Home Again
Part One
"Okay, first, we need tons of medicinal herbs. That, I can easily get, especially with Neo here. You want to help me, Neo?" Chopper said. He turned and looked up at Neo with a smile.
"Sure. I can also help Zunisha heal faster by using my solar crystal. Although I don't know how much help I'll be since the wound is so big. But I'd be glad to spend time with you since we're have to split up again." Neo nodded, but then her bright eyes and smile faded upon finally realizing that they were going to have to split up again after only a short amount of time together after reuniting. "I wish we didn't have to. Or that I could go with you all."
"Don't be sad, Neo," Chopper said. He rushed over to her and leaped into her open arms. "You know you really want to go home. You haven't been there in such a long time. Besides, you need to take care of yourself and your baby. You have a lot of work ahead of you with learning about that and what you're going to have to do to take care of yourself and your child. Sanji would want you to stay home. We'll get him back. Then we'll be reunited once more. And you'll get to see Sanji again."
"Yeah." Neo nodded, her sadness fading away.
"All right, let's get on with helping Zunisha. The main problem we have is the bandage," Chopper said.
"A bandage, huh? How can we wrap his massive leg?" Usopp asked. "I mean, is there a bandage for an elephant in the first place?"
Four minks shook their heads in unison to answer him.
"What about you all?" Usopp turned to a group of earth elementals. "I've heard that some leaves are really good as bandages."
"We could help by making bandages out of leaves," an earth elemental said. "But making them large enough to cover such a massive wound would use up a lot of our magic."
"We wouldn't want you to put yourselves in any danger," Usopp said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Especially with the upcoming battles. Still there has to be a way for us to figure out something."
"I think I know how we can get a bandage," Robin then said.
"You sure?" Usopp asked.
"Yes. Just leave it to me," Robin said.
"Thanks, Robin!" Chopper said.
"Elementals," Neo said, turning to her people. "Help her out if she needs it, please."
"Yes, ma'am." The elementals nodded.
"I'd like to tag along with you, if you don't mind," Topaz said. "I'm curious as to what you have in mind."
Robin nodded.
"Oh, yeah," Neo said. She walked over to Topaz and hooked her arm with hers while keeping Chopper in her other arm. "Robin, this is my sister, Topaz. Topaz, these are two of my new friends, Robin and you've already met Chopper."
"It's nice to meet you," Topaz said.
"And you," Robin said. "We better get going. We have a lot of work to do."
"Yeah." Topaz nodded.
Neo watched as the two women walked away before turning to the rest of the group to see how other things were going.
"Now, let's talk about how we will apply the bandage," Franky said. His eyes then landed right on a group of wind elementals. "Oh, right. I forgot you all could fly with your crystals."
"We sure can!" Nina said. "And we'd be glad to help out!"
"You know," Neo said. She ran her eyes over the damaged buildings that were around them. "There's still a lot of damage that has been done to this place from both attacks from Jack."
"Say no more, Neo," Franky said. He jumped into the air and connected the stars on the back of his hands with an excited yell. "I'm one step ahead of you. We'll get to work on helping repair things while we're waiting on Chopper to take care of the elephant's wound."
"Thanks a lot," Neo said. She then turned her eyes to her family. "And I expect you all to pitch in as well."
"You bet we will," they said.
"We should get going as well," Chopper said.
"Sure." Neo looked down at the little reindeer in her arms. She then looked up to Law. "Are you coming with us?"
Law studied her eyes for a second before saying, "I think not. You seem to be stable once again. I think it will do you some good to spend time with your friends before we separate again."
"I suppose you're correct. I'll be able to get plenty of snuggles with you later when we're back home," Neo said. She then tilted her lips towards him for a kiss.
Law leaned down and gladly pressed his lips to hers. "I'll see you in a little while. Just call if you need me."
"All right," Neo said before heading off with Chopper and a couple of his mink friends.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Penguin said as he ran up to catch up with his sister. "I've been separated from you long enough!"
"You know you can come with me," Neo said. She paused to wait for him before continuing on their way with the minks and Chopper. "So where exactly are we heading?"
"Into the forest," Chopper said as he pointed north. "The plant we're going after is about sixty yards that way after we enter into the forest. There are a lot of them over there. I came across them a few days after we arrived here."
"Doctor Chopper, we have some bags and baskets for the herb," a dog mink said as she and several others came up to them with their bags and baskets in hand.
"That's great," Chopper said. He then turned to leading their group farther into the forest. Minor chatter about how great the reindeer doctor was passed through their group as they made their way through the warm forest. The leaves of the trees casting shadows down on them, keeping them cool from the hot sun above the tree line.
Neo's eyes wandered over their landscape. Taking how beautiful this place really was. She wasn't surprised at all that the elementals decided to stay here like they did. She would have chose to live here as well if not for her strong connection to Law and her family. The thought of her family caused a strong feeling of nostalgia to hit her. Tears spilled over her eyes before she felt Chopper's hoof taking her hand.
"You okay?" Chopper asked.
"Yeah." Neo nodded. She wiped her tears away then smiled. "I was just suddenly missing my home."
"You'll be there soon," Chopper said. "We're almost there. It's just around that cluster of trees up there. All we have to do once we get around that is go under an arch of leaves hanging down like a curtain."
And just as Chopper said, they rounded a cluster of trees and instantly saw the curtain of leaves he told them about. Together they proceeded to walk under the leaves. A small gasp of wonder left Neo's lips when they entered into the area that held the herb they were looking for. The plants were so full of life and were so green, sprouting up all over the forest floor. The smells of the flowers, trees, and plants made her feel refreshed and renewed. It felt like they had walked into another world completely. She knew the Elementals were doing wonders in keeping this place healthy. "It's so beautiful here. The leaves make it so cool in this area."
"If you get too cold summon a fire crystal to warm up," Chopper said.
"Yes, Doctor Chopper, I will," Neo said with a smile.
They all watched as the small doctor located the plant, then he plucked two out of the ground and held them up for everyone to see. They were about a foot long with thick roots that sprouted several stems and eight leaves on their tops. He said, "There are what we're looking for. Pick as many as you can."
"You got it! We'll do our best!" Everyone nodded before spreading out to gather up the plant, leaving Neo, Chopper, Miyagi, and Tristan standing under the leaf arch.
"I think I've seen this plant in Law's books," Neo said. "I've never grew it before, but it looks very familiar."
"I see you have some medical experience too," Miyagi said.
"Only a little bit," Neo replied. "I have some issues learning all of the technical terms since they're so big. But I do know some basic stuff since Law is a doctor. I really don't like not knowing what's going on when it comes to my family. So I did learn how to take care of smaller wounds. My solar crystal helps a lot too."
"That's good to hear. Knowing how to care for someone when they get hurt is a good skill. I'm still surprised that this can be used as as medicine, though. I didn't know that at all," Miyagi said, turning his eyes back to the plants in Chopper's hooves.
"The leaf part is for hemostasis and the stem part is for sterilization," Chopper explained. "Both parts work very well but since it's a rare herb, you don't often see it in encyclopedias."
"I see. So that's why," Miyagi said.
"There are so many here so that's great. And we have the elementals to always grow more," Chopper said.
"You'll never be out of them," Neo said. "I'm sure the earth elementals will be by here later to make sure some more grow back since we're taking so many. In fact, they might be the reason they flourish here in the first place. I can tell that the elementals take very good care of the forest here. It's very lush, full of life, and all the animals are really happy."
"I suppose you could be correct," Miyagi said. "This place really is very beautiful. And I doubt you'll find anyone else that cares more for the plants and animals of this world than the elementals."
"Doctor Chopper, is there anything you don't know?" Tristan asked.
Chopper chuckled.
Ten minutes later, Neo turned her eyes up to the sky when she felt a storm coming their way. "Huh?"
"What is it, Neo?" Penguin asked. He walked back over to Neo with his basket full of the herb he was picking.
"There's a silent supercell about to blow in," Neo said.
"A what?" Chopper asked.
"It's a massive thundercloud that appears suddenly and without warning," Neo said. "I'm sure Nami senses it too. But there's nothing to worry about. The elementals can handle it easily. We can redirect it around Zunisha so it won't interfere with applying the medication to his leg."
"That sounds good," Chopper said. "But I don't want you flying on your own."
"What do you mean?" Neo asked with a flick of her wings.
"Your magic could cut out on you while you're in the air. I'd prefer it if you didn't go down there at all, but I know you want to help Zunisha and he can really benefit from your solar crystal," Chopper said. "So I'm not going to try and stop you. However, you will have another wind elemental with you while we're applying the medicine to Zunisha and you're healing him with your solar crystal."
"I can understand your concerns," Neo said. "I'm positive Law has already had those thoughts as well."
"And he hasn't said anything to you?" Chopper asked. "Or have you been communicating with him through your bond?"
"We haven't been communicating," Neo said. "I just know him well enough to know what he's thinking in times like this. And he knows I'm not immature enough to fly on my own right now unless it was absolutely necessary. Besides, I don't think anyone here would let me fly down there on my own. I'd get an ear full from everyone. Kailen and Healer Zinnia would probably have a heart attack."
"You probably would," Chopper said.
"Do we have enough now, Doctor Chopper?" Tristan asked when everyone brought their supplies over to them.
"It sure is," Chopper said. He sat down on the ground and got ready to make the medicine. "Now let me show you how to make it."
Miyagi and Tristan sat down on the ground with Chopper. They watched closely, and took notes, as Chopper guided them step by step in making the medicine for Zunisha's wound. Once that was all completed they gathered up their stuff and headed back to the others.
"Hey, Franky! The medicine is prepared!" Chopper said when they had finally returned to the group.
"And we have the bandages!" a mink said as she and another mink carried over a large massive bandage.
"Where's Robin?" Chopper asked. He looked around for his missing friend but didn't see her amongst those that were still in the area.
"She's making extra bandages to change later," a mink said. "Topaz is still with her too, Princess."
"That's for letting me know," Neo said.
"How thoughtful. That's our Robin," Chopper said.
"Yeah." Neo nodded.
"We're ready to fly down there," Nina said with a bow of respect.
"That's great," Neo said. She looked around and noticed that some wind elementals where missing. "Where's Amara?"
"She and some others have already headed out to redirect the incoming storm," Nina replied. "And your brother and Healer Zinnia ask me if I could fly with you while you're helping healing Zunisha. They're attending to some minor wounds that some minks received during Jack's second attack. They're also worried your magic will give out on you while you're flying and want to make sure you have someone with you in case that happens."
"I already figured that," Neo said. "And I accept your help. Just don't bow anymore. It's really not necessary."
"If that's what you want," Nina said.
"Are you ready, Chopper?" Neo then asked.
"We have everything, so let's get to work," Chopper said.
"Then here we go!" Nina called out. She and the other thirty wind elementals summoned their crystals and lifted the medical team off the ground. They lowered them down to the wound. Nina kept close to Neo and Penguin. The two women and Penguin hovered ten yards beside Chopper. Nina and Penguin dipped their brushes into the bowls they had of the medicine and started brushing it over the wound as gently as they could.
Neo summoned her solar crystal and engulfed the large wound as much as she could. Her eyes examined the broken flesh and how deep the wound was. "It's a lot bigger than I actually thought it was. It looks like they were aiming at this one spot the entire time. At least they didn't make it all the way to the bone. That would have really been bad."
"Is it going to be a problem for you as it is?" Penguin asked. He stopped brushing the medicine on the wound and really examined how bad it was. "I don't even think the captain with all his skills and devil fruit would be able to do much for this size wound."
"Yeah." Neo nodded. "But this really is a huge wound. I've never healed such a wound. I'm afraid I won't be that much of a help to Zunisha, but I'm doing what I can. How's it going over there, Chopper?"
"As good as can be. Like you all just said, this wound is a lot worse than I thought it was," Chopper said.
"It is," Tristan said with a nod.
"I'm sure it's unbearably painful, but he's staying calm and letting us treat him," Chopper said, brushing more medicine on the wound. He looked over at Neo. "I'm sure you're solar crystal is helping with that. And I'm sure he can sense your good intentions."
"It's helping. I know Zunisha knows we're all trying to help him. He understands that," Neo said. "I just wished I was powerful enough to expand my solar crystal's healing magic over his entire wound."
"How's your magic doing, Princess?" Nina asked. "Are you feeling tired or anything?"
"It's holding for now," Neo said to the wind elemental beside her. "I am feeling a little tired, but I can finish the job."
"That's good. Just know that I'm right here if you need me," Nina said.
"Thanks," Neo said. "How are the others doing on redirecting the storm?"
"They seem to be holding up just fine," Nina said. She turned her eyes to the back of the elephant. The dark storm clouds were parted in the sky thanks to the elementals work. Occasionally, the storm clouds moved back together but quickly separated as the elementals increased their magic or switched out with another elemental to give the first ones a break. "You don't have to worry about them. Amara is one of the best wind elementals here. She'll be leading the others in redirecting the storm. So there's no need for concern there."
"That's good," Neo said. "Hey, Chopper, how's it going with you?"
"We're done here. We're going to apply the bandage next," Chopper said.
"The medical knowledge of the now named Sakura Kingdom and the pharmaceutical knowledge of the Birdie Kingdom. It's really incredible," Miyagi said. "The bleeding has stopped."
"You all did great," Chopper said. "I prepared more than enough medicine so you'll be okay."
"Only Doctor Chopper could have done it!" the minks cheered. "It's really amazing!"
"S-Such compliments don't make me happy, you idiots!" Chopper said, blushing.
"Like you taught us, we'll try to remove the bandages on a regular basis to see how the wound is doing," Miyagi said.
"Good. But even just changing the bandages is painstaking," Chopper said.
"You don't have to worry about it at all," Nina said. "We'll take good care of Zunisha."
"You're all so dependable," Chopper said.
"Zunisha is our millennium old land. We might have gotten too comfortable and forgot that because it's always been there since we were born," Miyagi said. "Today, we were reminded of that. We were reminded that we're always kept alive by this great life form. And it will come to an end one day. If Zunisha, our land, has free will, I want to ask him this now. I want to ask him where he's been walking to for a thousand years."
"Where he's walking to?" Neo looked up at the large elephant's head. From the angle she was at, she couldn't see the elephant's eye, but she could tell that he was indeed heading somewhere. Her mind automatically went over everything she's read about elephants. One thing really popped out at her. And it had to do with elephants dying. She clenched her fists together as her heart sunk in her chest. When elephants die they go off on their own to an elephant graveyard. I wonder… is Zunisha walking to an elephant graveyard right this second? He has been alive for an entire millennium after all. That could be where he's walking. Where else would an animal this large be heading? It's kind of sad thinking that he's going to die. And possibly very soon.
'But it's a part of life, love.' Law thought to her upon feeling her distress rising.
'Yeah. I know.' Neo nodded. 'It's still very sad because this elephant has been the home of the minks for so long.'
'I'm sure they all know that this elephant wouldn't be alive forever.'
'Yeah. I'm sure they do know that.' Neo smiled. 'At least they and the elementals love Zunisha and will take very good care of him until the day comes for them to find a new home. It's good to know we're leaving him in good hands.'
'It is. Are you coming back up now?'
'I think so. We're done applying the medicine and I've done all I can with my solar crystal.'
"Let's head back up top now," Chopper then said.
"You got it!" the wind elementals said. They shifted their winds and lifted everyone back to the top of the elephant.
"Neo! Play with us!" a young raccoon mink said as she and a few others tackled Neo to the ground when she landed. "Garchu!"
Neo giggled happily at all their fur rubbing up against her skin. "Garchu, my furry friends! Garchu!"
"Hey! Take it easy with her!" Penguin said.
"They're so cute!" Neo squealed. "It's fine, Penguin. They're not hurting me."
"Oh, all right," Penguin said. "But just don't hit her in the stomach."
"But elemental crystals protect the baby!" the mink kids said. "And we want to play with her!"
"I know that," Penguin said. "But you still need to be gentle with Neo."
"Penguin is correct," Chopper said. "Her crystals might protect her baby, but an elemental's crystals are not indestructible. Damage can still happen. You want to protect her and her baby, don't you?"
"We sure do! We'll be gentle with her! We love her!" they said. "We will be careful! Princess, fly us, please?! We want to fly!"
"Sure thing!" Neo said. She summoned her wind crystals and lifted the minks into the air but made sure to keep them low enough so if her magic quit on her they could jump to the ground easily. She giggled as they flapped their arms like birds and giggled wildly.
"What's going on here?" Law asked.
"Law!" Neo smiled. She lowered the kids back down the ground before pushing herself off the ground and jumping into Law's arms. "I've missed you!"
"We weren't separated for that long," Law said, wrapping his arm around her.
"So where have you been?" Neo asked.
"Just wondering around a bit," Law said. "I've been helping with stuff here and there."
"Oh," Neo said. "Then what happened a little while ago? I could feel you having a little bit of fun with someone."
"Oh, that's what I was helping with," Law said. "Zoro just got lost. I went to look for him and warped him back to everyone else so he wouldn't get lost again."
"I see. And he wasn't ready for you to warp him," Neo said. "You can be such a sadist at times. I bet he cussed you out when he reappeared at his destination."
"He'll get over it." Law shrugged.
"Hey! I'm ready!" Luffy called out. They looked over to see the rubber man was carrying Pekoms on his back and the lion looked like he was knocked out.
"I wonder what happened to him," Neo said.
"Straw Hat happened that's what," Law said.
"Let's go! Everything's already to leave! Time to set sail!" Luffy cheered once he reached them. Some elementals, the pirates, and minks gathered together and headed for the gate where the Sunny had been left behind. The chatter from the group mixed together as they made their way to the gate. They all were discussing what they were going to while on their own journeys until they could regroup.
"I see," Neo said after Momonosuke informed her of his choice to stay in Zou during their walk. "So you've decided to stay on Zou and see if you can talk more with Zunisha?"
"That's correct. I want to see if I can learn anything from him about this ability of mine and those who had it in the past," Momonosuke said. He reached up and took Neo's hand. "I do wish I could go with you now that we have become friends. We really didn't get much time to get to know each other while we were traveling to Dressrosa. I feel a connection with you now."
"I feel one as well," Neo said. She curled her hand around his smaller one and smiled. "But this isn't the last time we're going to see each other."
"Indeed." Momonosuke nodded.
"Hey, Nina? Amara?" Neo looked at the two wind elementals following close behind her.
"Yes?" they asked.
"I'd like you all to keep a close eye on Momo," Neo said. "Be sure to keep him safe and help him in anyway possible."
"You got it, Princess," they said.
"Thank you," Neo said with a smile.
"That's very sweet of you, Lady Neo," Momonosuke said.
"I want to know that you'll be protected while we're separated," Neo said. "I know my people will take very good care of you and the minks."
"You're so sweet!" Momonosuke said. He tightened his hold on her hand and rubbed his cheek on it.
"There it is!" Luffy said.
Neo and Momonosuke looked up to see that they had finally reached the gate where they all had entered at different times. She stood at Law's side while everyone exchanged hugs and goodbyes. That's when Chopper ran up to her and leaped back into her arms. "Chopper!"
"I'm going to miss you!" Chopper said.
"I'm going to miss you too," Neo replied.
"We won't be gone long." Chopper pulled back and examined Neo's teary eyes. "I promise we'll come back as soon as we can."
"I know. Just be as careful as you can," Neo said. "This is an emperor you're all dealing with after all."
"We'll be fine," Chopper said before reluctantly pulling himself from Neo's arms.
"Luffy," Neo said.
"What's up?" Luffy asked.
"I know you can bring Sanji back. I know you're going to do that. And I'll try not to worry about you all, but, please, do bring him back soon and be careful," Neo said.
"You bet. I'll get Sanji and we'll come to Wano as soon as we can," Luffy said before he stepped closer to Neo. Placing his hands on his knees, he bent down to speak to the baby inside of her. "And you be a good baby. Be sure to let your mommy rest and don't stress her out too much. Your Uncle Luffy will be back as soon as possible with your Uncle Sanji."
"What?! You and Blackleg are not Neo's and our captain's baby's uncles!" Penguin, Shachi, and Bepo cried.
"Of course I am," Luffy said with a big smile.
"You are not!" the three Heart Pirates screamed. "We're the uncles here! Besides the baby's not old enough to hear you!"
"Of course the baby can hear me!" Luffy said.
"No! It! Can!" the Heart Pirates screamed.
"This is going to cause a lot of arguments, isn't it?" Neo asked Law.
"Probably." Law nodded.
"All right, Sir Luffy We'll be waiting for you in the land Of Wano!" Kin'emon said once the arguing was done and the groups were divided. Those going to save Sanji were standing together and facing the others.
"Be safe now! And, Nami, keep a close eye out for storms!" Neo said.
"I will, Neo!" Nami replied. "You can count on me!"
"Good luck, Luffy!" Momonosuke said, waving.
"Take care!" Bepo said.
"Let us know if something happens," Robin said.
"I'll make a weapon to destroy Kaido!" Franky said.
"I'll round up the samurai in the land of Wano," Zoro said.
"Now, I'll help you descend from the elephant," Kanjuro said holding his large paintbrush in his hands.
"That's okay, Kanjuro!" Luffy said before throwing his arms around his group of friends that was leaving with him. "Bye!" With his typical, carefree grin, and without warning, he jumped backwards off the elephant. "Yahoo! Leave Sanji in our hands!"
"What?!" everyone, but Neo, shouted.
"I knew he'd do something like that," Neo said with a giggle. "He's so carefree, the little goofball. We could have easily flown him down with our wind crystals."
"He knew that," Law said. "Like you said, he just didn't care."
"Well, I hope he at least lands on the ship and not the sea," Neo said. "Maybe I should follow them?"
"They'll be fine," Law said as he slipped his hand into hers.
"See you in the land of Wano!" Luffy called back up to them.
"Okay!" Zoro shouted back.
"Don't get caught by Big Mom!" Usopp added. "She's an emperor of the sea!"
"Yeah! See you!" Luffy said.
Neo curled her fingers around Law's hand. She looked up at him and smiled. "It's time, isn't it?"
"It is." Law nodded. "It's time to go home."
"Yeah!" Neo nodded back. Tears came to her eyes, but didn't fall as they all turned and headed back into the forest to get their ship.
"I bet you're extremely ready to be back in the sub," Bepo said.
"I sure am! And speaking of which, how did you all managed to climb Zunisha? And get the sub up here?" Neo asked but then thought better of it. "Oh second thought, never mind. I don't want to know how you all climbed up here I've been under too much stress. Having to listen to that will only stress me out more."
"Actually, we didn't climb it," Penguin said.
"You didn't?" Neo asked.
"When we got here I noticed some elementals flying around the elephant," Topaz said. "So I shot up a flare with my fire to show that we weren't going to hurt them. They came down to the sub to greet us. After a small discussion of what we were doing here, they lifted us up to the top. And we were there."
"That's so good," Neo said. "I was so worried about you all there for a second. We had issues of our own climbing the elephant's leg. It was stressful enough that I didn't have my magic to back us up. But how would you have gotten up here if it wasn't for the elementals?"
"The minks have a pulley system that they use to lower and raise their ships," Shachi replied. "It got damaged in the battle with Jack. Franky was fixing that stuff while you were helping caring for Zunisha."
"I see," Neo said. "How's the sub? Did it get damaged in the battle?"
"No," Penguin said. "The sub is in a shed east of the building we were staying in. We got lucky that they didn't touch it."
"I'm so glad," Neo said. She tightened her hand in Law's and leaned into his arm while she lifted up her medallion. "We're finally going home. I'll get to see my parents again and add my medallion to my Luminous corner. Oh, yeah. I also need to contact Godfather again. He'll want to know our answer and that I'm doing better now."
"Answer to what?" Penguin asked.
"He wants to know where we're traveling to from now on," Neo said.
"You're going to tell an emperor where we are?" Bepo asked.
"I know he's your godfather, but is that a good idea?" Shachi added.
"It'll be fine," Neo said, lowering her hand down to her stomach. "Godfather is just worried because of everything that's happened. And there's also the possibility that more elementals will want me to return to Luminous now that I'm pregnant. Hm… it still sounds a bit weird saying that."
"At least you're saying it now," Zoro said. "So that's something."
"And what's that suppose to mean?" Penguin asked. He turned around and shot a hidden glare at the swordsman.
"It means, it good that she snapped out of her little depression state," Zoro said. "She would have been a liability in the upcoming battle."
"You all are over protective of her, aren't you?" Usopp asked.
"It's a habit," Neo said. She released her medallion and took Penguin's hand. "Especially with Penguin here. Next to Law, he's the one who worries the most."
"I can't help it," Penguin said. "You're my little sister."
"Isn't he the one you kicked when you first woke up on the sub?" Usopp asked.
"Yeah, that's him." Neo giggled. "Who would have ever thought we would have become so close after that, huh?"
"It does sound a bit weird, but then you were very scared back then," Penguin said. "I'm just glad we are so close now."
"Me too!" Neo smiled. "And now I get to cook for you all again! I can even show you how Sanji taught me how to toss pizza crust and I can tell you everything about what happened on Punk Hazard and Dressrosa now that I'm feeling better!"
"I'm ready for your cooking again," Penguin said.
"I'm going to cook a big meal for you all once we get back," Neo said.
"I'm ready for you to lean on me again while I'm taking a nap," Bepo said.
"I am too," Neo said. "I really could have used you on Punk Hazard. Despite the fact that cold weather doesn't really bother me it was still insanely cold there. You would have loved it, Bepo."
"I'm sure I would have." Bepo smiled.
"I'm really interested in how you walked through Dressrosa all by yourself," Shachi said. "In all honesty, I never ever thought that you would do that, especially not in the middle of enemy territory."
"That was some crazy time," Neo said, recalling walking through the town. "I was stressed out, but I actually managed to do it. And I'm glad I know I can do that on my own if the situation calls for it, but like I said before, I'd rather have someone with me. I don't want to do it again if I don't have to. I like my security."
…
"So you're all done saying goodbye?" Topaz asked once everyone had gathered up at the sub.
"We have," Neo said as her eyes locked onto the most beautiful sight ever, the Polar Tang. Sitting there like her brothers said in all it bright yellow glory being spotlighted by the sun.
"I know you've only been here one day, but we're going to miss you," Nina said.
Forcing her eyes away from her home, Neo turned to see the large crowd of both elementals and minks that come to see them off. With a smile, she said, "And I'm going to miss you all as well. Thank you all so much for taking care of my family."
"It was our pleasure, Princess," Amara said. "I hope you can send pictures sometime of your baby. We'd love to see him or her."
"I might be able to manage that," Neo said.
"Time to go, love," Law said, walking back over to Neo from the sub.
"Yeah." Neo nodded. She looked over the rest of the crew that was still on the ground. "Is everyone ready?"
When they all nodded, she summoned her wind crystals and lifted them all onto the deck of the ship. She turned back around when Momonosuke called up to her. He said, "See you later, Lady Neo! Be careful!"
"We will, Momo!" Neo waved to him. "Take care of yourself! I can't wait to hear what you talk about with Zunisha! Bye!"
"There they go," Penguin said just as the wind elementals summoned their crystals and lifted them up off the ground. The majority of the crew stayed outside on the deck as the elementals lowered them back down to the sea. The warm air was soon filled with the salt from the sea the closer they got to the water. Soon the sub had finally nestled into the calm surface of the sea. The groups exchanged waves before finally heading off to their destinations. "It feels like it's been an eternity since we've sailed the seas."
"It sure does," Shachi said.
Neo's heart pounded with excitement as she walked through the door of their home. A happy squeal erupted from her lips before she bolted away from everyone to dash through all of the rooms like she had done once returning to this place after their stay on Luminous. Her bells slowly faded from them the farther she moved away.
"I don't suppose telling her to keep calm would do much good," Healer Zinnia said as she and several others watched Neo's childlike display before she disappeared from their sight.
"She's really happy to be home," Usopp noted. "I don't think I've ever been that excited before. Not even for the Merry."
"Neo's a lot different from the rest of us," Robin said. "She's more attached to materialistic things."
"Forgive her," Penguin said. "Once she's gone into every single room on the sub, she'll settle back down."
"Every single room?" Franky asked. "Literally?"
"Yes." Penguin nodded. "Normally she doesn't go into our own quarters unless we're inside of them. But she did this when we all returned to the sub after spending a few months on Luminous."
"While we're waiting for her majesty to calm down," Shachi said. "We'll show you where you'll all be bunking."
"That will be most appreciated," Kin'emon said.
"Yes, thank you," Kanjuro and Raizo said.
"You two will be bunk with me and Ikkaku," Topaz said, looking at Robin and Healer Zinnia. "If that's all right with you two. Healer Zinnia, if you prefer a room of your own we can make arrangements for-"
"A room of my own isn't necessary," Healer Zinnia said. "I don't mind at all sharing one with the girls. It would be a pleasure. Besides my personal belongs are already in there."
"I need to show the healer where she can set up a room for Neo's check ups and delivery," Law said.
"All right then." Topaz waved her hand towards the stairs that lead down to the crew quarters. "If you'll follow me, we'll get you settled in. You know, Robin, Neo will probably want to show you her library on her own. So if you don't mind, we'll avoid the rec. room for now."
"That will be just fine," Robin said as they descended down the stairs.
"What would you like to do?" Penguin asked Kailen.
"I think I'll just roam the sub for a while," Kailen said. "I'm still not sure of where everything is yet."
"Okay then," Penguin said before looking at extra company they had on their sub. "If you all will follow me, I'll show you to your quarters."
"Great," Usopp said. "I hope the beds are comfortable."
"This is going to be super," Franky said as he ran his eyes over every inch of the sub. The rest of the sub's new inhabitants followed after Penguin, taking in the sub as they went.
"This way," Law said, pointing to another set of stairs that lead them up to the infirmary.
"Aye Aye, Captain!" Healer Zinnia chirped.
Law gave her a disapproving frown before heading up the stairs. Quietly, he led the older woman down the hall that smelled like antiseptic. It made him feel nostalgic for this place. He didn't realize how much he had missed it himself until he got inside and started seeing and smelling all the familiarity of their home. And despite his calm outward appearance, he was just as happy to be back home as Neo was. Or he thought he was. He really couldn't distinguish his feelings from hers at the moment since she was so happy. He focused on her and found she was flying, literally, through the sub. If it was anything like the last time she did this, they would end up in their room at the same time again. And that was where he was heading as soon as he showed the healer the room she was going to use and after he got the pregnancy books from storage. Then, at some point, he was going to need to wrangle in Neo so he could preform an ultrasound.
"Well?" Healer Zinnia asked.
"What?" Law asked. He turned to look at the healer. He lifted an eyebrow when he found she looked slightly annoyed.
"You've been standing there for three minutes just staring into space," Healer Zinnia said.
Law looked down at himself. He found that he had indeed stopped walking at some point. He then pointed to a nearby door in the hall. "This one."
"Are we going in or just standing here some more?" Healer Zinnia asked.
Law growled and led the way in, ignoring the smile the healer wore as she followed him in.
"This should do nicely," Law said, flipping on the light. "This is one of the less used rooms. We can move anything out to make room for the stuff that you brought since I assume you're going to prefer using what you're familiar with."
"Indeed," Healer Zinnia said as she examined the room closely. Some equipment she was familiar with haven seen it on Shanks ship, but some she was not. "I prefer to use my own equipment since the princess is going to be high risk and it's for elementals."
"Well, this is your room. Make yourself as comfortable here as you like," Law said before heading back out the door. "The engineers can help remove whatever you want."
"It's much appreciated," Healer Zinnia said.
"Yeah." Law waved before turning the corner of the door. Working his way back down the stairs he went all the way to the storage rooms before heading to their room. Walking along, he quietly enjoyed the familiar sounds of the crew talking, the hums, and clicks of the sub as they got underway. So much time has passed since the last time he's heard all these familiar sounds. He couldn't help but noticed things were also different here. Or maybe it was just him that was different. After all it was his and Neo's lives that were directly going to change. They were the ones having a baby. Things were definitely going to be different now. It excited him. And it terrified him. Mostly it terrified him because this pregnancy was going to be dangerous for Neo. But it did help that the best healer on Luminous was here to help take care of Neo. He knew if anything bad happened to her or their baby, he wouldn't be able to handle it on his own. Not even if he was well informed of elemental pregnancies. There was a reason doctors typically didn't operate on their own family. Despite the fact he's operated on her before, he thought it was a really good rule to have around. He was going to have to thank the healer at some point for taking time away from the home she was so familiar with to come here and help with Neo.
Before he knew it, his feet had taken him all the way down to the storage rooms. He was staring blankly at the box he knew the books were in. Part of him didn't want to open that box, but he reached out his hand. Cheating, he silently created a Room and warped himself and the box to his and Neo's room. Immediately, he laid down his hat and sword and all but ripped open the box. He ignored all the dust he sent up onto the air with his sudden movements of opening the box before pulling out every single book and placed them on his desk before sitting down himself. Flipping the book open to the index pages, he scanned for information that related to Neo controlling him on the Sunny. And sure enough there it was on the page. He flipped back to the correct chapter and scanned his eyes over the words that confirmed his suspicions.
Pregnant elemental women can give off a pheromone that allows them to control their husband for a few moments. This only happens when the woman is in a deep sensual mood and wants to have sexual relations with her husband.
Law hummed in thought. He wasn't sure if he liked that or not. But he quickly brushed it aside. Neo always had the ability to control him. This was just a different way of her being able to do that. He flipped back to the front of the book and started carefully reading over every single word, slowly devouring them, and all the information he could possibly get out of the words staring back at him.
…
"Robin!" Neo called out when she found the black haired woman in her quarters with the other two female Heart Pirates on board.
"Hello, Neo," Robin greeted with a smile. She stood up from her bottom bunk and walk over to Neo. "Are you done exploring your home?"
"Just about," Neo said. "I was heading up to the rec. room and wanted to show you my books since I'm going there. If you weren't busy that is."
"I'm not busy at all," Robin said. She nodded back to the other two women in the room. "The ladies here were just telling me some stories of practical jokes you three have played on the guys."
"Yeah, those were fun," Neo said. "Maybe we can have some fun with them like that later?"
"Sounds like a lot of fun," Robin said with a smile.
"Oh, she's going to fit in great," Ikkaku said from her spot on her top bunk.
"I'll say. Robin's really good at sewing too," Topaz said. "You should have seen her sew the sheets together for Zunisha's wound. She used her devil fruit powers to get it done in just seconds. It would have taken me days to do that."
"It wasn't that big of a deal," Robin said. "I was a very independent child. I had to take care of myself and sewing was a good skill to have."
"I hear that," Topaz said. "I had to help take care of the younger kids when I lived in the orphanage back on Luminous. Learning how to sew was a blessing. And it's come in handy living as a pirate. You wouldn't believe how bad the majority of the crew is at sewing. The captain is one of the best due to his surgical skills, but the rest are pretty much helpless, especially Shachi."
"Hey!" Shachi protested as he stuck his head into the room. "I heard that!"
"You were suppose to," Topaz said. "I saw you walking by."
"Very funny," Shachi said before disappearing back down the hall.
"Let's go!" Neo then said. She linked her arm with Robin and pulled her towards the door.
"See you two later," Robin called back to her roommates before disappearing around the door.
"You're going to love the rec. room! I have wall to wall books in there!" Neo said as she pulled Robin long the halls of the sub. "I even have some down in storage and some in our room! Here we are!"
"Wow," Robin exclaimed when she saw the books lining up the walls. She walked over to one of the shelves and started looking over the books. "You do have an impressive amount of books."
"Most of them came from the castle on Luminous," Neo said. "But I have bought a few since then. If I could, I'd buy every single book ever printed. You're welcome to read whatever you wish."
"Thanks a lot, Neo," Robin said. She put the book she was holding back on the shelf and turned to Neo. "So what are you going to do now? Have you completely your examination of your home?"
"Not completely." Neo took her medallion in her hands. "I still haven't gone to our room yet. I always save that for last. I'm going to go there now. I have to see my parents, put my medallion in my Luminous corner, and I do still need to contact Godfather again. Will you be all right on your own?"
"Of course," Robin said. "I might even start reading."
"You're welcome to my books. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask," Neo said. She walked towards the door while keeping her eyes on Robin. "I'll be starting lunch in a couple hours, but if you want a snack feel free to help yourself in the galley. Basil is usually in there if you need help with anything. The crew stalked up on supplies before we left Zou."
"All right then." Robin waved to Neo.
Neo waved back to her older friend before disappearing from her sight. She rushed down the hall and down to their bedroom. Everything was pretty much a blur to her. It was the last time she did this. She didn't really see the world around her. But that was okay. She knew exactly where she was going and knew that the crew would stay out of her way. And with the new company they were keeping, she was sure they were making themselves scarce for now. When she finally reached their room, she found that the door was open a few inches. She knew that that mean Law was studying, but was also waiting for her. Pushing the door open, she stepped inside to find him hard at work at his desk. Like always, he looked up and smiled at her before dropping his eyes back down to his book. That's what he typically did when she entered their room and didn't need anything from him. So she turned and headed over to her Luminous corner. Her hand ran over her white bear's head while her eyes locked onto her parents' pictures. "Hello, Mother. Hello, Father. We're finally back home. You won't believe the adventure we've had. It's been really crazy. We're now in an alliance with the Straw Hats, minks, and some warriors from a land called Wano. We've took down a warlord in Dressrosa, Doflamingo, I've actually walked through a town all by myself, Law lost an arm but got it back thanks to some new friends of ours, and I had a strange transformation while in Dressrosa too. Our plans are to take down Kaido, the king of the beasts. It's kind of scary. Other pirate crews are also going after the emperors. Godfather has been targeted too. I'm trying not to worry, but I can't help it. We're also currently split up from our alliance. Sanji has been taken away. But I know Luffy will bring him back. There some other news that I think you'll be surprised to hear. Kailen and Healer Zinnia has decided to join us. However, the really surprising part is… I'm pregnant. Can you believe it? Law and I are actually going to have a baby. I'm completely terrified, but I know everything will work out just fine. I just have to give it a little more time before I'm completely accepting of being this way. And I've also got my birth medallion back. See?"
Neo help up her medallion to the pictures before taking it off her neck. She stared down at the silver object in her hand. Summoning a crystal, she opened up her shelf and formed a placeholder for her medallion. Placing it amongst the rest of her valuable things, she closed the shelf up. She stood there for several more minutes before finally walking over to Law. And like always, he scooted back from his desk to allow her to sit on his lap. She pressed her lips to his cheek before asking, "Find anything interesting, my love?"
"A lot," Law replied. "The way you controlled me on the Straw Hats' ship is perfectly normal. It's a pheromone release when you get strong desires for sex. So it'll most likely happen again at some point in time."
"Well, that's good to hear," Neo said, pressing her lips to his cheek again. "One less stressor to worry about. Anything else?"
"There's plenty for us to go over," Law replied. "We'll go over it later when I've read through these books."
"I know," Neo said, kissing him again. "I hope you don't spend all your time with those silly books. I want you to pay attention to me as well."
Law chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Neo pulled back from him and pouted.
"Don't pout like that, my love," Law said. He pecked her pouty lips a couple times, earning a smile from her. "I was just reading how you're going to want more affection from me now that you're pregnant."
"So?" Neo tilted her head. "Is that important or something?"
"Pregnant elementals can feel really vulnerable while pregnant, especially when their magic is in the state that you're currently in. They'll want to cuddle up more with their husband for comfort and assurance that everything going to be fine," Law said.
"I already do that," Neo said. "I actually did that even before we became a couple. I always seemed to want to cuddle with you."
"Yes, you did and still do," Law said. "But that's going to increase. I'm a bit surprised that it hasn't already. However, that could be because you were just stressed out over the shock of finding out you're pregnant. The book also says that you'll want more affection from other people you're closest too, but mostly me because I'm your husband. Still I'm going to have to inform the crew about this."
"Oh? What for?" Neo smirk. "You going to get jealous that I'm going to want to cuddle with them more than I do?"
"I might," Law said. He pecked her nose with his lips before kissing her lips again. "But they also need to be warned about your playful side that's going to erupt unannounced."
"Oh, do we have to tell them about that?" Neo asked. She snuggled into Law's chest, batting her eyelashes at him in a playful attempt to get what she wanted. "I want to see the looks on their faces when I attack them with those playful mood swings."
Law chuckled again. "No, love. You're not going to sneak attack them with your playful mood swings."
"Aw, you're no fun," Neo said.
"Don't worry, love. I know you'll end up doing it anyway," Law said. "Mood swings are called that for a reason. Sometimes they can't be predicted."
"I guess you're correct," Neo mumbled. "I can't even tell when they're going to happen. But I still want to play with them."
"You will," Law said.
"Goodie for me," Neo said before she started nibbling playfully on his ear.
"Love, I know you want to play right now, but I really need to study," Law said.
"Aw, Law," Neo said before licking the shell of his ear slowly. She smiled when she felt him shiver underneath her. She licked him again before taking his earlobe and earrings into her mouth, tasting both his skin and the metal of his earrings.
"Besides, don't you still have to have to contact Red Hair again?" Law asked.
"Oh, I forgot!" Neo pulled away from Law's ear. "Godfather will want to know that I'm more stable in my pregnancy!"
"Then you should go see him now," Law said. "You probably won't have much time to contact him when we reach Wano. And when you get back we need to go ahead and do your first ultrasound."
"All right. I'm staying on your lap though," Neo said.
"Of course you are," Law said.
"Good," Neo said before snuggling back into his chest. She closed her eyes and with a relaxing breath, she called out to her godfather. Luckily, she got an answer right back and slipped into their dream world.
…
"Godfather," Neo said when her eyes landed on the man. She ran over to him and wrapped her arms around his torso.
"You're in a good mood," Shanks said.
"I am." Neo looked up at him and smiled. "I should have come sooner, but we had a bit of excitement when we were on Zou."
"Oh? What happened? You're not hurt are you?" Shanks asked, running his eyes over her in search of wounds despite being in their dream world.
"No, we're all fine," Neo said. "Jack just attacked again. He tried to kill Zunisha, the elephant that Zou rides on. Zunisha got a fairly big injury from the attack. Luckily, we were able to take care of it just fine."
"I see," Shanks said. He put his arm around her shoulders and led her over to the tree.
"We're on our way to Wano right now," Neo said. She sat down with him and kept herself tucked into his side. "We're traveling with three others. They're warriors from Wano. Two of them are samurai and the third is a ninja."
"Are you okay traveling with them?" Shanks asked.
"I'm working on it," Neo said. "It'll be fine thought. I can handle this because I'm more stable in my pregnancy."
"Hm? You actually said it." Shanks smiled.
"Yeah." Neo nodded before hugging him again. "And you're partly to thank for that. I love you so much for sending the elementals to retrieve Kailen and Healer Zinnia."
"I'm glad you like my little gift," Shanks said.
"I really needed to see them, especially Kailen," Neo said. She pulled away from Shanks. She then summoned the gifts that Kailen and Healer Zinnia had brought. "They also brought these with them. In a way, it feels like our parents are here with me through these. Does that sound weird?"
"Not at all, Neo," Shanks said. "A lot of people find comfort in items that are connected to someone they love, even if they never knew them. I'm very glad that these things have helped you and you are more comfortable in being pregnant."
"I am." Neo nodded. She placed her hand on her stomach and cupped her flesh tenderly. "I still have a ways to go in accepting this, but I'm glad I'm stable now. Law's being so wonderful just like he always has been. I know it's going to be fine. I'm back with my family now."
"That's so good to hear," Shanks said. "We've all been very concerned about you. The crew will love hearing this news. They might even send some gifts for you, Trafalgar, and your baby when it gets closer to your due date."
"That's so sweet of them," Neo said. "It's not necessary though."
"They're going to do it anyway," Shanks said. "They've already asked some elementals to deliver the gifts when the time comes."
"Well, I guess it's a good thing that I'm going to tell you where we are," Neo said.
"Probably," Shanks said. "They want to see you again too."
"I'd like to see them, and you, as well. Maybe we can someday. But now I want to tell you something amazing that happened while we were in Dressrosa," Neo said before she spilled everything that happened up to the point of coming here and seeing him. "Wow. I've been talking for over an hour. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you for so long. You were probably busy with something."
"Not at all," Shanks said. "I'm glad to spend time with you."
"I have to go now. I already miss you," Neo said.
Shanks chuckled while he hugged her. "Call me anytime you need to see me."
"I will. Love you so much," Neo said.
"Love you too." Shanks pressed a kiss into Neo's hair before the two went to their separate ships.
…
"I take it you had a good visit?" Law asked when Neo shifted in his hold.
"We did," Neo said. "He's very relieved now that I'm doing better."
Law paused to study her and her heartbeat before saying, "Are you ready for your first ultrasound?"
Neo's heart skipped a beat. She fiddled nervously with Law's shirt.
"We don't have to do it right this minute if you're going to be too nervous," Law said.
"No, it's fine," Neo said. "I am nervous but this has to be done, correct?"
"It does." Law nodded. He laid down the book he was holding then placed his hand on her hip. Slowly, he ran his hand down her leg making her tense while placing feather kisses on ever inch of her face and neck he could reach. "But I do want you to change out of that dress. I've had enough of other men seeing how sexy you look in it."
Neo giggled, her bells filling the quiet room as she tilted her head to let him have better access to her neck. She hummed in pleasure when he sucked on her soft spot. "I love it when you get jealous. Mmmm… you want me to change yet you won't release me."
"I know," Law said with a sigh as he reluctantly released her. "Get dressed now."
"All right." Neo placed one more kiss on his lips before extracting herself from his lap. She rubbed her hand on Law's exposed chest before finally walking away from him. She then noticed the bag that held her baby toys and her mother's maternity clothes in it sitting beside the closet.
"Penguin brought those here while you were running around the sub," Law told her. "I thought you would want to put them away yourself."
"Thanks, Law," Neo said. She knelt down to the bag and opened it. Gently, as if the toys and shirts were made of breakable glass, she carefully removed them from the bag and placed the shirts inside of the closet. She then walked the toys over to their bed and placed them near the wall.
"Any specific reason you're putting them there?" Law asked.
"I just feel like having them close," Neo said. Climbing back off the bed, she turned to him. "You don't object to them, do you?"
"No," Law said. "Not if it will help you."
"You're such a wonderful husband," Neo cooed. She cupped his cheek as she passed by him to their closet. Opening up the double doors, she paused to think about what she felt like changing into. Feeling lightly chilled from removing herself from Law's warmth, she decided to put on her and Law's favorite hoodie with a pair of her flannel pajama bottoms. Reaching for the strings that held her new dress to her body, she untied it and let it slip off her frame and down to the floor before pulling on her chosen clothes. She turned to find Law was watching her intently with a smirk on his lips. She walked back over to him and sat down on his lap. "Well, I take it you enjoyed the show?"
"Very much," Law replied. "But I am glad you are out of that dress. And I don't ever want to see you in it again around other men."
Neo laughed, both knowing that wouldn't happen. She still wore her Amazon outfits occasionally around the sub. And she would find her way back to the dress someday just like she's worn her other girly clothes she managed to get on their journeys. "Sure thing, my love. Whatever you say."
"You better not be sassing me," Law said. He slipped his arms around her and lifted her up as he stood up from his chair.
"Me? Sass you? Never," Neo said.
"Sure you never sass me," Law said.
Neo cupped his cheek and kissed him before he warped them through their closed door. "You're such a lazy cheater."
"If I used my hand it would have taken attention away from you," Law mumbled against her lips. "And that wouldn't have been good."
"No, that wouldn't have been good at all," Neo said.
…
Author's Notes: Okay, this one ended up as a two parts. So we'll get one more chapter than I thought we would. I didn't want to rush through Neo's return home. Next one should be the last before going on semi-hiatus.
Apple Bloom: I'm ready to get back into them. I just have to read over my notes again to refresh my memory in what I was doing with them. A break will help with that.
