.
"So have you given any thought to the names we picked out for your attacks?"
"I have." Neo nodded. Catching the eyes of a rough looking man, her body jerked closer to the bear. She felt his body tense under her touch. Stealing a quick glance at the man she noticed a woman had ran up to the man and latched onto his arm. The pair exchanged a few words with smiles before walking off. She exhaled with relief. The man was only killing time.
Neo lowered her voice so only Bepo would hear what she was saying. "I like what you all came up with. They're simple so they should be easy to remember. I think Flower Trap is my favorite. It suits the move so well. I just hope I can remember them and be a convincing devil fruit user. I guess I'm going to have to practice those moves while shouting out the names."
"You'll do just fine," Bepo said encouragingly. He then pointed to a two story, log building. "Hey, we're here."
"Great." Neo smiled and took the log building in. It had two grayish blue double doors, multiple windows with small flowerbeds mounted just below the windows. The two Heart Pirates made their way inside the building. Her eyes lit up when she saw the rows and rows of books on both floors of the store. She grasped onto Bepo tighter while trying to keep her joyous squeals inside before pulling him over to one of the bookshelves. She breathed in the smell of books and worn leather.
Neo dove right into the books as Bepo took the time to look around their surroundings. He noticed there weren't many people in this place at the current point in time. Most people seemed to be on their own, lazily browsing through the books. There was a small group of teenage boys huddled together. They were looking in a book and whispering to each other. The mischievous, eyebrow wiggling expressions they held informed Bepo they probably were looking at a book that they shouldn't have been. He glanced over at the store clerk. The man's shaggy brown hair was dangling over his face as his dark green eyes skimmed over the pages of a newspaper that was laid out on the counter and looking as bored as he possible could. He then turned his attention back to Neo. She had wandered away from him, to the next bookshelf, so he knew she was comfortable in her surroundings. Making sure to stay in her sight, he stepped over to a different bookshelf and started looking through the books on it. His eyes landed on a book titled, 'Fish Feast, A 100 Ways to Make the Best Fish Dishes Ever'. He plucked it off the shelf and flipped through the pages. His mouth began to water as his black eyes scanned over the recipes listed on the white pages in front of him.
…
Neo shoved the fantasy book back on the shelf. After a quick glance at Bepo, she smiled at the drooling bear, before moving on to another bookshelf. She had no idea how long she was lost in the sea of books when suddenly a book with a woman in a long white dress and a man in a black suit caught her eyes. She tucked her three books, she was carrying, under her arm then lifted the intriguing book off the shelf and stared at the couple posing in a perfect picture on the front. She hummed at the titled on the book. "Your Own Fairytale Wedding, huh?"
Her eyes then dropped down to the woman on the cover. The woman's blonde hair was up in an elaborate bun with tight curls. There was a strange lacy fabric running down her back that Neo didn't recognize. And the white dress hugged the woman's form so unlike the dresses she had back on the sub and the ones she wore on Luminous. The woman held an adoring look on her face as she stared at the man beside her. Neo's eyes followed the woman's gaze. She tilted her head. The man was looking back at the woman with the same adoring look on his face that the woman held.
Neo's chest grew warm when she remembered the soft carrying looks Law always gives her. Her lips curled into a smile as her heart raced steadily in her chest. Her mind wondering what he would look like in a black suit like this one. She then wondered if he was even going to wear a tuxedo on their wedding day. Back on Luminous they both turned down the idea of the crew dressing up for their commitment ceremonies. But now, Neo wasn't sure what she wanted Law to do. She didn't even know if Law wanted to wear a suit or not. She wasn't even sure what she wanted to wear. The crew had told her that it's typical for virgins to wear a white dress on their wedding day. She knew she was anything but typical. She did bring some of her white dresses from Luminous with her. And she had the dress Penguin bought her. She knew that Law would let her wear whatever she wanted. But what did she want to wear?
"Getting married?"
Neo jumped when a strange voice that spoke up beside her. She slapped the wedding book against the other books when they started to fall from her grasp. The voice beside her then laughed.
"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to startle you."
Neo glanced up. Beside her was a man with light blonde hair tucked under a dark brown trilby hat, wearing an off white button up shirt and tan slacks. His light green eyes and lips were smiling at her, but she still took a couple steps away from him.
"Really. I am sorry for startling you like that."
"It's okay," Neo replied, cautiously. Lifting the wedding book up, she placed it back on the shelf.
"You're wearing a ring," the man said. "I take that and the fact that you're looking at wedding books that you are getting married."
"Uh." Neo paused. While she knew they weren't going to show each other affection openly in public, at least for now, Law never said anything about answering a question like this. Answering this question honestly wasn't showing affection. But she didn't do it. Something made her keep her mouth shut.
"You don't have to be so shy about it. You are getting married, right? " The man nodded. "So who's the lucky man to win such a pretty young woman's love? And when I say young I mean it. Are you sure you're old enough to even get married? You look like a kid."
"I'm not a kid," Neo replied with a frown.
"Okay, okay." The man held up his hands like he was surrendering. He then ran his eyes over her body.
The look he was giving her made her shiver. It gave her a bad feeling. It was like he was hungry for something. It made her glad she didn't wear a dress and that Law had forbidden her from wearing her Amazon Lily outfits off the sub. She was so glad she was wearing her jeans and a simple white shirt with blue on the edges of the sleeves and color.
"I guess you're just the type to age gracefully. In any case, that's a very lovely ring you're wearing. It must have cost your fiancée quite a pretty penny, but you surely deserve it if he's willing to pay a lot for it. He must really love you. Where did the ring design come from? Does it mean anything?"
Neo eyed the man suspiciously while he kept on chattering. She knew some people could be friendly, but this seemed too friendly.
"So back to you and your wedding… How old are you anyway? Are you two planning on a big wedding? What does he do? What's his job? Considering that's an expensive ring, he must have a high paying job. Or he stole the money. Is he a pirate? I hope he's not. But that would be something, wouldn't it? Such a pretty young woman getting married to a pirate. And you did walk in here with that bear in the orange boiler suit. I've seen that jolly roger before. It's the Heart Pirates one, am I correct? Are you marrying someone on that crew? The captain, perhaps?"
Neo's anxiety peaked at that point. She turned and rushed away from the man.
'Neo, are you all right? Your anxiety is spiking.'
'I'm fine. It's just this guy started talking to me. He was asking a lot of strange questions.'
'About what?'
Neo felt Law's own anxiety rising when he asked that. 'About our wedding and us. I was looking at a book about weddings and he just appeared and started asking a lot of questions.'
'Is Bepo still with you?'
'Yes. I'm going to-'
"Hey! Wait a second! I didn't mean to run you off like that." the man said. "Come back here."
Neo looked over her shoulder. Her skin turned cold as heart took a sharp, painful beat when she saw the man was reaching for her arm. Out of reflex, she started to summon her wind crystals, but quickly switched to a kick to the man's stomach. "No! Don't touch me!"
The man gasped from the impact of her foot. His body went flying backwards a few feet before he fell to the ground. The few people who were in the building paused their book browsing to look up at the commotion.
Snapping out of his drooling trance of the fish dishes, Bepo looked up as well. He saw Neo's leg stretched out while a strange man went flying backwards from her. "Neo!"
'Neo! What happened?!'
Neo took a few nervous breaths. 'He tried to touch me. But it's okay. I'm okay, just a little shaken up. I was going to use my crystals on him, but kicked him instead. Bepo's right beside me now.'
"Neo, are you okay? What happened?" Bepo asked. He scanned his eyes over her, looking for injuries, before looking at the man on the ground.
Before Neo could answer him, the bored store clerk came running over to the commotion. The two pirates tensed up thinking trouble was really about to start. They expected the clerk was coming over to kick them out. They relaxed, with surprised expressions when the clerk started yelling at the floored man. "Laden! How many times do I have to tell you to stop bothering my customers?! This is the fourth time in three weeks!"
"Why are you yelling at me?! She's the one who kicked me! Besides, they're pirates!" the blonde man shrieked.
Neo and Bepo looked around when murmurs started among the other shoppers.
"I'm yelling at you because you can't control that reporter mouth of yours! You deserved to be kicked! And who cares if they're pirates?! They're money is just as good as anyone else's! As long as they don't cause problems, I've never minded pirates coming in here!" the clerk roared. He pointed to the doors. "But I do mind nosy reporters disturbing the peace in here! You get out! Right! Now!"
"Fine." The man adjusted his hat before standing up. He tossed Neo a glance and frown before stalking towards the door.
'Neo?'
'It's fine, Law. The guy, apparently, was a reporter. I guess he was trying to get information on me. The clerk just kicked him out.'
'Do I need to come to you?'
'No. I'm okay, really. He didn't touch me at all. I kicked him before he could.'
'That's my girl.'
Neo smiled when she felt Law's proud smirk from the appraiser building on the other side of the town. 'We'll just pay for our books and go check out the flower hills. I'd like to do that before we leave. And we do have a little time before lunch.'
'As long as you stay with Bepo.'
'I will, Law. See you in a little while.'
'Yeah.'
"I'm so sorry about that," the clerk said, turning to Neo and Bepo. "I didn't notice he snuck back in. He's not supposed to be in here."
"It's okay," Neo replied. "He didn't bother me too much."
"If you say so. Are you finished shopping? Or are you going to look around some more? It's okay if you do. Like I said, I really don't mind pirates at all," the clerk said with a smile. "As long as they don't cause trouble in here. I'm actually descended from pirates."
"Oh, that's nice," Bepo said. He waved the book in his hand. "I'm getting this recipe book. There's some fish recipes I'd like to try, if you don't mind cooking them up someday."
"You know I don't mind, Bepo." Neo smiled at him then looked at the clerk. "I'm finished too. I could spend all day in here, but then I'd find more books to buy. And I promised L-the captain that I wouldn't buy too many."
"Very well then." The clerk nodded. He then headed back to the check out counter. "I'll tally those up for you."
Neo and Bepo followed the man. They placed their books on the shelf and waited patiently for the man to give them their total. Neo's eyebrows raised when he gave them a fifty percent discount. "You don't have to do that."
"I want to." The man smiled. "Think of it as an apology for Laden and a small wedding gift."
"Oh…well, thank you," Neo said. She returned his smile with one of her own sweet ones.
"If I may, you have a very pretty smile," the clerk said, propped his elbow upon the counter top and resting his chin in his hand. "Your to-be-husband is a very lucky man. I wish you both well in your future."
Neo felt her cheeks grow warm at the man's words and a Bepo's snickers. She shyly tucked her hair behind her ear. "Thank you."
"I'll take that," Bepo said, grabbing their bag. He then placed his paw on Neo's shoulder and guided her towards the door. Once outside, both pirates looked around for the reporter. When they couldn't find him, they made their way back to the sub to quickly drop off their books before heading towards the flower hills.
They wandered through the town while simultaneously talking about Neo's attack names and keeping an eye out for their reporter friend to come back. After a ten minute walk, the two reached the flowers. Neo stretched out her arms just as a nice warm breeze blew from behind her. It washed her blue hair over her shoulders, waving her tresses like thin flags before dying back down. "This feels and smells so great!"
"It sure does," Bepo agreed. He flopped down on the ground, rolling down the small hill they were on until he came to a stop at the end. He stared up at the blue sky before closing his eyes. "This is a great spot for taking a nap. It's so nice and warm today."
"It sure is," Neo replied, stepping out of her sandals. Her achy feet relaxed against the lush green grass. She scanned her eyes over the fields, the sea where more ships were pulling up to the island then looked back at the town. "Too bad we're still so close to the town and passing ships. I would love to stretch out my wings here."
Neo dropped her eyes down to Bepo. The bear was just about to fall asleep. She giggled before summoning her wind crystals. She flew over to the bear and hovered over him like she was lying on her stomach. He peaked up at her with a smile. She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when a heavy sadness gathered in her chest. She faltered in her wind control and fell on top of Bepo.
"Neo? What was that? Why did you lose control?" Bepo asked.
"I don't know," Neo replied. Keeping his arms around her, Bepo sat up. She looked out over the hills. "That sadness feeling just returned. And it's very close. It feels like animals."
"Animals?" Bepo blinked. He looked around them. "I don't smell any animals other than the ones back in town."
"They're here." Neo pushed herself upon her feet then walked away from their current spot.
Bepo followed her. He carefully looked around, sniffing the air for any slightest sign of danger or any other animals that might be making Neo feel this way. Neither of them paid attention to how long or far they had walking, but their excursion brought them to the edge of the island. They stared down at a huge white house with an equally huge wooden log fence around it and its own personal docking bay for ships of all sizes.
The sadness Neo felt became even heavier in her chest. It became so thick that her head began to swim and her vision blurred. Her body wobbled and fell towards the edge of the cliff. "I don't…feel so good."
"Neo!" Bepo shrieked while grabbing her shoulders. He guided her back from the edge of the cliff, his heart pounding wildly at her near plummet down to the rocky ground below. Kneeling down, he propped her against himself.
'Neo? Wh-t's wr-ng no-? I fe-l yo- get-ng di-zy. Ou- bo-d isn- w-ork-in- cor-ectly.'
Neo took a couple slow, deep breaths. She didn't reply to Law until their connection was strong again. "I'm okay, Law, Bepo. Law, I've been feeling a strange sadness since I set foot on this island. It's animals. They're so sad. They're…we're at some house on the northwest corner of the island. It's tucked into a cove with it's own port. Something's going on here. Something bad."
"Someone's here!" Bepo roared before Law could answer Neo.
"Bepo says someone's here," Neo reported to Law through their bond. Just then two gray canisters dropped to the ground right beside the two pirates. They rolled to a stop then released a light gray smoke. Both started coughing at the smoke tickling their noses and throats and making their vision blurry. "Law! It -cough- some kind -cough- smoke-"
'N-o?!'
"Look at -cough- pretty little fishies -cough, cough- swimming around the air," Bepo muttered. His body swayed before falling to the ground away from Neo.
"Be-Bepo! -cough-" Neo grabbed a hold of his orange boiler suit. She tugged on it, trying to get him back up. "Get -cough - up, Bepo! Law! -cough- Help!"
"Don't worry, sweetie," another unfamiliar voice said. "That's what I'm doing. I'm here to help you."
"Uh?!" Neo whipped around. She tried to summon her crystals. They flickered into view a couple times before fading away completely. Her heart raced erratically as the blurry person before her moved in closer to her. 'Law? Law!'
"Easy now," the voice cooed.
Neo tried to scramble away from the person, but she felt her consciousness quickly slipping away from her as her surroundings started going dark. Her arms gave out on her and she slumped to the ground. The blur leaned in closer to her. It gave her a quick glimpse of his spiky white hair and overly rounded eyes before her vision went completely dark.
…
Panic pounding his chest and his palms growing damp with cold sweat, Law mentally nailed himself to the couch he was sitting on and unintentionally growled out loud. Jean Bart and the appraiser looked up in confusion at the man sudden display of hostility. Looking up from the jewels, the appraiser asked, "Is something wrong, sir?"
"Yes. There's something important that I need to go do," Law said in a forced controlled voice. Gripping a hold of his sword, he stood up, shoved his free hand in his pocket and casually strolled to the door. His hat over his eyes, he paused to toss his subordinate a look over his shoulder. "Finish up here, Jean Bart. I'll be on the northwest side of the island."
"Right." Jean Bart nodded in complete understanding when he got a glance of his captain's hidden angered, yet panicked, expression. He knew only Neo being in danger could cause his captain to look like that.
Law nodded back then exited the room. He walked calmly through the building then calmly walked a block. When he rounded the corner, he broke out into a run. He busted around another corner, startling a few people in the process, before breaking away from the town. Hold on, Neo! I'm coming! Whoever hurt you is going to pay! With their life!
…
"Here you go! Thanks for shopping with us!" the cheery black haired lady chirped and handed Topaz her package. "That's some fancy lace and fabric you bought. You have incredible taste."
"Thanks," Topaz replied back after a short delay. She took the package from the woman while trying to push a weird sad feeling from her chest. She carefully tucked the package into one of her three shopping bags. "You have an amazing selection of fabrics here. I really hope my crew decides to stop here again one day."
"Ah, pirate, huh?" the woman asked. She ran her eyes over Topaz's boiler suit. "I never would have guessed. You don't really look like one despite wearing that jolly roger. That's the roger for the Heart Pirates, isn't it? They're gaining quite the reputation, especially that hot captain of yours."
Topaz opened her mouth to tell the woman that her captain is marrying her princess, but quickly remembered that was classified information and quickly rerouted her response. She said, "I suppose you are correct in the fact I don't look like one. I'm actually still fairly new to this whole pirate thing. It's been quite the exciting ride."
"I'm sure it is." The woman nodded. "I'd like to sail the open seas, but that's not easy with five kids and a lazy husband."
"Five kids, huh?" Topaz laughed politely. "I'm sure you have plenty of adventures with that many kids running around."
"Indeed." The woman nodded. "They give me plenty of adventures."
"Well, have a nice day," Topaz said as she headed for the door. "I really need to get these back to the ship. I don't want them to get damaged."
"Of course. Have a nice day." The woman waved.
Topaz sighed with relief when she was outside. "That was close. I can't believe I almost slipped up. I should return this to the sub then join up with the...with Neo. Hm? She's outside of the town? I guess she finished shopping already."
Topaz glanced towards the northwest side of the island. She smiled. "I shouldn't be surprised she'd be in the flower fields. I wonder if she went there to try and get rid of this sadness I know she's feeling. I better hurry up."
The fire elemental tightened her hold on her bags before picking up her pace. She shuffled through the gathering crowds of townspeople for a few minutes before finally arriving at her destination. She quickly traversed the sub's ladder, weaved through the halls of the quiet vessel and slipped into her room. She placed her bags beside her bunk knowing the crew respected her privacy. There was no need for her to hide the items inside the bag until later. Turning off her lights, she made her way back out of her room, closing the door as she went. She reached the railing of the sub when a sudden uncomfortable feeling of worry washed over her. "Something's wrong."
She swung her leg over the railing and quickly descended back down to the island. Once again on solid ground, Topaz sprinted in the direction of the flower field. She looked to her right when she spotted her captain from the corner of her eyes. She ran towards him as her feeling of worry began to grow. "Captain!"
"Hm?" Law cast the elemental a glance when she joined him.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Something happened to Neo. I can't connect to her," Law quickly summoned up. "She's with Bepo somewhere on the northwest corner of the island."
"I had a feeling something happened," Topaz said.
Law gritted his teeth. The two picked up their speed. They ran until they came upon the cliff over looking the house that Neo told Law about.
"She's in there. There's a very weird sadness coming from that place," Topaz said.
"Yeah. She said she felt some kind of sadness." Law nodded. He gripped his hold on his sword tighter while the nails of his left hand pierced his skin sending the metallic smell of blood through the air.
"Are we going in? Are we waiting for the rest of the crew? Or what?" Topaz asked. "I have my crystals if we need them. Just tell me what we're going to do."
Law narrowed his eyebrows. His entire body and soul wanted to warp right inside that house, take his love and Bepo back then cut up whoever took them into a million pieces, but one single question was holding him back from doing just that. Were Neo and Bepo being held hostage? He growled in frustration.
"Captain?" Topaz asked again. "What are we going to do?"
Forcing the words out of his mouth, he said, "We wait. We have no idea why Neo and Bepo were targeted. This could be a trap. Or they could be being held at gunpoint. Our sudden arrival could put them in serious danger. We'll wait right here until Neo contacts me."
"Should I go back for the crew?" Topaz looked back in the direction of the town. "I might be able to find them. I know some of them were heading for the brothel for some companionship."
Law gritted his teeth again. He wasn't sure how he wanted to answer that. He didn't know if he needed his crew or if he and Topaz could easily take care of this. "Let's just wait for now. Jean Bart is finishing up at the appraisers. He knows I came here. He'll come as soon as he can. He'll bring all the crewmembers he can find on his way here. And I'm sure Penguin will sense that something's wrong and show up either on his own or he'll make sure to alert those who went with him."
"Waiting. Great." Topaz crossed her arms and did just that while putting her trust in her princess's bonded. She knew he wouldn't do anything to put Neo in any more danger than she already was. Just then a ship pulling into the private dock caught their attention at the same time. Both felt like they were kicked in the stomach. And both ducked down so they wouldn't be so easily spotted upon the cliff. "What's a navy ship doing here?! I get it if they docked at the town, but here? What is this place? Some kind of secret navy base? Bepo never mentioned a base being here."
Law almost gritted his teeth into a pile of dust. A string of unhealthy curses, some he invented on the spot, ran through the captain's mind. He watched, feeling so helpless and angry, as some of the soldiers disembarked from the large vessel. They were too far away to tell what the rankings of the soldiers were, but he knew it didn't matter. The navy in a house with a magicless Neo was not a good combination no matter their ranking. She was completely defenseless and helpless when disoriented. 'Neo! Please! Come back to me!'
…
"Hn." Neo groaned slightly. She rolled her head before opening her eyes. She groaned again, feeling like the first time she woke up on Law's sub. Panic jumped into her chest when she remembered what happened. She shot up into a sitting position and immediately wished she didn't. Her head pounded, causing the room to spin wildly. She placed her hand over her mouth when she gagged.
"Take it easy," a voice said. She shot her eyes up to the person walking towards her. Her vision was still a bit blurry, but she could now see the person more clearly. He was about her height, slightly chunk, with spiky white hair and wearing some type of goggles that made his reddish brown eyes look ridiculously large. He was also wearing a white lab coat spotted with something dark red. "That little potion of mind can be a doozy. But don't worry. I didn't use much so you should be feeling better in no time."
She backed up from the approaching man until her back hit against something hard. That's when she noticed she was in a bedroom and not in some cell chained up. She darted her eyes around the room. He stood between her and the only door in the room. To her left was a window that she could easily escape from if not for one thing. She shot a glare at the man who now stood five feet from the bed. "Bepo! What did you do with him?!"
"Bepo?" The man tilted his head. "That beast that attacked you?"
"He didn't attack me! And he's not a beast!" Neo snapped. Fear gripped her even harder when she realized the dark red spots on the man's long coat were blood. She pressed her fingers to her lips when she felt like she was going to gag again. "Where is he?! You…you didn't kill him, did you?!"
"No, no. I haven't killed him, yet," the man replied. "He's safely tucked away where he won't hurt you anymore."
"He wasn't hurting me!" Neo insisted. She tried to summon her crystals and connect to Law, but was too disoriented to accomplish either. "He's my friend! My family! Now give him back! What did you do to me? What is this stuff?"
"Just a little knock out gas that I whipped up in my spare time," he replied. "You'll be fine in about two minutes."
Neo gritted her teeth. Two minutes too long. I know Law's furious right now even without our bond. At least Bepo is alive. He's got to be around here somewhere.
She scanned her eyes over the room again. There was a large, coral colored dresser, two coral colored nightstands beside the bed and a large armchair in the far corner of the room. Nothing she could possible use as a weapon. And the strange man with her didn't appear to be holding any weapons of his own. But she still remained cautious since he could easily conceal any number of weapons under a coat like he was wearing. Guess I'm stuck here until I can connect to my magic again. But I'm getting a strange feeling from this guy. Does he seriously think that Bepo was trying to hurt me? Does he believe that he rescued me? Maybe I'm not in danger, but I get the feeling that Bepo is in danger. That sadness is even stronger now that I'm inside this place. I can't tell if that or that strange smoke is causing me to feel sick.
"My name is Johan," the man said. "I'm sorry that bear attacked you."
"For the last time, Bepo didn't attack me. He's my friend," Neo insisted again despite feeling it was pointless. With no other options, and the sad feeling added to the gas, she laid back down on the bed. She carefully eyed the guy before her. He hadn't moved any closer.
"That beast is wild. He's not your friend," Johan said with a smile. "You're safe here. You don't have to worry."
Before Neo could say anything else, a deep-sounding bell rang a few times.
Johan rubbed his hands together before heading for the door. "I have other guests to attend to at the moment. Please, just lay here and relax. I won't let them know you are here."
Huh? Why would that matter? What's going on? Neo lifted up her hands and looked at them. She was feeling her magic coming back to her. 'Law?'
'Thank God! Neo! I was so worried about you!'
'I'm okay, a bit dizzy, however. I don't know what that gas was, but it's going away now. And I don't know where Bepo is. I'm worried, Law.'
'Bepo can handle himself. You need to get out of there. Now! The navy just arrived. A couple of them are entering the house.'
'The navy?'
'Neo, come to me.'
Neo flinched. She pushed herself back up into a sitting position.
'Neo? Did you hear me?'
'I heard you.'
'Then come back to me.'
Neo bit her bottom lip. 'I…I can't.'
'What do you mean?! Did the navy see you?! Are you cuffed to sea prism stone?!'
'No…I just can't leave Bepo behind and…'
'We're not leaving Bepo behind. We're getting you out of there before the navy sees you. Get out of there! That's an order!'
'I know, Law. It's just…I need to be here right now.' She thought back to him. She felt Law's panic slip into a dangerous silence. Her heart pounded hard in her chest and head as she waited for him to say the words she knew he was going to say.
'Neo, I order-'
'No! Don't!' Neo grabbed her head, cutting him off. 'Please, Law! Please! Don't order me to leave Bepo behind! He's in some serious danger here! And so are the other animals! I think the man who took us is going to kill Bepo! He has blood on his coat! Something's not right! I have to stay! I have to! Law, please!'
Neo closed her eyes tight. She felt Law cutting her off from him. She knew she just upset him. She instantly hated herself for it, but she just couldn't shake off the feeling of needing to stay right where she was. And she knew it would be impossible for her to stay if Law ordered her out like he was going to. She contemplated shutting herself off to him so he couldn't try to order her out again, but then she'd be cutting herself off from him completely. She couldn't do that. She still needed him. She needed him right now. She needed him to understand. 'Law, please? I know you want me to be safe. And I believe I am, for the moment. That guy said he wasn't going to tell anyone I'm here. I don't think he knows I'm a Heart Pirate. He thinks Bepo tried to attack me. He thinks he saved me from Bepo. Please, understand that I need to do this. I need to find Bepo. And I need to find out why all these animals are so sad. This whole island feels sad. I don't like it. I need to know what's going on. I need to stop it. Please, Law. I'm staying. Please understand that.'
Neo opened her eyes. Tears were stinging her blue orbs, blurring her clearing vision. She waited for what seemed like an eternity for Law to connect back to her, for Law to order her out of the house, for Law to just reply at all, for him to stop distancing himself from her. She clutched her chest over her heart. 'Law…I'm sorry. But I have to disobey you.'
