New Lives

"Done." Neo placed the last of the plates back into the cabinet. She turned to find the crew was still in the galley. The room was rather quiet. It was a bit unsettling. Her crew was rarely quiet. But she knew the reason why they were. It was clear in their eyes and expressions as they watched her. "You don't have to worry about me. I've settled down. I can handle this now. It's going to be a lot better than being on Punk Hazard."

"Sorry to worry you." Archer grinned sheepishly.

"It's fine. I really am actually feeling a lot better about this today." Neo nodded. Her eyes ran over their kimonos. They looked so different now from what she was use to seeing. But Topaz did a great job in putting on their Jolly Roger. It reminded her she still had to get in her kimono. "Well, I better get my kimono on. You all should head back up to the castle."

Law followed her when Neo left the room. "You seem to be in a good mood this morning."

"I am actually." Neo slid her fingers between his. "Sleeping here last night then cooking for the crew this morning helped. I really am ready for this now. It's going to be fun. Well, at least until we actually have to fight Kaido. That's not going to be so much, but in a way it feels like we're playing a game. A dangerous one, but a game nonetheless."

"Right. I forgot that's how you got through being trapped on Luminous. I told you to turn it into a game."

"I think my subconscious remembered that," Neo said. "Since it worked then I know it'll work now. Speaking of Punk Hazard… I wonder how the kids are. Do you think Lin's back with her parents now?"

"It's hard to say." Law pushed open their bedroom door. Neo walked in. "They're going to have a hard rehabilitation."

"Yeah." Neo's perkiness faded.

"At the very least their parents have probably been informed about their kids," Law said. "If not they'll be notified soon. I'm sure the navy will have the parents shipped to the kids."

"I sure hope so." Neo smiled a bit. Her hand cupped her stomach. "I can't even begin to imagine what those parent had to go through. I know I worry about the crew but they're grown adults. They can handle almost any situation they can get into. Kids can't."

"Hopefully you'll never find out." Law kissed her hair. "Now get dressed."

"Right!" Neo stepped over to the bed. Sitting at the foot of it was her kimono. She stripped off her clothes then attempted to wrap the obi around her body while Law put on his own. A growl escaped her throat when he slipped his on with no trouble. "How do you know how to do this?"

Law shrugged. Stepping over to her he helped her get it on.

"Thanks." Neo held her arms up in front of her chest. The sleeves dangled to her thighs. "I feel like I'm going to drag the sleeves on the ground."

"You won't," Law said. "The sleeves may feel long but they're not long enough to touch the ground."

"So have you figured out a cover story for us?" Neo asked as they left their room.

"I spoke with Kin'emon about it. He says there's a small village in the south called Blue Village. It's next to one of the plantations," Law said. "We're going to be from there. We've chosen to move to Kuri in hopes of finding clearer air for when our baby arrives."

"I hope I can remember that." Neo repeated his words in her head as well as her Wano name. "Oh, so what's your Wano name?"
"Law."

"Come on. What did you decide on? Or did Kin'emon chose?" Neo poked him in the ribs.

"That is what I'm going to be called," Law said. "Or they can call me Doctor."

"You're no fun." Neo pouted at him.

Law smirked. "Well, I'm not here to socialize so it doesn't matter."

"I suppose so. Though you know there are going to be women who are going to try and flirt with you." Neo ran her eyes over his kimono again. "Dang it. Why do you have to look so sexy in anything and everything you wear?"

Law chuckled. "I guarantee I don't. You only think I do because you love me."

Neo hummed. "No. You really do look good in anything. Even better with nothing on." She forced herself not to unwrap his kimono and pull him back into their room.

"We'll build on that last statement later. And don't worry about the women. You know I only have eyes for you." Law squeezed her hand.

"I know. But I still don't like it when other women look at you." Grumbling, she added, "And some of those women you're going to have to look at naked."

Law pulled her to a stop. "I might be looking at them but I'll be thinking of you. Now, I know you're going to feel jealous and want to lash out, especially if you hit a mood swing. But I want you to promise me you won't attack them in any sort of way. We need to keep your crystals a secret for as long as possible."

Neo puffed out her cheeks. "I can't help it if it comes from a mood swing. And it's not my fault I'm possessive of you and crew at times."

"Neo," Law said in a warning tone.

"Okay. I promise I'll try not to lash out at the women who I know will flirt with you."

"That's my girl." Law kissed her forehead.

By the time they had reached the deck the rest of the crew was nowhere in sight. Her eyes fell upon the bridge that Kailen had made for those who couldn't fly. It was a good idea since the crew might need to get something from the sub or choose to sleep on the sub at some point. It also saved her from using her wind crystals. Any magic they could save would benefit them while living here. They strolled along the bridge then up the stairs. Unfortunately the fires had burned out so the crew had to carry lanterns up and down the stairs unless she or Topaz was with them.

"Lady Neo, Sir Law," Kin'emon said as they stepped into the storage room. He handed them a thin stack of papers. "These are for you."

"What is it?" Neo hummed as she looked at the paper Kin'emon gave her. It held the symbol she had seen when they had entered into the Whale Tree back on Zou. The symbol of Momonosuke's family. "Are you sure it's safe for us to carry these around?"

"Don't worry, Neo," Topaz said. "I fixed your kimonos with special pockets on the inside to hold them. As long as you keep them in that pocket they won't fall out."

Neo reached into her kimono. Her fingers slipped into the pocket, which had a button on the flap to close it. "Good thinking, Topaz. You're amazing."

"When you find our comrades hand one of these to them secretly. They will know what it means," Kin'emon said.

"I can't believe this is actually starting now," Shachi said. He stuffed the drawings into his pocket and turned to his captains. "Shall we stick close to you today?"

"Um." Neo looked at him. She took a quick inventory of her feelings. While she did want her family around her she knew they couldn't be with them every second. They had a job to do here. She would see them later. "You don't have to. I think all we're going to do is look around. Right, Law?"
Law nodded. "We need to find a place to set up a clinic."

"I suppose you're going to use the clinic to find comrades of the Wano warriors here?" Healer Zinnia said.

"Yes." Law looked at the healer. "And I already know you'll want to be close to Neo. So you'll be helping out at the clinic."

"Well, I'm so lucky you're allowing me to assist you." Healer Zinnia smirked. "Such an honor."

Law frowned.

"Okay, you two," Neo said. "Let's get along."

"Yes, Princess." The healer pushed up her glasses. "As long as you're careful around those who are sick I won't cause trouble with your love. I'm not exactly sure of women's positions here."

"We weren't sure of that either." Neo looked to Kin'emon. "Are there women doctors here?"

"Not that I am aware of," Kin'emon said.

Neo looked to Raizo and Kanjuro. Both shook their heads. She looked back to the healer. "Well, I guess you'll have to hold the position of a nurse. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Healer Zinnia said. "I don't mind at all. With how this country is a lot of people are going to need our help. Kailen and I can create medication for them."

"I can help, too," Neo said.

"I know you can. But I'd rather you save as much magic as you can with how the pollution affects us here," Healer Zinnia said. "It's safer for you and your baby. Besides, I'm sure you'd rather save your magic to feed your family."

"Yeah. You're right." Neo nodded. "I'll save my magic for my family."

"Are we ready to go out then?" Penguin asked.

"We are," Law said.

"Be careful, everyone," Neo said as her crew finally left the castle in small groups or individually.

Penguin lingered behind to kiss her cheek. "I'll catch up with you later."

Neo nodded. Taking a hold of Law's hand they left the castle with the other three elementals following them. Stepping outside they headed down a slope until they entered into some trees. Three minutes later they walked between a couple of houses then entered onto the main street. No one noticed them.

Neo looked around at the people. She recognized their malnutrition from her own time of being malnourished. Even kids looked underweight as they played with each other. She gritted her teeth. "These poor people. They look so weak and hungry. How can Kaido and Orochi do this to them? This is their territory. They should be taking care of these people."

"Not all the emperors are like Red Hair and Whitebeard," Law said.

"Nor are they you, Princess," Healer Zinnia said.

Law shot the woman a displeased look. "Watch it where you call her that."

"Oops." Healer Zinnia covered her lips with her hand. "I forgot."

"It's all right," Neo said. "Just remember to call me by my name. Well, my Wano name anyway. O-Neo."

"O-Neo." Healer Zinnia nodded. "That's going to take some getting use to."

"For me as well." Neo smiled. "O-Zinnia."

The group laughed.

"O-Topaz," Kailen said. "Sounds just as weird, too."

Topaz rolled her eyes. "Give me some time to think of a name for you." She hummed. "Let's see… Kailjuro? No, Kaijuro. Maybe Kainosuke? Kaisuseke?"

"Whatever my Wano names ends up being it's going to sound funny, too," Kailen said.

"What about Kai'emon?" Neo giggle. "Kaiguro? Kaizo? Kaisako? Kaisaki?"

"Now you're just being silly." Kailen patted Neo on the head.

"Maybe I am. Or maybe it's a playful mood swing. The world may never know." Neo slipped her arm around her brother's and pulled him closer to her side. Her attention was pulled from him when she caught movement from the corner of her eyes. Looking up she found a man, wearing a sword at his hip, staring at them. She gulped, wondering if he sensed their difference. He continued to stare at them for several seconds before walking off. Her eyes fell to his ankles. She was hoping to see a reversed crescent moon there but his ankle was bare. "Who do you think that was?"
"Most likely just a residence," Kailen said. "He didn't go for his weapon or tense."

"He was probably just checking us out since we're new here," Topaz said.

"I hope that's all it was." Neo watched the man disappear into the crowd.

"Oh, Neo," Topaz then said. "I wanted to show you the store where I got our kimonos."

"Really?" Neo glanced back over her shoulder. She noticed an odd sparkle in her sister's eyes.

Topaz nodded. She took the lead. "Come this way. You're going to love it."

The group followed her through the streets. A minute later they walked into a store. Several kimonos of different colors were place around the shelves and racks. Neo smiled. "They're so colorful!"

"Thank you."

Neo jumped at the unfamiliar voice of a woman.

The woman chuckled. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

Neo looked at the woman. The woman's black hair was pulled up on top of her head like most women she had seen so far. Her smiled and eyes were bright and friendly yet a little tired. She seemed no threat so Neo let her guard drop back down.

"Hello," she said. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon, O-Topaz."

"True. But I did say that I would bring my sister back here." Topaz gestured towards Neo with her hand.

"I see." She smiled while looking at Neo. "And she's just as pretty as you said." Her eyes fell upon Neo's stomach. "Oh, wonderful. You're having a sweet babe of your own. How far along are you, if I may ask?"

"Uh." Neo froze. She wasn't sure how to answer that considering her pregnancy lasted a shorter time than humans.

"She's due in a few months," Law said.

Neo gave him a grateful look.

"That's wonderful." She smiled. "Oh! By the way, my name is O-Mao."

"Uh, nice to meet you, O-Mao," Neo said. "I'm Neo. I mean, O-Neo. This is my husband Law. My brother Kailen. You've already met my sister. And this is my Aunt Zinnia."

"It is very nice to meet you all." Mao bowed to them. "O-Topaz told me you have recently moved to this area."

"We have." Law nodded. "Since our baby is soon to be born we were looking for a more suitable area to live in."

"I can understand that." Mao's eyes shimmered. "Unfortunately, I do not think there is such a place in Wano. Still, you are welcome here."

"Thank you," Neo said.

"You have some very beautiful kimonos here," Healer Zinnia said.

"Why, thank you, O-Zinnia. I have long had a love for designing. What you see before you are my own creations," Mao said.

"You made all of these?" Neo scanned her eyes over the kimonos again.

"Not all of them. My mother made a lot of them," Mao said. "These past few weeks my attention has been else where."

Just then small cries floated into the air.

Neo blinked. A shiver ran down her spine. She gulped. It was a baby. Her hands trembled as Mao rushed behind a counter.

'It's okay, Neo.'

'I… I know. It's just… I haven't been around little kids much since Punk Hazard. I mean other than the mink kids. But they're animals.' Neo tightened her hold on Law's hand.

'I know. And I'm sure Topaz did this on purpose.'

'What?' Neo looked up at Law then over at Topaz.

'I know you saw the sparkle in her eyes. I'm sure she brought you here so you could get some experience being around babies.'

'Oh. She's so sneaky. I can't believe I didn't pick up on that. She did bring us here. And I'm not much into clothes. I should have known.' Neo turned her eyes back to Mao.

Mao bend down and picked up her baby. "There, there. It's all right. I'm still here."

Neo took a half a step closer to Law when the new woman walked back over to them.

"This is Erika," Mao said showing them her baby. "She was born last month. It's she beautiful."

"She's so precious," Healer Zinnia said.

"She looks just like you," Kailen added.

Neo inspected the baby. She wasn't sure if her brother was right about that. Sure the baby had black hair like her mom, but she noticed a lot of people here had black hair. Upon a closer look she noticed the baby had chubby cheeks. Her eyes lifted back to Mao. The woman had chubby cheeks, too. She wasn't sure if Mao was always on the chunky side or if it had to do with her baby weight. The baby fussed. Neo's chest tightened with concern, of what she wasn't sure exactly. Probably just being around such a young baby. None of the babies back on Punk Hazard were newborns. Newborns are very fragile.

"Are you feeling all right, O-Neo?" Mao asked. "You look a bit pale."

"I'm… I'm okay." Neo's eyes dropped back down to the baby. "I'm not use to being around babies."

"I see. Well, there is nothing to fear about babies." Mao rocked her child when she fussed more. "If you'll excuse me. Erika is hungry."

"Of course. We'll get out of your way." Topaz nodded.

"Do come back any time." Mao smiled. "We'd love the company."

"You bet we will." Topaz waved to her new friend as they turned and headed back outside.

Neo exhaled. The warm air brushed over her skin. It was then she realized how cold her body had gotten from what just occurred. She rubbed her hands on her arms. "I don't think I'm ever going to get use to babies."

"You will," Healer Zinnia said.

"I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have ambushed you like that," Topaz said.

Neo shook her head. "No, it's fine. I have to get use to them." She placed her hand on her stomach. "Not like I have much choice."

"You'll do just fine," Kailen said. "I know you will."

"I hope so," Neo said. "Can we just walk around again?"

"Sure." Law pulled her down the street.

With each step Neo felt more of the coldness release from her body. Her mind now clearer she started looking around the town again, memorizing where everything was and getting use to the people there. For the most part it looked like any other island they had visited. But she knew better. The lack of good food and water were always present. As was the murky skies above.

They continued their walk. For almost two hours they looked around at the town. During that time the elementals got several curious looks from people. But no one stopped them to ask why they were different.

Neo's body grew tired. Her feet throbbed from all the walking they had been doing. "I'm tired. Can we go back to the ca-uh-home?"

"Sure. Can you walk there or do you want me to carry you?" Law asked.

"I think I can walk. I just want to get back and lay down for a while."

Law nodded.

"I think I want to walk around for a little while longer," Healer Zinnia said.

"I'll keep you company," Topaz said. "What about you, Kailen?"

"I'll go back with them." Kailen jerked his thumb at Neo and Law.

The group split up. Law, Neo, and Kailen headed back to the castle. Kailen broke off from them once they had entered. "I'll keep watch in case someone saw us."

Law nodded then walked Neo to their temporary room. "Do you need anything?"

"Just rest. Maybe an apple or two. No I want grapes. Grapes sound really good." Neo laid down with a sigh.

Law pulled off her shoes and set them aside.

Neo created her a batch of grapes. She popped one in her mouth. "I feel like talking to Godfather."

"You going to tell him what we're going?" Law laid down on his stomach.

"Yeah." Neo ate another grape. "I think he should know."

"All right."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'll stay here with you." Law pressed his cheek on his arms and watched her.

Neo fed him a couple grapes. As they ate she sent a message to her godfather. He replied when they were finishing up their second bundle of grapes. "He's finally replied."

"Don't take all day. I know you're tired from walking around," Law said.

"I wont." Neo smiled then closed her eyes. The castle room was replaced with her dream world. Like always her godfather was waiting for her. "Godfather."

"Everything all right, Neo?" Shanks asked. He sat down as she walked over to him.

"Yes, everything's fine." Neo sat down with him. "I just wanted you to know that we're in Wano now. We actually arrived yesterday. We're pretty much settled in now."

"I see." Shanks watched her face carefully.

"I'm fine, Godfather," Neo said. "Really. I'm still with my crew. Though I am worried about Luffy and the others who went after Sanji. But I know Luffy will bring Sanji and the others back. He promised after all."

"He will. Luffy's not the type to break a promise," Shanks said. "What else is concerning you?"

"The people of Wano." Neo sighed. "Kaido doesn't care about them. Neither does the man called Orochi. He's the current shogun of the place. They keep clean food and water from the people. It's horrible. The pollution from all the factories here is really polluting the air. Not only are the people suffering but so are the animals and the island itself."

"The island itself?! Who cares?! What are you doing there if its that bad?!" Shanks' eyes filled with worry. "You're pregnant, Neo! What is that idiot husband of yours thinking?!"

Neo smiled. "I'm sorry. I worried you. But I'm fine." She cupped her stomach. "We're fine. Both Law and Healer Zinnia are keeping a close eye on us. The pollution doesn't affect us that badly. We're only drained of our magic if we use it too much. And of course it feels like we're suffocating a bit, but it's okay. I promise."

Shanks sizzled before settling back down. "Fine. But if anything happens to you or my grandson I'm going to hold that idiot husband of your personally responsible."

"My solar crystal is helping us. I used it on Kailen and Healer Zinnia when we first arrived here," Neo said. "We hid the ship inside of the island. They had to form stairs for the crew to get up to the top."

"I see."

"As long as I use my solar crystal on us when we're feeling drained I'm sure we'll be fine," Neo said. "I just wish I could use it on the people, the animals, and the island. There's so much suffering." She gripped her fists. Winds picked up around them. Thunder rumbled overhead. "I can't stand how Kaido handles his islands and people."

"Whoa. Settle down now, Neo." Shanks placed his hand on her shoulder. "We don't need a dream storm here."

"Sorry." Neo grinned sheepishly. "I don't like it when someone treats their people like this."

"I know." Shanks nodded. "And I know you'll help them."

"I will?" Neo tilted her head.

"I know you well enough that you won't be able to look the other way. You're going to help them by giving them some fresh fruits and vegetables," Shanks said.

"I suppose I could," Neo said thoughtfully. "I wonder if Law would object to that."

"But you need to be careful," Shanks said. "You don't want to draw attention to yourselves."

Neo nodded. "I know, Godfather. Law had told me that many times over the years I've been with him and the crew. Oh! That reminds me! We're working on a theory that elementals might have helped humans move the poneglyphs around the world."

"Really?" Shanks eyebrows rose.

"Yeah!" Neo nodded. "Robin also thought of that. And it is possible. The poneglyphs are very heavy. The elementals would be the easiest way for humans to move them around."

"I never thought about it before, but you might be right. I assume you're going to search for the answer since the poneglyphs came from Wano," Shanks said.

"I want to." Neo nodded. "For now it's more of a wait and see kind of thing. I'm not even sure where to start with that. I'm sure my people wouldn't let their presence here be known by the world. Still, if they were here I wonder who they trusted enough to reveal their secret about being elementals."

"Well, there's a chance you'll meet someone here," Shanks said. "I'm sure plenty will noticed you're not human."

"We did get a lot of curious looks while we were walking around the town today."

"Just be careful. Once Kaido learns you're in Wano he won't stop until he finds you," Shanks said.

"I know. We'll be just fine. Well, as long as Luffy's not here. With how crazy he made things back on Punk Hazard and Dressrosa I'm wondering what he's going to do when he gets here."

Shanks laughed. "That's Luffy for you."

Neo laughed along with him. A couple hours past before she decided she should get back to the real world. "I hate to go but I really should."

"Of course." Shanks kissed her forehead. "Take care, my child."

"You too, Godfather," Neo said before they disappeared.

Neo opened her eyes to find Law watching her intently. "What?"

"Nothing. You know I love watching you." Law brushed his finger over her check.

"If I didn't know you loved me that would be very creepy." Neo smirked.

Law chuckled. "I assume you had a good visit with Red Hair?"

"Of course." Neo stretched out her body before rolling onto her side. "And I have come to a decision."

"Oh?" Law's eyebrow rose.

"I'm going to give the people in this town fresh fruits and vegetables," Neo said.

Law sighed. "Neo."

"You won't be able to talk me out of it. I'm doing it. They deserve it," Neo said. "I can't just turn a blind eye to them, Law. And I promise I won't over do it. I know I need to preserve my magic as much as I can. Kailen and Healer Zinnia can help me. And when we do find allies here we can make sure they are healthy enough to fight Kaido when the time comes. Law, you know we need to do this."

Neo swallowed. She could see Law's mind working all the possibilities of what might happen if she were to do this. He would scrutinize every scenario to make sure she would come out unharmed.

After several minutes of silence Law sighed. "Fine. You can do it but not until we've been here for a while. I don't want the connection of our arrive being connected to the fresh food."

"I understand." Excitement filled her. Now she felt like she was contributing to this mission. She yawned.

"Think you're comfortable here enough to sleep for a while?" Law asked.

"I think so." Neo nodded before snuggling into his chest. "As long as you're here with me."

"Of course I'll be here." Law rubbed her back. "I always will."

"Good." Neo drifted off to sleep to Law's scent and breathing. Next thing she knew she was waking up with a yawn. And Law was still there watching her. "Did you watch me the whole time?"

"No. I took about a thirty minute nap," Law said.

"Good. I know you're feeling tired as well because of my pregnancy," Neo said.

"I'll be fine. You're the one who needs to rest."

Neo scoffed. "Don't give me that. You have to rest as well."

Law chuckled.

"Hey! Captain!" Bepo yelled as her came running up to their room.

For a moment Neo that the bear was going to burst in on them since they didn't have an actual door. But he paused and asked if he could come in. "Come on in, Bepo."

"I'm glad I didn't interrupt anything private." Bepo brushed aside the leaves and stepped inside.

"What is it, Bepo?" Neo stared at him. He wore a hand weaved basket on his head. There was a thin horizontal slit cut in it for him to see out of it. His black eyes were barely visible to her in the low light of the castle. "And why are you wearing that, um, basket on your head?"

"It's better to keep my identity a secret." Bepo pulled the basket off his head. "I would cause too much suspicion being a mink. As far as I can tell there aren't any others here."

Neo nodded. "So what did you need?"

"I found the perfect spot for you to set up a clinic," Bepo said.

Neo and Law exchanged looks before getting off the bed. They followed the bear back into the town, Kailen joining them as they went. After descending the hill Bepo went left then brought them around to the front of a rundown building. Several boards had fallen off or were barely hanging on. The roof had several holes in it, which most likely meant there would be a lot of water damage to building.

"This place should be burnt to the ground," Kailen said.

"Kailen!" Neo scolded.

Kailen shrugged in response.

"I know it looks a bit rough out here, but there's lots of room inside." Bepo walked up the to the door.

Neo took in the size of the building. Bepo was right. The size of it suggested there would be plenty of rooms to use. A creak and a bang drew her attention. The door had fallen off from a slight touch of Bepo's paw. "Well? Are we going to check it out?"

Law nodded. They entered into the first room. An inch of dust covered every single flat surface. Small footprints from several critters were the only thing that disrupted the smooth surface of the dust. Mold and rotting wood also greeted their noses.

Taking a closer look at the room Neo thought it looked like a hotel lobby. To her right was a small staircase leading up to a second floor. A hallway was on her left. From what she could see there looked to be a door down the hall, probably a room of some sort. "Charming place."

"Looks like it might have been a small hotel at some point in time," Bepo said. "I was thinking that we might be able to house some allies here when we find them. You know, during times we need to relay information to them."

"Good idea, Bepo," Neo said as Law disappeared down the hallway. "With how much pollution is in this country being sick won't be hard to fake."

"It'll take some time to get this place in order, but it'll do just fine," Law said when he came back.

"What did you find back there?" Neo asked.

"A few rooms," Law said. "They'll work for exam rooms. Rooms upstairs will be best for those sick enough to have to stay here. I'm sure we can find a place for me to have an office. There'll be a door in there so you don't have to pass through the sick people."

Neo nodded.

"Good find, Bepo," Law said. "We can come and go easily from the castle. No one should see us coming."

"Aye, Captain!"

"We should get started on the repairs of this place," Neo said.

"Hey, what's going on?" Healer Zinnia asked as she and Topaz walked into the building.

"We saw you coming in here," Topaz said.

"Bepo found this place," Neo said. "We're going to turn it into a doctor's office."

"Not really up to medical standards of cleanliness." The healer ran her finger over a dusty window sill.

"That's while we're going to clean it." Law frowned.

"Of course." Healer Zinnia brushed her finger onto her kimono. "But you'll still need to be careful."

Law rolled his eyes.

"Should we gather up some of the crew?" Topaz jerked her thumb towards the door. "I just saw Shachi and Penguin down the street. I should be able to catch up with them."

"It'll be best," Law said. "We need to get this place running as quickly as possible."

"Right!" Topaz nodded before bolting for the door.

"Wait! I'll come with you! I can follow their scent if they've gotten too far already!" Bepo ran after her.

"Well, we're obviously going to need some cleaning supplies." Healer Zinnia crossed her arms in thought.

"We don't have any money yet," Neo said.

"I'm sure Mao could lend us some cleaning supplies." Healer Zinnia headed for the door. "I'll go ask her. Her shop's not that far from here."

"We can start by clearing out all these broken boards." Law reached for one of them.

Neo nodded before she started helping him get things more in order. A few minutes later Topaz and Bepo returned with Penguin and Shachi behind them. They started on cleaning with them. Not much could really be done until the healer returned with the few cleaning supplies that Mao lent to them. That coupled with what the earth elementals could make with their crystals the group started really cleaning the building.

Dust and dirt kicking up from all of their movements forced them to open all the windows that hadn't already fallen off due to not being used for years. It didn't do much good but at least they weren't breathing it all in. Neo swept the floors. Every few minutes someone came and asked her how she was doing. "I'm fine."

"Okay." Kailen nodded. "Just be sure to rest if you get tired."

"I know, Kailen," Neo said. "You don't have to worry. I took a nap before. And Law is watching me constantly." She glanced over at Law. A small blush crept over his cheeks before he turned to try and pretend he wasn't being a mother hen. She giggled. "Sometimes he worries too much."

"Can't blame him considering where we are." Kailen glanced out at the murky sky.

Neo rolled her eyes. She took her broom and whapped her brother on his backside.

"Hey!"

"Stop worrying. That's my job." Neo smirked. "Now get back to work. Princess's orders."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chuckling, Kailen bowed to her before getting back to work.

Slowly but surely over the next couple of days they worked on the building. Finally their hard work came together and the building had been repaired. It helped that some of their crew managed to get jobs around the town. They pulled their resources and managed to get everything they needed. Most of the thanks went to Jean Bart who managed to get a job as a carpenter near by. He managed to get a lot of their supplies at discounts; some through legal ways while others were through pirate ways.

Neo fretted over the pirate ways. She thought for sure Jean Bart's boss would discover what the man had done. But nothing happened. They were in the clear. She sighed and sat down on a chair in the new lobby. "Next time do not tell me you did that until long after it's been done and everyone's forgotten about it."

"Sorry," Jean Bart said. "But we managed to get everything ready. And I've even told my coworkers about this place. There are often a lot of injuries involved with carpentry. So you and the captain should get plenty of income."

"You're the best." Neo smiled before whacking him on the arm. "But, seriously, be careful from now on. I don't want anyone noticing you stole things."

"I promise I won't steal anymore." Jean Bart nodded.

"Good." Neo nodded.

"Knock, knock," Mao's voice came before she stepped into the room. They had left the door open so the building could air out from the painting they had done. "Well, this place looks nice."

"O-Mao," Neo said. Her eyes fell to the baby lying in a sling around her shoulders. She swallowed. "How are you today?"

"Just fine." Mao smiled and held up a small potted plant. "I brought a welcome gift. I know it's not much, but it's a nice little plant. And it helps heal cuts."

"Thank you, O-Mao," Neo said. The baby looked at her with sleepy eyes. "That's very nice of you."

"I'll take it. You're such a cute little girl, yes you are." Topaz took the plant from her friend. She cooed at the baby then disappeared down the hall.

"I'm glad this building is finally being used for some good," Mao said.

"What do you mean?" Neo asked lifting her eyes from the baby.

"Before this place use to be use as a hotel of sorts," Mao said. "Many men and women came here to do ungodly things."

"Oh," Neo drawled. She didn't want to imagine what Mao really meant but she was sure the woman was suggesting something of a sexual nature.

"You know, my husband will be returning soon," Mao said. "I would really like to introduce you to him someday."

"That would be nice," Neo said despite not really carrying one way or another if she met the man. She really just wanted to know if he had the tattoo they were looking for. Both she and Topaz had wanted to ask Mao about it, but knew it would have brought suspicious if he didn't have the tattoo. "You have said a lot of nice things about him. I can't wait to meet him."

"He is a wonderful man." Mao's eyes lit up with light and love for the man.

Jean Bart cleared his throat and stood up. "Well, I should get back to work. It was nice seeing you again, O-Mao."

"You as well." Mao bowed her head to him.

"I'll see you later, Neo," Jean Bart said before heading out the door.

"Take care," Neo called after him.

"He is such a big man," Mao said. "A good strong one, too."

Neo nodded. "Helps in his work as a carpenter."

"I noticed." Mao nodded. "As did many other women here."

Possessiveness tightened in Neo's chest. She had noticed many women stopping to watch her men work on the building. Some had even attempted flirting, which Shachi and Penguin loved while Bepo hated it. Neo, hating it too, did her best to ignore it. When she felt an overwhelming desire to lash out at the women she forced herself to go inside the building to Law's to be office. She stayed there until the feeling passed and she could handle the women again.

"Well, I can't stay long," Mao said. "I only wished to drop off the gift and give you all well wishes. Erika will want to eat soon. She's been sleeping a lot today."

"Thank you, O-Mao," Neo said. "I'll be sure to pass your well wishes along to Law."

Mao nodded then left.

Neo sighed in relief that the baby was gone.

"You know I'm taking you over there again." Topaz walked back into the room.

"I figured," Neo said. "Despite my concerns that still remain I know being around a baby will help me better prepare for our own." She gave her sister a pointed look. "But don't you dare make me hold that baby. Or any baby besides our own for that matter."

"I wont." Topaz sat down beside her. "I promise."

"So is there anything else that needs to be done?" Neo looked around. "We have the walls and ceiling fixed. Cots have been put in the rooms as well as a nightstand. Law has plenty of his doctor items needed. Of course he can leave them behind once our plans really start moving if it comes to that. But is there anything else?"

"I think we have it covered, Neo," Topaz said. "If we missed anything we can get it later."

Neo nodded in acceptance.

The elementals and Law gathered with them. Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi had left a few hours ago to continue with their part of the plan. It made Neo miss them but she knew they would return to the castle when the sun went down.

"Are we heading back now?" Neo asked.

"Might as well," Law said. "I'm sure we'll have a few days with little to no patients to worry about. We should enjoy this down time while we can."

Neo stood up. Law slipped his arm around her shoulders. They stepped outside then turned to look at the building. It looked completely different now than it had from before. If she hadn't seen it before she would hardly believe how worn down it was. And despite this place only being temporary she felt a bit of pride in what they had accomplished here. She drew in a breath. "So it's finally done."

Law nodded. "We're ready to start."

"I'm ready for it. Well, more or less." Neo looked around. Most people had gone home for the day but a few were still mingling around the streets. Crickets were starting to sing as the sun lowered on the horizon. "I am curious to know if those women who were drooling over my boys will come back for another look."

Chuckling, Law pulled her away from the building.

"Hey! I have a right to worry! Not only because you all belong to me, but also because this is a business!" Neo protested.

"Sure, little sister," Kailen said. "That's why you're concerned. Because those women will disrupt business."

Heat rose on Neo's cheeks. "Keep it up and you won't be allowed to have dinner."

"I can make my own," Kailen said. "Besides you're too nice to do that."

Neo stuck her tongue out at him. The group laughed as they made their way up to the castle. By the time they got there a few of their crewmates had already returned for the day. It made her feel better to have them around. Gathering with Basil in the kitchen they started making dinner for their crew.