Eight Hours
Part One
"I can't believe Shanks has a goddaughter!" Luffy cried for about the hundredth time in the past five minutes. Stars were shining in his eyes as he bounced around Neo. "This is so great!"
Neo felt like Luffy was taking her in from all angles, like he was trying to burn her image into his brain so he wouldn't ever forget what she looked like. "Uh, yeah."
"How old are you?! How long have you known Shanks?! When was the last time you saw him?! Is he doing okay?!" Luffy asked. He bounced to her left side, then her right, then in front of her, then behind her where he took her hair in his hands. "Your hair is so blue. Does Shanks like your hair? I think I do!"
"I'm twenty two. Well, he's known me, or about me, my whole life. I only found out about him shortly after we met back on Sabaody, like I explained before. We've met a couple times," Neo replied. She pulled her hair from Luffy's hands. He bounced in front of her and got so close that their noses were almost touching. She leaned back away from him so far she almost fell over. Luckily, Law put his arm out and caught her while shooting Luffy a sharp glare, which he didn't see since he was so excited. "We've only met a couple of times in person. And one of those times I was a new born. We meet more often in our dream world that we create through our bond. It's easier that way. And he was doing fine the last time I checked. I guess he likes my hair. I'm, uh, glad you like it."
"This is so cool!" Luffy exclaimed. "It's like I have a little sister now!"
"She's not your sister, Straw Hat!" Law snapped as he tilted Neo back in the correct position on her feet. "Weren't you listening?! She's twenty two years old! That means she's older than you!"
"That makes her only a year older than us," Sanji said casting a glance at Zoro. The swordsman shrugged, uncaring either way.
"Huh?!" Luffy pulled away from her. He crossed his arms and looked her up and down. "But she looks so young!"
"I look young because my people age differently than humans," Neo replied. "We age a bit slower. I think it's because we're more in tuned with nature."
"I guess that explains why everyone always calls you a kid," Nami said. She rubbed her finger over her chin in thought. "It all make sense now."
Neo shrugged. She really didn't know what to say about that.
"So magic is the reason Chopper acts so differently with you?" Franky asked. His eyes roamed over her body. "Because you're basically nature yourself?"
"That's right. Animals can easily tell that I'm different. They just automatically know right away. They just sense it and smell that I'm different. According to Bepo, I smell sweet and like nature to them. My people are more in tuned with nature than humans are," Neo replied. "I think the animals can also tell that about us."
The Straw Hats look at Chopper. He nodded in conformation. "That's right. She does smell very sweet and like nature."
"I remember you said that when we first met her back on Sabaody," Nami said. She looked at the doctor then at Neo. "I guess I had a little doubt in my mind about it."
"More in tuned with nature?" Usopp asked. He crossed his arms. "Does that mean when you eat meat it's like cannibalism or something?"
"No, Neo's people are not animals. They're just not human either," Law said. "She only eats meat because she was raised by humans. Most likely, if she were raised among her people, she wouldn't eat meat at all. They have a stricter diet of vegetables and fruits than most humans do."
"That makes sense," Brook said. "I don't think I'd be able to eat meat either if I was so connected to nature."
"It does feel a bit odd at times," Neo said, "but like Law said, I was raised among humans."
"What all can you do with your power, uh, magic?" Nami asked.
"Well, I can use the elements like you've all seen me do, I can turn into the elements," Neo said.
"What?!" Luffy, Usopp and Chopper screamed. "You can turn into the elements?!"
"Yes." Neo nodded. "But I don't usually do that because it uses up a lot of my magic. I can also sense all of the elements in nature."
"Sense the elements?" Robin asked. "That means that any element found in nature, you can sense it? Even if it comes from a devil fruit user?"
"That's right." Neo nodded again. "I can sense them too."
"Rubber is an element," Nami said. She grabbed Luffy's cheek and tugged it towards her. "Does that mean you can sense him?"
"I can. I can also sense Caesar," Neo replied. "They're elements of nature. I can also sense the animals in zoan types."
"Does that mean you can sense me as well?" Momonosuke asked. He was pointing at himself. "I am a dragon now."
"No." Neo shook her head. "For some reason, I can't sense man made animals. I couldn't sense the dragons on Punk Hazard either."
"You couldn't sense them?" Chopper asked. "I wonder why. They're still animals."
"But they are artificial," Law said. "So, technically, they didn't come from nature."
"Possibly," Chopper said while rubbing his chin. "I wonder what was used to make them. Surely there was some elements of animals involved somewhere."
"Are you saying that I might be able to sense them after all?" Neo asked.
"I can't really answer that without knowing what the process was," Chopper replied. "It's just a theory, but you might be able to. Maybe you can, but you just think you can't because they are so different. Surely they used animals DNA for making those dragons. I'm sorry. I don't mean to confuse you."
"I think what Chopper is trying to say is, you might be able to sense them once you get stronger," Sanji said. He took a puff on his cigarette. "If scientists really do use the DNA of animals to create dragons then the elements are there. You just don't notice them because they didn't come from the birthing process."
"I see. But it's fine," Neo said with a smile. "I don't really understand all that scientific stuff and I probably never will. I'm sure this won't effect me in anyway. I can still fight against people using man made devil fruits."
"You're probably right." Chopper nodded.
Before anyone else could say anything, a bird flew over the deck and tossed a newspaper down to them. Brook saw it first and walked over to it. He picked it up then turned back to the group. "Oh, look here. The morning paper has arrived. I wonder if Doflamingo's announcement is in it."
"Really?!" Luffy ran over to the skeleton and grabbed the paper.
Neo flinched and grabbed onto Law's arm. He kissed her temple before guiding her over to the gathering pirates where Luffy had the newspaper already spread open on the deck. He guided her down to the deck before kneeling behind her. He rested his chin on her shoulder while they dropped their eyes to the newspaper in front of them. She turned her eyes to Chopper when the reindeer climbed in her lap. She couldn't help but smile when the Straw Hat pirate smiled up at her so innocently. She looped her arms around his waist and turned her attention to the newspaper.
When Sanji started reading, she drew in her breath and held it. He said, "Don Quixote Doflamingo…"
"…withdraws from…" Chopper said.
"…the seven warlords!" Everyone gasped.
"And abdicates the throne of Dressrosa?! What the heck?!" Sanji asked.
"Throne means he was a king?!" Brook wondered out loud.
"A king?!" Luffy asked. "Then it must be a birds' kingdom!"
"This whole thing worked out so well. It's kind of scary," Franky said. "I didn't think it would be so easy."
"It's good. He didn't have any choice," Law said with a pleased smile.
Neo shifted. She didn't feel right about this. It did seem far too easy. But it didn't matter now. It was already done. Still it made her feel dizzy. Her body grew warm as the morning sun beat down on her. She swayed a bit before stabilizing herself. It took Law brushing his fingers over her ribs for her to realize she was still holding her breath. Exhaling, the dizziness faded and she felt better.
"By the way, why are our faces here in the paper?" Luffy asked, tossing a glance at Law.
Everyone gathered closer and looked down to see Luffy and Law's pictures were in the paper. Brook was reading off the article that accompanied Doflamingo's resignation, "The warlord, Trafalgar Law forms an unusual alliance with the Straw Hat pirates. It's still unknown what the government's response to Law will be."
Neo sighed internally and smiled. The picture of Law was his wanted poster. She always loved that picture. Not only because Bepo was in it, but also because Law looked incredibly sexy. That smirk he held on his face in the picture, always made her heart flutter wildly in her chest, just like it was doing now. She settled her chin on Chopper's hat. 'I so love that picture of you. You look so incredibly sexy and hot in it.'
'I thought I always look sexy and hot to you.' Law grinned.
'You do. In fact, you look so incredibly sexy right now that I want to…' Law felt his face grew hot when she passed her silent suggestion to him. She bit her lip, in an attempt not to giggle when she felt his heartbeat speed up. 'What's wrong, Law? Nothing to say?'
'Oh, I have plenty to say on that.' Law replied as he used all the stealth in his body to slip his hand up under her shirt and to her breast without anyone noticing. 'Now just isn't the time or place for those words or actions. But, rest assured, I'll be saving them for later when I can get you alone again.'
'So you'll ask for a condom?'
'Shut up.' Law teased her again before extracting his hand.
"Hey! There's something else!" Nami gasped. She pointed at the newspaper. There on the next page was three of the other super nova captains, Kid, Basil, and Apoo. "I can't believe other pirates are forming alliances, as well!"
"Really? They're forming an alliance too?" Luffy asked. "I wonder if they're thinking the same thing as us."
Neo narrowed her eyebrows. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of those pirates possibly going after her godfather. She mumbled, "They could be going after Godfather."
"Neo, are you okay with this?" Sanji's voice was distant when he spoke to her.
"Huh?" Neo looked up. Everyone was looking at her with some concern in their eyes. "Yeah…well, not really. But I understand that this the life that my godfather chose to live. There's nothing I can really do about it. So I try not to think about it."
"You should contact him soon," Law said. "You haven't talk to him in a while."
Neo nodded. "It has been a while."
"How exactly does this bond of yours work?" Nami asked. "I'm still a bit confused on it."
"Never mind that for right now. You'll have time to discuss that in detail on the way to Dressrosa. We're going on with the plan no matter what those other crews are doing. Just focus on Doflamingo for now," Law said. He lifted up his hand and formed his Room. "Room. Shambles."
"About time! I was getting hot down there!" Caesar snapped when he reappeared on the deck.
Law stood up and walked over to Caesar. Grabbing the scientist's hair, he added, "Now you know how important yesterday's negotiation was for him. All we did was kidnap Caesar. In contrast, seemingly overnight, he gave up his throne that he's had for ten years and the carte blanche given to him as a privilege of being a warlord. He did it just to get this guy back and that says a lot."
"So what now?" Nami asked.
"Now, we contact Doflamingo again," Law said. He released his hold on Caesar and walked over to the transponder snail. He picked it up, pausing to glance at Neo. When she nodded at him that she was fine with this and stable, he turned back to the transponder snail and dialed in the number.
It seemed like the transponder snail rang for years before it clicked and Doflamingo's voice came from the other side. "It's me. I quit the seven warlords."
"Ack! He picked up!" Usopp shrieked, quietly. A few of the Straw Hats remained sitting on the deck while the others remained standing. All of their eyes were locked onto the transponder snail.
…
A shiver ran up Neo's spine at the sound of the man's voice. Feeling twitchy, she stood up. Her hands started trembling from just the few words the warlord had spoke. She rubbed her palms on her shorts. Her stomach and head started to spin. She felt like she was going to be sick. She about jumped out of her skin when Law looked back at her with concern. She smiled and waved at him, a signal she was fine. When he turned back to the transponder snail, her smiled vanished. She took a slow, deep breath and released it. She took two more slow relaxing breaths then reminded herself that Doflamingo wasn't really here. The man couldn't hurt them. They were safe, for now.
She jumped again when Luffy shouted.
"Doflamingo?!" Luffy screamed.
Neo turned her eyes to Usopp when he started to bounce from foot to foot and shushed his captain. "Shh! He will hear you!"
She watched as Luffy ignored the sniper and rushed towards the transponder snail. She hoped Law didn't get too annoyed when Luffy grabbed his wrist and pulled the receiver to his lips. Still screaming, Luffy said, "Hello?! I'm Monkey D. Luffy! I'm going to become the king of the pirates!"
Usopp reached out and smacked Luffy over the head. He hissed, "I told you to shut up!"
"Hey, Mingo! You are this dingdong Caesar's boss, right?!" Luffy continued, seemingly to be unaware of Usopp wrapping his arms and legs around his rubber body in a desperate attempt to silence him. Luffy pointed back towards Caesar. "He gave Brownbread and the children a really hard time! We'll give him back to you as we promised, but if you ever do something like that again, I will beat the stuffing out of you!"
"Straw Hat Luffy. You've been away for two years after your brother's tragic death. Where were you and what were you doing?" Doflamingo asked.
"I'm…I'm not suppose to tell anyone," Luffy said, Usopp still desperately pulling on him.
"I want to see you," Doflamingo said. Luffy and Usopp stopped struggling. "I have something that I think you'll want very badly now."
"Something that I want?" Luffy asked. He and Usopp blinked simultaneously. Usopp finally jumped off Luffy's back. "Very badly?" Luffy's eyebrow twitched. His lips curled into a grin and a drop of drool rolled out of his mouth. "H-hey! How delicious is that meat you're talking about?!"
Law smacked Luffy on the cheek. He hissed, "Straw Hat! Don't get drawn into his pace!"
"One chunk of meat! Two chunks of meat!" Hearts popped into Luffy eyes.
"Luffy! Keep it together!" Usopp grabbed the front of Luffy's shirt and shook him. "This is a special attack called "His Pace"!"
"One hundred chunks of meat! Two hundred chunks of meat!" Luffy continued to drool.
"Stop! Don't get drawn into it!" Usopp shrieked with his teeth gnashing together while he continued to shake Luffy in desperation. "Snap out of it!"
"Joker! Cut the crap! We'll hand Caesar over to you as we promised," Law said.
"Well, that's for your own good. If you try to run away with him, you know what will happen to you guys." Doflamingo chuckled. "Now, can I hear my precious business partner's voice?"
Law turned the receiver towards Caesar. The man scooted closer and, reaching for the receiver, said, "Joker! I'm sorry! You resigned from the warlords for me!"
Law pulled it away from Caesar before he could grab the receiver. "Did you hear him?"
"Yeah, he sounded fine," Doflamingo said.
"Eight hours from now, at the beach on the southeast side of Green Bit, the solitary island north of Dressrosa. We'll leave Caesar there at three in the afternoon. Go ahead and pick him up. And this will all be finished," Law said.
"That's too bad. I wish I could have a drink with you now that you're all grown up," Doflamingo said. "And, of course, I would love you see your lovely wife. How is she doing?"
…
Neo shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. She turned away from the conversation taking place. She really didn't want to hear Doflamingo's voice anymore. She scanned her eyes everywhere in an attempt to distract herself. She looked at the grass, the features of the Sunny's deck, the sky, the ocean, Usopp frantically smacking Luffy in a desperate attempt to snap him out of his meat trance while Chopper and Nami watched then Sanji when he stepped closer to her.
He took his cigarette out of his mouth and held it away from her. He then asked, "Are you okay? You look a bit upset and pale."
"I'm fine." She smiled, or tried to.
Sanji gave her a skeptical look. "I'm getting the feeling you're the type that doesn't like to immediately tell the truth because you don't want to be a burden to anyone."
Neo twitched. "Well, aren't you the observant one?"
Sanji laughed. "Yeah. I guess I am. So what's on your mind?"
Neo glanced back over at Luffy. He still had Usopp hovering over him and slapping him repetitively. She then looked at Law. He was busying being annoyed by the Straw Hat captain and finishing up his conversation with Doflamingo. Her eyes lingered on Law before she pulled them back to Sanji. She knew Law wouldn't want her to reveal the truth about why he was so fixed on taking Doflamingo down, but she didn't want to lie either. Plus, she was thankful that Sanji had opened a line of communication with her. It was a nice distraction. So she carefully chose her words before replying. "I just get a bit nervous when Law is thinking about Doflamingo. Sometimes…he just gets a bit obsessed with his plans. And, sometimes, well a lot of the time, it just scares me."
Sanji watched her intently. While she spoke to him, she let her eyes drift back over to Law. Somehow he knew she was check to make sure Law was still with her. He chuckled. "You really are in love with him."
Neo blushed, but smiled.
"It'll be fine," Sanji said. "You have us all backing you two up on this. We won't let anything happen to you or Law. Luffy has already guaranteed that."
"I guess he has," Neo said. "Your captain is so goofy. I can't believe how excited he is because I'm Shanks' goddaughter."
"He certainly is a goofball. But it's not surprising that he's going to be protective of you now. Shanks is a good friend of his and the one who inspired him to be a pirate," Sanji said. He looked over at his captain then back at Neo. "So don't worry about it. Everything will work out just fine."
"I hope so," Neo whispered.
"I know so," Sanji said. "Now, stop worrying about it. It's not healthy for you to worry so much in this condition."
"Condition?" Neo lifted an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing. I just meant it's not healthy to worry so much. You're going to make yourself sick if you do," Sanji said. He smiled and rubbed the back of his head. "But, since we're talking, there is something I'd like to ask you about. It's just a hypothetical question and out of curiosity."
"What is it?"
"I know you've said you and Law aren't going to have kids, but, if you did," Sanji paused for a moment before continuing. He felt tense and wondered if Neo noticed that he was. "If you did have kids, how would you handle being in fights? I mean you two are pirates after all. So fights are inevitable. And I highly down Law could or would lock you in his ship for your entire pregnancy, if you were of course."
"Oh, that." Neo smiled. "It wouldn't matter. Like I said before, elementals have differences from humans. I don't know everything about elemental pregnancies, because I haven't studied on them, but a friend back on Luminous informed us that elemental women have been hit during all stages of a pregnancy. Our crystals create a shield around the baby to protect it. So, technically, I could still engage in close combat and nothing would happen. It would take several, seriously strong hits, directly on the stomach, to cause any damage to an unborn elemental baby."
"I see," Sanji said with a sigh. "That's a relief."
Neo narrowed her eyebrows while considering him. She couldn't help but noticed that he did look relieved. "Besides, I'm not pregnant. So it doesn't matter, right?"
"You're right. It doesn't matter." Sanji nodded. Turning his head from her, he noticed Robin had over heard their conversation. Sticking his cigarette back between his lips, he walked over to her. He stood beside her and crossed his arms. "I see you heard everything."
Robin nodded.
…
"Just hang up!" Luffy cried. He dove forward and hung up the transponder snail. He breathed a sigh of relief. "That was close. You almost got pulled into his pace."
"Your eyes! Your eyes!" Usopp shrieked while pointing out Luffy's meat shaped eyes.
"Hey, wait! We didn't tell him how many men he can bring!" Sanji said, uncrossing his arms.
"How many men?" Usopp and Chopper asked.
"That's right." Sanji nodded. "What are we going to do if he brings his entire crew?"
"What?!" Usopp and Chopper screamed.
"It doesn't matter," Law said, glancing over his shoulder. "The handover of Caesar is a part of our plan. It's just a distraction to lure them."
"You mean, destroying the SMILE manufacturing factory while it's unguarded is our main purpose?" Usopp asked.
"Yeah. But the only problem is we don't know where it is." Law walked passed the sniper and doctor.
"You're kidding!" Usopp and Chopper said, their eyes following Law as he walked by them.
"Don't worry. Factories are big. It will be impossible to miss," Franky said. "Once we get there, we'll super find it! With one shot from my laser beam it'll be toast!"
"Oh, yeah!" Usopp, Chopper, and Franky threw their hands in the air and struck a pose.
"You all are so silly," Neo said, swallowing back a giggle since Caesar was on the deck with them.
"We have intelligence on everything but the factory," Law said. He walked up to Neo. Running his eyes over her face while tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. He brushed his thumb over her cheek before slipping his fingers into hers and turning halfway back to the Straw Hats. "For some reason, we just couldn't get any information on it."
"No wonder. It's an important asset for them, isn't it? They wouldn't want just anyone easily locating it." Nami stood up from her spot on the deck. She brushed off her shorts. "There has to be some sort of secret behind it."
"Sir Law!" Kin'emon popped up in front of Nami. He bounced around Law and Neo while talking to him, unaware his actions were making Neo twitch. "Sir Law! You said you're going to go to Green Bit earlier!"
"Earlier!" Momonosuke, in his dragon form, echoed.
"We'll be docking this ship at Dressrosa. So don't worry about it," Law told them. He squeezed Neo's hands when she inched closer to him, a simple reminder that these two weren't the enemy.
"Is that so? Thank you!" Kin'emon said with relief as he and his son shrunk down.
"Thank you!" Momonosuke said.
"Tra, have you and Neo been to that island before?" Luffy then asked. "Dress-roba?"
"It's 'rosa'!" Law hissed. "And no, we've never been there. It's his kingdom."
"Then, let's figure everything out once we get there!" Luffy started rocking himself side to side with his hands behind his head. He then put his arm around Neo's shoulders. "It's going to be an adventure! Can't wait to see Dressrosa! I want to go to the Wano Kingdom soon, too! Doesn't that sound like so much fun, Neo?!"
"Uh, I suppose so," Neo replied, completely unsure.
"Don't be stupid! You can't just show up there without a plan!" Law said.
"Sanji, I'm hungry! Come on, Neo! Let's eat!" Luffy shouted as if he didn't hear Law at all. He grabbed Neo's hand and pulled her away from the warlord. With Neo following, he ran past Law and headed up the stairs. "What do we have for breakfast?"
"Sandwiches," Sanji replied, following Luffy and Neo.
"Yeah! I want a cotton candy sandwich!" Chopper exclaimed while dashing for the stairs.
"Just a cup of tea for me, please," Robin said.
"I'll have some cola!" Franky announced as the Straw Hats headed for the kitchen.
Neo glanced back down at the deck just before Luffy pulled her to the top of the stairs. Law was watching in disbelief at the Straw Hats being so carefree in all of this. She felt a bit sorry for him. He was so use to the more serious pace of their own crew and they actually listening to him. She wondered how he was going to survive being in an alliance with the Straw Hats.
"A glass of milk for me," Brook said as he passed the Heart Pirate.
"I think the best breakfast in the world is Sanji's sandwiches," Nami said.
"What is a sandwich?" Momonosuke asked.
"No bread on mine! I don't like bread!" Law said before gasping in realization of falling into pace with the Straw Hats.
Neo bit her bottom lip to keep herself from laughing at Law's expression. She managed to extract herself from Luffy's grip just before he could pull her into the kitchen. She walked over to the railing and glanced down at Law. "Come on, pirate boy. I'm starving. And I know you are too. I'll ask Sanji if I can borrow his kitchen to make you some onigiri or something else."
"Fine," Law grumbled. He reluctantly shoved his hands into his pockets and stalked up the stairs. Neo waited for him. When he got close enough she wrapped her arm around his and pulled him into the small kitchen where the Straw Hats were waiting while Sanji spread out his already made breakfast on the table. Luffy was at the head of the table with Nami on his right. Momonosuke, Kin'emon, and Zoro on his left. Robin and Franky were behind them at the bar that she had sat at before while Brook and Usopp were sitting on a couch on the opposite side of the room.
"Neo!" Chopper waved from the far side of the table. He pointed to two empty seats to his left. "I saved you a seat! You'll sit with me, won't you?!"
"Of course I will. Just give me a minute," Neo said. She waved at Chopper then released her hold on Law and stepped over to Sanji. "Hey, mind if I borrow your kitchen? Law really doesn't like bread. If you have enough rice, I'd like to make him some onigiri. It's one of his favorites."
"You can use my kitchen any time you want," Sanji said. He tossed the two trays he was holding up into the air. They landed perfectly on the table without spilling.
"That was impressive." Neo clapped, impressed at his performance while Law rolled his eyes. Her stomach then grumbled for the lack of food that was inside of it.
Sanji chuckled. "You're clearly very hungry. Please, go ahead and sit down. I'll make him some onigiri."
"Well, if it won't be that much trouble," Neo said, feeling a bit bothersome by letting him cook for her husband.
"It's no trouble at all," Sanji replied. "I'll have them ready in just a few short minutes. Please, you've had a long, stressful night. Just sit down and relax now."
"All right then. But Law doesn't like sour plums," Neo said. "Any other flavor will be fine."
"No sour plums." Sanji nodded. "I got it."
"Thank you, Sanji," Neo said. She flashed him a smile before talking Law's arm again. She pulled him over to the table and they sat down. With the food already spread out on the table, the Straw Hats dug in. She held back for a while. She wanted to wait for Law to eat with her. So she ran her eyes over the spread while Law removed his hat and waited patiently. There were several sandwiches cut in triangles, meats, some vegetables, eggs, and a couple different types of seasons and condiments. It all looked so good that she didn't know what she really wanted.
"Here! You really should try this one!" Chopper said as he started filling her plate. "And this one! This one! This one! Oh! And definitely this one! You'll love it!"
"Uh." Neo blinked at the amount of food the reindeer was piling on her plate. She now had four egg halves, some vegetables, and three sandwiches. She didn't even noticed that Sanji had completely Law's onigiri and had them already sitting on the table. Law had to elbow her to get her to snap out of her daze. "Sorry. I don't really eat this much."
"Don't worry about it," Sanji said. He eyed the plate Chopper had filled for her then eyed her. To him, she really didn't look like she ever ate very much. "Just eat what you feel like. If you can't finish something, I'm know my knucklehead captain will finish it for you. Besides, that is a lot Chopper gave you."
"Thank you, Sanji," Neo said with a smile. She picked up one of the sandwich triangles and took a bite. Her cheeks tinted pink as her eyes sparkled. "It's so good!"
Sanji chuckled. "I'm glad you like it. Maybe I can give you some pointers on sandwich making, if you want?"
"Yeah!" Neo nodded. "I'd like that!"
"Yeah! Then we'll have two world class chiefs onboard!" Luffy cheered with a mouthful of food.
"You make it sound like they're a part of our crew now," Brook said before taking a sip of his tea.
"They are!" Luffy cheered again.
"No, we are not!" Law hissed.
"Anyway," Nami said, breaking in before a fight broke out. She looked at Kin'emon and Momonosuke. "Why were you two on Punk Hazard? We know how the other kids ended up there, but their story doesn't match up with you two being there."
"That's because we were being chased. I cannot tell you why we were being chased," Kin'emon said with a mouth full of food. "But, originally, we had set sail for a place called Zou."
"Zou?" Law and Neo asked. Both their eyebrows perched up at the name.
"Do you two know of it?" Kin'emon asked.
"That's quite a coincidence. After handing over Caesar and destroying the SMILE factory, we were going to head for Zou," Law said. Luffy leaned over the table to grab some more sandwiches, temporarily blocking Law's view on the samurai.
"Really?!" Kin'emon slammed his hands on the table and stood up.
"Yeah, our crew is there already," Law replied. Neo lowered her sandwich from her mouth at the mention of their crew. Her homesickness passed through to Law. He brushed his knee against her, causing a small smile to pull over her lips.
"I-if so, may we go along with you there?" Kin'emon asked.
"Yes, you can! I want to go there too! And then let's go to the Wano Kingdom!" Luffy pumped his fist into the air.
"Hey! Wait a second!" Law protested.
Kin'emon dropped his forehead to the table. "Thank you!"
"W-well…" Law relaxed, reluctantly, in his seat. There was nothing else he could do.
"Sir Luffy, thank you for everything!" Kin'emon said, turning to the Straw Hat man.
"Everything!" Momonosuke repeated.
"Don't mention it!" Luffy smiled. He turned to Law. "Right, Tra?"
Neo smile when all Law did was placed his chin in his hand and look away from the silly captain in an annoyed huff. Biting back a giggle, she reached over and placed her hand on his thigh. "It'll be fine, Law. We're already heading there anyway. It won't bother anything taking two extra passengers with us."
"Yeah, whatever," Law grumbled. He let his eyes rest on hers, his aggravation instantly melting away upon seeing her sweet, innocent eyes. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He placed his hand over hers while she turned back to her breakfast. His eyes automatically dropped to her plate. His eyebrows lifted when he noticed she had eaten just about everything the reindeer had giving her. The only thing left was two small cherry tomatoes and half of a sandwich. He studied the plate while she picked up a tomato and popped it into her mouth before picking up the remaining sandwich. He shook it off. After her vomiting session early he figured her hunger was justified. There was no other reason for her to eat so much.
"That was great!" Luffy declared. He sat back in his seat, his stomach rounded and full. They all mumbled their agreements.
"Another wonderful meal, Sanji," Nami said. "Thank you."
"It was good," Neo said. She looked at Law. "How was the onigiri?"
"They were good," Law replied. He shot her a secret grin. 'But yours are better.'
Neo giggled. 'Only because you love me more than Sanji.' She picked up both their plates and stood up.
"Oh, no," Sanji protested. He waved his hands. "I couldn't let you help me clean up. You're a guest."
"But I want to help. You've done so much for us," Neo said. Her bottom lip pouched out while her eyes turned more round and childlike. She, innocently, fluttered her eyelashes at him. "Please?"
"Oh! You're just so cute!" Sanji squealed, his eyes turning into hearts.
Law felt torn between being jealous of the attention she was giving Sanji and being amused at how easily she was undoing the Straw Hat cook. He chuckled. He has no defense against her. She wins this one.
"Women are going to be the reason for your death," Zoro stated. He had his hands behind his head and was frowning while leaning back in his chair.
"Shut up, moss head!" Sanji snapped. He then sighed and turned back to Neo. "All right. If you really want to help that badly, you can dry the dishes."
"Without your crystals," Law said.
Neo stuck her tongue out at him and wrinkled her nose, but didn't protest to the order. She then followed the blonde cook over to the sink. While she helped him, they listened to Kin'emon tell them of how they ended up on Punk Hazard.
"Three samurais including me, and Momonosuke, were all heading for Zou, but our ship wrecked," Kin'emon said, "and two of us samurais and Momonosuke drifted to the island of Dressrosa."
Momonosuke then said, "But we had been chased by Doflamingo and the others there. I was looking for a place to hide and ran onto an unknown ship. There, I met the children who were looking to get treated. And unfortunately, the ship left the port before I knew it and headed for that island."
"I started to follow after him in a smaller boat. That's when my fellow samurai, Kanjuro got caught. He was trying to cover for me so I could get away." Tears began to leak out of the samurai's eyes upon remembering what had happened to them. "He let me sail out to the sea so I could save my son! Now, I have to go back and save him! I have to go back!"
"What a man, Kanjuro!" Franky cried, tears and snot hanging from his nose.
"Kanjuro!" Chopper cried just as dramatically as Franky.
"All right! I'm gonna go save him with you!" Luffy declared. He tossed his arms into the air.
"Hey! Don't forget our original intention for going there!" Law shouted, but they didn't hear him. They were too busy chanting the heroic samurai's name.
"Kanjuro! Kanjuro! Kanjuro!"
…
"Law's not really into silliness, is he?" Sanji asked. He looked at the grumpy warlord before looking at Neo.
"Not really. Our crew has their silly moments as well, but they are a bit more serious than your crew," Neo replied. She ran her towel over the plate in her hand then sat it down on the already dried stack she had. "Actually, being around your crew, it seems to be making me miss them a bit less. It's a nice distraction from thinking about how we're about to face off against Doflamingo in a few hours."
"I suppose I'd be nervous too if I was in your shoes," Sanji said. He dropped his eyes to her bare feet. "Well, so to speak. You don't really like wearing shoes, do you?"
"I don't. I didn't wear them growing up. I only wear them when I have to," Neo replied. She dried another plate and sat it down. "Under Law's orders, of course. If it was my decision, I'd never wear them despite how practical they can be at times."
Sanji nodded in understanding. "Well, since we have a few hours, we'll be happy to keep you distracted. I'm sure my crew still has a lot of questions about your magic. And I'm sure they'll love to play with you once all of their questions have been answered. Some might even spare with you."
"At least I won't be bored." Neo giggled.
"That is highly guaranteed," Sanji said while finishing up the last of the dishes. Once Neo had finished drying them, he put them away then pulled out a small, white bottle from one of the cabinets. He turned its label to her. "Lotion. You want some?"
"Sure." Neo nodded. She held out her hand and let his squeeze a small amount into her palm. She rubbed it into her hands then noticed its smell. "Thank you. It smells like citrus. I like it."
"It's my favorite scent," Sanji replied. He squeezed some in his own hand and rubbed it into his skin before walking over to the fridge.
Neo watched him as he pulled out a couple sandwiches on a plate. Confused, she tilted her head and asked, "You eating again?"
"No," Sanji replied, shutting the fridge. "This is for Caesar."
Neo twitched with a frown. "You're feeding him?"
"Just a little bit. No point in letting him go hungry," Sanji said. He then noticed the annoyed look on her face. "You don't like him very much, do you?"
"He was hurting those kids," Neo practically hissed. She calmed down a bit when Law noticed her fury and wrapped his presence around her as a warning to calm down. She forced herself to take a deep breath, but crossed her arm in a huff.
"I understand how you feel," Sanji said. He placed his free hand on her shoulder. "But it would be wrong of us to deny him food just because he did something we don't like."
Neo's mood lightened up a bit more at his words. She sighed. "I suppose you are correct."
"Don't worry about it. The kids are safe now. He can't hurt them anymore," Sanji said and she nodded. He then chuckled.
"What?" Neo asked.
"Nothing." Sanji shook his head.
"What is it?" Neo insisted. "Tell me."
"With how protective you are of those kids, kids that don't belong to you, I just realized that you are going to make one very protective mother," Sanji said. He quickly added, "I mean, if you were to have a child!"
"I don't know about that," Neo said. "I'd be more terrified of the child than anything else."
"I doubt that," Sanji said. "A parent's instincts can over ride any other type of feeling."
"Do they really?" Neo asked.
"Well, not all of them, but a lot of them do," Sanji replied. "And I know you'll be one of them."
"He's right," Robin said. The two cooks turned their attention to the dark haired woman. She had overheard their conversation while some of the other pirates were still going on about how great Kanjuro was, some were just sitting calmly at the table and Law was still looking annoyed at the silliness of the Straw Hats. She hand her left elbow on the bar and her chin resting in her palm. A smile was present on her lips. "You're protective instincts over children are really strong. You might be scared at first, but all first time parents are. But once you've held your child in your arms, all those fears will melt away."
Neo tilted her head. Considering Robin and Sanji's words, she didn't notice that she had lifted her left hand to her stomach. She mindlessly rubbed her abdomen while thinking about their words. "Well, if you two say so. I really wouldn't know. I've only been around babies twice. I really have no clue what to do with them. I've ever actually taken care of one. Someone else always did it. But if you two believe that I would make a fine parent then I guess that's okay. I'm sure you two have more experience with kids than I do."
…
Penguin rushed through the jungle that had been his home for the past several months. He was having trouble sleeping, yet again. So he has been taking a lot of runs since they arrived on Zou. He knew the reason was because he was really missing Neo and the captain, but mostly Neo. Bepo was the one who missed the captain the most since he's known him longer than the rest of the crew.
But here lately, something just felt off to him. And he knew that that something had to do with Neo. He just wished he knew why he was being so concerned over her. Penguin sighed. He looked up through the cracks in the leaves. Part of him thought that waking up early meant that another day would soon pass by. But he knew, realistically, it only made his days last longer. He did his best to try and keep himself busy. He had started going for long runs, then would return to the crew, and busy himself all day long with whatever tasks he could manage to grab a hold of.
Well, technically, his days were really nights do to the agreement made between the two rulers of this country. It was an odd arrangement for him and his crewmates, but after a couple weeks, they adjusted to the difference and settled in nicely to their temporary home. But there was an emptiness that had descended upon them all. Even for the newer members of the crew, there was a hollowness that engulfed them. And it was a hollowness that they all knew wouldn't go away until their beloved little sister and captain returned to them.
Penguin was about to continue with his run, but paused when he heard Topaz calling out for him. "Hey! Penguin!"
"What's up, Topaz?" Penguin asked when the fire elemental rushed up to him. He ran his eyes over her hair. She had started letting to grow longer since Neo and the captain left them. His only reasoning, despite her denying it, was that she was growing it out because she really missed her princess. Her orange tresses hung loosely around her shoulders as she bent over to catch her breath.
"I've been looking all over for you!" She looked up at him with an annoyed glare. "I really wish you wouldn't go running off like that all the time!"
"You know why I do," Penguin replied, frowning.
Topaz twitched. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily. Straightening up, she said, "I know, Penguin. I really miss her too. They'll be home soon."
"You and the rest of the crew have been saying that for weeks!" Penguin snapped. "We don't even know if they're alive! They've been gone for months! They could be dead by now and we'd never know!"
"Penguin, calm down," Topaz said, in a tolerant tone. "I know you're just being snappy because we haven't heard anything about them since they left. But that's changed."
"What do you mean?" Penguin asked, his anger vanishing.
"That's why I've come to find you. Wanda brought us the newspaper a few minutes ago," Topaz said. "There's an article in it about the captain. She figured we'd want to see it as soon as possible."
"What?! Why didn't you say so?!" Penguin shrieked. He bolted back towards the village before Topaz could say anything more.
"I was trying to," Topaz huffed. She planted her hands on her hips and glared at the retreating man's back. With a sigh, she followed after him. Chasing him all the way back since he was running far to fast for her to catch up.
"Where is it?!" Penguin demanded. The rest of the Heart Pirates were gathered in a group outside of the house they were using. They were clearly waiting for him before they read the article.
"About time!" Shachi said. He waved the newspaper that was in his hand. Before he could say anything else, Penguin snatched the paper from his hand and had it opened to the article. All their eyes ran over the black ink.
"What?!" the pirates shrieked, causing minks to jump and birds to scatter from the trees they were sleeping in. "We're in an alliance with the Straw Hats?!"
"Does that mean the Straw Hats arrived on Punk Hazard at some point?" Bepo asked.
"They had to if we're in an alliance with them," Shachi said, his eyes glued to the newspaper.
Ikkaku scoffed. She crossed her arms over her chest. "That's a worthless alliance. What's the captain thinking?"
"I agree." Uni nodded.
"Yeah," Clione said. "They're just a worthless crew. How could they possible help us?"
"They had to have gotten stronger if they entered into the New World and helped the captain take down Caesar," Jean Bart said. "Remember, they have been missing for the past two years. We don't know what their strength is now."
"But they're a crew of only eight," Ikkaku pointed out. "No way they can make much difference."
"Guess we'll see," Shachi said with a shrug. He turned from her and looked at Penguin. His best friend was still reading the article like he was trying to devour it.
"It doesn't mention Neo," Penguin said. His shoulders slumped. "I hope she's okay."
"Of course she is," Shachi said. He placed his hand on Penguin's shoulder. "You know the captain will protect her no matter what."
"Maybe this alliance is the reason you're so concerned about her," Bepo suggested. "They will be with a new crew. And Neo still gets nervous around new people."
"That could be the reason," Topaz said. "Maybe your protective big brother instincts just sensed this."
"Maybe," Penguin mumbled.
"Relax, Pen." Shachi squeezed his friend's shoulder. "At least we know that they are alive and doing well. Surely this also means that they will be coming here soon. We'll all get to see our little sister and our captain."
"I hope so," Penguin said with a sigh. "I really, really miss her."
...
Author's Notes: I need some ideas. I wanna spend a bit more time on the Sunny before going to Dressrosa. Thoughts? I'm gonna have Neo play and spar with Straw Hats, but I need more. I'd like to do two more chapters on Sunny, but it might only be just one.
XBurningXDragonX: Yes. Any pain that Neo feels, Law feels it too. And vice versa.
Inazumame1997: I know. I too was like "Finally!"
Rodinaashraf: Something will happen to her in Dressrosa. Just be patient for it. She is a bit determined on not having a kid, but that'll get blow up before we know it. They'll talk a bit more on the bond and stuff next chapter. Glad ya like the chapter.
Miss-sakurako: Glad you like it so much. You're so sweet. Updating this fast is easy since I have nothing better to do. Only downside is we're almost caught up to the manga. If only I had more time to start my other Law/Neo fics. ^.^' I wanted to embarrass them at least once in front of the Straw Hats so I did. And I agree on Law. I feel bad I'm making him look so stupid. He notices he's just been distracted with his plans. I'm gonna have him start making the connection soon. It'll add more excitement and stress in Dressrosa.
Apple Bloom: Thanks. That so nice. Glad your liking them. More coming.
KittyCCCC: It is sad when she's sad.
