Exercises & Sea Lapins
Ikkaku scanned the binoculars over the moonlit horizon in search for anyone who might be using the night to sneak up on them. No ships appeared to be in sight. Lowering the binoculars she looked up at the moon. It was coming close to midnight. Conner would be there any minute to relieve her from watch duty. With a sigh she leaned against the railing. "Man, I still can't believe we're heading to Wano. I wonder what it's going to be like there. And I wonder how badly the Straw Hats are going to mess things up for us."
"According to the captain and Neo, probably a lot," Conner said stepping out of the door.
"You might be right." Ikkaku turned to her crewmate.
"So how are you doing with the Straw Hats?" Conner asked. "Has your opinion of them changed?"
"Nope," Ikkaku said. "I still think they're pointless to have with us. But I won't go against the captain's orders. At least they have some skills to contribute to this alliance. Though I'm still worried about how it's actually going to go."
"I know the feeling," Conner said. "Straw Hat might mess everything up like he did in Dressrosa and Punk Hazard."
"Well, Neo seems to be very fond of them and has made it very clear she trusts them, especially Straw Hat," Ikkaku said. "So we can trust them, too."
"Yeah, but Neo also favors Straw Hat because of his connection to Red Hair," Conner said.
"Despite my own worries, I'm sure everything will be fine," Ikkaku said.
"I hope you're-" Conner was cut off by something hitting the deck with a thud. They turned to the noise and caught a glimpse of something scrambling into the sub. The two pirates immediately heading to the sub to catch whatever had gotten passed them. "Where did it go?"
Ikkaku walked to the stairs heading down. She caught a glimpse of a blue blur before it disappeared down the hall. "There it goes!"
"Keep it down," Conner said as they scrambled down the stairs. "Neo's sleeping. The captain will be upset if we wake her up."
"I know, I know." Ikkaku rushed down the stairs. They turned the corner and saw their intruder standing in the middle of the hallway. The blue furred rabbit like creature bared its fangs and growled at the two pirates. "What is that thing?"
"I think it's a lapin," Conner said. "A sea lapin to be exact."
"Why would that thing come here?" Ikkaku asked.
"It must have gotten separated from its family," Conner said. "We should get it back outside. Its pack is probably close by looking for it."
Ikkaku nodded. The two moved closer to the sea lapin. "Come here, little guy. Time for you to go back home."
The sea lapin growled, swiping its claws at them, before it bolted away towards the storage rooms.
"After it!" Ikkaku said. Boots thumping against the floor they chased the creature down the hall and into an open storage room. Light washed over the room when she flipped the switch. The animal growled before jumping behind a crate. "Let's corner it."
"Maybe we should just get Neo," Conner said walking to his left. "We're only scaring the thing."
"Neo's sleeping," Ikkaku said. "We can handle this."
"Then lets get Kailen or Topaz," Conner said.
"That's not necessary." Ikkaku walked to her right. She spotted the sea lapin and stepped a few feet closer to it.
"I'm telling you this is stupid," Conner said. "They can get this thing out quicker than we can."
"Just grab it." Ikkaku lunged forward. Throwing out her hands she grabbed for the sea lapin. Just as her hands were about to touch it the sea lapin jumped. Kicking off her head, the sea lapin jumped over her. She fell to the floor with a loud thump.
The sea lapin hit the wall, knocking over some empty cans from a shelf. The cans clanked and scattered on the floor, tripping the creature up. Conner took advantage of the slip up and tired to grab the sea lapin. But it rebound far too quickly for him. Conner's foot landed on one of the cans. It rolled; he fell forward, smashing his face into the wall. "Can we please get one of the elementals now?"
"No!" Ikkaku dashed forward. The sea lapin leaped to its left, avoiding capture once more. Ikkaku spun on her heels and lunged. Her fingers clasped around the sea lapins body. "Got it!"
The sea lapin growled. Twisting in Ikkaku's hold it pounded its back paws onto her face then struck her with its claws. Iron filled the air.
"Ouch!" Ikkaku released the animal. "That hurt."
"Told you we should have left it alone," Conner said.
"Shut up!" Ikkaku jumped to her feet and started chasing the sea lapin around the room, knocking over several crates, cans, and boxes in the process.
"You're so stubborn." Conner watched his crewmate and the sea lapin run around the room, making a huge mess in the process. Suddenly, the sea lapin noticed the still open door and ran for it and back down the hall.
"Conner! You should have closed the door!" Ikkaku followed the sea lapin.
"Me?" Conner followed her out of the room. "You could have closed it as easily as I could!"
"Never mind! Let's just get that thing before it wakes everyone up!" Ikkaku said.
The sea lapin leaped up and started bouncing across the walls. It turned and charged right at them.
"What the heck?!" Conner asked while ducking the attack. "Did it plan that?"
"Don't be stupid," Ikkaku said. "It's only a baby."
"But a baby sea lapin." Conner jumped to his feet and started chasing it again. Their boots thundered on the floor, both forgetting about their sleeping co-captains.
…
Law sighed in annoyance when he heard two people running up and down the hall just outside of his and Neo's room. He waited a few more seconds, hoping they would stop doing whatever it is they were doing. But it didn't stop. Pushing up on his elbows he glanced at Neo, who was snuggling up against his side like always. The noise hadn't woken her yet. And it wasn't going to. Shifting off the bed he picked up his boxers from the floor, slipped them on, then slipped outside of their room. Blinking the bright lights of the hall away he watched his two subordinates run around the hall, chasing a baby sea lapin. Sighing he ran a hand through his messy hair. "Room. Shambles."
The three noisemakers appeared right in front of him.
The baby sea lapin looked around in confusion before bolting for the door behind him. It grabbed the handle, managing to push the door open, and disappeared inside.
Law watched it before turning back to his subordinates. "What's going on?"
"Sorry, Captain." Conner pointed at Ikkaku. "It's her fault."
"Hey!" Ikkaku protested.
"It is your fault," Conner said. "I said to wake one of the elementals. But nope. You wanted to chase that thing around all night."
"Well, it's cornered now," Ikkaku said. "We can grab it and throw it back into the sea."
"Leave it be for now," Law said.
"You sure, Captain?" Conner said.
"I'm sure. You know how animals are when they get around Neo," Law said. "She'll take care of it in the morning. For now go on about your duties." He looked at Ikkaku's face. "Get that cleaned immediately."
"Aye, Captain." Ikkaku headed for the stairs.
Conner nodded to the captain before following after her to get to his guard duties.
Law watched them go before stepping back into their room. Like he knew the baby sea lapin was on the bed, hiding behind Neo's back. It looked over her side, watching him cautiously. He walked over to the bed.
The creature growled at him.
Law glared. "Remember I'm the one who allowed you to come in here. Growl at me again and you'll wind up in pieces."
The sea lapin whimpered and ducked down behind Neo.
Satisfied with establishing his dominance, Law crawled back in bed.
Neo shifted closer to his warmth, sighing once he was close again.
Law smiled when her stomach brushed against his side. He kissed her hair before allowing himself to drift back to sleep.
…
Neo woke to an odd heat pressing against her back. Confused, she sat up and looked to find a blue furry bundle curled up beside her. The bundle of fur shifted, uncurling itself before stretching and yawning. A squeal erupted from her lips. "Ah, so cute! Where did you come from, little one?"
The sea lapin sat up before leaping into Neo's arms.
"Poor baby," Neo said. "You're nervous. What happened to you, little one?"
"It's probably because Ikkaku and Conner were chasing it around this level last night." Law exited the bathroom, fully dressed for the day. "Well, it was actually early this morning. You were too sleepy to hear them."
"I see. Well, don't worry, little one," Neo said. "You're safe here. No one will hurt you. Where did you come from? Oh, really?"
"What did it say?" Law leaned against the door frame, arms crossed.
"She said she got separated from her pack," Neo said. "A sea king attacked them."
"Then her pack should be close by," Law said.
Neo nodded. Feeling jealously settling into Law's chest she glanced up at him. "What's wrong?"
"Get dressed. I don't like that thing holding onto you like that even if it is an animal and a female," Law said.
Neo glanced down at naked self before looking back up at Law. "It's so cute when you're jealous. But I'm not moving until you give me my morning kiss."
Law pushed off the door frame. Leaning over the bed he pressed his lips to hers. "Last night wasn't enough, huh?"
"It'll never be enough," Neo said. "Besides, you've told me that once Cora is born we're not going to have this much time with each other."
"Maybe." Law stood up. "But we have plenty of babysitters when we want to have time alone."
Neo sighed. "Considering where we're heading I don't think that's going to be possible anyway."
Law nodded. The waiting to getting to Wano was starting to stress them both out, mostly because of the baby. He still hoped their child would come before they had to get in a fight with Kaido. According to the healer their baby would be coming early. But they still didn't know when. "Now get dressed before I warp that thing out of the sub and into the ocean."
"You're so mean." Neo tightened her arms around the sea lapin, but scooted to the edge of the bed. Standing up she headed for the closet, grabbed a set of clothes, and then headed for the bathroom to take care of her morning routine. She sat the sea lapin on the floor before sitting down on the toilet. The sea lapin tapped her leg. "What's wrong? Oh. You need to go too, huh? Okay. You can use the toilet next."
Standing back up, Neo help the sea lapin onto the toilet. The creature relieved herself before hopping off. After flushing Neo washed her hands then dressed and left the bathroom with the sea lapin following her. Slipping her hand into Law, the three left their bedroom and headed for the galley. As Law got himself a cup of tea, Neo stepped over to Basil and helped him finish breakfast.
"And how are you feeling this morning, Neo?" Basil asked.
"Great," Neo said. "Cora and I slept very well last night."
"Good to hear that." Basil looked at her stomach before going back to stirring his large pot of oatmeal.
"Oh, I see we're having pears and bananas for breakfast too." Neo picked up a banana, peeling back to reveal the fruit inside. She bit down on it and hummed. "So yummy."
The sea lapin whimpered and tugged on her shirt.
"I'm sorry. You're hungry too." Neo looked at her new friend then at Basil. "Do we have some fish still?"
"I believe there are a few left in the freezer." Basil looked down at their new guest. "Where did that thing come from?"
"It got in the sub last night while Ikkaku was on look out," Law said flipping through the morning newspaper.
Neo stepped over to the fridge. The cool air brushed over her skin when she opened the door. Looking around she found three fish stacked together. Pulling it out, she unwrapped it from the protective plastic before using her wind and fire crystals to float and cooked the fish. The sea lapin reached up, impatient for her coming breakfast. Giggling, Neo patted her head. "Take it easy, Aoi. Your breakfast needs to be at least thawed before you can eat it."
"Aoi?" Lowering his newspaper, Law cocked an eyebrow.
"Uh oh." Basil shook his head. "She's already named it."
"It is a she. And why wouldn't I name her?" Neo planted her hands on her hips, giving a pointed look to both Law and Basil. "I know I can't keep her. She's looking for her pack. I still think she needs a name while she's here. Do you two have any objections to that?"
"Nope." Basil turned back to his oatmeal.
"It's fine." Law looked back to his newspaper.
"That's what I thought." Neo nodded firmly. Her eyes turned to the door when someone chuckled.
"I just love how the princess has you tough pirates under her control," Healer Zinnia said.
"Good morning, Healer Zinnia," Neo said. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did." Healer Zinnia nodded. "At least until I sensed we had a new friend on board the sub early this morning. And I see I was right."
"This is Aoi," Neo said. "She got separated from her pack when a sea king attacked. I'm making her breakfast."
"I see." Healer Zinnia nodded. "Don't forget that we're starting your exercises today."
"I won't," Neo said. "I'll be ready when the time comes."
With another nod, Healer Zinnia made her way over to the coffee pot. Filling her cup she sat down at a table and waited for breakfast to be ready. One by one the crew started filing into the galley, filling it with typical morning chatter.
Neo finished cooking the fish and cooling them before giving to Aoi. The sea lapin sat on the floor, beside Neo's feet, and ate while the rest of the missing crew came in and sat down for breakfast.
"Hey, what happened to your face?" Usopp asked.
"Oh, nothing much," Ikkaku said, displeasure written all over her face. "I just met Neo's friend there up close and personal while on look out."
"I didn't even notice we had an extra guest today," Franky said. "She's super cute!"
Aoi crawled upon Neo's lap. Looking over the table, she hissed towards Ikkaku.
"Doesn't look like she likes you," Archer said.
"That's an understatement," Conner said. "Ikkaku was so determined to chase the critter around the sub. I told her we should have just woken up one of the elementals. But nope. She wouldn't listen. Had to be stubborn as always."
"Shut up!" Ikkaku snapped. "It's not like you left to get one of them!"
"I was following what you wanted." Conner smirked.
Ikkaku glowered.
"She's cute," Topaz said. "We're going to have to look for her pack today."
"We can do that after breakfast," Kailen said.
"We might have to take the sub underwater," Shachi said.
"No." Bepo pouted. "Not that. Anything but that."
"Don't worry, Bepo," Neo said. "I'll keep you cool with my crystals."
"Thank you, Neo." Bepo nodded.
"You're so spoiled," Penguin said.
"You all are spoiled," Usopp said.
"Usopp's right," Neo said. "And I love spoiling you all. Now eat up before your breakfast gets cold."
"Yes, ma'am," the crew said.
"Pathetic," Zoro mumbled around the food in his mouth.
"What was that?" Neo narrowed a glare at him.
"Nothing," Zoro said.
"That's what I thought." Neo picked up her fork and speared an orange slice as the crew chuckled. One by one the crew started finishing up their breakfast and left the galley. She looked down to the creature on her lap. "Did you get enough to eat? That's good. Just let us know if you get hungry again."
"If she's with us for long we'll need to get some more fish," Basil said.
"I don't think that'll be a problem," Shachi said. "We can do some fishing while we look for her pack. We should stock up on some anyway while we have the time."
"Okay," Neo said turning to Topaz and Kailen. "If you don't mind, I'd like you to help them look for Aoi's pack."
"Sure thing." Topaz nodded.
"I don't mind either," Kailen said.
"You Straw Hats and Wano warriors are welcome to join us," Penguin said. "We have plenty of fishing poles."
"Sounds find to me," Usopp said.
"I think I'll just nap on the deck," Zoro said.
"We must decline," Kin'emon said. "We are not much for fishing. Thank you for the offer."
"Robin?" Penguin looked to the archeologist.
"No, thank you," Robin said. "I'll be reading more on Luminous's history today."
"I should have known." Penguin smiled. "You really love those history books."
"Things seem pretty normal despite where we're heading," Neo said. "What about you, Law? What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to watch over your exercises," Law said.
"I should have known that," Neo said. "You're still learning about my pregnancy, too."
"That's right. So let's get to it." Law stood up.
"Basil, will you be find doing the dishes?" Neo asked.
"Of course I will." Basil nodded. "I'm use to this after all."
Neo nodded. With Aoi in her arms, she stood and followed Law and Healer Zinnia out of the room.
"You really shouldn't be carrying that thing around," Law said looking at Aoi.
"Why not?" Neo glanced up at him.
"It could put stress on your body," Law said.
"Really?" Neo's eyebrows rose.
"Don't listen to him, Princess," Healer Zinnia said. "He's just being over protective again. Carrying around a creature that small isn't going to hurt you one bit." She tossed Law a smirk. "Just consider it practice for carrying around your own child. Perhaps you should let Law carry her for a while."
Law frowned. "That creature isn't our child. And I will not be carrying it around."
"It is a she, Law." Neo frowned.
"Sorry," Law mumbled.
Healer Zinnia chuckled and faced forward again before descending down to the fourth floor. Stepped into the training room she flip on the light and asked, "Are you ready, Princess?"
"I am." Neo nodded. "So what exactly am I doing here again?"
"I'm going to show you some exercises that will benefit you while pregnant," Healer Zinnia said. "With these exercises you'll also be able to get back down to your normal size in no time at all."
"Sounds good." Shifting Aoi to her hip, Neo placed her hand on her stomach. "This won't hurt Cora at all, will it?"
"Of course not," Healer Zinnia said. "He'll be just fine."
"I'm sorry. I do trust you," Neo said. "I'm just…"
"No apologize is necessary, Princess." Healer Zinnia placed her hand on Neo's shoulder. "I understand that you're still a bit uneasy with your pregnancy. Feel free to ask any questions you feel you need to."
"Thank you." Neo smiled. "Let's get started then." She placed Aoi on the floor. "What do I do first?"
Healer Zinnia pulled over a chair.
"Where did that come from?" Neo asked.
"I asked Jean Bart to bring it here for me," Healer Zinnia said. "It's one part of your exercises. You'll stand parallel to the back of the chair with your closest hand resting on it. Like this." She demonstrated the exercise. "With your toes and knees turned out to forty five degrees, pull your belly button up and in. Bend your knees, lowering your torso as low as possible while keeping your back straight. Straighten your legs to return to starting position. This move is called a Plié."
"Looks easy enough," Neo said.
"Then you go through a couple repetitions." Healer Zinnia stepped aside. "Give it a try."
Neo stepped forward. Placing her hand on the chair she went through the instructions the healer gave her. She did a couple more before the healer moved things along.
"Next is the Side-Lying Inner and Outer Thigh." Healer Zinnia summoned two earth crystals. She created two soft mats and pillows from leaves and cotton. Aoi sniffed the leaves before scurrying away from them. The healer got down on the mat and demonstrated Neo's next exercise. "Lie on your right side, head supported by your forearm, right leg bent at a forty five degree angle and left leg straight, like this. Place your opposite arm on the floor for stability. Lift your left leg to about hip height and repeat for repetitions. After doing it on this side you'll roll over and do it on your other side."
Neo laid down on her own mat and followed Healer Zinnia. She lifted her leg up a couple of times.
Aoi then caught the movement and ran over. The next time Neo's leg went down she grabbed onto it.
Neo giggled and lifted Aoi into the air.
"This is suppose to be exercising time," Healer Zinnia said. "Not fun time."
"No one ever said it couldn't be both." Neo smiled. She glanced up at Law. "Right?"
Law huffed by didn't say anything.
"Very true, Princess." Healer Zinnia nodded. "Now we switch sides and do the same."
…
"This move is called plank." Healer Zinnia got up on her hands and knees. "Get down on your hands and knees, wrists directly under your shoulders. Lift your knees and straighten your legs behind you until your body forms a straight line. Don't arch your back or let your belly sag. Hold for one to two breaths, working up to five breaths."
…
"Next up is curl and lift," Healer Zinnia said. "Come sit on the edge of the chair for this one."
"How long should Neo work out each day?" Law asked.
"The max limit is typically forty five minutes a day," Healer Zinnia said. "But with the princess's unique situation I'd suggest she don't go over thirty minutes at a time." She looked at Neo. "I plan to always observe your exercises. So I'll be monitoring your stress level. These exercises are simple enough they shouldn't cause you any kind of stress. It'll also depend on how you're feeling. Since you've been sleeping a lot it might be best if you scatter out your exercises throughout the day doing only ten minutes at a time. It all depends on how you're feeling."
"I understand." Neo nodded.
"Then let's proceed." Healer Zinnia walked over to the weights and picked up two five pound ones then walked back over to Neo. "Sit on the edge of the chair with your back straight, feet on the floor, arms at your sides. Take these weights in each hand, palms facing your body. Bend your elbows so your arms form a ninety degree angle. Then, keeping your elbows bent, lift the weights to shoulder height. Lower your arms to your sides, then straighten to return to starting position."
…
"And finally, the one-arm row. Using the same chair, place your right knee on the seat, left foot on the floor. Bend forward, back parallel to the floor and place your right hand on the seat. Take the weight in your left hand, arm extended down and in line with your shoulder, palm facing in. Bend your left elbow up so that your arm forms a ninety degree angle. Hold, then return to starting position. You'll also be doing with this your right arm."
…
Neo exhaled, her body was body tired and rejuvenated from her workout. "Well, that was fun."
"How are you feeling?" Healer Zinnia asked.
"Pretty good," Neo said. "Thanks for showing me these exercises."
"My pleasure, Princess," Healer Zinnia said.
"If there's nothing else to do I'm going to take Aoi outside for a while," Neo said.
"It's fine with me." Healer Zinnia waved and headed out the door.
"What about you, Law?" Neo asked. "You coming outside with us or are you going to stick your nose back in those pregnancy books?"
Law chuckled. "I still can't get use to how sassy you can be now."
"Well, it is your fault." Neo smirked. "You did this to me with your sperm."
"Very funny." Law wrapped his arm around her, pulling her to his body.
"Can you blame me? It's fun blaming you for this." Neo slipped her hands over his shoulders.
"Get out of my sight before I have to punish you for being a bad girl," Law said.
"Maybe I'm trying to get you to punish me," Neo said.
"You're trying to annoy me." Law pecked her lips. "And it's working."
"Good." Neo kissed him back before picking up Aoi and heading for the door. "Don't get too distracted with those books now."
"I won't," Law said. "I'll be going over some strategies for Wano, too."
Neo halted in the doorway. Turning back to him she said, "With Luffy? You know that's not going to work. So why bother planning?"
"Straw Hat can't be reckless this time," Law said. "We're dealing with an emperor after all."
Neo hummed thoughtfully. "Still, I don't see Luffy following an actual plan. He hasn't since we've been with him."
An annoyed look appeared on Law's face.
Neo giggled. "Go ahead and plan anyway. I know you're right. We need to have a least a guide line in place so we're not running all over the place." She waved to him and left. "He can worry so much. But that's just how he is, especially when it comes to me."
Aoi looked up at her.
"Oh, sorry. You're right. We should get outside," Neo said. "Your pack could be close."
Stepping out on the deck her bare feet was met by the warm deck wood. She looked around to find those who wanted to fish were leaning against the railing, their lines in the water while Topaz and Kailen were scanning the ocean. She walked over to them. "How's it going out here?"
"No luck so far," Shachi said.
"Same with us," Kailen said. "Her pack must be farther away."
Neo gnawed on her lip then smiled. "Well, that's okay. We can play for a while with Aoi. I feel like going for a swim."
"Well, you're not going alone," Kailen said. "I'll be coming with you."
"As will I," Topaz said.
"Yeah!" Neo nodded. After everyone else declined her offer she turned to Zoro. The swordsman was asleep like he said he was going to be. Her head cocked to the side as mischievousness filled her body and a smile curled on her lips.
"Looks like someone's about to do something she shouldn't," Penguin said.
Neo giggled. Summoning some of her wind crystals she pulled Aoi, Topaz, and Kailen around her before trapping Zoro in her gale as well.
"What the heck?" Zoro woke up. His eyes landed on Neo's smile. "Neo! Don't you-" He was cut off with a splash as Neo pulled her small group into the water. He growled while small bubbles drifted up to the surface around them. "Neo! What the heck was that for?!"
"I don't know," Neo said through her laughing fit. "I had to do it! You were just sitting there like the perfect target. Maybe you shouldn't have been sleeping?"
Kailen and Topaz attempted to stop their own laughter but was unable to.
"Stop laughing! You're only encouraging her!" Zoro snapped at them. "Why didn't you stop her in the first place?!"
"Sorry, Zoro," Kailen said. "The panicked expression on your face was just too much."
"And there's the fact that you're not all that upset with her," Topaz said. "You really do love Neo."
"Just shut up!" Zoro grumbling. "I do not!"
"Oh, have some fun, Zozo," Neo said.
"Zozo?" Topaz and Kailen asked while exchanging looked before busting up into another fit of laughter.
Zoro crossed his arms, his cheeks bright pink.
Neo shifted over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind she pecked his cheek. "I really do like you. You're so much fun to be around."
"I can't wait for Luffy to get back," Zoro said. "You can play with him instead of me. Heck, I'd even take that stupid cook back. He'd do anything with you."
Neo sighed. "Please don't mention Sanji. I'm still very worried about him."
"That moron will be just fine," Zoro said. "Whatever he gotten himself in to he can get out. If not Luffy's there to drag him back to the Sunny."
"With Big Mom and her entire family?" Topaz said. "I don't think so. But Neo's right. We didn't come down here to talk about that."
"Fine. Do you three sense her pack or whatever?" Zoro asked.
"Not yet," Kailen said looking around their surroundings. The water was so clear they could see for several yards. All kinds of sea life was swimming by, some stopping to take notice of the group before gliding along. Seaweed swayed lazily below them. Small fish darted in and out of anemones while bigger fish swooped around to try and catch them for a meal.
"Hey! There's a cave over there!" Neo pointed to a rock formation twenty yards to their right. "Let's check it out!" With no objections, she moved their air bubble towards the cave. Aoi slipped out of the bubble and swan around them. They entered into the opening. Disappointment rushed over her. The cave only went three feet in and was completely bare. "Oh, bummer. Nothing's here."
"I think that's a good thing," Zoro said. "A sea king could have be inside."
"And that's a bad thing?" Neo looked at him. "And we would have sensed it."
"Never mind," Zoro said.
Neo took them back outside. She moved them around, looking at the sea life and flora as they searched out for Aoi's pack. Her eyes moved to Aoi when she started chasing a crab across the ocean floor. The sea lapin darted back up and into Neo's arms when the crab snapped it's claws at her. "It's okay, Aoi. You're bigger than the crab. There's a school of silver fish."
The group looked to the swarm of silver. The fish all moved as one, their silver scales shimmering from the light above them. Occasionally, one of the pirates would look back up to the surface to make sure the sub was still close by. When it drifted too far away from them, Neo moved them back towards it.
"I hate to bring this up, but what if we don't find Aoi's pack?" Zoro asked after half an hour in the water.
"I've been thinking about that, too," Neo said. "And while Law had forbid pets on the sub he won't object to keep Aoi until we can find her another pack that will take her in or until we find some elementals who will take care of her."
"I should have known," Zoro said. "You're not the type to leave an animal behind."
"Of course not." Neo's expression lightened. Her memories of the past came back but they didn't make her as sad as they use to. "I know how that feels and I could never force that on another creature or person." She shook her head when sadness tried to seep into her. "Well, enough of that. We're having fun right now."
"You call this fun?" Zoro asked. "We're not doing anything."
"Oh! Hush! Why must you be like that?" Neo pouted at him.
"Because I know it annoys you." Zoro smirked.
Neo puffed out her cheeks. "Just remember I'm the one with an emperor as a godfather."
"I'm not scared of him," Zoro said.
"You should be. You're no where near his strength yet." Neo smirked.
"I will be soon enough," Zoro said. "Remember we're going to take down Kaido."
"Godfather's stronger than Kaido," Neo said.
"You're only saying that because he's your godfather," Zoro said.
"I am not. I'm staying it because it's true," Neo said.
"All right you two." Kailen stepped in between them. "Enough fighting. We have company."
"Company?" Zoro and Neo asked as they looked out into the water. Several large sea lapins were swimming towards them.
"Is that Aoi's pack?" Neo asked.
"I think so," Topaz said.
Aoi swam out in front of their air bubble before swimming over to the sea lapins. Her mom wrapped her in a hug.
"Oh." Neo squealed, pressing her hands to her cheeks. "That's so cute! She found her pack!" Pulling a smaller air bubble around her face, she left the larger air bubble.
"Where's she going?" Zoro asked.
"Do you really have to ask that?" Topaz said.
Zoro huffed as Neo started playing with all the sea lapins, seemingly having forgotten they were still there. If it weren't for the air bubble still around them he would have thought she did. "If she keeps this up we're never going to get to Wano."
"Maybe," Kailen said. "But this is a good thing. She needs to have as much fun as she can. We'll get to Wano far too soon."
Topaz nodded. "That's what we did before the captain and Neo took off to Punk Hazard."
…
Neo took Aoi's paw when she extended it. The small creature made a couple growling and squawking noises to introduce Neo to her pack. "It's nice to meet you all as well. I'm glad you finally found her. We were worried about you. Is anyone hurt?"
A sea lapin moved towards her, holding out his injure arm. Blood had darkened his fur to a purple shade.
"Poor baby," Neo said summoning her solar crystal. The glow flowed over his arm, sealing the wound. "I can fix that right up. It doesn't look like it's infected at all. So that's good. There. How does that feel? I'm glad it's better. Try to avoid sea kings from now on. They are quite a bit bigger than you are. And stay away from ships. There are a lot of mean people who would want to capture you."
Aoi took Neo's hand.
"Of course we can spend a little more time together," Neo said. Closing her hand around Aoi's paw the two swam around with the older sea lapins. They paused as the adult sea lapins started swimming in synchronized patterns. As they swam Neo started to notice some of the patterns could be useful for escaping threats while others just appeared to be for fun or exercises. Either way she loved watching them swimming around. She joined them when Aoi pulled her towards the group. They swam up, looped around, and then swam downward until they almost got to the bottom of the ocean before darting back up. Sand swirled in the water as they shot up before drifting back down to the floor.
Before she knew it an entire hour passed by.
'Are you ever going to come back inside the sub?' Law called for her.
"Maybe. Maybe not," Neo said. She floated in the water as the sea lapins continued swimming around her. Their fur occasionally brushing across her skin like smooth velvet.
'I can tell you're getting cold. You should come back in. Basil is making you some hot tea.'
"Hot tea does sound good right now," Neo said finally feeling how cool her skin was. Looking at her hands she also found her fingers were now wrinkled.
"Neo, we need to get back to the sub now," Topaz called.
Neo turned back to her sister and brothers. Zoro had fallen asleep again. Smiling she flicked some cold seawater in his face.
Zoro coughed and sputtered before pulling out his swords. "What is it?! What's going on?!"
Neo laughed.
Zoro growled and put up his swords then wiped the water off with his hand. "Very mature of you."
"What?" Neo gave him an innocent look. "I'm pregnant. Immaturity is just part of it."
"Lousy excuse." Zoro crossed his arms.
"All right that's enough. It's time to go back," Topaz said. "I'm sure the captain has already contacted you."
"He might have," Neo said scratching her cheek.
"We better get going then," Kailen said.
"Right!" Neo saluted him before turning back to the sea lapins. "It was fun playing with you all. We have to go home now."
Aoi swam over.
Neo wrapped her arms around her little friend and hugged her. "I'm going to miss you. Be careful and not get separated from your pack again."
Aoi nodded then rejoined her pack.
Neo waved to them, watching them disappear into the distance before heading back up to the sub with her group. Landing on the deck, she dried herself off. Those fishing weren't on the deck anymore so they headed inside. "Oh, Basil should have some hot tea ready for us."
"Sounds good to me," Kailen said.
"No thanks," Zoro said. "I'm going to find some quiet place to get caught up on my nap since it was interrupted. Twice."
"What?" Neo blinked innocently when the swordsman glared at her. "You had fun."
"Did not." Zoro stomped down the stairs ahead of them.
"He loves me," Neo whispered. "He really does."
"Yeah. I can tell." Kailen smiled.
Neo linked her arm through his and Topaz, leading them to the galley. There they found their missing fishermen.
"Hey. We caught a lot of fish," Shachi said waving the blade of his knife over their catch.
Neo's eyes fell to the bloody fish lying on old newspapers over the counter. A couple had their bellies already split open and removed scales and blood had littered the newspapers. Her stomach spun at the revolting sight. She forced back a gag. "Great. Law will be happy to have fresh fish."
"You okay, Neo? You look a little green," Penguin said.
"Great. It's just the blood and fish," Neo said looking away from the mess. "I think I'll take my tea to the rec. room. Is Robin still there? I'll take her a cup, too."
"Sorry we're making you sick," Shachi said. "I guess we should have done this outside on the deck. And, yes, she's still there."
"We should have known you'd get sick from all this mess," Usopp said.
"Don't worry about it." Neo took the two mugs from Basil as he handed it over to her. The sweet smell of it filtered into her nose, removing most of the iron from the blood. "Thanks. I'll see you all later."
"Later, Neo," they said.
Neo nodded to them and headed to the rec. room. There she found Robin still sitting on the couch reading a book. She sat down beside her friend. "I brought you some tea. Basil just made some."
"Thank you, Neo." Robin took the mug from her and took a sip.
Neo pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and tucked it around herself.
"Feeling a bit cold?" Robin asked.
"Yeah." Neo nodded. "I swam longer than I thought I would. But the sea lapins were fun to play with."
"I take it you found Aoi's pack then," Robin said.
"We did." Neo nodded. "They're back together and happy again."
"That's good to hear." Robin smiled.
"Enjoying the book?" Neo asked.
"I am." Robin nodded. "I can't wait to see your home someday."
"I wish you could see it as well," Neo said. "You all will love it. I think you'll really like to see the wing crystal. It's very beautiful. I wish I could describe it to you. I don't think the books here do it justice."
"I'm sure we'll go there some day," Robin said. "Luffy will want to see where you came from after all."
Neo nodded. Staring into the dark liquid of her tea she smiled at the thought of having the Straw Hats on her home island. Luffy would absolutely love it. She was sure he would be pestering the elementals to use their crystals for him. She hoped they could be there at the same time.
Robin propped the book on her knees and continued reading.
Neo continued to drink her tea while taking occasional glances at the pages to see where Robin was. Several minutes passed before nature started to call for her. She stood up. "I'm going to take my mug back to the galley. Would you like some more tea? I can get you some before I head up to our room."
"That's all right." Robin closed the book, placed it on the couch, and then stood up. "I'm going to take a break. I'll take your mug back to the galley if you'd like."
"You sure?"
"I am." Robin nodded and took the mug from Neo's hand.
"All right. Thanks, Robin." The two left the room. Neo walked along with Robin before heading up the stairs. Stepping into their room she found Law busy working at his desk. He smiled at her before she went into the bathroom. Exiting she walked over to him. She sat down on his lap when he scooted back for her. She pecked his cheek. "Any good plans while I've been away?"
"A few that might work," Law said. "So how did it go with the sea lapins?"
"It was fine," Neo said. "They were grateful to have their little one back."
"I'm sure they were."
"I hope we never lose our baby like that." Neo cupped her stomach.
"I'm sure we won't. You'll keep a very close eye on him." Law smirked. "You, after all, are very protective of your family. You'll have your eyes on him every second of the day. Or you'll be sensing him out every second of the day."
"You're right." Neo smiled. "I will totally do that."
