Ninjas & Poneglyphs

"So what exactly are you going to do?" Neo asked once they had settled back inside of the house. Leaning against Law's arm, she watched as one of the wind elementals sat down some of the packages that was brought with them then hurried out of the room.

"Not much for now," Healer Zinnia said as she started to look through her stuff. "This will be a quick check up since I already know all about your family history and all. So for now, all I'm going to do is check your urine, blood, and blood pressure. And if you, and your lover, have any questions at all you can ask them now or later."

"I know I have tons of questions, but can't think of a single one right now," Neo said. She looked up at Law to see if he had any questions yet.

"I'll have plenty of my own," Law said. "But first I need to read over the books about elemental pregnancies."

Healer Zinnia shot Law an 'I told you so' look over her shoulder, which earned a glare from the pirate, before she walked over to them and held out an exam gown and a small cup. She said, "Here, Princess, if you can give me a urine sample and put this gown on."

"All right," Neo said. She pulled away from Law, took the items from the healer, and walked over to the bathroom. Before allowing herself to go inside she turned back to the two other that were with her. "You two are going to be fine alone, correct?"

"Of course we are," Healer Zinnia said. "We survived each other on Luminous after all. Just leave the sample on the counter. I'll grab it later."

"We'll be fine," Law said. "Hurry up now."

"All right," Neo said before allowing herself to disappear inside the smaller room.

Law propped his sword up against the wall before leaning against the structure himself. He crossed his arms over his chest and watched as Healer Zinnia summoned her crystals and threw together a jasmine plant exam table and another smaller table to place her stuff on. Instantly the room filled with the relaxing smell of the jasmine blossoms. He knew she did this because jasmine helps calm the mind and body. He knew she was making sure to keep Neo as calm as possible. He continued to watch as the healer moved about the room, pulling out everything she needed for this check up. His mind went over the items she withdrew from her bags, the needle for blood, the same crystals used to monitor blood pressure she used back on Luminous, he knew it all from his time studying under her. His eyes then flickered to the bathroom just before Neo opened the door and stepped out wearing the exam gown.

"Uh, I'm ready," Neo said despite being slightly nervous. She collapsed her hands around her medallion. "I didn't remove my medallion though. I don't feel like separating from it just yet."

"That's just fine. It won't be in the way of this exam anyway. I noticed it while we were outside. I'm glad you got it back. And I hope to learn exactly how that happened. For now just sit down here and this will be over before you know it," Healer Zinnia said, patting her jasmine exam table. "And relax. There's nothing to worry about. This is just a simple exam."

"I know it is. I trust you after all. And I'm sure Kailen is curious about my medallion too. Or he will be once he notices I have it. I think he was too concerned about me before to even notice I was wearing it," Neo said. She walked towards the exam table while giving Law a look telling him she wanted him with her. Just as she laid down on her, he came close enough for her to grab his hand. She smiled when he placed a gentle kiss on her hand.

"All right, so fill me in on what I've missed so far," Healer Zinnia then said. She grabbed her notebook and opened it. "How far along are we?"

"Uh," Neo hummed, unsure about how long it has been.

"She's about eleven weeks along," Law said.

"Really? And you've only recently learned she was pregnant?" Healer Zinnia said.

"We were busy with some plans and I didn't noticed the signs as quickly as I should have," Law said with a glare.

"Easy, Law," Neo said. She rubbed her free hand over his wrist before turning to the healer. "Truth is we've been away from our crew for several months. Law just thought all of the signs I was showing was from stress from being away from the crew for such a long period of time. I didn't notice I wasn't having my cycle either. So it's not all his fault. We both share the blame for this."

"I see," Healer Zinnia said while she scribbled notes down in her notebook. "Has there been any concerns that have popped up?"

"The only concerns we've had were about Neo's magic failing on her. But once we reach this place, Topaz easily cleared it up that it was normal," Law said.

"Yes, it is normal," Healer Zinnia said. "It should go away soon. There have been a few cases where the magic loss extended into the fifth and six months of pregnancy that caused some problems for both mother and baby. But it's nothing for you two to worry about right now. We'll just keep a close eye out for that when those months get closer. Any other concerns you'd like to share? With her past history, I'm sure that blood pressure is high on the list."

"It is. Her blood pressure has been getting pretty high. It got up to one forty one over ninety one yesterday before we landed here," Law said. "She wasn't feeling good at the time either. She's also has had a couple dizzy spells. They haven't lasted very long though."

"I see," Healer Zinnia said. She then tapped her pen on her notebook in careful thought. "I was going to just check her blood pressure, but it might be best if I leave the monitoring crystals on her for a while at least. I think that will be for the best considering her past. So I'll put them on and monitor you for a while. We'll give it a few weeks and depending on how your blood pressure acts I'll decide then whether or not to keep the crystals on or take them off. That is, if it's all right with you."

"It's fine," Law said. "As long as it helps Neo."

Healer Zinnia nodded. "Now considering you said you just arrived here, I take that as proof you haven't preformed an ultrasound on her and your baby?"

"Correct," Law said. "We were going to do that as soon as we got back to the sub."

"Would that be all right?" Neo asked. "I'd really like it if Law did this first one."

"Of course," Healer Zinnia said. "But you need to do it as soon as you can. For now I'll just take your urine, blood, and blood pressure." She placed her notebook down and picked up a couple of familiar green crystals. "Let's get these on you before I take your blood. I want to get a clear reading before anything, even minor, upsets you."

"All right," Neo said. She grabbed the zipper on the front of her gown and pulled it down, revealing her chest and stomach to the healer. She looked back up at the healer and caught a quick glimpse of something unfamiliar in the woman's eyes. For a split second she thought she saw tears in the older woman's eyes. "Are you okay, Healer Zinnia?"

"Yes, yes," Healer Zinnia said. "Despite all these years that I've been taking care of people and delivering babies I still get a bit emotional when one of my patients is expecting a baby of their own."

"Babies have that much affect on people?" Neo asked.

"They sure do. I often cry like a baby myself when I see one born. Anyway, I won't be able to tell for sure until we can weight you properly, but from the looks of it, you look like you've gained only a few pounds," Healer Zinnia said while she placed the crystals around Neo's heart and stomach. "You always were such a skinny thing. But I would like you to try and eat more often. I'll set up an example schedule so you know what you need to do."

"I need to eat more?" Neo asked.

"You do." Healer Zinnia nodded. "You need a well balanced nutrition to help your body remain healthy while you carry your child and for the birth. I assume you won't put on much weight because you are so tiny as it is, but I still want to monitor your diet closely."

"I've been wondering about her diet as well," Law said. "Pregnant humans can't eat certain things because they can be harmful to their baby. Like king mackerel because of the mercury."

"Yes, I am aware," Healer Zinnia said. Placing the last crystal on Neo's stomach, she then turned her eyes to a small crystal receiver that immediately started beeping in sync with Neo's heart rate. The only difference was there was an extra beep and jumping line from the one on Luminous. "Pregnant elemental woman can eat foods with mercury in them, but only an ounce a week. Our bodies can filter the mercury out, thought it takes about a week for it to get completely out of our system. Most just avoid foods with mercury in them just to be safe. So it's really a person's personal choice whether or not the expectant mother eats it."

"I see." Law nodded.

"What's that extra line?" Neo asked. "I know the one on the top is my heartbeat. I recognize it from Luminous. But that other line wasn't there before."

"Love, that's our baby's heartbeat," Law said.

"It… it is?" Neo whipped her eyes to Law. She caught a quick glimpse of him smiling and nodding before looking back at the line. Curiously, she took in the extra beeping and the lines as they bounced up and down across the crystal screen, her eyes following the movement of the lines each time they jumped.

"I had almost forgotten how curious the princess can get to certain things," Healer Zinnia said. "I've missed that innocence."

"I can't help it. It's kind of interesting but also kind of scary," Neo said just as her heartbeat started going faster. She pulled her eyes away from it and looked back at Law. "I'm scared, Law."

"I know," Law said. He tightened his hold on her hand and stroked her hair before placing a kiss on her temple. "You're fine. I'm right here."

"Now, let's get that blood sample." Healer Zinnia said. She slipped on a pair of rubber gloves before picking up a cotton ball, and a small bottle of alcohol. "I think you've gone through enough for today."

"Okay," Neo said, eyeing the needled with minor disdain. With a relaxing breath, she leaned back on the petal pillow and looked back at Law. "I am not a fan of needles."

"It'll be over quick," Law said. He leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers. "Just keep looking at me."

Neo did. She locked her eyes with Law. Patiently waiting, she felt the coolness of the alcohol being rubbed against her arm before the small prick of the needle stung into her delicate skin. She flinched a bit, but held her arm as still as she could so the needle wouldn't move. Then it was over and the needle was removed.

"There. That wasn't so bad, now was it?" Healer Zinnia asked while placing the blood sample safely in a container. She picked up a bandage and pressed it onto the small prick on Neo's arm. "All done for now. Except for one thing."

"What's that?" Neo asked while Law zipped up her gown.

"How are your wings doing?" Healer Zinnia asked. "Any complications with them?"

Neo's eyes shot right to Law's again.

"What is it?" Healer Zinnia asked.

"There was something that did happen," Law said just before filling the healer in on how Neo's crystals and wings changed in Dressrosa.

"Wow," Healer Zinnia exclaimed. "I knew you were a rare breed, but this is just unbelievable. I can't believe you actually did that."

"Topaz was just as shocked as you are," Law said.

Neo swung her legs over the side of the exam table and kicked her feet a few times. "I guess you don't know anything about it either?"

"No." Healer Zinnia shook her head. "I've never heard anyone talk about something like this. And I hope you don't plan on doing experiments to see if you can do that again."

"Of course she's not going to be doing that again," Law said. "I won't risk it while she's pregnant."

Healer Zinnia nodded. "Have you summoned your wings since then?"
"No," Neo said. "I've been kind of afraid to. The only time I have summoned them was in my dream last night. And they were back to normal."

"Well, considering your back to normal yourself and your body isn't covered with crystals anymore," Healer Zinnia said while running her eyes over Neo's body. "I think it's safe to say that you're completely back to normal. So why don't you summon your wings for me?"

"Well," Neo said. She glanced over at the heart monitor when the beeping sped up.

"You don't have to if you don't want to," Law said, eyeing the heart monitor. "Especially if it's just going to cause you to get more stressed out."

"No, it's fine," Neo said. She took a deep breath and slowly released it, relaxing her heart rate. "I have to summon them at some point. Might as well get it over with."

"Whenever you're ready," Healer Zinnia said.

Neo closed her eyes. With a slow, relaxing breath, she summoned her wings. Still keeping her eyes closed, she didn't noticed Law and Healer Zinnia watching her carefully as her wings appeared on her back. Feeling relaxed enough she opened her eyes. The slow beeping in the room sped up a bit as she slowly looked over her shoulder. The beeping instantly slowed down when she saw her wings were normal. She folded them down against her back before spreading them out again and gave them a couple flutters and flaps before deciding there was nothing wrong with them. "I'm so glad they're back to normal. I didn't know what I was going to do with larger wings. I would be able to fly around in the sub with them at all."

"Well, I'm happy for you," Healer Zinnia said. "It could be that it was just a one time thing since you were under so much stress. Your crystals could have just reacted to that and tried to change in order to help you survive. But there is also the possibility that you'll be able to do it again in the future. Only time will tell for sure."

"It'll be fine," Neo said. She then smiled and placed her hand on her stomach. "As long as it still allows me to protect my family, I can handle the changes that might happen."

"I'm sure it will," Healer Zinnia said. "Well, we're all done for now. I'll get to work on these samples to make sure nothing unexpected is going on. And I'll get the results to you as soon as possible."

"That'll be fine," Law said. "You and Kailen can go ahead and move your stuff into the sub. We'll be setting sail later today. The crew can show you where the sub is."

"Very well then," Healer Zinnia said. "I'll see you two later."

"Okay." Neo nodded before sliding off the exam table. She then headed to the bathroom where she changed back into her dress. She paused to look at herself in the mirror, flaring her hair out as she pulled it from the back of her dress. Tilting her head when she noticed something about herself looked different. She couldn't figure out what it was though. She still had blue eyes, blue hair, was the same height, and everything. But still something looked different to her. Unable to figure it out, she pushed it aside and rushed back out to Law with an extreme desire to touch him. With a smile she ran up to him and hugged him with lots of affection. "Law! I love you so much!"

"I love you too." Law wrapped his arms around her shoulders, allowing her to hold onto him for as long as she wanted to. That was for about five minutes. When she finally pulled away from him, he put his arm around her shoulders and guided her back out to the crew. The second they stepped out on the porch all of their crew's eyes and the elementals eyes looked right at them.

"So how did it go?" Penguin asked.

"Everything's fine for now," Law said. "The healer is monitoring her and our baby's blood pressure for a while."

"That's good," Penguin said. His eyes dropped down to Neo's stomach where he noticed the small round bumps that weren't there before.

"Healer Zinnia is only going to run a few tests right now," Neo said. "Also, she and Kailen will need to be taken to the sub so they can put their stuff in it until we all get there. So please take them to it."

"I guess we're going to be separated again for a while," Kailen said.

"I'm sorry. You could just come with us," Neo said. She looked up at Law. "Can't he Law? The crew can easily take his things to the sub."

"Of course it is," Law said. "After all, he's been part of our crew this entire time."

"You're the best," Neo said. She wrapped her arms around Law again and hugged him. "So are you going to come with us?"

"I'd like to, but I'm sure there's some things you two would like to talk about with out people around," Kailen said. "You two have just made up after all."

"You could still come," Neo said.

"We'll have plenty of time with each other later," Kailen said. He stepped up to Neo and wrapped her in a hug. "It must be hard for you two to get much private time alone with such a large crew."

"I guess," Neo mumbled into his chest.

"You don't have to worry. I'm not going to leave you," Kailen said. He then pulled back when he felt her medallion pressing against him. He stared down at it, not sure if he was actually seeing it or if his eyes were playing tricks on him. He took the diamond shape pendant in his hand and brought it closer to his face. "What the… is that you're birth medallion?"

"It sure is," Neo said. "And you won't believe where we found it. But I'm not going to tell you right now. I want to talk to you all about what happened on Punk Hazard and Dressrosa later when we've all settled back into the sub. I have a lot to tell you all."

"Well, with all this shocking information, you being pregnant and finding your birth medallion, I'm not sure if I can handle listening to everything that's been going on," Kailen said. He stared at the medallion for a few more seconds before lifting his unsure eyes to Neo.

"You and me both," Penguin said with a firm nod.

"I guess you'll be heading back out to meet up with the Straw Hats now," Topaz said.

"You cut your hair," Neo noted when she turned her eyes to Topaz.

"Yeah." Topaz ran her hand through her short locks. "I feel a bit light headed with all that weight gone. I never noticed hair could weight so much. And it was fun having longer hair for a while, but I've really missed my short hair. It's a lot easier to take care of."

"I like it shorter anyway," Neo said. "You look more like yourself this way."

"I'm so glad you're back to normal," Topaz said with a smile.

"Well, I don't know if I'd say I'm back to normal yet," Neo said. Her eyes dropped down to her stomach just as she lifted her hand and placed it on her baby bump. "With having a child, I don't think anything will ever be the same again. It's really scary to think about it. But I know that everything will be fine." She looked up at her family and smiled. "I have you all with me after all."

"She so cute!" Shachi squealed. Bepo nodded in agreement behind him.

"We can all relax more now," Uni said. He then looked directly at Penguin. "Especially you."

"You don't have to make that sound like an insult," Penguin said.

"Why not?" Uni asked. "You drove us all crazy."

"Oh, shut up," Penguin snapped.

Neo broke away from Law and ran over to Penguin. She put her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "You poor baby. I'm so sorry. I really didn't mean to worry any of you. I won't do that again."

"It's fine," Penguin said. He wrapped his arms around Neo's waist then shot a hidden look at Law. "Besides, it's still the captain's fault for getting you pregnant and for putting you through all that mess with Doflamingo."

"I'm going to ignore that for Neo and our baby's sake," Law said, causing the crew to snicker.

"Yup. Things are definitely getting back to normal," Ikkaku said.

"We should get going," Law said.

Neo nodded. Releasing Penguin, she followed after Law. She waved to their crew as she went. "Behave now!"

"We will," they said, waving back to her.

Neo slipped her hand back into Law's when the crew was hidden behind the trees of the forest. While listening to the birds chirping, she mindlessly fiddled with the bandage around Law's arm and flicked her wings in annoyance at what Doflamingo had done. "That stupid moron. I wish I could have fried him with a lightning bolt for doing that to you."

"You better watch it," Law said. "If you let your blood pressure get too high that healer woman will interrupt us all the time. And I won't be happy about that."

"I'm sorry. I know your arm is healing just fine, but having to look at these bandages is just a fresh reminder of what Doflamingo did to us," Neo said. She pressed her lips right on the spot where she knew his scar was going to be. She wondered if it was going to heal with the cream she uses on her own scars. Like Healer Zinnia said, a lot of them were no longer visible, but some of deeper scars still remained. And Law's scar was a deep one. "Does it need to be changed? We should have done that back at the house."

"No, we can change it later. There's no blood showing through so it'll be fine for now," Law said.

"That's good. I can always heal it more with my solar crystal if it's need," Neo said. She forced her eyes away from his bandaged arm and looked up at the canopy of the trees. Birds flew around them, chirping their morning songs to fill the forest with noise as the two pirates walked along together. "Would it be all right if I asked you something about our baby?"

"You know you can ask me anything," Law said.

"I know," Neo said. "I just wasn't sure if you were ready to talk about it."

"I'm ready when you are," Law said. "What's on your mind?"

"Well, I'm kind of curious as to what kind of parents we're going to be," Neo said. "I mean, you've got the parenting thing down a lot better than I do."

Law stopped walking and gave her a dubious look.

"What?" Neo asked. She paused and turned to look at him. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because I don't have a clue what it's like to be a parent or how to even act with a child," Law said.

"That's not true," Neo said. "You raised me after all."

Law shook his head. "You were different in so many ways from a child. Plus, I didn't have a clue what I was doing with you either. All I did was examine the situation and tried different things as we went along. Believe me, I really didn't have a clue what I was doing. You're the one that has all the parenting instincts."

"I do not," Neo said. She dropped her eyes to the ground and just stared at her toes as she brushed them over the elephant's warm, rough skin. "I'm terrified of children. Since I killed so many of them on Mertensia."

"That was then and this is now," Law said. "You still don't realize how much of a mother you've already been."

"What do you mean?" Neo brought her eyes back up to Law. "I've never been a mother to anyone."

"Now, you know that's not true." Law leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers. "You've been a mother like figure to the crew for over two years. While they call you their sister, you do act more like a mother to them. You always want to know where they are, if they're eating properly, if they're getting plenty of rest, and if they're taking care of themselves properly."

"But that's just the crew. And they're just…" Neo started, but she couldn't finish her sentence.

"And remember how you handle that little fire elemental back on Luminous? You easily gave her encouragement to learn how to properly use her crystals," Law said. "And, of course, there are the children back on Punk Hazard. Despite my wishes and concerns about you being around them so much, you took care of them just like a mother would. You have the maternal instincts you need to care for our child. I'm the one who's lacking in paternal instincts."

"You are not," Neo said. She clenched a hold of the front of his shirt and leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. "You have what you need. I know you do. You did a wonderful job in raising me. And you've done a wonderful job in keeping us safe. If you didn't have paternal instincts you wouldn't have been as protective of me as you have been. After all, you kept us away from Doflamingo when we first arrive in Dressrosa. You knew I walked off with Sanji and the others, but you didn't stop me because of our baby. You wanted both of us to stay far away from Doflamingo as we could. And I know you wanted me to leave with Chopper and the other Straw Hats despite knowing I never would go. Plus, you have the way your parents raised you to fall back on. I don't have that at all. I have no idea how my parents would have raised me. I have no idea how I'm going to handle raising this baby of ours. I'm so afraid that I'm going to do something that's going to hurt him. I'm so afraid that I'm going to lose control of my crystals again or something."

"You're not going to lose control," Law said. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close to his warmth. "You have completely control over your crystals now. You have nothing to worry about."

"And neither do you," Neo said. She tilted her eyes up to his and smiled. "So don't go thinking that you're not going to make a good parent. You are already a wonderful father."

Law couldn't stop his lips from curling into a smile at his love calling him a father. It gave him an unfamiliar, yet very welcoming, warmth inside of his chest.

"Despite your fears and concerns, you're kind of excited about this, aren't you?" Neo said when the warmth in his chest spread to hers.

"Would it be all right if I said I was?" Law asked.

"Of course it is," Neo said. "I want you to feel what you feel."

"Good." Law cupped her face. Leaning down he locked their lips together in a sweet kiss.

"Ah, that's so cute! Neo and Tra made up!" Luffy's voice then said.

Flushed with red cheeks, the two Heart Pirates pulled away from each other and turned to their friends. Neo shyly tucked her hair behind her ear as she ran her eyes over her friends. "H-Hi, everyone. When did you all get here?"

"Just now," Robin said with a smile.

"You look a lot better than you did yesterday," Chopper said from his perch on top of Nekomamushi's head. "Hey! Your eyes are blue again!"

"Are they really?" Luffy asked as he peered around from behind Nekomamushi.

"Are you riding on that cat's tail?" Neo asked despite knowing Luffy wouldn't answer her.

"Hm? Hey, he's correct," Zoro said, noticing her eyes. "When did that happen?"

"Neo!" Jumping from his cat perch, Chopper ran towards Neo. He wanted to jump into her arms, but paused to just look up at her. He didn't want to accidentally kick her stomach. "How are you feeling?! You're better, aren't you?!"

"Chopper," Neo said looking down into his worried eyes. She bent down and picked him up before rushing over to Robin. Holding Chopper tightly in one arm, she put her other arm around Robin. "I'm so sorry. I've been so cold and distant towards you both. Forgive me."

"Of course we forgive you, Neo," Chopper said. "It's understandable that you'd be upset with us about keeping your pregnancy a secret."

"You all did the correct thing!" Neo said. She pulled back from their hug so she could look at them. "I wouldn't have been able to handle it if you did tell me! You've all be so wonderful! I love you all so much! Oh great! Now I'm crying again! I'm sorry!"

Robin chuckled as she reached up and brushed Neo's tears away. "There's nothing to apologize for. Being emotional is just natural for a pregnant woman."

"I know! But I still feel so silly crying all the time!" Neo said. She sniffled then hugged Chopper to her chest. "I love you all!"

"You just need some cuddles," Chopper said as he happily snuggled against her. "Doesn't that feel better?"

"Yeah." Neo nodded. "It does. Thank you."

"It's so weird seeing Chopper act like that!" Luffy laughed. "He's so cute!"

"Hey! I'm not cute!" Chopper snapped at his captain. "Don't you dare call me that! Only Neo can say that, you stupid idiot!"

"It's good that you're feeling better," Luffy said, ignoring his doctor's outburst. He walked up to Neo, bending at his knees to look right at her baby bump. "Your mommy gave us a little scare there for a while. But don't worry, little one. She and Tra are going to raise you up just fine. And you always have your Uncle Luffy here to help."

"You're not our child's uncle, Straw Hat," Law said.

"Huh? Of course I am," Luffy said. He straightened up and crossed his arms over his chest defiantly. "Neo's Shanks' goddaughter. Since she's so important to him that makes her important to me. Therefore she's my friend and I'm your baby's uncle."

"That doesn't even make any sense!" Law snapped.

"That's Luffy's logic for you," Zoro said.

"Nothing with him ever makes any sense," Nami said. "But it's best to let it go, Tra. You know how Luffy can get once he's set his mind to something."

"He can be super stubborn," Franky said.

Law sighed. He knew that was true for sure. Everything he's ever said to the Straw Hat captain seemed to go in one ear and right out the other. This argument was pointless. He knew it was best to let it go.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Neo then said.

"Forgot what?" Chopper asked just before Neo sat him back down on the ground.

Neo stepped around the reindeer and right over to the two minks that were with them. She stared up at them while she gathered her thoughts.

"Was there something you want, Princess?" Inuarashi asked.

"Yeah." Neo nodded. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I haven't been the best representative of my people since I've arrived here on Zou."

"You've been fine," Nekomamushi said. "You've been going through a hard time and it's understandable."

"Perhaps, but I still want to apologize for not introducing myself properly to you all and for not thank you for taking care of my family while they have lived here," Neo said. She then grabbed part of her dress, flared out her wings, and curtsied to the two minks. "I am Princess Trafalgar Neo of the elementals and Luminous. It is very nice to meet you both. And I thank you very much for taking care of my family."

"It is us who should be thanking you," Nekomamushi said. "They were a big help when Jack attacked us."

"I'm glad that they could assist you when it was needed," Neo said.

"You're such a charming young woman," Inuarashi said.

"Thank you," Neo said. "And thank you for letting my people live here. I'm glad to know they have a safe haven from Luminous that they can live on."

"It's a pleasure to have them here," Nekomamushi said.

"The minks and elementals have been friends for as long as our people can remember," Inuarashi said. "I don't believe there's a single time in our history that we haven't known about the elementals. But I must say that it is unexpected to see a royal here thought. If it wasn't for the Heart Pirates telling us all about you, I never would have though I'd ever get to meet a royal. I am sorry that you had to go through all of that hardship."

"Thank you," Neo said. She looked back at Law with a smile. "But all that hardship has let to some wonderful things. I'm won't say that I'm happy I went through it, but I am happy where I ended up." She turned her eyes back to the minks and placed her hands on her stomach. "Even if this current point and time is also a rather scary one."

"Indeed," Inuarashi said with a nod.

"So, if it's all right to ask, how are you and your baby doing?" Brook asked. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes," Neo said. "Healer Zinnia is running a few tests right now and she's monitoring both myself and our baby with her crystals."

"How is she doing that?" Chopper asked.

"See these bumps here on my stomach?" Neo pointed to the small round bumps that were sticking out from her dress. "These are crystals used to monitor our heart rates. They transfer our blood pressure to her own crystals and to a monitoring screen. There's also a couple on my chest."

"Fascinating," Chopper said. "I can't wait to see how things are done with- wait a second. Who's Healer Zinnia?"

"She's the elemental doctor who took care of me back on Luminous when I was poisoned," Neo said. "Godfather sent some elementals back to Luminous after I spoke with him. He was concerned about me. So he asked Healer Zinnia and Kailen to come see me."

"Kailen's your adopted brother if I'm not mistake," Brook said.

"That's correct," Neo said. "They arrived just a little while ago. Kailen brought me some baby stuff that was meant to be mine when I was born and a couple shirts that our mother worn when she was pregnant. He helped me accept our baby."

"You're always saying our baby," Zoro said.

"So what?" Chopper asked.

"I was just pointing it out because it sounds weird," Zoro said.

"Don't be rude!" Chopper snapped.

"I'm not being rude!" Zoro snapped back. "I'm just saying that because people usually say my baby!"

"It's all right, Chopper," Neo said. She circled her hand over her stomach with small but growing affection. "It probably does sound weird. I say that because this baby belongs to both Law and me. I also have a habit of talking about Law's body as if it's my own. It just comes from our bond I guess. But I wouldn't be carrying this baby if it weren't for Law. So it's just natural for me to say our instead of mine or my."

"I guess that makes sense," Zoro said. "At least for you. I won't expect it from anyone else. It looks like we're going to have to hold off on our duel for a while."

"Yeah. Sorry about that," Neo said.

"No worries," Zoro said with a smile. "When we spar again I want you in top physical condition."

"You got it." Neo nodded. "So where we you all heading? We were coming to find you, but you found us instead."

"We're were coming to get you two because we're finally going to see the ninja!" Luffy cheered.

"Ninja? Oh, you mean the friend you guys have been looking for," Neo said. She glanced over at the samurai who had been patiently and quietly standing around. "I see you finally got to the top of the elephant."

"That's correct, Lady Neo. It was as tough climb, but we finally made it early this morning," Kin'emon said. "And Raizo is indeed here. Somewhere in a tree they call the whale tree."

"I see," Neo said.

"Let us be off then," Inuarashi said. "We have a long walk ahead of us."

"Yeah!" Luffy cheered. The rubber man ran back over to the large yellow cat, both he and Chopper resumed their spots on the large animal as the group started to make their way through the forest again.

"We have a lot to tell you guys," Nami said.

Neo reclaimed her spot beside Law. She slipped her hand into his once again and walked beside him. They walked quietly as Nami filled them in on what they had missed when the samurai finally made it to the top of Zou. Then her stomach released an annoyed rumble of hunger from the lack of having breakfast. "Uh, oops. We haven't eaten anything this morning."

"Would you like us to have the minks bring you something?" Inuarashi asked.

"No, thank you," Neo said. She summoned an earth crystal and grew her a couple apples. "I've got plenty of food right here."

"Very well then," Inuarashi said. "But if you wish to have something else that you can't produce with your crystals, don't hesitate to ask. I'll be more than happy to send someone to get it."

"Thank you!" Neo said before sinking her teeth into her delicious breakfast. She hummed as the juices of the apple flowed over her teeth and taste buds. She then held one up to Law. "You want one too."

"Only because you're making me crave it," Law pointed out.

In a small playful mood swing, she winked at him and stuck her tongue out. "Just eat it."

Law chuckled. Both knew he was going to do it anyway. And not just because she was sharing her food cravings with him, he too had skipped breakfast. So he was just as hungry as she was. The two continued to eat their fruit breakfast, barely listening to the group's idle chitchat as they made their way through the warm forest. As they walked, Neo continued to grow different types of fruits and vegetables and ate them.

"Well, at least we don't have to worry about Neo eating unhealthy foods," Chopper said when he glanced back to check on his pregnant friend.

"I guess I have always had a fairly healthy diet," Neo said. "At least since I came to live with the Heart Pirates that is."

"You have. But we're going to have to weight you once we get back onto the sub," Law said. "And keep a close eye on your weight and what you're eating."

"Yes, sir, Captain Law!" Neo saluted him with a smile. "Consider it done!"

Law rolled his eyes playfully at her.

"But it seems like such a waste," Neo said.

"What does?" Robin asked.

"Eating all that food I'm going to have to," Neo said. "I keep getting sick because of being pregnant. All that good food is going to go bye bye."

"That's just part of it," Robin said. "I'm sure you won't get morning sickness too often. You'll be able to enjoy your meals without having to lose them afterwards."

"I hope you're correct," Neo said before sinking her teeth into a banana. "So yummy."

"She so cute." Robin chuckled.

"What's that?" Chopper then asked.

"Hm?" Neo looked up. Her yes landed on a large mass with a rather large vine wrapping around it. "Is that a vine?"

"It is. We have finally reached the whale tree. We have to climb up the tree by using the vines around it. It's a maze of vines, but if you learn which vines to take, you can reach the top without any problems," Nekomamushi said as he walked up to the first vine they were going to take.

"Or you could just fly," Neo said. A mischievous giggle passed over her lips, her bells dancing over the air as it reached the groups' ears. She flicked her wings. "Or I could."

"Indeed you could," Inuarashi said. He leaned over and nuzzled against her cheek, earning another bell filled giggle from her. "Garchu. But you have no clue where you are going."

"Garchu! You're correct!" Neo said. "Sometimes walking is more fun anyway. When you fly high in the sky you miss out on all the pretty stuff the earth has to offer you. So let's go."

"Master Momonosuke," Kin'emon said, causing everyone to turn and look at him.

"Momo, are you all right?" Nami asked when they all noticed the young boy had collapsed to his knees and was clutching his head. She rushed over to him and knelt down. "Momo?"

"I am all right," Momonosuke said with a few pants. "It's just so loud."

"What is?" Nami asked.

"I'm not really sure," Momonosuke said. "I just hear something."

"Hm?" Neo hummed.

"What is it, Neo?" Law asked.

"I didn't notice it before, but I can hear something as well," Neo said. She slowly scanned her eyes around the forest. She tried to locate the sound, but couldn't. "It almost sounds like an animal. But I can't pinpoint where it's coming from."

"At any rate, we need to keep going," Kin'emon said, turning his back to the boy. "Come, I shall carry you."

"Here you go," Nami said as she helped Momonosuke climb upon Kin'emon's back.

The group then headed forward. One by one the group followed after Nekomamushi as the large cat mink walked up the first vine. Neo hummed to herself and Law as they walked. Getting lost in the sound of the mysterious voice, she used it to distract herself from the long walk up the maze of vines. She tried to decipher what it was saying and where it was coming from, but was still unable to do so. She then looked out at the moving island they were on. She paused, Law beside her, and took in the view. It wasn't often she ever came up this high and wasn't flying with her winds or wings. So this was a rare treat for her. It was also very relaxing for her. The thick forest below looked to still be asleep itself. But she knew that wasn't true. She knew her crew, the minks, the elementals, and animals were scurrying along just underneath the leaves that hide them from her sight. This land was full of life, just like the life that was growing inside of her. Or so she thought it was similar. After all, in this moment her and Law's baby was like the tops of these tress. Calm and being developed each second inside of her. But underneath all that was all the excitement and uncertainty. Soon, far faster than she really wanted, their baby would be moving and their life would become very hectic from what it currently was. The uncertainty of the unknown that was slowly creeping up on her got her heart racing with anxiety.

"You all right, love?" Law asked, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Yes, I am," Neo said. She took a deep breath to calm herself down. "I was just thinking about our baby and got a little scared. That's all."

Law nodded. He put his arm around her shoulders and guided her back to the group who had stopped to wait on them. Once they had rejoined them, they continued on their weaving the twisted path.

"Hm?" Neo perked up when she thought she heard a voice calling out to her.

"What is it, love?" Law asked.

"I'm not sure," Neo said. She slowly glanced around, trying to decide where the voice was coming from. "I can hear a voice again."

"Animal?" Law asked.

"I'm not sure," Neo said. "It's very loud. I don't really understand what it's saying. Of course the constant chanting the guys are doing doesn't help anything." He turned her eyes to Chopper, Usopp, and Luffy. They had started chanting 'Nin! Nin!' about five minutes ago. They were very excited about meeting this ninja, but she wasn't exactly sure why. It was just another person to her. Someone else she was going to have to adjust to being around. She didn't think it was going to be so bad though. She felt a lot calmer now that she and Law had reconnected and she told him the truth about how she was feeling. Plus, she felt more secure with Kailen and Healer Zinnia so close by. She didn't realize how much she had missed them until she saw them. "I can't even tell exactly where it's coming from, but I think… it seems to be coming from this tree."

"This tree?" Law asked. He lifted his eyes up to the massive whale shaped tree. He didn't get how a tree could be talking, but he knew Neo wasn't lying. "How is that possible?"

"I don't know," Neo said. "But I have a feeling that this tree is very important."

"Ya-hoo!" Luffy cheered.

"Nin! Nin!"

"Nin! Nin!"

"Nin! Nin! I can't wait to see the ninja! Nin! Nin!" Luffy said.

"I get to see a ninja! Nin! Nin!" Chopper said.

"The Watery Escape Technique! Nin! Nin!" Usopp said as he walked sideways with his fingers tangled together in a hand sign of his middle and index finger sticking straight up.

"I still don't feel well, Kin'emon," Momonosuke said.

"You can wait at the bottom if you want, Master Momonosuke," Kin'emon said. He glanced over his shoulder and looked at the boy he was carrying on his back.

"As we get closer to the whale, the voice I hear is getting louder," Momonosuke said. He clenched a hold of Kin'emon's robe. Sweat was dripping down his contorted face as he clung on.

"You have a similar ability to Master Oden," Kin'emon said.

"There was another man who used to say something like that," Inuarashi said.

"I was just thinking the same thing," Nekomamushi said.

"Here," Neo said as she summoned her solar crystal for the boy. "This should help you. At least a little bit."

"Thank you, Lady Neo," Momonosuke said.

"We're here," Nekomamushi said just as they reached their destination right on the underside of the whale's tail.

"Huh? Really? But there's nothing here," Luffy said. He looked around multiple times, but still didn't see anything. "Are you sure this is it?"

"There's a door hidden there in the tail," Neo said. "This tree is also hallow inside."

"You're absolutely correct," Nekomamushi said before reaching out and placing his hand on the tail of the whale. With a low rumble, part of the tail cracked into a square before opening up to reveal a hidden passageway. A cool breeze from the hidden entrance washed over those that were standing close enough to it.

"Wow! I can't believe there's an entrance here!" Chopper said.

"It was on the tail of the whale tree?! That's amazing! No one would ever notice it was there!" Usopp said. "It blended in so well with the rest of the tree!"

"It's a hidden door so it's impossible to find unless you know what you're looking for," Nekomamushi said. "Let's go."

Neo stepped up to the entrance after everyone else had already gone inside. She looked around curiously before stepping inside. A small gasp of wonder escaped her lips when the coolness of this damp place rushed over her skin. The walls, floors, and ceiling were covered with damage moss giving this hidden place its wetness. "Wow. This place is so cool. I want one."

"Absolutely not," Law said.

"Why not?" Neo asked. She turned to Law and pouted at him, earning a flinch from him. "I can easily create one of these for the sub."

"And where exactly would you put it, my sweet but still naive lover?" Law asked. He tapped his finger on his sword as he waited for her answer.

"Er." Neo thought for a moment. There really was no place for it on the sub, not even for a small one. Well, a small one would work, but she wouldn't be able to walk through it like this one. With a disgruntled sigh she relinquished her desire to have a whale tree on the sub. "Oh, fine. I won't make one for the sub. But I will make one at some point on an island we dock at for a while. Deal?"

"Deal," Law said.

"This place is cool!" Luffy's voice said a small distance in front of them.

"We should catch up to them," Law said.

"Aw, I was hoping we could linger back a bit," Neo said. She placed her hands on his hips and pressed her chest against his.

"You're just teasing me again," Law said. He leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead.

"I like teasing you," Neo said, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I don't do it often."

"Me first!" Usopp's then said.

"Hey!" They heard Luffy protest.

"Wait a second! Don't go too fast!" Nami then said.

"Bye!" Robin's voice followed.

"Wait!" Nami called out.

"We better go," Law said. "I don't think we can get lost in this place, but we still need to keep up with the others."

"Okay," Neo said. She released her right arm from around him but kept her left arm around his waist. Without another word, the two Heart Pirates made their way back to the group.

"It's a long flight of stairs so be careful," Nekomamushi said. He glanced over his shoulder, looking right at Neo. "It can get a bit slippery in here due to the moss and dampness of the place. Be careful, Princess."

"I will be," Neo said. She lifted her wings, giving them a flutter, so they could be seen. "I still have my wings out and Law's here to catch me if I do fall."

Several minutes later the quietness was broken when a distant voice wailed out from farther down the stairs. The unexpected moan caused Neo to jump and tuck herself into Law's hold. Finding her reaction cute, he could help but chuckle and tightened his arm around her shoulders.

"Very funny, Law," Neo said. Pouching out her bottom lip, she looked up at him. "That startled me."

"Sorry," Law said before kissing her pouty lips.

"That's better," Neo murmured against his lips.

"What was that?!" Chopper asked.

"That was Raizo," Nekomamushi said.

"Ninja!" Chopper said.

"Ninja!" Luffy and Usopp echoed.

"Ninja!" Chopper said again as he jumped off Nekomamushi head.

"They're in a hurry," Neo said when Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Franky took off running down the stairs. "Hey! You four be careful! This place is slippery!"

"Such a mother thing to say," Robin said with a small chuckle.

"Uh," Neo gasped lightly. A small amount of pink dusted over her cheeks at the woman's words. "I guess it was."

"You're a natural," Robin said.

"I guess so," Neo admitted.

"Let's go," Law beckoned.

"Okay," Neo said as they continued on down the stairs. The sounds of the man crying before had stopped, but as soon as they reached the bottom, another sound of distress was rolling through the air. They found that the Straw Hats, which had rushed ahead of them, were all collapsed on the ground, shrouded in a dark aura. "What's going on?"

"That's a disappointment," Zoro said.

Neo looked up at Law when he sighed and pulled his hat lower over his eyes. She asked, "What is it?"

"This ninja is not what we were expecting," Law told her.

"Really?" Neo asked. She turned her eyes back to the man chained against a red stone. Tilting her head, she took in his features. His head was rather large and he was wearing clothes that she couldn't identify, but she couldn't see why the guys were so disappointed. "I don't get it."

"His face is huge!" Luffy said.

"Doesn't seem like a fast runner!" Chopper said.

"Is that Raizo?" Franky asked.

"I can't accept a ninja like that!" Usopp said.

"I don't think you guys are from this country! Who are you?!" Raizo asked. "And who is that woman?! I feel such a strange presence from her!"

"Raizo!" Kin'emon then said.

"Kin'emon! Kanjuro! Master Momonosuke!" Raizo said. "I'm glad that you're okay!"

"We're glad you're okay too!" Kin'emon said.

"Raizo!" Momonosuke said after he jumped down from Kin'emon's back.

Neo banished her solar crystal at that point since Momonosuke was clearly feeling better. She quietly watched and studied the new man with mild curiosity.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Raizo! I'll unchain you!" Kin'emon said as he walked over to his friend. The clanking of the chains that bound the ninja filled the emptiness around them when the samurai started to remove them.

"Thanks," Raizo said once freed. He then noticed the disgruntled looks on the men's faces and walked over to them. "What's your problem, you jerks?"

"I still don't get it," Neo said. She turned away from the men just as Robin, Nami, and Brook finally reached the bottom of the stairs. Leaving the guys to complain about their disappointment, she walked over to Robin. Her eyes followed the older woman's gaze. She found her friend was looking at some kind of crest that was on the wall above the red stone. "What is that? I didn't notice it before."

"It's the crest of the Kozuki Family," Robin said when she saw the large crest painted on the wall.

"Kozuki?" Neo asked. "You mean, Momonosuke's family. You all were talking about them before."

"That's correct," Robin said. "Kin'emon has a tattoo just like this one his back"

"That crest has existed for centuries," Inuarashi said.

"And that stone is… I've never seen it in such a color. Deep red…" Robin said.

When her friend started walking forward, Neo reached out and pinched a hold of the tail of Robin's shirt and followed her. Her eyes were locked onto the red stone that the ninja was chained to a few moments ago. "It's a poneglyph, isn't it? But I thought they were dark colored. I've never heard of a red one before. Are you sure it's a real poneglyph?"

"Yeah, it's a real poneglyph," Nekomamushi said.

"We know you-gara, Nico Robin," Inuarashi said. "I heard the Ohara people could read those letters."

"So you two know about Ohara," Robin said. "Why is that poneglyph red? None of the others that I've seen have been that color."

"It has a different purpose from those," Inuarashi said. "Can you read it?"

"Yes, may I?" Robin asked.

"Of course you may," Inuarashi said.

Neo continued to follow Robin as she stepped up to the red stone. She ran her eyes over the stone, taking in the strange lines that were meant to be words. A small giggled passed over her lips.

"What's so funny?" Nami asked, stepping up beside Neo.

"I was just thinking about the time when I first started reading," Neo said. She flicked her wings a few times before reaching out to touch the stone with her fingertips. The stone was smooth and cool, just as she figured it would be. "When I looked at a book, I basically saw nothing but lines like this. I didn't understand a single word about them. But thanks to Penguin, I can now read anything that I want. Well, expect for the words on this stone. They look very interesting thought. They're kind of pretty."

"I suppose they do," Nami said.

It wasn't long after that when Robin finished with the translation of the stone. She handed Nami the paper she had been writing on and gave Nami a few minutes to examine what she wrote. She then asked, "What do you think, Nami?"

"Is this really what's written on the poneglyph?" Nami asked. "Yeah, I can draw a nautical chart based on this! We can pinpoint the location of something, Robin!"

"The red stone is called a road poneglyph," Inuarashi said. "All the tough pirates of the sea are searching for the end of the Grand Line, and that stone is a guide to get there."

"The whale forest is considered sacred because of it so it needs to be protected by us Guardians," Nekomamushi said.

"So that's why I thought this tree was so important," Neo said. "It's basically protecting this stone from other pirates. And you all are protecting it to keep it safe."

"That's correct." Inuarashi nodded.

"The end of the Grand Line," Brook said.

"You mean, a guide to the last island, Raftel?!" Robin asked.

"That's correct," Inuarashi said.

"What?!" the more excitable pirates screamed.

"However," Inuarashi said.

"Raftel?! That's the goal! To become king of the pirates!" Luffy shouted.

"Finally, we can get there! The last island! Raftel!" Usopp shrieked.

"That's the island the flower pops mentioned!" Luffy said. "Does it say where Raftel is?!"

"Wait, wait, don't jump to conclusions just yet. Hear me out. You see there are four of those red stones, the road poneglyphs, in the world," Inuarashi said.

"What?! Doing it mean there are four Raftels?!" Luffy asked.

"No, there aren't! Let him finish first!" Usopp said, slapping Luffy on the head.

"That stone must indicate the location of some unknown spot but it's not Raftel," Inuarashi said. "The other three road poneglyphs all indicate different locations in the same manner. When you learn where those locations are and connect those four points on a map, those lines will cross at the center. That's where the last island is. Only the king of the pirates and his crew have reached it in all these centuries. And that's Raftel."

"The last island! Raftel!" Luffy said. He turned to the stone. "Raftel. Finally. I wonder if it's there or not. The One Piece."

"So we can finally get a hold of the One Piece!" Chopper said.

"It's finally in sight! Conquering the Grand Line!" Brook said.

"I'm getting fired up! Super!" Franky said, striking his typical pose that connected the stars on the back of his hands.

"I can't wait," Robin said.

Law walked up to the stone and looked at it. Neo's eyes locked onto him. She wondered what his thoughts were about all of this but didn't invade his mind to see. She didn't feel like invading his thoughts. Instead, she wrapped her arms around herself when she felt herself getting a chill. She then walked over to him. His arm immediately went around her shoulders when she tucked herself into his warm chest. "Law, I'm cold."

"Perhaps you should have put on some different clothes before we came here," Law said, his eyes still on the strange words before him. They both turned to Luffy when the Straw Hat captain started yelling.

"Okay! Let's go search!" Luffy said.

"Where are you going?! It's a big world!" Usopp grabbed onto Luffy's shirt to keep him from running off.

"I'll get back Sanji quickly!" Luffy said, running in place.

"Listen to me!" Usopp said.

"You-gara, if you're going to go to Whole Cake Island along with Pekoms, it wouldn't be such a bad idea," Nekomamushi said. "Of the four road poneglyphs, we are missing the whereabouts of only one. We have one here. And the other two are under the control of two certain pirate groups."

"Pirates?" Law asked.

"Who are those pirates?" Luffy asked.

"Emperor Big Mom," Nekomamushi said. "And another emperor, Kaido, king of the beasts."

"What?!" Brook, Usopp, Chopper, and Nami shrieked.

"I see!" Luffy said.

"So we should just rob them," Franky said.

"Whoever it is, I'll just cut them," Zoro said.

"Oh, I suddenly see nothing but darkness before my eyes," Nami said. She placed on hand on her face and the other on her chest as tears leaked down her cheeks.

"Me too," Brook said. "But I don't have eyes."

"Why?! We got to kick their butts anyway so let's just do it!" Luffy said.

"Don't say things like that!" Usopp said. "I don't care much because I thought we wouldn't fight them anytime soon but the thought makes me wet myself!"

"Yeah! We'll wet our pants! Don't mess with us!" Chopper cried from on top of Usopp's head.

"But you don't need to steal the poneglyphs," Nekomamushi said as he stood up from the ground.

"We don't?" Chopper asked.

"Usually, people can copy their text like making a rubbing," Nekomamushi said. "No one goes around carrying such massive stones."

"I've got an idea!" Usopp said. "In that case, we'll sneak into Big Mom and Kaido's headquarters and get copies! Then, we'll reach Raftel before anyone knows! And you'll become the king of the pirates!" He tackled Luffy to the ground when Luffy frowned at him. "What's your problem, you dummy?!"

"That's not manly at all! Whoever it is, we can just kick their butts!" Luffy said.

"Easy, easy, easy," Brook said trying to stop their fight.

"Stop!" Chopper said.

"Stop running away!" Luffy said.

"No, I won't!" Usopp said.

"Can't we figure it out with just three of them?" Chopper asked. "The location of Raftel?"

"No, we can't. We can't identify the location with just three," Nami said.

"I thought so," Chopper said.

"I think we're going to have to look for the fourth poneglyph eventually," Nami said.

"Of course we have to! There are absolutely no short cuts to becoming king of the pirates!" Luffy said.

"Shut up! What's wrong with taking short cuts?!" Usopp asked.

"What did you say?!" Luffy asked. He grabbed onto Usopp's shirt and started to roll around on the ground with his friend.

"They're so full of life," Inuarashi said.

"They-gara are a lot of fun," Nekomamushi said. "But I'm more worried about you-gara, Nico Robin. Those-gara who are interested in the hundred year void are now collecting the copies of the stones across the world but no one can read them. Big names all around the world will surely target you-gara for kidnap when they're ready to read them."

"Kidnap Robin?!" Luffy asked.

"What?" Franky asked.

"They're going to come after Robin?" Neo asked.

"It's no problem. I have strong friends who will protect me," Robin said with a smile.

"Whoa, whoa, did you say strong? That makes me blush!" Luffy said. "I'll kick anyone's butt for you!"

"You shouldn't count on me like that!" Chopper said.

"I'll protect Robin no matter what!" Brook declared.

"I'll do anything for Robin too!" Franky said. "Super!"

"I won't let anyone touch Robin!" Usopp said, holding up his slingshot.

"If they do, I'll take their lives and money!" Nami said.

"And we'll also keep her safe!" Neo declared. She turned her eyes to Law and gave him a look that left him no room to argue. "Won't we, Law? We're allies after all!"

"Yes, love," Law said with a mental sigh. "We're allies. We'll protect her."

"You're such a good boy!" Neo cooed. She tightened her arms around his waist. "I'll have to reward you later for that!"

Law's cheeks flushed at the meaning behind her words and let his hat fall over his eyes. Luckily no one else caught her hidden meaning, as they were far too passionate about declaring their protectiveness over Robin.

"They-gara are very dependable!" Nekomamushi said.

"You have good friends," Inuarashi said.

"By the way, how do you guys know so much about the poneglyphs?" Robin asked.

"It all started with our master, Kozuki Oden-sama who used to have an interest in the stones. Because… is it okay to tell them, dog?" Nekomamushi said.

"Go ahead. You don't have to hide anything from them," Momonosuke said. "You can tell them anything."

"Did you say go ahead? What's that bossy attitude?" Luffy asked as he poked the boy in the cheek.

"I'm there boss! You insolent dork!" Momonosuke said. "Haven't you been paying attention to anything that's been said?!"

"How can you be ceremonious all of a sudden?!" Luffy asked.

"Cut it out, Luffy!" Momonosuke said.

"They're so childish," Law grumbled at Luffy and Momonosuke's argument.

"Childish, huh?" Neo asked, tilting her head in curiosity as she watched the two boys bicker with each other. Her free hand wandered up to her stomach. She gingerly ran her fingertips over their baby. "Is this how it's going to be with our child? Is our child going to argue with us like that?"

"Some times," Law said. "But our child is not going to act anything like Straw Hat. I won't permit it. He will learn to respect adults, or at least those in our crew. I won't allow our child to back talk us or anyone else on the crew."

"Oh, I don't know about that," Neo said with a mischievous grin before poking Law in the stomach. "Our child's going to have your blood after all. I bet our kid will have your 'Don't tell me what to do' attitude."

"Well, with other pirates that will be fine," Law said. "But not with us."

"I bet you'll spoil our child more than you're letting on," Neo said.

"I will not," Law said.

"Uh huh," Neo said.

"Are you calling me a liar?" Law asked. He tightened his arm around her before digging his fingers into her flesh, making her squeal.

"Of course not!" Neo said. "I just know how you are! You cave to me all the time because I'm so cute! And, as a lot have said, babies are cute too! I bet you'll cave to ours all the time!"

"Yeah. Sure," Law said. He relaxed his arm back around Neo. He didn't believe that he would be the type of parent that let his kid get away with anything. But in this moment, looking down at Neo's innocent face and thinking about the baby he saw in his dream, he wasn't so sure. He knew for sure that if their kid took on Neo's eyes, even just the shape of them, he would absolutely cave to their child each time. He wouldn't be able to stop himself because he'd be looking at Neo through their child's eyes. The thought unnerved him a bit. Having Neo's cuteness and innocence undid him enough as it was. He didn't know how he was going to survive and keep control over things if he had two people giving him innocent looks all the time.

"We're going to tag team you," Neo said, clearly having read his thoughts.

Law swallowed hard. He didn't doubt that at all either.

Author's Notes: We're so close to the temporary ending.

Starrat: And here it is!

Apple Bloom: I'm working on the next chapter for Summoner of Death, but it's being very stubborn at the moment. I like Zinnia's relationship with Law. It shakes things up a bit.

Loveanimation4life: I PMed you.