Dragons

Big & Small

Neo sighed as she wiped her cloth over the wall of the clinic. Her eyes landed on an ink drawing hanging in the hall. It looked crooked to her so she adjusted it. Stepping back she eyed it to see if it were straighter. It was so she went back to wiping down the walls.

"What are you doing?" Law asked.

"Cleaning."

"Obviously," Law said.

"This place is filthy." Neo continued to wipe down the halls. She felt Law's eyes looking at the walls before looking back at her. Annoyed she turned to him. "What?"

"You've never wiped down walls before," Law said.

"Well, that was when we were on the sub. You know, in a place where we had actual things to do." Neo shook her rag at him. She sighed. Her hand dropped to her side. "I'm sorry, Law. I snapped at you again. I just got really bored sitting around. There was some dirt in the waiting room. After sweeping it up I started wiping down the walls."

"How many walls have you wiped down?"

"Um." Neo scratched her cheek.

"Neo." Law crossed his arms.

"Okay. I did the entire waiting room, all of the empty over night rooms, and the unused exam rooms." Neo twitched under his gaze.

Law rubbed his hand over his face. "Neo, that's too much."

"Nothing happened," Neo said. "You know that. You would have felt it if it did."

"I know. I did feel you working a lot, but I didn't thing you were cleaning… everything." Law waved his hand around.

Neo lowered her eyes to the floor.

"Love," Law stepped closer to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, "I know you're bored, but you can't over work yourself."

"It's not like there's a whole lot for me to do here." Neo glanced up at him. "I can't go exploring because I'd have to use my crystals. I can't get a job because women are treated differently here. It would draw attention to us. I can't even make many friends because we have to be careful. I don't want to accidentally slip up and reveal something I shouldn't, especially if someone loyal to Kaido or Orochi is around. And the crew is working really hard. They're not around much."

Law pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry. I know this is hard on you. Perhaps you can find a part time job or something."

"As nice as that sounds I'm not qualified to do anything even if that was possible." Neo frowned at him. "All I'm really good at is reading and cooking."

Law hummed. "Well, maybe when Straw Hat returned you can help Blackleg."

"Sanji?"

"Since he's the Straw Hat cook he can gather people with his food in search for allies," Law said.

"I would love that. But we have no idea when they're going to get here," Neo said. "What am I suppose to do until then?"
"I think I have an idea," Topaz said.

The two pirates turned to the fire elemental.

"Mao just arrived," Topaz said. "Since Neo is so bored I figured we could teach her to sew."

"Sew?" Neo blinked.

"It won't be anything extravagant since you'll be a beginner," Topaz said. "But it would give you something else to do. Mao also has a friend that does ink paintings as a hobby. They get together on occasion to talk."

"What do you think, Neo?" Law turned to her.

"Well, I've never had any interest in that kind of thing," Neo said. "But I'd be willing to give it a try."

"That's my girl." Law kissed her temple. "Call if you need me."

"I will." Neo watched Law disappear into his office before walking down the hall with Topaz. Mao was standing in the waiting room with Erika in her arms. "Hello, Mao. Hello, Erika."

"Good day, O-Neo." Mao bowed. "Say hello Erika."

Erika looked around the unfamiliar space.

"Are you ready to get going?" Mao asked. "My friends are meeting us at my place."

"Yes. We're ready." Topaz nodded.

Mao led them out of the clinic. The sun blinded them momentarily before their eyes adjusted to it.

Sora yawned. She jumped out of the rocking chair and followed after Neo. The quiet space between them was filled with the townspeople chattering. Neo asked, "So where's your husband?"

"Out with friends," Mao said. "He said he had to talk to them about some things coming up."

"I hope they have a very productive meeting," Topaz said.

Neo nodded. It was clear Tsuki was talking with their allies. She hoped they were in a safe place and keeping a tight control over the words they used.

"Mao, there you are."

Neo looked to two women waiting on the front porch of Mao's home.

"O-Haruhi. O-Chiya." Mao bowed to them. "Apologizes for the delay. I went to invite some new friends to join us today." She waved her hand at each of the elementals when saying their names. "This is O-Topaz and O-Neo."

"Clearly." The tallest of the two women looked at the elementals with minor disdain.

Neo fiddled with her kimono. She wondered if this woman sensed their elemental nature.

"Forgive O-Haruhi," Chiya said. "She can be harsh at times. It's nice to meet you." She bowed her head.

"Nice to meet you as well." Topaz mimicked the woman's bow.

Neo watched before remembering to bow as well. In the weeks they had been here she still wasn't use to all the bowing. It reminded her too much of being back on Luminous. She forced back her anxieties before they could take over.

"I see you are with child." Haruhi sat down. She pulled a piece of cloth over her lap and started threading a needle through it. "Should you really be wandering about the town?"

"I'm fine." Neo felt a snappy tone arise in her. She stomped it down.

"How far along are you?" Chiya joined Haruhi in her sewing.

Neo watched them for a few seconds. They're fingers seemed to make their needles dance through the fabric with ease. "I'm almost in my sixth month."

"Then I suppose you have plenty of time." Haruhi eyed Neo's stomach before looking back at her sewing.

Neo parted her lips to correct the woman before remembering they didn't know about her elemental heritage. She clamped her mouth shut.

"So what are you working on?" Topaz asked.

"I am making a new baby blanket. A cousin of mine is with child as well," Chiya said. "Haruhi is mending kimonos."

"Sometimes I believe my children are purposefully ripping holes in them to try my patience." Haruhi jabbed her needle into the fabric.

Neo wondered how many years the woman had been sewing. Haruhi's finger was close to where the needle went in but she clearly missed it.

"Have a seat, O-Neo." Mao sat down. She placed Erika in a basinet.

Neo sat down. Sora curled up beside her. She watched patiently as Mao showed her how to thread a needle.

"I've brought out some fabric pieces so you can practice." Mao placed a small box filled with fabric pieces beside Neo.

Neo plucked her a needle from the pincushion and threaded it. Once she got the thread tied at the opposite end she pushed the needle through the fabric. She flinched at the sharp prick of the needle on her finger. "Ouch."

"You okay, Neo?" Topaz looked up from her own sewing.

"Fine." Neo tried it again. Spreading her fingers out she managed to avoid hitting her skin. A few minutes, and several finger pokes later, she released a frustrated growl. "This is hard. I think I need a break."

Sora yawned before curling back into a ball.

"You will get the hang of it soon, O-Neo," Chiya said.

"Only if she is meant to do so." Haruhi didn't looked up.

Neo wrinkled her nose. "I'm better at cooking."

"That is a wonderful skill for when your babe comes." Chiya smiled. "I am afraid my cooking skills were severally lacking when my first child came. Luckily I was able to get better."

"What about you, O-Haruhi?" Topaz asked.

"I despise cooking." Haruhi sniffed. "I was so delighted when my eldest daughter took that chore over, especially when my other children came. And what a tough birthing those were. I promise you each one was trying to rip me apart from the inside out."

Neo lifted an eyebrow then lowered it. Law and Healer Zinnia had informed her that labor would be painful. But she couldn't help but wonder if Haruhi was exaggerating.

"I am serious." Haruhi's eyes widened. She placed her hand on her chest and exhaled dramatically. "It was like someone took a million needles, set them ablaze, and stabbed my delicate lady parts constantly. I thought my life was going to end before my son came into this world."

"My daughter made her entrance into the world like a volcano erupting," Chiya said. "I thought my delicate body would burn to a pile of ash before it was over."

Neo swallowed hard. Her pulse hammered against her skin. This was supposed to be a simple lesson in sewing. Why were they talking about childbirth? She didn't want to hear it. She wanted to run, to get away from it, but found she was unable to move. The only thing she was able to move was her fingers. And she dug them into her kimono. Her ears barely registered Sora as the cat rubbed against her and purred in an attempt to soothe her nerves.

"Indeed," Mao said. "The pain was more than I had anticipated as well." She smiled down at the sleeping baby beside her. "But the love I felt for Erika when I first held her was worth all the pain in the world."

The other two women nodded.

"Neo?" Topaz said. "Are you okay?"

"What is wrong with her? She is positively pale," Haruhi said.

"Should she lay down?" Chiya asked.

"She'll be fine." Topaz placed her hand on Neo's shoulder.

'Law! They're talking about labor pains! I don't want to be here anymore!' Neo whimpered before her mind cut her off from the rest of the world. She didn't want to hear anymore about labor pains. She wished she didn't even come to this little gathering.

Law growled as he felt Neo's mind grow more and more distant from the world and from himself. "Those idiots."

"Something wrong?" Healer Zinnia asked.

"Mao's friends got Neo so freaked out about labor pains she's completely catatonic." Law ran his hand over his face. "I should have ordered her away from there when she started to feel scared."

"I see," Healer Zinnia said with a nod. "I've tried to prepare the princess as much as I can but words can never truly describe the pains of childbirth unless a woman has gone through it. Sometimes it would be nice if there were some device that would give women a clearer picture of what will happen. But then in the princess's case it most likely would make things worse."

Law stood up from his desk.

"Going out?" Healer Zinnia asked.

"The clinic is slow today. You and Kailen can handle it." Law grabbed his sword and headed for the door. "I'm going to go get Neo. She doesn't need this stress right now."

"Very well. We'll see you tonight then," Healer Zinnia said.

Law exited his office. He walked down the hall, hearing Kailen speak to a client, before entering into the lobby. It was empty at the moment. He opened the door and stepped outside. His eyes lifted to the sky when the muggy air hit his skin. Rain was moving in again. Pulling his eyes from the darkening clouds he headed off for Neo. It only took him a few minutes to find her. She was sitting on a porch of Mao's house. He noticed two other unfamiliar women were sitting with his love, Topaz, and Mao. His lips pulled down into a frown when he saw Neo's skin was pale. Her thumping pulse spread more to him being in close distance. Her eyes were widened as her fingers clutched her kimono tight. Topaz was snapping her fingers in front of Neo's face, getting no response.

"Oh, C-Law," Topaz said when he walked up to them. "Sorry. I tried to get her to leave, but she's far too gone."

"It's fine," Law said.

"I do not understand her reaction," one of the new women said.

"I tried to explain it before, Haruhi," Topaz said. "Neo doesn't like new things. She's not very fond of pain either so all of this is coming as quiet a shock. This is the first time she's listened to stories of childbirth from women who have experienced it."

"Has she never been around a pregnant woman before?" the second stranger asked.

"No, Chiya," Topaz said. "Neo has lived a very sheltered life."

"I see." Chiya opened a fan and fanned herself lazily. "The poor thing."

"I apologize." Mao bowed her head. "I only wish for Neo to make more friends here. And to get some insight on childbirth before it happened."

"Your heart was in the right place." Topaz smiled. "And I'm sure she can and will be friends with them. However, I think it's best to avoid the topic of childbirth from this point on."

"Of course." Chiya nodded.

"I do not see what the problem is," Haruhi said. "Such pain is life. It comes with having a baby. The child must be prepared." She eyed Neo. "Though I do not understand why one so young is in such a hurry to bare a child."

"Neo's twenty two," Law said.

"Too young indeed." Haruhi nodded.

"Haruhi," Chiya said. "You are being very rude."

"Tis not rude to speak the truth." Haruhi sniffed.

"Perhaps not," Chiya said. "But you could choose your words more carefully."

"I shall not coddle anyone." Haruhi huffed before standing up. "I shall be off now."

"Farwell, Haruhi," Mao said. She then turned to Law. "Forgive her. Haruhi is not the soft kind."

Law rubbed his temple as a throb developed there. "I think Neo has had enough time outside today. I'll be taking her back home now."

"Of course." Mao nodded.

Law placed his hand over Neo's. "Neo? Come back now."

Neo didn't move.

'Neo, love, you have to wake up now. I'm right here. You no longer have to listen to stories about birthing pains.'

Neo blinked slowly.

"Look at me," Law said.

Neo turned her eyes to his. "Law."

"That's my girl." Law took Neo's hand and pulled her to her feet. They walked off hand in hand.

"I'm going to stay here a while longer," Topaz called after them.

Law nodded at her before continuing to lead Neo away from the area. With each step they took he felt Neo coming back to her senses more.

"Geez." Neo rubbed her temple, thinking it was her pain but shortly noticed it came from Law. "I was really out of it, wasn't I?"

"You weren't expecting it," Law said. "I should have removed you from that situation when it first started. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. I wanted to go with them." Neo sighed. "I'm just so bored."

"I'm sorry about that too. If we were in a better place you could do things more." Law tightened his hand on hers. His temple throbbed again.

"Your head keeps throbbing." Neo frowned.

"I've noticed," Law said.

"Have you taken anything for it?"

"Not yet."

Neo growled. "I'm using my solar crystal on you when we get back to the castle."

Law opened his mouth to protest.

"And don't you dare tell me no." Neo glared at him. "I won't have you sick or whatever this might be."

"Fine. But only for a minute." Law kissed her temple.

"And then we snuggle."

Law chuckled. Reaching the castle ruins they found it quiet. It was rare for them to come back to the castle at this time of day. Everyone else was off finding allies or working at their jobs. The Wano warriors should be around somewhere but most likely outside in the forest.

"Looks like we'll get some time alone before the others return," Neo said. They turned down the hall and entered into their room.

Law propped his sword up before stepping out of his sandals.

Neo stepped out of hers then crawled into bed with Law. She summoned her solar crystal and washed it over his body.

Law sighed when the tension left his head and neck.

"Isn't that much better?" Neo asked.

"It is. Thank you." Law kissed her temple again before glanced down at Sora. He didn't even notice the cat had followed them. Though he wasn't surprised. "Must she always follow you?"

"She must." Neo nodded. "She's been a good companion."

"What are you going to do with her when we leave?" Law asked.

"I don't know," Neo said. "I was thinking I might ask Mao to look after her. There are also the elementals. I know they'll take good care of her. And she'd have a better live on Zou than here. We might not take Kaido down completely. Even if we do it could still take years for the people of Wano to get back on their feet." She hummed. "I think I'll have the elementals take her."

"That might be best." Law placed his hand on her stomach. "And how's our little boy today?"

"He's kicked me a few times," Neo said. "I wonder if he knows it's getting closer to the time he'll be born." She shivered.

Law huffed when the child birthing stories came back to Neo's mind and spread to his. "You'll be fine. I'll be right there with you."

"I know. Still, I don't like the idea of the pain. And you'll be feeling it too." Neo leaned into him as she snaked her hand into his kimono. "That makes it even worse."

"Don't think about that now." Law stroked her hair. "Let's just enjoy this time together. Things are going to get hectic before too long."

Neo nodded. Her fingertips traced over his chest. "You're so nice and warm. We really should do this more often."

"We do it all the time," Law said. "How much more can we do it?"

"Well." Neo glanced up at him. Her eyes sparkled. "You could only cuddle with me and not do a single thing else."

"You know that won't work." Law smiled. "We have to go to the bathroom and shower at some point. And don't forget about eating with the crew. They wouldn't like it if they never saw you."

"Well, we can do that together too," Neo said. "And the crew won't mind that much."

"It might be a bit awkward going to the bathroom together," Law said. "And we already shower together plenty of times. And the crew would mind. So would you. You would miss them."

"We can do it all the time. And you still owe me baths." Neo poked his chest.

"You can be so childish at times, you know?"

"And you still love me."

"That I do." Law kissed her.

Neo yawned before resting her head on his chest.

Law continued stroking her hair. A few minutes later the two fell asleep together.

Neo shifted before opening her eyes. She looked around the room; momentarily forgetting where they were her heart skipped a beat. Then she remembered. "Oh, that's right. We're in the castle ruins." She glanced down at the foot of the bed to find that Sora was missing before looking up at Law. He was still asleep, his mouth hanging slightly open in a light snore. She giggled before pushing his mouth closed. "Law?"

Law grumbled. "Yeah… what is it?"

"You're snoring," Neo said.

"Sorry." Law ran his hand down his face. "Did I wake you?"
"No. I woke on my own. Sora's not here. I guess she got bored and went looking for mice or something," Neo said.

"We should probably get up now," Law said. He glanced at the window. "Looks like we've been a sleep for about two hours."

"You never sleep that long." Worry washed over Neo. "I think you're coming down with something."

"That might be possible. I had a couple clients come in yesterday with the flu," Law said. "But you're solar crystal helped me."

Neo kneaded her eyebrows. "You better not get sick. I don't want to be away from you."

"Don't worry." Law rubbed her back. "I'll be sure that won't happen."

"Good." Neo nodded firmly. Her stomach rumbled in hunger. "Now let's get something to eat. Cora's hungry too."

"You're not going to use your crystals?" Law tilted his head.

"No. I feel like noodles." Neo shuffled her way to the edge of the bed. Standing up she looked back at Law. "You coming?"

"Yes, love." Law followed her. "I'm coming."

Neo took his hand as they left the room.

"There you two are," Kin'emon said when they stepped into the kitchen.

"Kin'emon," Neo said.

"Something wrong?" Law asked.

"No, no. Everything is just fine." Kin'emon waved his hand. "I only wish to introduce you to a friend. This is Shinobu."

A scrapping came from the ceiling before someone dropped down from above. The person landed on their feet before looking up at them.

Neo tilted her head and studied the tall, stout woman dressed in ninja garb.

"It is nice to meet you." Shinobu lifted her head. "Kin'emon has told me about you all. I am here to lend my ninja assistance to you in any way I can."

"Nice to meet you too, Shinobu." Neo looked to Kin'emon. "There a reason we're meeting her now?"
"Just to meet. It took me a while to find her," Kin'emon said. "She will be a great asset in our future fight against Kaido and Orochi."

Neo nodded. She had read a few stories with ninjas. She could be a great asset to their cause. Now they had two ninjas on their side. "Are you hungry? I was going to make us some noodles."

"That sounds wonderful, Lady Neo," Kin'emon said.

"Thank you but I must decline," Shinobu said. "I have work to do. So I shall take my leave right now."

Kin'emon nodded.

Shinobu jumped back into the ceiling and disappeared.

"She seems… interesting," Neo said. She moved over to the counter and got out the noodles she had prepared the day before. "So how are you doing, Kin'emon? It must be hard for you and your friends to constantly hide yourself in your own homeland."

"It is not bad," Kin'emon said. "We are spending our time honing our skills for the up and coming fight. So we are keeping busy enough. There is plenty of forest for us to do so in."

"Still it must be hard not being able to go out and talk to your friends and families," Neo said. "Not to mention Momo. You must be worried about him."

"I am." Kin'emon nodded. "But I know he is safe. You also assured that when you asked your friends to keep an eye on him."

"I wonder when they're going to arrive here." Neo placed the noodles in the pot. She scooped out water from a barrel and poured it in before lighting the fire. "I hope they don't have trouble getting here. Do you think that Jack guy will try and attack them again?"

"Do not worry about it, Lady Neo," Kin'emon said. "I am sure your friends will get them here safely. And our two mink friends are very familiar with this island."

Neo nodded. They fell into silence as she continued to make them their lunch. The water bubbled. Grabbing spices she sprinkled them into the noodles. When done she placed their meal on the table and sat down with them. They ate until a presence of a large dragon filled her senses. She gasped.

"Neo?" Law asked.

"Captain?! Neo?!" Basil called out. Footsteps came rushing towards the kitchen.

"We're in here," Law said.

Basil ran into the room. His face was drained of color.

"Basil, what is it?" Neo asked. "You're pale. Are you hurt?"
"No." Basil breathed. "You have to come outside! Right now! You have to see it!"

"See it?" Law asked.

"The dragon." Neo stood. "There's a large dragon outside."

"He is here," Kin'emon said. "Kaido has shown himself in his dragon form."

Law jumped to his feet. They rushed outside. Looking up they saw the clouds spinning as if a storm was blowing in. Their hair and loose parts of their clothing flailed in the wind.

Trembling, Neo reached for Law's hand. Her heart hammered against her chest when she saw him slither across the sky above Wano. "That… that's Kaido?"

"Indeed," Kin'emon said.

"We have to fight that?!" Neo's head spun. Her hands gripped Law's tightly. Her eyes remained locked on Kaido's dragon form. He appeared to be almost as big as the island. "That's impossible! I know Kaido was a big guy but this is insane?! How are we suppose to fight something that big?! No! I won't let it happen!" She turned to Law. Tears gathered at the corner of her eyes. "Forget this, Law! It's not possible! You can't think that we can actually take him down!"

"Neo," Law said.

Neo sucked in several gasping breaths. Numbness took over her fingers. She grappled with Law's hand, trying to hold on tighter. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead. "You can't. It's not possible. Don't. We have to leave."

"Neo, calm down." Law pried his hand from hers and grabbed her shoulders. "You're having a panic attack."

Neo retched. Her breathing became sharp and short.

"Is she going to be all right, Captain?" Basil asked.

"I'm taking her to the sub." Law picked Neo up. "Room. Shambles." He warped them to their room on the sub. He placed her down on the bed, sat down, and pulled the cover around her then wrapped his arms around her. Her fingers gasped onto his kimono. Her breathing continued to come in short sharp gasps. "Shh. Neo, it's okay. We're home now. You're safe. We're all safe."

Neo shook her head. "We're not. We're not. We can't be. Kaido… he's…"

"I know, love. I know." Law rocked her. "It'll be fine."

"How can you say that?" Neo looked up at him. "Kaido… he's so huge. I didn't think that he… I knew he had a devil fruit but… I knew he was big…"

Law sighed. "I'm so sorry. I know this is going to be hard, but we have to do this. There's no way we can run away from this now."

"I don't want to do this," Neo whispered, pressing her eyes to his neck.

Law tightened his hold on her. "It'll be fine, Neo. I promise it will be. Let's just stay here for a while. Once you feel better we can take a bath before going back to the island. Okay?"

Neo nodded. They stayed wrapped up in each other's arms for two hours before climbing into the tub. She leaned back against his chest, letting the hot warm relax her even more. "I'm sorry, Law. I didn't mean to freak out like that."

"It's okay." Law scooped up water and ran it down her arms. "I don't think there was anyway to prepare you for that. I wasn't prepared for it. I know zoan devil fruits can cause the eater to become larger…"

"But Kaido is massive," Neo said. "How are we going to beat that? Even with the help of my people I don't think it's going to be very easy."

"It's not." Law kissed her shoulder. "But we're going to do everything we can to take him down."

"I hope we all survive this." Neo placed her hands on her stomach. "I know that's naïve thinking."

"You think that because you care." Law placed his hands over hers.

"We might die here," Neo said.

"It's possible," Law whispered.

Closing her eyes, Neo leaned her head back on his shoulder. "Does Cora know we love him?"
"Of course he does," Law said. "He might not understand our words but he understands how we feel. I know he does."

"He'll be safe if we do die, right?" Neo asked.

"Of course he will," Law said. "You have plenty of people who will make sure that happens. If we don't live, Cora will. I give you my word."

"Thanks, Law." Tears dripped down her cheeks. "That helps."

"Anytime, my love." Law pressed his temple to hers. "Are you ready to go back or do you want to stay for a while longer?"
"I'm ready," Neo said. She waited for Law to kiss her cheek before crawling out of the tub. Summoning her wind crystals she dried them off. They stepped into their room and pulled their clothes back on. She brushed her hand on Law's sweater.

"You going to wear it? It's late enough that we won't go back into town."

Neo shook her head. "I want to but I don't want to lose it if something happens. I'll just stick with you for a while longer. I'm still a bit unstable."

"That's fine," Law said.

Neo walked over to him. Taking his hand they left the sub. Entering back into the castle they heard some of their crew talking.

"Stop pacing," Shachi said. "You're going to wear down the ruins even more."

"I can't!" Penguin said.

"She's fine you know," Shachi said.

"I know!" Penguin snapped.

"I worried him," Neo said. She led Law into the storage room. "Penguin."

"Neo!" Penguin rushed to her. "Basil told us what happened!"

"Sorry I worried you." Neo hugged him.

"I'm not surprised you freaked out," Shachi said. "I think everyone on the island saw him. When my eyes landed on him I thought I'd wet my kimono. He's so huge. And we're going to have to fight him."

"Shachi!" Penguin snapped. "Don't upset Neo!"

"Sorry." Shachi ducked his head.

"It's okay. So where are the others? Are they okay?" Neo asked.

"They're fine, for the most part. Some are still reeling from the shock of seeing Kaido in his dragon form," Shachi said. "A few are starting to hesitate with the plan now."

Law guided Neo from the room. They met up with the rest of the crew in the reception hall. Most of the crew wore depressed expressions. Bepo was laying on his stomach.

"Bepo?" Neo asked. "Are you okay?"
"I'm starving," Bepo said. "The food here is terrible. I need fish."

"Really? At a time like this?" Conner said. "Didn't you just see Kaido out there?! This whole thing is insane!"

"It shouldn't be. We all knew that Kaido held a devil fruit," Archer said.

"Shut up, Archer! We're in no mood to deal with your crappy optimistic childishness!" Conner snapped.

"I'm not being childish!" Archer said. "I'm being honest!"

"You're being annoying!" Conner pushed off the wall.

"Are you trying to start a fight with me?!" Archer faced him with fists clenched.

"Enough!" Law said. The two flinched and turned to him. "We're already here. There's nothing we can do about this now. Kaido has already targeted Straw Hat and me. I can understand your concern about fighting such a large opponent. So I will give you the chance now to leave."

The room filled with silence. A few crewmates exchanged looks but no one moved to leave.

"I'm sure not a single one of us has an inkling to leave," Tero said. "I think we're all just getting a bit cramped up in this place."

"Fish," Bepo whined.

"Will you shut up?" Shachi asked.

"But I'm craving fish," Bepo said. "To the point of getting some out of the river."

"Don't you dare eat any fish from that river," Law said. "It's polluted. You know that."

"I know." Bepo turned his head to his captains. "But I am craving fish so badly. I'm a bear. I need meat."

"You're being pathetic," Penguin said.

"Fish," Bepo whined again.

"Maybe Bepo and Tero has an idea," Neo said.

"What are you talking about?" Tero looked at her. "What idea?"
"We've been doing the same thing for several weeks now," Neo said. "We're living in a strange country with strange people, some who could kill us if they knew who we really are." She scanned her eyes over the crew. "So why not have a party?"
Tero's face fell. "Are you kidding? A party? Now of all times?"

"I'm not." Neo shook her head. "We're all struggling with our lives here. We're use to living a certain way on the sub. But we can't do that here." She looked at Kin'emon. "Isn't there some beach we could use? A place where no one would see us or our fire?"

Kin'emon cupped his chin. "Yes, there is. There is a place called Braided Hat Village. It is surrounded by trees and is not far from a beach. It is actually where I assume the minks will land and stay when they arrive here in Wano."

"How about it, Law?" Neo turned to her husband. "You said we could get fish sometimes. I think that time is now. We need this, Law. Even you have been stressed out about everything."

Law closed his eyes and drew in a breath. Exhaling he smiled at her. "Okay. We'll do this. But we're going to have to be very quiet and keep a close eye on our surroundings."

"We will!" Neo nodded.

"Kin'emon, will you lead the crew to this place?" Law asked. "Neo and I will get some fish for the crew."

"Yes! Fish!" Bepo jumped to his feet. "Finally!"

"Of course." Kin'emon nodded.

Chattering with glee the pirates made their way outside. Neo and Law watched as Kin'emon led their crew into the forest before taking to the air. Flying out over the ocean she sensed out for some large fish that would feed her crew very well. When she found a couple she lifted them to the surface with her water crystals and let Law take their lives. It was quick and painless as it always was. She was about to turn them back to the island when something caught her attention. 'Law, look. There's a ship coming this way. Do you think it's one of Kaido's? No, wait a second.' She focused more on the ship. Several animals and elementals flooded her sense. "Law, it's them! The minks and elementals have arrived!"

"Let's go meet them," Law said.

Neo flew them over to the ship. The elementals greeted them with cheers then bowed to their royal when they landed on the deck. "It's good to see you all."

"It's good to see you, too, Princess," Amara said. "But what are you doing out here at this time of night? We thought Kaido's men had spotted us."

"We're getting some fish for the crew." Neo waved to the large fish hovering in her winds. Another wind elemental stepped forward and took the fish from her. "The crew is growing tense. We just saw Kaido in his dragon form today. So we decided to have a little party."

"Sounds like fun," Nina said. "We arrived just in time then. Though I think we're going to need more fish. Don't worry, Princess. We'll handle that part."

"Lady Neo!" Momonosuke broke through the gathered crowd.

"Momo," Amara said. "I thought you were asleep."

"Momo!" Neo knelt down. Opening her arms she caught the little boy. "I'm so glad you are all right. I was worried about you."

"I am fine." Momonosuke pulled back a little bit. "I have been kept very safe by Amara and Nina."

"Glad to hear it." Neo smiled. "We were wondering when you all were going to arrive. Nina. Amara." She looked at the elementals. "Thank you so much for looking after Momo."

"Of course, Princess," Nina said. "He's been a real joy to be with."

"Even though he's rather perverted for a child." Amara crossed her arms.

Neo giggled.

"Garchu." Wanda licked Neo's cheek. "It is good to see you again, Princess."

"You too," Neo said as more minks gathered around her. They greeted her with hearty "Garchus", licks, and nuzzles.

"Has there been any developments since we last saw each other?" Inuarashi asked.

"Nothing serious," Law said. "We have gathered quiet a few allies while we've been here."

"I am glad to hear it," Inuarashi said. "And how are you doing, Princess? This place must not be very good for you and your child. I can smell the stench from here."

"We're okay," Neo said. "The pollution can wear us down, but my solar crystal heals us up just fine." She looked at the elementals. "So be sure to let me know if the pollution gets you down too much. I'll heal you went necessary. And be sure to conserve as much of your magic as possible for the times you really need it."

"Of course, Princess."

"Don't worry about us. We'll be fine."

"I am glad to hear it's not causing too much trouble for you." Inuarashi nodded. "I hope you do not have to stay here for much longer."

"Me too."

"Let us continue to the island," Inuarashi ordered.

Neo moved to use her crystals.

"You relax, Princess," Amara said. "We'll get the ship back to the island. I'm sure you're tired."

"Thank you. Kin'emon and the crew are heading towards Braided Hat Village. We're going to cook the fish on the beach," Neo said.

"We'll head there then," Nina said. "Inuarashi gave us information on the island. We are very familiar with it at this point."

"How are Kin'emon and the other's doing?" Momonosuke asked.

"They are doing just fine," Neo said. "We've been hiding out in the ruins of the castle at Kuri. Your home looked like it was very nice."

"It was." Momonosuke nodded with a frown.

The ship rocked from the fierce whirlpools around the island. Neo sat down on the deck. She leaned against the ship wall to steady herself from any jerks that might happen before holding up her arm for Momonosuke to come to her. "Tell me what all you have been up to since we have parted."

"Of course." Momonosuke sat down beside her.

Neo listened intently to him as he told her everything. Before she knew it they were pulling up to the beach. They disembarked from the ship. As the minks and elementals unloaded their supplies the crew and the Wano warriors finally walked through the forest.

"Kin'emon!" Momonosuke ran to his retainers.

"Master Momonosuke!" Kin'emon cried out. He and the other two rushed to meet with their young master.

"Master, I am so glad to see you are all right," Kanjuro said.

"You are looking well, Master Momonosuke," Raizo said.

"Everyone. I am glad to see you unharmed," Momonosuke said.

Neo smiled. The four of them looked very happy to be reunited. She scanned her eyes over the gathered groups. Her family had instantly started to mingle with their new arrivals, with their friends they had made while staying on Zou. Law was talking with Inuarashi. A fire elemental set some logs on fire. She itched to cook for everyone but knew her people would most likely not allow it. She didn't want to get too far from Law anyway. So she allowed Basil and the others to deal with the cooking. Goosebumps spread across her skin from a cool breeze off the ocean. It prompted her to pull Law closer to the fire. They sat down with Inuarashi.
"Lady Neo!" Momonosuke rushed over to her. He snuggled up to her free side.

"If you get fresh with the princess, I'll pound you into the ground." Amara crossed her arms and glared down at the young boy.

"Amara, he's just a child," Neo said pulling the boy closer to her side. When she did Momonosuke rubbed against her breast.

"He has charmed you, Princess," Amara said. "He's just as perverted as Kin'emon."

"Anyway, I can understand now why you're so afraid of Kaido," Neo said. "We saw him today in his dragon form. He was very intimidating. I thought I was going to pass out."

Momonosuke shuttered.

"Don't worry, Momo." Neo hugged him. "We won't let anything happen to you. Kaido won't touch you."

"Thank you, Lady Neo," Momonosuke said. "You are very kind."

The wood snapped under the hot flame. Wind and fire elementals worked together to cook the fish while Basil sprinkled spices on it. A couple earth elementals fixed some large plant leaves for plates, cups, and tables then placed some fruits and vegetables on them. Other elementals fixed plates and placed them in front of Neo and her group. "Thank you."

"Eat up."

"Let us know if you need anything else, Princess."

Momonosuke took a bite. "This fish is so yummy!"

"It is," Neo said. "Basil's food gets better each time."

"Have you received any news from Luffy?" Momonosuke asked.

Neo sighed. "No. We haven't heard anything from him yet."

"My apologizes. I did not mean to make you sad," Momonosuke said.

Neo shook her head. "Don't worry about it. My pregnancy is still affecting my emotions. I've been missing him and the others a lot."

"I am sure they will show up soon." Momonosuke patted her knee.

"Yeah." Neo smiled. "I'm sure they will, too. And I'm sure Luffy will want to have another party when they do arrive."

Law snorted.

Neo elbowed him. "If he wants a party then we'll give him one."

"If he doesn't get into trouble before that has a chance of happening," Law grumbled.