Fresh Food & Friends
Neo hummed as she watched the people sitting around the waiting room. They had been barely open a week and a lot of people had been coming in. Mostly the people were sick from drinking the polluted water but other people were also coming with other issues.
Every time she looked at their bodies she would cringe at how skinny they all were, especially the children. It took all of her might not to summon all of her earth crystals and fill their arms full of food. Her eyes drifted to a woman and her child.
"Mommy, I'm hungry," the girl said.
"I know." The mother patted the child's head. "We'll get something to eat soon."
We'll give them food later, Neo told herself. Just wait a little longer. She forced her eyes off the pair when the door opened. A man walked in, his hand wrapped in a bloody cloth. Today was just as busy as the other days. "There are so many people here today."
"Yeah." Topaz nodded while checking in another client. "Thank you. Please have a seat. The doctor will see you as soon as he can."
"Thank you." The man nodded then took the only seat left open.
"It's a good thing Healer Zinnia and Kailen are healers," Neo said in a low tone. "If Law had to handle everyone on his own we'd never get back home. I hope they don't over work themselves."
"They'll be fine," Topaz said.
"Pardon me," a woman said.
The two elementals looked up. Standing in front of them was a beautiful black haired woman. Topaz smiled. "How can I help you?"
"I believe my finger is infected." The woman showed her index finger.
Neo cringed at the obvious signs of the infection. The woman's finger was swollen to twice its normal size. It was red and puffy with puss. She looked away before she gagged. Her stomach spun, threatening to release her breakfast.
"That doesn't look good at all," Topaz said.
"It hurts a lot. I think I got a splinter or something in my finger," she said. "It won't come out."
Topaz grabbed her pen. "Your name?"
"Kana," the woman said.
"Thank you. Please have a-" Topaz looked out at all the full seats. "Sorry. We're a bit busy today."
"That's all right." Kana walked away and stood by the wall.
"She's gone now," Topaz said.
"I'm so ready to go back to normal," Neo said. "My pregnancy has magnified the yuckiness of gross things."
"You know you don't have to be here," Topaz said.
"I know," Neo said. "But it's not like I have anything else to do. Everyone's just so busy with their jobs. Besides, I want to work here as much as I can. It helps a bit to keep me distracted from worrying."
"You could go check on the Straw Hats," Topaz said.
"You know Law doesn't want me to go out on my own." Neo looked to the hall with all the exam rooms. She could feel Law inside of one. He moved around the room then stepped out into the hall. Apparently he was done with that client. And just as she knew the client walked out.
"Why don't you take this one?" Topaz held up the list of people waiting to get in to see one of their doctors.
Neo smiled. She looked at the list and called out the man's name. The old man stood up with stiff moves and followed her down the hall to the empty exam room. "Here you go, sir. The doctor will be in as soon as he can."
"That will be fine," the old man said. His smile created more wrinkles on his face. "I feel a lot better already seen such a fine young woman. Tis a shame you are married and expecting a child. I would have loved to invited you to dinner."
Neo smiled. "That's so sweet. But I'm sure you have plenty of women who would love to spent time with you. You are very handsome, sir."
"Indeed. Many fine women do live around here." The man wiggled his thick eyebrows. "I am quite the fetching man to them. And I use to be a fine samurai back in the day. If I were younger I would show that Kaido and Orochi a thing or two." The old man swung his walking cane like a sword. His spine crackled, causing him to pause in pain. "But, of course, I am no longer able to do such feats."
"I have no doubts that you were a fine samurai. If you will excuse me." Neo nodded then left the room and closed the door behind her.
"You're not supposed to be flirting with anyone but me." Law smirked at her.
Neo scoffed. "I was not flirting. I was just being nice." Sighing she looked back at the door. "He kind of reminds me of Ortiz. That tiredness in his eyes…"
"Yeah." Law rubbed her back. "He was here the other day. All this pollution is really wearing on his health."
"I so hope we take Kaido and Orochi down." Neo glared out into nothing. "I would love to take Wano under our control. I would station some of my people here to help them get better. They would never have to go through this again."
"Not a bad idea," Law said. Neo looked up at him. "But we can only do that if we take them down."
"I know, I know." Neo nodded. "So how are your patients today?"
"They're fine," law said. "Though if we get a lot of sick people you're leaving the clinic."
"I know. We've gone over this plenty of times," Neo said. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're so cute when you worry. Why don't you close early and let's go home for some time alone?"
"That is a very tempting suggestion." Law squeezed her hips. "But I can't. We need as much income as we can get."
Neo sighed. "I know but this is so boring here."
"You'll get over it." Law kissed her forehead. "You can always go for a walk."
"So I can go for a walk by myself?" Neo smiled at him.
"Neo," Law warned.
"What if I just go to Mao's shop?" Neo asked. "That would be fine, right? She's not far off. And I can always call you if I need you."
Law sighed.
Neo watched and felt his mind stirring as he went over the possible threats of doing that.
"I know you want your independence but I'm not comfortable with you walking around on your own in this pollution this close to your due date," Law said. "If you really wanted to go you need to take someone with you. I'm actually surprised you would suggest going by yourself. I thought you were still uncomfortable being around her kid."
"I am. But it's still an option. It's always busy here. Can Topaz really afford to stop working in the lobby just to baby sit me?" Neo chewed her lip in thought. "Maybe we shouldn't have had all the crew go out into this country."
"Penguin will come back if you want him to. They all will," Law said.
"I know. I'll be fine. I'm not going anywhere anyway," Neo said. "At least not right now. Though if I get bored enough I might."
"Just don't go far. And don't go without someone with you."
"Such a worried and protective husband." Neo smiled while poking him in the ribs. "I still love it. And don't worry. I won't."
"I should get back to work."
Neo nodded.
Law leaned down and kissed her before disappearing into one of the exam rooms.
With a sigh Neo made her way back to the lobby. Sitting down she watched as their clients went back to the exam rooms one by one and left one by one. A few hours later the majority of their clients had gone from the clinic and it was Kana's turn to see a doctor. Neo lead her back to an exam room. "The doctor will be here soon."
"I'm here." Law walked in.
"Wow." Kana smiled. Her eyes roamed all over Law. "I did not know doctors were as good looking as you. Honestly, I thought I was going to see an old man today."
Neo glared at her. "He's married. To me."
"Uh huh." Kana continued to eye Law. She waved her hand at Neo. "You may leave now, nurse."
"I'm not a nurse." Neo rolled her eyes. "Figures. I knew this would happen."
"And remember your promise," Law said.
"I remember," Neo said. "I'm not going to attack her. She's just annoying."
"Doctor," Kana purred. "My finger is really sore. Could you please take a look at it?"
Neo bristled. "I think I'll stay for this one."
Law chuckled. "Suit yourself."
Neo followed Law over to the exam table. Crossing her arms she waited and watched.
"Let's see your finger," Law said.
"Here you go." Kana batted her eyelashes. "Please be careful. It really hurts. My tender body is very sensitive to pain."
Neo rolled her eyes again.
Law didn't reply. He took Kana's hand and examined her finger.
Neo watched Kana closely. The woman's eyes remained locked onto Law. It was as if the rest of the world disappeared.
"You have such nice hands," Kana said. "I bet you're very skilled with them. And in many, many ways."
Neo forced back a groan at the lust filling Kana's eyes and the tone of her voice. Then a smirk pulled over her lips. This woman could flirt all she wanted. Law would never fall for such obvious flirting attempts. He would never love anyone else like he loved her. She tried to exhale her jealousy out of her body. But it wouldn't budge. Her pregnancy decided she was going to be jealous of this woman no matter what. 'Why do my hormones have to be so out of whack? I know she'll never take you away from me.'
'Sorry, love. Just a little bit longer and you'll be back to normal.' Law stepped away from Kana.
Neo vaguely watched him gather his supplies to take care of Kana's finger. If only he could use his devil fruit powers. He could fix it so quickly. But nope. That wasn't an option at this point. When he stepped back over to the woman Neo looked away. She knew what was coming next. Plenty of the times the crew needed to have something drained. And each time it grossed her out.
"Ouch! That hurt!" Kana whined.
Neo bit her lip in a desperate attempt not to laugh. She knew Law had hurt the woman on purpose in an attempt to dissuade her advances. Though it was a fifty/fifty chance for it to work. They had come across both types of women in the past. Some would walk away when Law made it clear he was taken while a few would continue their advances. "So, Kana, what happened to your finger?"
Kana looked at Neo as if seeing her for the first time. She looked back at Law as if he was the one who asked the question and said, "Oh, of course, Doctor. I was doing some cleaning. A splinter caught in my delicate skin. I thought I had gotten the intruder out, but apparently I was wrong."
'Intruder? Is she for really?' Neo dropped her arms to her sides. 'I can't believe I was jealous of her.'
'Not the brightest out there.'
'No. But I get the feeling this won't be the last we see of her.'
'Going to get jealous again if she does come back?'
'No. She's not worth it. Well, I guess I should say I won't if my hormones allow it.'
'That's my girl.'
"I'm going to go back out front." Neo headed for the door.
"Just let me know if you leave," Law said.
"I will." Neo closed the door. Stepping back into the lobby she found it wasn't as full as before.
"How did it go?" Topaz asked when Neo sat down.
"Typical flirt," Neo said. "I'm sure we'll be seeing Kana again really soon."
Topaz hummed.
A few more hours passed. Fewer people were coming in since it was getting closer to closing time.
Body stiff from sitting around for so long, Neo stretched out. "I think I need to go for a walk. I'm feeling rather stiff."
"You want to go over to Mao's?" Topaz asked.
"I suppose we could," Neo said. "You feel like going with me?"
"Of course. Let me just set out the bell." Topaz ducked under the desk and grabbed the bell. She placed it in front of them along with a sign that said: Ring for Assistance.
'Law, Topaz and I are going for a walk.'
'All right. I'll catch up with you later. Be careful out there.'
'We will.'
"You ready?" Topaz asked.
Neo nodded. They stood up and left the building. She was about to breath in some fresh air but stopped herself when she remembered there was none here. "I'm already so sick of all this pollution."
"Yeah." Topaz stretched out her body. "This tiredness is going to get annoying."
"Need my solar crystal?" Neo asked.
"Maybe later tonight. I am feeling rather sluggish but it can wait." Topaz tucked her hands into her kimono sleeves.
"It has been four days since I last use it." Neo looked up to the sky. She brought her eyes down just in time to see a scraggly man dash around the corner and come running right towards them. Three other men followed him with angry shouts. "I wonder what that's about."
"Probably another thief." Topaz guided Neo to the side of a building so they didn't get ran over by the man. They watched as the four men disappeared around another corner. The crowds murmured as they went back to their business.
"Do you think they'll kill him?" Neo asked.
"Who knows?" The women started walking again. Two blocks down they came to Mao's shop and entered it. "Mao?"
"Hey, you two." Mao smiled at them. "I am so glad you have come by today. Boredom has plagued me so badly."
"Not been a busy day, huh?" Topaz looked around the store. Only one other person was inside.
"Slow as molasses on a cold day," Mao said. "How has your day been going?"
"Rather busy." Topaz walked around the check out counter and sat down with her friend. She tickled Erika's cheek, earning a giggle from the baby. "Hello, cutie."
Neo swallowed. She remained standing.
"Tis it all right for you to be away from work?" Mao's eyes widened.
"It's fine." Topaz smiled. "It started to slow down. We got a bit bored of working. And Neo felt like going for a walk."
"Ah, yes." Mao nodded. "I walked plenty when pregnant. I just could not sit still a lot of the time. I worried my husband so much."
"Will he be home soon?" Topaz asked.
"Tomorrow." Mao nodded. "I do hope you all stop by. I want to introduce you all to him."
"Well, we'll have to see how busy the clinic is," Topaz said.
"Of course. Perhaps it might be better for us to stop by instead," Mao said. "O-Neo, would you like to sit?"
"Uh, no." Neo shook her head. "Not right now. Thank you. I'll just walk around the shop for a few minutes."
"Very well then." Mao smiled.
Neo stepped away from the women as they started speaking again.
"Would it be all right if I held Erika?" Topaz asked.
"Of course. Feel free to," Mao said.
"Come here you." Topaz picked up the baby. Erika fussed.
Neo fiddled with her fingers. Despite walking around the shop her eyes drifted back to the baby when she fussed. She paused and watched Topaz.
"There, there." Topaz rocked the baby in her arms.
Almost immediately Erika settled down. She glanced up at Topaz with curiosity.
Or Neo thought it was curiosity. She couldn't tell for sure from where she was standing.
"She seems rather interested in you," Mao said.
"Apparently so," Topaz said.
"I wonder if she senses what I do." Mao looked at Topaz.
Neo gulped. Mao hadn't given any hint of sensing they weren't human. She wondered if Mao did but kept it a secret so not to scare them off.
"Oh?" Topaz smiled. "And what do you sense?"
Mao leaned closer to Topaz. Her eyes sparkled. "That you and your sister are very special. That you two are very different from… humans."
"Is that so?" Topaz's voice took on a playful, kind of childish, tone. She looked down at the baby. "Do you sense that, too, Erika? Are we different from others?"
Erika smiled.
"Well, I guess only time will tell for sure," Topaz said.
Neo started walking again. Topaz handled that so well. She knew her sister wouldn't flat out tell someone they were elementals. Topaz would wait until she and Law said it was okay. Though she knew Topaz felt the same as she did about Mao. Both knew Mao was a good person. All that remained was to meet Mao's husband and see what kind of person he was.
Neo walked around the shop for thirty minutes before joining Mao and Topaz. She sat down by her sister and cautiously, but curiously, watched the baby. Erika seemed like a rather calm baby, quietly taking in the world around her. Or what she could for a baby of her age. It made Neo wonder how their own baby would be. Would he like strangers holding him? Well, if she let strangers hold their baby. Most likely she wouldn't since she still had issues with people. Would Cora be a calm baby? A fussy baby? Would he want to be held a lot? Would he be more independent? Many more questions swirled through her mind. It started to make her dizzy.
At that time Mao brought over some tea for them. Neo dropped a sugar cube in her cup and took a sip. The tea was stronger than she was use to but it was still nice. They enjoyed their drink and spoke with each other for an hour. At that time Law, Kailen, and Healer Zinnia walked into the shop.
"You ready to go?" Law asked.
"Of course. It's time for dinner." Neo stood. "Thank you for the tea and letting us visit, Mao."
"Any time." Mao smiled.
"We'll see you tomorrow then," Topaz said.
Mao nodded.
The pirates left the shop and headed for their temporary home, careful to not be spotted by anyone.
…
"So is anyone else coming with us?" Neo asked as she and Law walked down the semi-dark castle halls.
"No. It'll be best if we go alone," Law said. "It's less likely we'll be noticed that way."
"Okay." Neo nodded. Disappointment ran through her but she knew he was right. They stepped outside in the warm night air. She summoned her wind crystals and pulled them into the air. Her eyes fell to the buildings below them. "So where to first?"
"Doesn't matter. Just pick a building," Law said. "We're not going to be able to go to every house in one night anyway."
"Then we'll go to a couple blocks each night," Neo said.
Law nodded.
Neo lowered to a house. She remember Penguin talking about how a lot of kids slept at this place. Though he wasn't sure if it was an orphanage or just a big family. Either way she wanted to make sure kids and the elderly got as much to eat as they could manage to give them.
"Room. Shambles." Law warped them inside without a word. The hall they entered was dark but for a little moonlight that poured into the window. Slipping silently through the house they managed to find the kitchen within a few minutes.
Neo summoned her crystals. She formed the people some fruits and vegetables while Law pulled out a note that told them to keep the fresh food a secret.
"I hope this doesn't back fire on us," Law said placing the note on the pile of food.
"It won't," Neo said. "This is a good thing."
Law nodded but Neo could see his hesitation in this still. She knew he wasn't use to doing good things like this. But she knew he was a good person, too.
They left the house and continued with their work.
Finally, after a couple of hours of work Law said they had done enough for the day. Neo turned them back towards the castle ruins. But when she got there she didn't lower them just yet. Instead she grabbed Law and pinned him between her body and her winds.
"Neo?" Law lifted an eyebrow. "I hope you're not wanting sex right now."
Neo giggled. Her heart warmed when Law's heart fluttered from her bells. "Of course not. That would be odd. Though it might be fun to try some day."
Law chuckled.
"I just wanted to thank you for letting me do this. I really do appreciate it," Neo said.
"You know I'd do anything to make you happy." Law stroked her cheek.
"You do that no matter where we are or what we're doing." Neo kissed him, deep and long.
Law hummed before mumbling against her lips. "Let's take this inside."
Neo smiled when he pressed his arousal against her. Before she could lower them to the ground, Law warped them into their temperate bedroom. He then warped their clothes off. Neo shook her head before lifting him in her winds and laying him down on the bed. She lowered herself onto him. When he tried to flip their positions she pinned him.
"You're in a dominant mood." Law smirked.
"Like you hate it," Neo said before rolling her hips against him.
Law groaned in satisfaction as she continued to pleasure him.
…
"So yummy." Neo dropped her fork onto her plate. She licked the sticky sweet syrup off her lips.
"I should say so." Basil picked up her plate. "That was your sixth pancake."
"I couldn't help it." Neo rubbed her now full stomach. "Cora and I were really hungry this morning."
"You shouldn't have done so much exercises last night then." Law smirked over his mug.
The crew snickered knowingly.
Neo's cheeks flushed with heat. "Law!"
"What?"
"It's not like I was the only one there," Neo grumbled.
"You two are like rabbits," Tero said. "Again, I'm still surprised you haven't had kids already. Must be some powerful condoms you have, Captain."
"Shut up!" Neo glared at him.
"What?" Tero shrugged. "We all know you two have a very active sex life. That part's not a secret. And I believe we've had this conversation before."
Neo growled. "Must you be such a jerk?"
"A jerk you still love." Tero smirked as he stood up and left the dinning room. "See you later. I've got to get to work."
Neo stuck her tongue out at his retreating back.
"Very mature, Princess," Healer Zinnia said.
"Um, mood swing?" Neo offered but no one believed it. "Sorry. Let's just go." She looked to Basil. "Want me to stay and help with the dishes?"
"No. You go on. I'll be fine." Basil waved her off.
The remaining pirates split up and went their separate ways.
Neo stretched out in the morning air after waving off her family. She breathed in the oils and mechanical scents of the factories and frowned deeply. "I'm never going to get use to that smell. Wish I could just blow it away. Hey! When the time comes can I blow down the factories?" She threw a punch out in front of her, envisioning Kaido and Orochi's faces. "That'll show Kaido and Orochi! Take that! And that! Stupid jerks!"
"You're aggressive this morning," Kailen said.
"I guess I am." Neo dropped her arms to her side. "Still, they deserve it."
"We'll see when the time comes," Law said.
"You spoiler her far too much," Healer Zinnia said.
Law scoffed. "That's rich coming from you."
"I've calmed down a lot since the princess was on Luminous." Healer Zinnia frowned at him.
"Yes, you have." Neo wrapped her arm around the healer's. "And I thank you for it. You're amazing."
"Thank you, Neo." Healer Zinnia smiled.
The group stepped up to the clinic. As Law opened the door Neo over heard a conversation between a small group of women near by.
"I'm telling you it's weird," a woman said. "I woke up and there in my kitchen were fresh fruits and vegetables."
"Shh." Another woman hushed the first one. "If that tis true then you got the warning as well. We need to keep it a secret so it won't stop. Kaido and Orochi's forces would not hesitate to rip through the country 'til they found who gave us such a gift."
"On my." The woman pressed her fingers to her lips. "That is correct. I am sorry."
Neo smiled. Joy filled her heart upon hearing their words. At least some of the houses they had visited understood the meaning of the food and note they had left behind. She only hoped everyone else did too.
"Neo?" Law called.
"Coming!" Neo rushed into the clinic, ready to get the day over with so they could go out again and help more people that night.
Today the clinic was slower. Not as many people can in the days before. And the lack of constant movement made Neo become drowsy. She stretched with a yawn, trying to rid herself of the sleepiness plaguing her. "Maybe I shouldn't have eaten so many pancakes. I think it's adding to my drowsiness." She stood up. "I'm going to go take a nap."
"All right." Topaz nodded.
Neo headed down the hall for Law's office. Passing by a room she heard Law's muffled voice saying he would be right back. The door opened and closed.
"Neo?" Law asked.
"I'm just sleepy. You didn't have to come out here." Neo rubbed her eyes.
"I know." Law walked her to his office.
Neo laid down on the cot he had for her. "It's still sweet. I love how you spoil me."
Law smiled. He pulled the cover over her shoulders then kissed her.
Neo curled under the cover and fell asleep. Her mind filled with strange dreams of the crew chasing around flying diapers and bowling over baby bottles. She woke with a small jolt. Breathing in sharply she found Law's worried eyes watching her as he sat beside her on the cot. "Law?"
"You were sleeping restlessly. I got worried," Law said.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to worry you." Neo sat up. "I was having this strange dream about the crew running after flying diapers and bowling down baby bottles."
Law's eyebrows rose when she passed her dream over to him.
"I hope it doesn't mean Cora's coming sooner than we expect," Neo said.
"I doubt it," Law said. "But maybe the healer woman should exam you when we get back. You're due for a check up anyway."
"You worried?"
"Not really. I just want to be safe, especially with all the pollution. I've already discussed this with her. She wants you to take it easy for the rest of the day."
Neo nodded. "Am I confined to bed?"
"No." Law shook his head. "Just let Topaz do all the walking for the rest of the day."
"Okay." Neo took Law's hand when he offered it. He helped her off the cot. She kissed him before stepping into their private bathroom as he got back to work. Yawning she headed back to the waiting room. Much to her surprise Mao was there, without Erika. "Mao? Is something wrong? Where's your baby?"
"No nothing's wrong." Mao smiled. "My husband came back a little earlier than expected. Erika's with him right now." She held up a piece of paper. "I am here to extend an invitation. You all are welcome to come to our home tonight for dinner."
"Dinner?" Neo asked.
"Something wrong?" Topaz asked.
"No." Neo shook her head. She placed her hand on her stomach. "Law's a little concerned. I was sleeping restlessly during my nap. So I'll have to ask him about this."
"Of course." Mao nodded. "We can always gather on another night. You and your babe always come first."
"Well, we'll let you know," Topaz said.
Mao nodded again then left.
"Do you think the captain will go for it?" Topaz asked.
Neo sat down with a hum. "Depends on my check up. So we'll have to wait and see. And he's grounded me from walking. So you'll have to take the clients back from now on."
"Okay." Topaz nodded.
The day went on. Neo pulled out one of the extra pads of paper they had and started to doodle on it since she had nothing else to do. When anyone came in she would glance up and greet them. As she thought, Kana returned claiming she had a cold. For the most part she ignored the woman and her sniffling. Law was busy with another client so Kana ended up seeing Healer Zinnia. Both Neo and Topaz giggled when Kana left the clinic with a sour face.
By the time to close came Neo was ready to leave. Her restless nap had caught up with her. The pollution wasn't helping either. All she wanted to do was curl up with Law and sleep for the rest of the night.
"Come on." Law swept Neo into his arms.
Neo snuggled into his warmth as he carried her back to the castle. On the way there Neo told Law about their invitation to visit with Mao and her husband.
"They want all the elementals there?" Law stared at the note that Kailen was reading as well.
"Should we be alarmed?" Kailen asked. "She hasn't shown any interest in us like this before."
"Well, Mao has hinted that she knows about us," Topaz said.
"What do you think?" Neo asked. They stopped walking just outside the castle. A few crewmates were returning at that time as well. They bid their hellos before entering into the run down castle.
"First thing first." Law sat Neo on her feet. "You get a check up."
"I know." Neo, taking his hand, lead the way to the storage room. She, Law, and the healer continued on down to the sub. Coming to the end of the stairs Law warped them into the to infirmary.
"All right. Let's get started," Healer Zinnia said.
Neo nodded and stepped upon the scale to check her weight. The routine was ground in her memory now. Checking her weight always came first. Next was measuring her stomach to see how big she was getting. Her progress had gone smoothly so far with only minor issues popping up on occasion. This time only one thing was different. She cringed as the healer slipped the needle in her skin.
Healer Zinnia took the blood sample and stepped away from the exam table.
Neo pouted at Law. She rubbed her now sore arm. "You didn't say an complete checkup that included a blood test."
"Sorry, love." Law stroked her hair. "It has to be done this time. I'm not taking any chances with the pollution here."
Neo grumbled but knew he was right. As the healer tested her blood, she summoned her solar crystal to give herself a boost. Slowly her drowsiness faded away.
Healer Zinnia hummed.
"What is it?" Neo looked over to her healer. The woman was still peering at the blood sample that had been taken. Winding tighter than a coil, she grabbed onto Law's hand in panic. "Something wrong? What's wrong? Is Cora okay?"
"Cora's fine. You're a bit anemic." Healer Zinnia looked up at them.
Neo exhaled. Her body relaxed. "Oh. Is that all?"
"Just increase foods containing iron and you'll be good." The healer shoved her hands into her pockets.
"No problem." Neo looked at Law. "And Mao?"
"Okay." Law sighed. "We'll go and see what they want. But I'd like you to take a nap before we go."
"Fine. But you're napping with me." Neo poked him in the chest.
Back in the castle Neo peaked into the kitchen while Law went to tell Topaz to inform Mao they were coming later. She smiled when Basil met her eyes. "Hey, Bas, you can count me, Law, Topaz, Kailen, and Healer Zinnia out for dinner."
"Oh?" Basil dried his hands. "And why's that, if I may ask?"
"Our friend Mao and her husband invited us to dinner," Neo said. "I'm pretty sure she knows we're elementals and they're going to tell us."
"I see. Well, be careful out there," Basil said.
"We will." Neo nodded. "If you need help make the others help you. Captain's orders."
Basil chuckled. "Sure thing."
With a smile, Neo waved and rejoined Law in their temporary room. Laying down she smiled as Law rubbed her back as she fell asleep. An hour and a half later she woke up ready for dinner.
Topaz, knowing the way to Mao's house better than the rest of them, led the way there. She didn't hesitate when they came upon the small dwelling. She stepped up to the door and knocked.
"Coming." The door swooshed open, revealing a smiling Mao. "Welcome. I'm glad you came." She waved her hand to usher them inside the home. "Do come in."
"Thank you," Topaz said stepping into the house.
"If you would, please remove your shoes," Mao said.
Neo looked down to find two pairs of sandals lying near the door. She gladly removed hers. Lacing her fingers with Law they stepped farther into the house. Neo's eyes landed on an ink drawing just a few feet from the door. The sight of it almost made her gasp. It was of a mountain with four human like creatures flying around it with the elements surrounding them. 'Did you see that?'
'I did.' Law kept his eyes forward.
Neo continued to eye a few more ink drawings in the hall. They too were of people who could control the elements.
"Interesting," Kailen said as he eyed the drawings as well.
Neo shared a glance with him. She could tell he was wondering the same thing. 'Were these drawings inspired by our people?'
"Who's a beautiful little flower?" a man's voice said, pulling Neo from the drawings. "That would be you!"
A baby giggled.
Neo recognized the baby as Erika but the other voice was unfamiliar.
Mao stepped into the room. "Dear, we have company."
Neo's eyes landed on a man lying in the middle of the floor. The man was lying on his stomach; his feet in the air were kicking back and forth. His chin was rested in his hands as he stared at the young baby in front of him. Her eyes drifted to the sword leaning up against the wall. She wondered if there was a reason he left it there with the baby so close. Of course Erika wasn't old enough to grab it, but still. Wasn't that dangerous? Then the drawing above it pulled her attention. It was of a young woman with flowers and vines growing up around her.
The man cleared his throat. "Yes. Of course." He pulled the baby into his arms and stood up.
"My friends, this is my husband, Itsuki," Mao said. "Itsuki, these are a few of my new friends. O-Neo, her husband Law, her sister O-Topaz, her brother Kailen, and their aunt O-Zinnia."
"Tis an honor to meet all of you." Itsuki bowed to them, careful not to hurt Erika as she curiously eyed the new arrivals. "Mao had informed me of the clinic you have opened. I am sure my people are very grateful. We are in great need of healers."
"We do what we can," Law said. "As you said, there are many in need here."
Itsuki nodded to the table. "Please. Sit. Mao has made tea."
They gathered around the table and sat. Mao stepped over to the counter and grabbed the teapot and a tray of cups.
Neo's eyes followed Itsuki's moments as he walked around the table. Her eyes dropped to the man's ankle. Looking back was the tattoo they were keeping an eye out for. 'Law, look at his ankle. He's got the tattoo.'
'So it would seem. You maybe safer with them than I thought.'
'He does seem like a nice man. Still, let's be careful. I don't want either of them to get in trouble if we're discovered.'
'Of course.'
"You have a very nice home," Kailen said. He looked around at the ink drawings. "And I really admire the ink drawings." He looked back at Itsuki. "Did you do them yourself?"
"I admire them as well." Itsuki sat with Erika in his lap. "And, no. They are not of my creation. They have been passed down from my ancestors for a little over eight hundred years."
Neo swallowed. That was close to the blank century.
"There is a story that goes along with them." Itsuki's eyes sparkled. "One I'm sure you all would greatly enjoy to hear."
Mao poured them tea and passed the cups around. She then sat out bowls of steaming noodles. "Eat."
"I get the feeling you didn't exactly invite us here to have dinner," Healer Zinnia said.
Law frowned at her. Being forward could be costly.
"You do not beat around the bush, as they say." Itsuki smiled. "And you are smart. No, you were not invited here to have a mere dinner. Mao has informed me that she senses something special from the four of you. And I must say that I agree. You are radiating with special gifts of nature."
"So tell us of this story that's represented here on these drawings," Kailen said.
Itsuki nodded. "It starts with a young man who had no home or family of his own. The man was wandering around the beach when one day he came upon a beautiful young woman with bright green hair. Seeing that she was injured he took her to his humble dwelling where he nursed her back to health. As he watched her recover he could sense a very strange feeling coming from her. And in that time he also noticed that many animals would scurry into his dwellings and curl up beside the young woman as if they were worried for her. He believed her to be some form of demon and believed he should get rid of her. He even lifted his sword to vanquish her. But he could not. Something about her would not let him proceed with it. So he waited until she woke to speak with her of it. When she awoke she was fearful of him but came to trust him. Later on the young man would learn it was the animals who told her how he cared for her. They came to trust each other so much that she revealed to him she was an elemental."
A mix of a chill and thrill ran up Neo's arms. Her people were connected to Wano. But how far did the connection go? She wanted to ask about the blank century but kept quiet.
Itsuki continued, "She noticed that the young man was very thin and didn't have much to eat. He was surprised when she grew many fruits and vegetables for him and helped him build a more suitable home and garden as her body healed. While they worked together she informed him that she was traveling with some family and got separated from them during a pirate attack. She had washed upon the shores of Wano with the help of some sea creatures. By the time her body was able to make the journey back home she did not want to leave. She had chosen to stay with him. Then one day when they were on a walk her family showed up. They wanted her to come home with them but understood her desire to stay with him. And she did. Eventually more of her people came to dwell upon this island of Wano."
"What happened to them?" Healer Zinnia asked. "Why aren't they here now?"
"That is one thing we are not sure of," Itsuki said. "As I am sure you all are aware the elementals did not wish for anyone to know of them or where their home island is."
The pirates nodded.
"So these records of your people were not written down, not even on the poneglyphs," Itsuki said. "They were only passed down through vague ink drawings and the form of many stories. One of which I just told you."
"So who all knows of these stories?" Law asked.
"As far as I know only those descended from elemental blood know of the stories," Itsuki said.
"So you are…" Neo trailed off. Her eyes bounced between the three Wano residences.
"Correct." Itsuki nodded. "I have the blood of elementals in my veins. And that blood passed down to our daughter."
"And do you have our magic?" Topaz asked.
"No." Itsuki shook his head. "The blood if far too thin. For around six hundred years no one in Wano has shown the gifts of your people."
Neo exhaled. "I'm glad for that. Forgive me if that's rude but I don't want Kaido and this Orochi to possess our abilities."
"I understand, Lady Neo," Itsuki said. "It is dangerous enough for you to be here now." His eyes lowered to her stomach. "Especially as you are now."
"We'll be fine." Neo cupped her stomach. "We thank you for coming forward with this information."
"Yes." Law slipped his hand inside of his kimono then back out. Flattening his hand down on the table he pushed the paper over to Itsuki. "We thank you very much. And we trust you to keep our secrets. All of them."
Itsuki looked down when Law lifted his hand. He took the paper, looked at it, and then slipped it into his own kimono. At look of complete understanding filled his eyes. "Understood. Now, let us eat before the food gets cold."
