Baby Arrival
"Here it comes!" Momonosuke said before hitting the beach ball back to Neo.
"I got it." Neo waited for the ball to get close enough before bouncing it back to the boy. The colored ball flew towards the boy. His small hands bopped it back to Neo again. She hit it back to him. As it arched through the air a breeze blew it and snagged it away from them.
"I will get it!" Momonosuke ran for the ball as it bounced and rolled on the sand towards the ocean.
"She's having fun," Nina said.
"Yeah." Penguin nodded. Stretched out on the beach he watched his sister and Momonosuke play with the beach ball he had brought up from the sub. "I think this is just what she needed. She was getting very bored."
"Well, at least she has someone to play with now," Amara said. She glanced up to the red and orange rays spreading over the beach. "It's getting late. We should get the princess back to the castle."
"Hey, Neo, time to go back now," Penguin called.
Neo grabbed the ball when it flew at her then looked at him. "Okay."
"May I walk back with you?" Momonosuke asked.
"It's fine with me," Neo said. She passed the ball over to a water elemental before taking the young boy's hand.
Penguin stood and brushed the sand from his kimono before they headed back into the forest. Shadows and orange rays peppered through the leaves, lighting the forest floor in colorful spotlights. A few birds flittered past them on their own way home for the night.
The leaves of a near by bush shuffled before Sora jumped out of it. She ran up to Neo and meowed.
"Sora, where have you been?" Neo asked. "What? Really?"
"What is it?" Momonosuke asked. Distant mumbling caused the small group to stoop down behind some trees. They peeked out carefully to find a familiar woman walking around. She paused occasionally to look around a tree and in some bushes.
"Thanks for the warning, Sora," Neo said stroking the cat's fur.
"It's Kana," Penguin said.
"Who?" Amara asked.
"A woman who's been trying to seduce Law since we got here," Neo said. "I wondered if she would try and follow us someday."
"You think that's what she's doing?" Nina asked. "Couldn't she be looking for someone or something else? This is her home island after all."
"There's no other reason for her to be out here," Penguin said. "No one comes around these parts because of the ghost stories of the castle."
"You humans can be so silly." Nina shook her head. "Believing in such silly stories."
"It maybe silly but the silliness gave us a good place to stay while we're here," Penguin said.
"Can't argue with that." Nina nodded.
Sora meowed again.
"She said Kana was up around the castle a couple hours ago. Luckily no one was there. Sora's been following her for a while until she noticed Kana getting closer to the beach. Good girl, Sora." Neo scratched the cat behind her ears.
Sora purred at the attention.
"So what are we going to do now?" Penguin asked.
"It's a good think you had Sora as a look out," Amara said. "It would have been very bad if she found us. What if she's working for Kaido or Orochi?"
"That's possible," Neo said. "We've taken as many precautions as possible, especially for situations like this."
"Should we just fly you all back to the castle then?" Nina asked. "We can easily slip above the trees without her noticing."
"That won't solve the problem." Amara nodded at the woman snooping around. "She could still come back to the castle after we arrive."
"Right. I didn't think of that," Nina said.
"We need something to make sure she doesn't come back," Penguin said.
"Like what?" Momonosuke asked. "I hope you do not wish for me to turn into that monstrous dragon form."
"Don't worry. We're not going to ask you to do that," Penguin said. "Well, Neo? Any ideas?"
Neo turned a mischievous smiled to her brother. "Well, this forest is a part of the castle. And it's suppose to be haunted."
"Uh oh." Penguin smacked himself. "She's about to do something she shouldn't."
"What?" Neo asked with an innocent flutter of her eyelashes. A wind crystal appeared beside her.
'Neo? What are you up to?'
'Just a little fun.' She heard Law mentally sigh. 'It'll be fine. Kana is snooping around. We're just going to have a little fun with her.'
'Fine. But don't over do it.'
'I won't. Don't worry.' Neo formed a cool breeze. She shifted it to flow around Kana.
Kana rubbed her hands on her arms. The sun fell lower in the sky, cooling the air off even more.
"This is going to be so good," Nina said.
Amara shook her head. "Shall we assist you, Princess?"
"Sure. Let's create something." Neo looked around. "I think leaves would be fun to use. And some branches. Let's make it feel like someone is after her."
"Very well." Amara summoned a couple crystals. She pulled several leaves off the ground and swirled them around.
Giggling, Nina formed some as well. She pulled on some tree branches, making them look like spindly hands and arms reaching for their victim.
"Penguin." Neo looked to her brother.
"Right." Penguin nodded. Deepening his voice he howled a couple times before saying in a deep voice, "Who dares enter my forest?"
Kana froze.
Neo nodded to Amara and Nina.
They nodded back. Amara swirled the leaves around while Nina pulled the limbs towards Kana.
"Wh-what is going on here?!" Kana demanded.
"It is the ghosts of Kuri Castle!" Penguin said.
Momonosuke covered his laugh with his hands.
"We are not pleased you have disturbed us!" Penguin continued.
"Y-you are…" Kana stumbled over her words. "I am not… you cannot be…"
"Sora, will you give us a nice screech?" Neo looked to the cat.
Sora nodded then gave her best, creepiest, spine-chilling meow she could. The sound echoed through the forest.
The elementals picked up on their winds. Howls flowed through the branches.
Kana screamed. She turned to run but Neo caught her in her winds.
"Do not ever disturb our peace again! If you do we shall take you to the afterlife with us!"
"I am sorry! Forgive me! I won't be back! I promise!" Kana kicked and flailed. Thick streams of streamed down her smooth cheeks. "Just let me go! I beg of you!"
"Your pleas have been heard. We will comply only this once. But if you come back here you shall pay the price of disturbing us."
"Y-yes! O-of course! I shall listen to you!" Kana blubbered.
Neo sat Kana down. The woman raced through the shadows, wailing like a banshee.
"That was most entertaining!" Momonosuke laughed out loud.
"I can't believe our princess has such a mischievous side." Nina held her sides as she tried to contain her own laughter.
"I can't believe she didn't use this opportunity to get back at Kana for trying to seduce her man," Amara said.
"The thought crossed my mind," Neo said. "But I think that would be over doing it. Besides we don't want to give her any more ideas of coming back. She might get suspicious if I had brought Law up."
"Makes sense." Amara planted a hand on her hip and jerked her free thumb over her shoulder. "If you all are done playing we should get the princess back to the castle."
Still laughing they made their way back to the castle. Crickets started to serenade them on their walk.
…
"Neo?"
Neo groaned and pulled their blanket tighter around her to block Law and the sun out.
"Come on, love." Law's hand found her shoulder. He gently shook her. "Time to get up."
"No. I don't wanna," Neo whined. "Go away."
Law chuckled at her childish tone. "You can't stay in bed all day."
"Yes. I. Can. I'm a princess and a pirate after all. I can do what I want." Neo pulled their cover tighter around her body.
"Very true," Law said. He jerked the blanket off her. "But you're still getting up."
"You're so mean." Neo opened her eyes, squinting at the sunlight pouring in their castle room. "Why can't you just lay down and go back to bed with me? I'm still tired."
"That is very tempting. And you wouldn't be so tired if you didn't use your magic so much yesterday. Kana is now telling the entire town about ghosts that live up here in the forest. She's got the town buzzing about it."
"So much for telling her to keep it quiet. Besides, she deserved it." With a sigh Neo sat up. A sharp pain shot through her stomach. "Ah!"
"Neo?" Law's heart rate picked up as he winced at the pain.
"I'm… okay." Neo held her stomach. She breathed in an exhaled slowly. The pain didn't return.
Law reached for her. He placed his hand on her stomach; careful not to brush off the crystals the healer had put on her.
"It's okay, Law." She patted his hand. "I'm sure it was just a twinge or something."
Law frowned. "Maybe you should stay in bed today. You have been running around a lot lately since the others showed up. This back and forth to the beach can't be good on you."
"Not necessary. You already woke me up. Plus, it doesn't hurt anymore." Neo swung her legs over the side of the bed. "And I've only been on the go because I'm was so bored. The boredom has faded with more people hanging around. They don't have to work unlike the crew."
Law slowly nodded. "Okay. But I want you to stay here for the day. No going to the beach."
"Law." Neo pouted.
"No arguing." Law gave her a pointed look. "You need to rest."
"Fine. But I am going to bring you all lunch at the clinic," Neo said. "Staying in here all day will drive me crazy. Even if Momo comes with Amara and Nina."
"All right," Law said. "But I don't want you to do much today. And if you feel any pain or anything else you're to sit or lay down immediately. And I'm going to have the healer woman stay with you."
"Such a worrier. I'll be fine, Law." Neo cupped his cheek. "Healer Zinnia can go with you."
"No. Kailen and I will be fine on our own," Law said. "It's better for the healer woman to stay close to you. You've reached your sixth month now. Anything can happen, especially with the pollution in this country."
"If it'll make you feel better," Neo said. "But Penguin, at least, is going to stay with me, too. I don't want to be alone here if the others don't come today."
"Technically, you're not alone if the healer woman is with you." Law smirked. "And the three Wano warriors never wander far from the castle."
"Very funny." Neo rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure the healer woman has noticed your pain, but I'm going to go discuss it with her anyway." Law stood up.
"You better not leave me without a kiss." Neo pouted.
With a chuckle Law leaned over and kissed her. "Get up now."
"Okay." Neo pushed herself from bed as Law left the room. After going through her morning routine she headed for the dinning hall. Dizziness washed over her. The hall swayed before her. She placed one hand on the stonewall to steady herself and the other on her head.
'Neo?'
"I'm fine. Just got dizzy all of a sudden," Neo said. She closed her eyes and took a slow breath. The dizziness faded. "All better now."
Law's worry radiated over her.
"It's okay, Law," Neo said. "This part of it after all."
'Okay.'
Neo continued on to the dinning hall. The crews chattering flowed to her the closer she got. She smiled as she entered the room. "Good morning, everyone."
"You okay, Neo? You look rather worn out and pale," Penguin said.
"That shouldn't be a surprise with how much she's cleaned and recleaned this place. On top of going to the beach every day now." Tero gave her a pointed look. "You need to take it easy."
"Maybe I'm a little tired of taking it easy!" Neo snapped. Everyone looked at her. She sat down beside Penguin. "How many times do I have to say how bored I am? It's not like I can get a job like you all have."
Guilt passed over the crews' expressions.
"We're sorry," a few said with caution.
Neo shook her head. Still grumbling she said, "Don't be. I'm just being cranky." She rubbed her stomach. "I'm not feeling like myself this morning."
"It's okay." Penguin squeezed her shoulder.
"Maybe you should rest today," Kailen said.
"I've already heard that from Law," Neo said, trying to keep herself under control. "I'm staying at the castle today. Penguin, I'd like for you to stay with me."
"Of course." Penguin nodded.
Pans clattering to the floor pulled everyone's attention to the kitchen. "You rotten cat! Give that back! It's not yours!"
"Sounds like Basil is having a hard time with Sora," Jean Bart said.
"It's because Basil's not a cat person," Archer said. "Cats can sense that kind of thing. Which is kind of odd considering he grew up on a farm."
"Can't like every animal even if you did grow up on a farm." Conner grabbed another donut.
"You would know." Smirking Archer elbowed his friend in the ribs.
Conner frowned at him.
A yowl from Sora floated into the room before the cat raced through with a fish in her mouth.
"Poor kitty," Neo said.
"Poor kitty?" Basil walked into the room. Scratches marred his skin.
"You should get those looked at," Neo said. "You're not allowed to get infections."
"I blame you," Basil mumbled. "You're the one who brought that feline here."
"She followed me." Neo's eyes shimmered as she smiled.
"I'll fix him up." Kailen stood up. Digging in his pocket he pulled out a small container then followed Basil back into the kitchen.
"Princess." Healer Zinnia stepped into the room with Law.
"I know, I know." Neo sighed with a wave of her hand. "I'm staying here."
Less than an hour later Neo was waving goodbye to the crew as they headed out for their jobs. Her fingers twitched to clean something. Feeling Law's eyes on her she turned to him. "I promise I'll be a good girl today."
"At least try," Law said. "I can tell you're wanting to clean the entire castle."
Neo looked to the castle ruins with a tilt of her head. "I don't think that'll be possible with all the damage that has been done. But you know… I could fit this castle up like new."
"Don't you dare," Law said in a warning tone. "It's pointless. And we're supposed to not draw attention to ourselves. Fixing a castle that's been damaged for twenty years would draw plenty of attention to us."
"I know, I know." Neo stepped closer to him. Pushing up on her toes she pecked his lips. "I'm not actually going to do it."
Law looked to Penguin and Healer Zinnia. "Make sure she doesn't."
"Aye, Captain." Penguin nodded.
Neo curled her nose at them. "I'm not that bad."
"Yes, you are." Law kissed her before heading off to the clinic.
Neo huffed.
"So what do you want to do now?" Penguin asked.
"I don't know," Neo said. "It'll still be a while before Momo and the others show up. If they come I mean." She scanned the area. "I wonder where Sora went."
"Probably still eating her stolen booty," Penguin said with a chuckle. "You should give her a talking to. If she keeps stealing food from Basil he might skin her."
"He will not," Neo said. "And she's allowed to steal as much fresh food as she wants."
"I figured you'd say that." Penguin nodded with a smile. "How about we play some cards?"
"Sure. Sounds good to me." Neo linked her arm with Penguin and headed inside. She and the healer sat down at the table in the dinning room as Penguin grabbed a deck of cards and some snacks they could use for chips from the kitchen. He joined her. With a shuffled of the deck he passed them out.
"Lady Neo!" Momonosuke called out when they were in the middle of their sixth game.
"Hey, Momo." Neo smiled with her young friend ran into the room with his two bodyguards.
"Good morning, Princess," Nina said. "You're looking well this morning."
"Thank you," Neo said. "How are things at the beach?"
"Great," Amara said. "The minks and elementals are working to gather food for the upcoming battle."
"Do they need help?" Neo moved to stand.
"Don't you dare," Penguin said. "You're not going."
"Fine." Neo shifted back in her seat and placed her cards on the table. "Royal flush."
Penguin groaned and dropped his head on the table. "You're luck at poker hasn't diminished at all."
Neo giggled.
"The princess indeed has a lot of luck," Healer Zinnia said placing her own cards on the table.
"Poker?" Momonosuke gripped the edge of the table. He pushed up on his toes to look at her cards. "What is this poker you speak of?"
"It's a card game. Want to learn?" Neo asked.
"I do." Momonosuke nodded. He crawled up in a chair next to her.
"You two want to join?" Penguin asked while shuffling the deck.
"Sure!" Nina bounced to a chair and sat down.
Amara followed at a calmer pace.
Penguin passed out the cards while he and Neo took turns explaining to the boy the different hands of the game over the next couple of hours.
"I think the princess's luck rubbed off on him," Amara said as she folded her hand.
Momonosuke smiled at his fifth win. "I like this game."
"I figured you might," Neo said. With a sigh she leaned back in her chair.
"You okay?" Momonosuke asked.
"I'm fine. Just a bit tired," Neo said.
"Perhaps you should take a nap now," Healer Zinnia said.
"Might be a good idea," Neo said.
"You rest then. We'll clean things up here," Penguin said.
"Okay." Neo stood.
"I would like to come with you," Momonosuke said.
Neo nodded then lead him to her and Law's room. She laid down with the boy beside her and quickly fell asleep.
…
"Is this normal for her?" Momonosuke asked. His eyes followed Neo as she pushed her broom around the room despite there being no dirt on the floor. "Should Lady Neo be cleaning this much?"
"No, she shouldn't be." The Wano residents turned their attention to the healer when she spoke. "She's nesting so it's going to be rather difficult to get her to stop. She's been doing it for a few days now."
"Nesting?" Momonosuke looked up at the adults.
"Nesting happens when a mother is going to give birth soon," Amara said. "It's a way to get order together before everything becomes hectic for the mother and father."
"Oh, I see." Momonosuke turned his eyes back to Neo. "That is why she is like this. But she must stop, correct?"
"That would be best. She's going to wear herself down if she keeps this up," Nina said.
"I'll do what I can." Healer Zinnia pushed her glasses upon her nose.
…
"Let's see," Neo mumbled to herself. She tapped the bristles of her broom on the floor. Having woken up she had a strong desire to clean the castle. And has been doing it for almost an hour and a half despite pleas for her to stop. "I need to make sure the elementals take some fresh food to the Straw Hats. We'll need to stock up on food, too, for the upcoming battle. Everyone needs to be well nourished and strong. I'm sure Inuarashi knows that. He's familiar with battles after all. I'm sure he's already working on getting that taken care of. And the elementals will help with that. I really should remind them to be careful to not be seen."
"Princess," Healer Zinnia said.
"Something wrong?" Neo looked at the older woman.
"You really need to rest now. You're working far too hard. Your blood pressure is rising." Healer Zinnia shoved her hands in her kimono sleeves.
"But I have a lot of work to do." Neo fully turned to her. Her hands gripped the broom handle. "We're going to go to war very soon."
"I understand that," Healer Zinnia said. "But it's not your sole responsibility to take care of everything for that. You have many allies here who know what needs to be done. It would be best to leave it in their hands and rest."
Neo opened her mouth to argue but quickly closed it when Cora kicked her. She sighed, rubbing her stomach. "So you are also telling me to rest. I feel like I'm being ganged up on. All right then, Cora." She looked to the healer. "I'll settle down for a while. But I still want to be in on the preparations."
"Of course." Healer Zinnia nodded. "I'll be sure to have Amara or Nina let Inuarashi know this. They, or another elemental, can run errands for you need them to," Healer Zinnia said.
Neo blinked. "Oh. Right. I forgot the elementals look to me as their princess."
Healer Zinnia chuckled. "Of course they do." She waved towards the hall that led to Neo and Law's room. "Now come, Princess. Why don't you rest in your room for a while? I'll send someone out to let Inuarashi know about this."
Neo nodded.
"Lady Neo." Momonosuke rushed over and grabbed her hand. "Are you all right now?"
Neo looked down into his worried eyes. She curled her fingers around his small hand. "I'm sorry. I keep worrying you all."
"Would it be all right if accompany you?" Momonosuke asked.
"Of course you can." Neo nodded. A sharp pain shot through her body. She screamed, crumbling to the floor. The broom fell from her hand, clanking against the stones.
"L-Lady Neo." Momonosuke's voice trembled. "What is wrong?"
"I don't know." Neo huffed. "It hurts so much." Something warm and wet leaked between her legs. Her eyes widened. "Oh no."
Healer Zinnia knelt down next to her and placed her hand on her shoulder. "Relax, Princess. I believe your water just broke."
"No… no not no-Ah!" Neo curled into herself with another contraction.
"Princess call him back," Healer Zinnia said. "I'm sure he sense this already."
"L-Law… I need you," Neo said through her pants.
…
Law gritted his teeth at the sudden pain rocking through his body. He cursed under his breath. Despite having never felt contractions before he knew what they were. Then he heard her voice calling out for him to come back. It was time. Neo was in labor.
"Is something wrong?" the elder woman he was attending asked.
"It's nothing." Law focused on finishing up with his client. He wrapped the bandage around her wrist, heart pounding. He had to get to Neo. Fast. 'Hold on, Neo. I'm coming. I'll be there soon.' Finally it was done. The woman's broken wrist was bandaged. "There you go. Take the painkillers as I have prescribed."
"Thank you, young man." The woman stood and shuffled out of the room.
Law ran from the room. He knocked on the next door. "Kailen! We have to go!"
"What?" Kailen opened the door. His own patient exited, giving Law a confused look before walking down the hall.
"Neo's going into labor," Law said.
"Right!" Kailen nodded.
Rushing through the clinic they made sure no one else was in the exam rooms before rushing to the waiting room. Luckily no one was there for the moment. They rushed outside. Kailen quickly closed up.
"Excuse me," a woman said.
"Sorry," Law said. "We have to close right now. My wife is in labor." He didn't give the woman a chance to speak again as he dashed up towards the castle. When he and Kailen were in a safer place, Law spread out his Room and warped.
…
"Ah!" Neo curled into herself as much as her rounded belly would let her.
"Hold on, Princess," Healer Zinnia said. "You're going to be fine."
"I can't! Law!" Neo screamed.
Law and Kailen appeared in the room.
"I'm here." Law knelt down to her, barely noticing anyone else in the room.
"Law." Neo grabbed onto the front of his kimono. "It's hurts so much."
Law nodded before looking to the healer. "Is she…?"
"She is." Healer Zinnia nodded. "We need to get her to the birthing room."
"Come on. We're going to the sub." Law picked Neo up. His body faltered when another contraction rolled through Neo.
"Easy." Kailen placed his hand on Law to stabilize him.
"Amara. Nina," Healer Zinnia said. "Locate the rest of their crew. They'll want to know what's going on. But don't be spotted by anyone else."
"Of course." They nodded before rushing from the room.
"What should we do?" Momonosuke asked.
"We will wait here," Kin'emon said.
"What? But Lady Neo…" Momonosuke trailed off.
"Lord Momonosuke." Kin'emon knelt down and took the boy's shoulders in his hands. "Lady Neo needs some privacy right now. She will be stressed out enough as it is while giving birth."
"But I…" Momonosuke looked down.
"It's all right. Ah! I'll be fine, Momo." Neo smiled at him through the pain and cupped his cheek. "Stay here for me."
Momonosuke nodded.
"Shambles." Law warped them from the room.
…
Healer Zinnia flipped on the light when they appeared in the birthing room. The air was cool from sitting underground for so long.
Neo shivered.
Law placed Neo down on the bed that had been prepared several months ago for this event. Her hands continued to clench his kimono.
"Law."
"It's okay, love." Law placed his hand over hers. "I'm right here. It's going to be fine."
"I'm scared." Her body trembled.
"I know."
"All right. Let's get prepared for the arrival of baby. Remember, Princess," Healer Zinnia said pulling a gown from the small closet. "Push during contractions and rest between. And don't forget to breath."
Neo nodded. Law helped her strip off her clothes and slip into the gown she was going to wear during the delivery.
Kailen grabbed a couple more pillows. He placed them behind Neo. "There you go."
"Thank you, Kailen." Neo rested against the pillows.
Kailen smiled at her.
"How is she?" Penguin asked. "Is she all right? She's going to be all right, right?"
"P-Penguin." Neo looked at him then winced. Her hand tightened on Law.
"You poor baby." Penguin rushed to her side. He placed his hand on her head. "Are you okay? Do you need anything?"
"I want this to be over," Neo said.
"I'm sorry I can't help with that." Penguin gave a weak smile.
Neo screamed as another contraction shot through her body.
"All right, Penguin," Healer Zinnia said. "I know you want to stay with her, but you can't. We'll keep you informed on any developments."
"I'll be right outside. You've got this." Penguin kissed Neo's cheek before heading out into the hall.
…
Penguin paced the hall from one end to the other. He stopped each time he came to the door his sweet little sister was behind. From time to time they heard a pain filled cry from the room. Each time it happened they all paused and listened for the cries of a baby or footsteps coming to the door to inform them on what was going on. "Come on."
"Calm down, Pen," Shachi said from his spot leaning against the wall. "You're going to wear a hole in the sub floor."
"Why haven't we heard anything yet?" Penguin whipped around and walked back down the hall then came back. He paused at the door and stared at it.
"They're focused on Neo and the baby," Shachi said. He glanced down at Bepo who was sitting on the floor beside him. The bear was twiddling his paws and hadn't said anything when they had arrived in the sub. "You know that. Besides they haven't been in there for very long."
"I know, I know." Penguin paced again. He tried to distract himself by thinking of something else. He focused on the crew and the elementals. The crew had came when they gotten the word about Neo. But they had decided to stay farther away from the medical bay. Some elementals and minks had also came to the sub. They were standing guard outside the sub on the deck and in the castle in case something unexpected happen.
…
"I don't want to do this," Neo said. "Law, please, make it stop."
"Hold on, Neo. You're almost there," Law said. The searing pain shot through their bodies again. His knees buckled. Luckily he managed to catch himself on the bed and stabilize again.
Neo clenched his hand, tears swelling in her eyes. Guilt hammered into her as she watched Law grit his teeth from the pain. If it weren't for her he wouldn't be in this mess at all. The pain then subsided. She sunk back into her pillows. "I'm sorry, Law. I'm so sorry." Tears poured from her eyes. "This is all my fault. You're in pain because of me."
"No, love." Law dipped a rag in the bowl of water beside the bed. He squeezed out the extra water before dabbing it on Neo's forehead. "It's not your fault."
"Yes. It is. It's my magic that bonded us."
Law shook his head. "It wouldn't matter. Even without the bond I would hurt because you hurt."
"You're just being nice!" Neo sniffled. "I hate you for being so nice! I don't deserve you at all!"
Law chuckled a bit and pecked her forehead. "Yes, you do deserve me."
"You're an idiot. Don't kiss me like that when I'm all sweaty." Neo closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. It calmed her for a moment before another contraction hit her.
"Keep it up, Princess," Healer Zinnia said. "You're doing great."
"I'll have to take your word for that."
"You are doing fine." Kailen stepped to her side. "Mom and Dad would be proud of you."
Neo smiled. Even though she didn't know them she wished they were here for this. And Corazon, too. As if sensing what she was thinking Law pressed his forehead to her temple. 'They are here, Neo.'
'Yeah.' Neo lost track of how much time had passed since they had arrived in the infirmary after that. The moments seemed to drag on as the contractions keep coming one after another until her body felt like a rubber band ready to snap. Somewhere in the mist of the blinding pain, breathing, and Law coaching her through it she heard the healer say, "Deep breaths, Princess. You're almost there. I can see the baby's head."
"You're doing it, Neo. Just hold on a little bit longer," Kailen added.
Neo pressed her head back into her pillows. Her body was heavy with exhaustion, crying out for it to stop. She felt as if she wanted to curl into a hole and die. She didn't want to do this anymore.
"One more push," Healer Zinnia said.
"I can't. I can't do it. I'm too tired," Neo said. "I don't want to do this anymore."
"Come on, Neo. You can do this. Just one more push," Law said. "It's almost over."
Despite her body being tired from everything she gave it one late push thanks to Law's encouragements. Tiny cries coupled with gasps for air came to the room.
"There you are," the healer said holding up the newborn.
"You did it, Neo. I'm proud of you." Kailen kissed her cheek then moved to help with the baby.
Neo leaned back, exhausted from everything. "Law…"
…
"You did well." Law kissed her lips then held up his hand. Without a word he formed his Room and warped the placenta out of Neo. She had endured enough for one day. It landed on the floor with a sloshy splat then turned his attention back to her. He kissed her damp forehead. The pain for both of them had subsided considerable. Her solar crystal appeared, spreading its healing glow over her body. However a new pain was about to occur. Their son was early. He could tell by the weak cries and gasps for air that Cora was having trouble breathing. From what he could tell Neo hadn't noticed yet. But she would be soon. Her mind was clearing from the birth. He swallowed. He had to ask. "Will he be all right?"
Neo's trembling hand tightened around his. Her eyes went over to the two healers. Her concern for their child hit him like a two-ton hammer. Questions of what she could have done different paraded through her mind. All the times she cleaned when she should have rested bounced around in her head.
Law was grateful the two healers had positioned themselves to hide what they were doing from Neo. She really didn't need to see them clean their son and put in the tubes that would help their son breathe and feed while his body continued developing.
"He's having trouble breathing," Healer Zinnia said as she continued to work.
"Will he… is he going…" Neo stuttered out.
"Don't worry, Princess. He's going to be fine," Healer Zinnia said. "We were more than prepared for this."
Law watched them work in synchronized moves for a few seconds longer before turning back to Neo.
"Law." Neo's eyes pleaded with him.
"They know what they're doing," Law said. He brushed her damp hair around her ear. "Cora's going to be fine. We talked about this. He's going to have a little trouble breathing for a while. Babies born early often do. He might have a few other issues to deal with but we have the best healer here to take care of it."
Neo nodded.
Law watched her eyes. He saw she was recalling the information she had been given through their study sessions on childbirth. To help settle her mind he sent her soothing thoughts. Thoughts that told her she did nothing wrong, she did everything right, and how much he loved her. Her body posture relaxed more, but the tension and worry over their son was still there.
Healer Zinnia sighed before turning to them. "He's stable but has an infection in his lungs. We have him on a breathing machine. And Kailen's finishing cleaning him up and going to put him in the incubator now. We'll bring him over shortly."
"I'm sorry, Law," Neo said.
"Don't apologize. We were prepared for this," Law said repetitively while feeling her heart pounding in his own. "He's going to be just fine." He stroked Neo's hair and spoke softly to her. "It's okay, love. Cora's fine." He glanced over at the healers. They were still working with Cora.
"Okay. Are you two ready to see your son?" Kailen asked. The young healer had placed their son in the warming bed the healer woman had brought with her. The crystals were glowing a soft red around their bundled up boy.
Law glanced at Neo. The uncertainty is was clear in her eyes as she eyed the small bundle. He nodded at Kailen. "Yes, bring him over."
Kailen pushed the warming bed over to Neo's right side. Summoning a crystal he engulfed the warming bed and Neo's own bed. The warming bed attached to the bed. "Cora, here's your mommy and daddy. Be good for them. They're both new to parenthood."
Law glanced at their son. Light blue crystal tubes were in his nose. His black hair was sticking up from the birth and being cleaned.
"He's… he's so small," Neo whispered.
Law looked at her. She had looked at their son without being prompted.
"He's four and a half pounds," Healer Zinnia said. "He's underweight but it's not as bad as it could be. We're going to keep a close eye on him and his weight. Depending on how much he gains will depend on when he can leave the incubator. And we're keeping a very close eye on his infection. It shouldn't be hard to get rid of."
"Will my solar crystal help him?" Neo whispered.
"It will." The healer nodded. "In more ways that one. It'll help heal his infection and let him know that you're close by. He's use to your magic being so close after all. Talking to him will also help."
Neo adjusted her solar crystal so its healing glow went to their son more than to her. Their tiny baby needed it more than she did. Besides most of the pain of labor had subsided.
"Once Cora is stronger and the infection has been dealt with the rest of the crew will be allowed to come in and see him. For now we can't risk his health to germs," Healer Zinnia said. "They'll have to come in one by one and make sure to wash their hands. You two should also keep as clean as possible."
"We will." Law nodded.
"Law, would you like to inform the crew of Cora's birth?" Kailen asked.
Law glanced at Neo. "Would you do it? I don't want to leave Neo right now."
"I will." Kailen nodded then stepped out in the hall. A few seconds later screams of joy penetrated the walls and door.
…
Neo rolled onto her side, her eyes never leaving Cora. She watched as he slept under the red glow of the warming bed, seemingly unaware of the concern that was filling the atmosphere. From the edges of her eyes she saw Healer Zinnia check on Cora on several occasions then turn and check on her, but she had no idea how much time had passed.
"We should go ahead and pump your breast. The first feeding is the most important." Neo heard the healer say from the haze plaguing her mind. "While it could take several days or weeks for Cora to get strong enough to suckle from your breast it's a good idea to store milk, even if you don't use it."
"Go ahead," Law had said when Neo didn't respond.
Neo still didn't move her eyes from Cora as Law's warm hands undid the front of her gown. Then something small and around was attached to her breast. She felt a light sucking and looked to see what it was. A crystal device was attached to her breast. The tube led to a crystal bottle. "What is that?"
"It's a breast pump. We're going to take some breast milk from you and give it to Cora through the tubes," Healer Zinnia said. "We're also going to store some for later."
Neo's eyes went back to Cora when the healer said his name. She noticed the tubes for the first time threaded through his nose. They looked so thin. "And he'll get enough milk from that tube?"
"Yes, he will," Healer Zinnia said. "He won't be able to eat much right now, but it'll be enough. For the time he won't be able to latch on to your breast."
Neo cringed. Feeling both guilty and nervous about feeding their son.
"While he must eat this way for a while it will benefit for both you and Cora to cuddle," Healer Zinnia continued. "Skin to skin contact is best."
Neo shook her head, her eyes wide. She couldn't touch him. She didn't want to hurt him. She breathed in sharply. "I can't. I can't."
"Easy, Neo." Law stroked her hair. "It's okay if you're not ready to hold him."
Neo settled back into watching Cora sleep.
"Of course that's fine. You'll still be moving at your own pace, Princess. Also a shower would be beneficial," Healer Zinnia said. "You could take one in about two hours. You should be feeling up for it by then."
Neo shook her head despite feeling gross from the delivery.
"I'll take care of it then," Law said.
"Very well." Healer Zinnia nodded. "We'll get out of your way for now."
The two healers left the room.
…
Neo continued to watch as Cora slept. Her eyes scanned over every inch of him, memorizing every detail of his features from his tiny wrinkled fingers to the wild mop of hair resembling Law's. When he opened his eyes for a brief second she saw they were the same as Law's. Her heart fluttered, increasing the beeping of her heart monitor. Cora was a miniature version of Law. It made her love them both even more.
"Love," Law called as he stroked Neo's hair. "It's time for you to take a shower."
"No." Neo shook her head. "I'm not leaving him. I can't."
"Cora will be fine. You need to take care of yourself now," Law said. "It's been over two hours since Cora arrived. I know you want one. I can feel it. You'll come right back when you're done."
Neo licked her lips. She was about to tell him she wasn't leaving when the room suddenly changed into their bathroom and she was in his arms. She cut a sharp glare at him and wiggled free from his grip. Once freed she stomped, as much as her still tender body would let her, towards the door. "Law!"
Law's arm wrapped around her waist, preventing her from leaving. She struggled against him, her crystals appearing around them. "Neo, I promise I'll warp you right back there the second you're done with your shower."
"But… Law…" Tears blurred her eyes. "Cora… so small. Helpless…"
"Kailen and the healer woman are with him. They came into the room a few minutes ago so we could come here," Law said. She stopped struggling, a bit. He took her hand and guided her over to the shower. Turning the knobs he got the shower to a good temperature before turning back to Neo. "You. Shower. Now. I'll get you some clean clothes."
Neo all but ripped her gown off. Stepping into the shower she gave herself the fastest shower she had ever had. As she used her crystals to dry herself off Law stepped back in the room with her clothes. She pulled them on. The second she was dressed the bathroom disappeared. They were back in the infirmary, right beside their baby. She glanced down at Cora. He was still fast asleep. She sighed relieved he was fine and safe, his own heart monitor beeping steadily. Brushing way her tears away she spread her healing glow over him again and laid back down.
"See? He's just fine," Kailen said.
"Yes." Neo nodded. "Thank you. I'm sorry, Law. I know you meant well."
"It's all right." Law sat down on the bed.
…
Time completely blurred into nonexistent as Neo watched their son. She didn't notice much of the things going on around her. She didn't notice as Healer Zinnia or Kailen bustled about the room checking on Cora or her. She didn't notice as Law brought food up to her mouth despite the fact she ate whatever he gave her, the food and drinks tasteless against her tongue. She didn't noticed how little sleep she was getting. All she could focus on was Cora.
In the low light of her solar crystal and the warming bed she reached out for Cora's small hand. Her finger paused at less than a half inch from his small fingers. Her hand trembled.
"You can touch him," Law said from behind her.
"No. I can't." Neo pulled her hand back. "I don't want to hurt him again."
"Neo," Law said, "you didn't do anything wrong."
"Of course I did. This happened because I get stressed out all the time." Tears leaked from her eyes. "Then I couldn't stop myself from cleaning. I put too much stress on our baby. And now he's suffering because of it."
"Don't talk like that, love." Law slipped one arm under her. Shifting he pressed his chest to her back, holding her close. "You didn't do anything wrong. I've told you these things just happen. Cora will be fine. You have the best healer looking after him. Healer Zinnia will make sure he stays strong." He pressed a kiss to her shoulder before sliding his hand down her arm. Reaching her hand he placed a kiss on it before reaching for Cora. When her hand trembled in his. He kissed her neck and whispered, "It's okay, love."
Neo jerked but didn't try to stop Law as he extended her finger. Her heart raced, filling the room with faster beeps. Law laid her finger against Cora's palm. Neo gasped at how warm his baby skin was. Then his small fingers curled around her finger. Her heart filled with an unexplainable joy that she had never felt before. Warmth spread over her whole body, tingling her toes. Her mind cleared. She knew, without a doubt, that she would do anything to protect their son.
"See? He's just fine," Law said.
Neo nodded.
"Come now. It's time for you to rest. You haven't had a good night's sleep since Cora was born."
"I'm not sure I can," Neo whispered. "It's hard to believe. Our son is finally here. He's right here."
"I know," Law said. "But he is here. And he's doing fine. He's a fighter. Just like his mother."
Neo forced herself to pull her eyes from Cora. She glanced over her shoulder at Law. "I love you so much."
"And I you." Law pressed a kiss to her lips. "Now sleep. I don't want to have to give you a sedative."
"I don't want that either." Neo looked back to Cora. "I want to be alert for him."
"Then sleep." Law gave her a light squeeze before rubbing her back.
Neo drew in a few slow breaths. Still with her finger in Cora's palm she focused on the soothing rubs of Law's hand on her back. Forcing herself not to fight it she let her drowsy eyelids fall closed.
…
Author's Notes: Hope this and the next chapter will be okay. I did research a lot on preemie births but it didn't do me much good since Neo's an elemental. I couldn't decide how to go about things.
