More Trouble

"Don't chase after him him! I'll go!" Law said before anyone could make a move. "If anyone else gets found out, it'll become clear that the Straw Hat pirates and the Heart pirates are all on the island. They'll mount a huge search. Stay calm and think this through. We're the only ones they found out. Our plan is still safe, okay?"

"What will you do then?" Kin'emon asked.

"I want to just leave him alone."

Neo growled at him.

Law cleared his throat. "Of course I'm not going to do that. Straw Hat's already got himself involved in with the people of this country. You know how he is, Neo. If he gets swayed by his emotions, it'll throw off our plans. This alliance is pointless if we can't all be there on the day of the attack. I'll try to do something to stop him."

"Law," Neo said, "let me go after him."

"No." Law gave her a stern look. "I don't want you anywhere near Kaido right now. Leave this to me. Stay here with our son."

Neo nodded. "Be careful. You're not exactly safe with Kaido around either." She gave him a pointed look. "But if you get into serious danger I'm coming for you."

With a nod Law leaned down and kissed her. He stroked Cora's head before looking at everyone else. "Don't let anyone else see you."

"Captain!" Bepo called out as Law warped away.

"So what did our knucklehead captain do this time to get into such trouble?" Sanji asked.

"I'll tell you later. Right now we have a bigger problem," Neo said as Kaido's body shifted in the sky. His face turned towards them. Heart thundering, she tightened her arms around Cora.

"Is he coming this way?!" Bepo asked.

"N-no way!" Shachi said as he and Penguin look through their binoculars.

"Did he notice us?!" Brook asked.

"There's no way he could," Chopper said.

Kaido moved towards them.

"Crap! This is bad! He's coming our way!" Penguin lowered his binoculars.

"We have to get out of here!" Nami grabbed her head. "I don't want to die!"

Neo's heart jumped into her throat. She wracked her brain for a solution as she watched Kaido's mouth spread open. A glow shimmered between his jaws. There was no way she could block his attack with her defenses since she had no idea what the attack was actually going to be. Or how strong it would be.

There was only one thing she could do. It would blow their cover but she was going to have to fly them out of there. She summoned her wind crystals. Before she could pull a stream of wind around them she felt the dirt die under their feet then everyone was falling. Walls of dirt shot up around them. Kaido's attack shot above their heads, lightening up the hole they were in.

"We're going to die!" Chopper and Nami shouted as they clung to each other.

Neo wrapped her winds around them and lowered them to bottom of the pit. She looked at the dead grass at her feet. "What happened?"

"Neo, did you do this?" Bepo asked.

"No. I didn't do this." Neo looked at the bear. "The ground just... died."

"Apologies." Shinobu bowed her head. "I used my jutsu to decay the ground. It was the fastest way of escaping Kaido's attack."

"Quick thinking," Shachi said with a sigh. His shoulders slumped. "That was way too close."

"Do you think he'll come for us?" Chopper shivered as he looked up towards the top of the hole.

Neo glanced up. Kaido's attack had faded. She felt out where his location was. "I don't think he will. He's not coming closer. And Luffy's still running towards him."

"I agree," Sanji said. "He most likely thinks he killed us. There's no reason for him to come."

"Well, he did kill the ruins." Neo looked at the cook. "I don't think we'll be able to stay there anymore. It's too damaged."

"It won't be safe there anyway," Brook said. "Now that Kaido has seen us standing there he'll send people to check the place out."

"Should we stay down here for a while?" Bepo asked looking up. "Or do you think we can leave?"

"Kaido isn't coming towards us," Neo said. "Luffy's bouncing around. So he must be in a fight with the emperor now. Law's getting close to the fight as well."

"I think we're fine to leave this hole," Sanji said.

"That would be best. If Kaido does send someone we need to be ready. If we stay in here we'll be trapped." Neo nodded. Suddenly a wave of tiredness washed through her body. Her knees buckled.

"Neo!" Penguin grabbed her arms, keeping her on her feet and Cora in her arms.

"Law, what's wrong? What happened?" Neo huffed for air. Shachi took Cora from her weakened grasp. "Thanks."

"Sure." Shachi smiled.
'I'm fine. It's just a sea prism nail in my arm. Hawkins appeared. Stay where you are.'

"Neo?" Sanji stepped closer to the elemental.

"I'm okay. Law got hit with a sea stone nail. Hawkins showed up." Neo swallowed and leaned into Penguin's hold.

"Everyone! You're okay! I'm so glad!" Kiku looked down the hole.

The dog barked.

Neo looked up, glad to see Momonosuke peering down at them. He and the others looked unharmed.

"Yeah! We're fine!" Nami called up. "This hole saved us! But if we don't get out soon we might fall into the ocean."

"Neo won't let that happen," Sanji said. "How's Law?"

"He'll be fine." Neo stood and rubbed her arm. "He was able to pull out the nail. I'll take us up now." She wrapped her winds around everyone and lifted them back to the surface. Placing them on the ground she looked to where Kaido had been. He was gone. And so was Luffy.

"All right, we're back up top." Sanji looked around.

"I'm so relieved. Miss Shino's jutsu saved you all!" Kiku clapped her hands together.

"My juku-juku voluptuous can mature anything!" Shinobu nodded.

"Yes! Anything Miss Shino touches rots," Kiku said.

"Let's choose our words more carefully!" Shinobu snapped.

"Something wrong, Neo?" Shachi asked.

Neo nodded. "Yeah. Luffy's gone."

"What?!" The Straw Hats gasped.

"Kaido has him." Tears stun Neo's eyes. "Law's on his way back."

"Don't worry." Sanji rubbed her back. "Luffy will be fine."

"I know." Neo brushed way her tears. "If Kaido wanted to kill him he would have done it instead of taking Luffy hostage."

"And we'll get him back," Chopper said. "We got Sanji back after all."

"Yeah." Neo nodded. More tears came. "I know. But I'm still worried. Kaido's going to throw him into prison. They're not exactly a safe place to be. Kaido! You better not hurt my Luffy!"

"There, there." Penguin patted her back. "I'm sure Straw Hat will use this to his advantage. Or at least he'll make things more complicated for Kaido."

"Well, that's certainly true." Nami crossed her arms over her chest.

"Indeed." Brook nodded. "Let's focus on us for now."

"He's right," Shinobu said. "We need to get your friends here into positions for their roles. Straw Hat Luffy will be fine."

"Luffy is strong." Momonosuke slithered around Neo's body, his head resting on her breasts. "He will survive this."

"Hey! You brat!" Sanji and Penguin growled. "You get off of her right now!"

"Why are you two yelling at him?" Neo stroked Momonosuke's head.

"He's not allowed to touch you like that!" Penguin and Sanji said.

The boy grinned.

"You two are so silly." Neo giggled. "He's just a little boy."

"Still so naïve." Brook placed his fingers on his bony cheeks. "It's so cute. I wish I could lay my head on her-"

"Not a chance!" Penguin punched Brook while Sanji kicked him.

Brook hit the ground, skull steaming. "That hurt."

"Serves you right." Shachi handed Cora back over to Neo.

Neo looked Cora over. He was still sleeping, unaware of the dangers they had been in.

"Where's the captain now?" Bepo asked.

"He'll be here in two warps," Neo said before Law appeared beside her. Her eyes went right to his arm. Blood spotted his kimono sleeve. She summoned her solar crystal then leaned into his chest. "Moron. No more running off like that."

"Sorry. But I assume you already know that Straw Hat has been taken," Law said.

"Neo told us a moment ago," Penguin said.

"What are we going to do now, Captain?" Bepo asked.

"We'll proceed with the plan," Law said. "Having Straw Hat in prison might actually turn out to be a good thing."

Neo cocked an eyebrow at him.

"It'll keep him out of trouble," Law said.

"I still don't like that he's there," Neo said with a frown.

"Do not worry, Lady Neo." Kin'emon took a step forward. "I shall have Raizo visit him."

"Can he get into the prison?" Neo asked.

"Indeed." Kin'emon nodded. "It shall be very easy for him."

"Then it's settled," Penguin said. "Have you Straw Hats been assigned your part of our mission here?"
"Yes." Nami nodded. "Kin'emon told us about it before Kaido attacked."

"Neo, I could use your help," Sanji said with a smile. "I'm going to open up a shop tomorrow in hopes of luring in allies. I need noodles for it. Want to help me prepare everything?"

"Yes!" A bright grin spread across Neo's face. "I've been waiting so long to be able to cook with you again!"

Sanji laughed. "Me too! We can cook dinner for everyone tonight, too!"

"We get to eat Sanji and Neo's cooking?!" Chopper waved his arms, eyes sparkling. "Yes!"

"Do they cook that well?" Carrot asked.

"They do!" Chopper nodded. "They're the best! You're going to love it!"

"I can't wait to taste their food then!" Carrot smiled, tucking her paws under her chin. "Oh! But I'm in a hurry to go see my friends too. What do I do?"

"We could go to the beach," Neo said looking up at Law. "We'll need to inform everyone what's happened here. It's not like we can stay here now."

"Spending some time away from here might be a good idea," Law said. "Kaido was drunk while he was fighting Straw Hat. So there's a good chance he didn't really see any of you standing on the cliff but he still might send someone to survey the damage here."

"That's a relief. I'll have Sora take a note to the doctor office so they'll know to come to the beach after work." Neo's eyes went to the castle. She had been right. The castle was in worse shape than before. It didn't have a single semblance to a building now. It would take a lot of work to get it back to where they could live in it. Shaking her head she moved away from it. After a couple minutes looking for some paper to write on Neo made her note just as Sora appeared. "Good timing, Sora. I need you to take this note to Topaz."

Sora meowed before taking the letter in her mouth.

"Be careful. We'll be at the beach when you come back," Neo said before Sora scampered off. Standing she checked on Cora, who was sleeping peacefully in Law's arms. "He's so cute." She turned to Sanji. "Will you tell me now the whole story? What happened after you left Zou?"

"Of course I'll tell you now," Sanji said as they headed into the forest.

"Those jerks!" Thunder boomed overhead. Leaves ripped from the trees as her winds tore through them. Lightning flashed in tandem with the thunder. "How dare they do that to you?! Your dad thinks you're useless because your not a heartless machine?! Your family is horrible! The worst!" Neo jerked to a stop, gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. "I'm sorry. I know they're your family." Another boom of thunder. Her eyebrows narrowed. "Those jerks! How can they treat their own blood like that?!"

Neo walked forward with angry stomps. "Your father ran you off because you weren't his version of strong?! Then he has the gall to try and force you to marry a woman you don't know by threatening someone you love! And that woman trying to kill you for Big Mom's selfish gain!"

"She's scary when she's angry." Carrot peeked out from behind Nami's shoulder.

"Yeah. It was a pain but everything turned out all right." Sanji put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple to stop her rant. "I'm back now. They can't touch me anymore."

"Good." Neo gave a firm nod. "If they do I'll turn the elementals on them. I won't let that happen again." Her storm slowed before dissipating. A thought struck her. "Wait. You said you hate your family. You're a royal. I'm a royal." She placed her hands on her cheeks with a gasp. "Does that mean you hate me too?!"

Sanji laughed. "Your mood swings are so cute. Don't worry, Neo. I could never hate you. You're nothing like my former family."

"That reminds me." Neo blinked. "When we first rode on the Sunny with you I sensed something familiar about you. That was your royal blood."

"You could sense that?" Carrot asked.

"Yeah." Neo nodded. "But I don't know how. It was just a feeling."

"You're so interesting," Carrot said.

"Come to think of it I felt the same way with Rebecca back in Dressrosa." Neo pressed a finger to her chin. "I wonder if I can do that with all royalty."

"It's possible I'd say," Penguin said.

They stepped out of the forest and onto the beach. The minks were scattered about. A fire was blazing on the sand.

"Wanda!" Carrot broke away from them and ran out to greet her friends.

"Shall we get started on cooking?" Sanji asked.

"Yeah." Neo nodded then looked to Law.

"Go ahead. I'll stay with Cora," Law said.

"Thanks." Neo walked off with Sanji. They gathered around the fire and started to discuss what they were going to cook and what food Sanji was going to sell in the capital. "Soba noodles sound really good. How about we make some extra for today?"

"Good idea." Sanji nodded. "We have a lot of people to feed here."

"Huh? Hey, Neo," Chopper called. "There's something glowing around Cora."

"Hm?" Neo walked over to the reindeer and Law. Hovering near Cora's head was a red glow slowly forming into a red crystal. She gasped. "Law! Look! Cora's element! It's finally appeared!"

"It is red," Momonosuke said.

"What does that mean?" Carrot asked.

"It means we have a fire baby." Law beamed with a mischievous spark in his eyes.

"Don't you dare each our son to do bad things with his fire, Law!" Neo poked him on the chest when his thoughts passed to her.

"Rubber melts, doesn't it?" Law said thoughtfully.

"You're not going to burn Luffy!"

"Congratulations, Princess," Wanda said.

"Yes." Inuarashi nodded. "It is a wonderful day when an elemental gets their element. We must celebrate."

"Wonderful idea," Wanda said. "Would that be all right with you, Princess?"

"I guess so." Neo pressed a finger to her lips. "Though it's going to be weird to have a party without Luffy."

"We can celebrate with him once we leave Wano," Sanji said. "We always have a party after a big fight. I'm sure it'll be the same after this one."

"Assuming we live." Bepo lowered his head.

"Must you always be so pessimistic?!" Shachi and Penguin demanded.

"I'm sorry."

"Hold on a second," Nami said. "Is it safe for Cora to have his crystal out like that? What if he uses his fire?"
"Don't worry, Nami." Neo tucked her hair behind her ears. "Cora's still too young to use his flames. He won't be able to do that until he's about three years old. Even then he'll only be using one crystal. And with me around there won't be a problem."

"That's a relief." Nami's shoulders sagged. "The last thing we need right now is an out of control elemental baby."

"You ready to get cooking, Neo?" Sanji called.

"Coming." Neo kissed Cora's forehead then Law before joining the Straw Hat cook at the fire. Summoning her crystals she started making everything they needed as some minks brought over their cooking utensils.

"So what's with the crystal weapons and shields everyone's using?" Sanji asked.

Neo glanced at those who were sparing before going back to her noodles. "That's right. I haven't told you about that yet. A resident of Wano led us to an underground area where crystals from Luminous were planted. There's also a poneglyph there. It says my crystal body can lead us to Raftel."

"What? Seriously?"

Neo nodded. "I'm trying to get control over my crystals to recreate that crystal form but I'm not having any luck right now."

"I'm sure you'll get it soon enough." The fire snapped. Sparks flew over them. "It's part of you after all."

"I guess so." Neo sighed. "I'm nervous about what secrets Raftel holds for me and my people."

"Try not to worry about it right now. One step at a time."

"Right." Neo nodded.

Music filled the air. The two cooks paused to find some of the minks had pulled out instruments to entertain them. A few others started dancing and singing. As the sun continued to move across the sky the Heart pirates made their way to the beach, most shocked at finding the castle a mess and that Kaido was so close to their Neo.

With the food done they passed it out and enjoyed it while talking among themselves in different size groups.

Sanji stayed close to Neo much to the elemental's delight.

Neo continued to talk about Cora and how it felt being a mother while occasionally stressing over Luffy not being there with them until she tired out and fell asleep against Law.

Law laid Neo on the ground and pulled a blanket over her shoulders then checked on Cora. Their baby was snug in the flower bed she had made him earlier. Petals and his blanket kept the cool ocean air off his skin.

A few elementals moved closer to their sleeping princess and eyed the forest. So far no one had came after them. Law had sent some elementals back to the castle to see if anyone was snooping around. They saw no one and it appeared nothing had been disturbed. He hoped that meant Kaido was too drunk to noticed them on the cliff.

"She fell asleep." Sanji shoved his hands in his pockets and walked over.

"She still has bouts of increased energy from giving birth. Then she crashes." Law stood and faced the cook. A moment of silence passed between them before he said, "You down played what happened with Big Mom, didn't you?"

"Of course I did," Sanji said. "I knew Neo wouldn't be happy with what all happened. I fought with Luffy. He didn't fight back. And Luffy tore himself up fighting against one of Big Mom's best fighters."

"Good called. Neo didn't need to hear that."

"I figured you'd say that." Sanji smiled. "So how she been doing?"
"She's handling everything rather well considering where we are."

"I'm glad to hear it." Sanji smiled. "She's a great mother."

...

Neo rubbed her eyes at the sound of Cora's crying. After a stretch and a yawn she picked him up. While feeding him she scanned the beach. "We're missing some people."

"Nami and Shinobu set out early on a mission," Chopper said. "And Raizo went to find which prison Luffy has been taken to. Kin'emon took Momonosuke into the forest for some more training."

"I see." Neo lowered her eyes to Cora. "I hope they take care."

"I'm sure they'll be fine," Chopper said.

Sand crunched under Law's footsteps. He sat down beside Neo.

"You not going to work?" Neo asked.

"Not right away. I'll slip into town later to see how the clinic is doing."

"Do you think someone's looking for you in town?"

"Possibly. But don't worry. I'll be careful."

A few minutes later Sanji waved from down the beach."Neo! My sweet, beautiful fairy! Good morning!"

"Good morning, Sanji."

"I'm going to be heading into the capital in a while." Sanji glanced back down the beach. "The minks helped me gather up some wood for my shop. I need to get settled in."

"I'll come with you."

"You sure?" Law looked at her.

"I am." Neo nodded. "I want to make sure he gets settled in and that no one recognizes him."

"Okay. But if any of Kaido's or Orochi's men appear ignore them and come back to me immediately," Law ordered.

Neo nodded.

A hour later Neo and Sanji left the beach with a wagon of wood and food supplies in tow. She flew them through the forest to avoid as many people as possible. Before long the silence of the country side was taken over by the hustle and bustle of the capital. Music played. Merchants spoke loudly as they tried to lure people passing by their stalls into buying their product.

Neo scanned the crowds, looking for anyone who might be Orochi's or Kaido's men. So far all she saw were citizens.

"This looks like a good spot."

Neo paused to find Sanji had stopped walking and was pulling boards from the wagon. "You sure?"
"Positive. There are lots of people passing by this way." Boards clattered to the ground. "I'll get a lot of customers for sure."

"Would you like me to help you?" Neo asked.

"No, you sit." Sanji sat a round stood on the ground and patted it. "I'll have this up in no time."

"Okay then." Neo sat and watched him hammer away at the boards.

Thirty minutes later the small, simple stall had been erected. The water bubbled as Sanji slipped raw noodles into it. A few more minutes late the air was filled with spices. He stood behind the stall with a bright smile. "Come one, come all! Enjoy, ladies. That sweet aftertaste, and firm al dente! Try my special soba!"

"Look at the gloss of these noodles!" People started gathering around the small booth. Sanji handed out bowl after bowl of the steaming noodles.

"And the wonderful texture! So delicious!"

Neo smiled as she watched more and more people come to Sanji's noodle stall. This was a great and quick way to get people to come to them. Her eyes dropped to the people's ankles. As Sanji worked she checked for the tattoo.

"Lady Neo."

Neo jolted and looked around. Cora fussed at the sudden movement. In the alley behind the stall she spotted Raizo waving at her. She stood. "Sanji, I will be right back."

"Where you going?" Sanji tossed a glance at her.

"Just into the alley for a moment of privacy."

Sanji nodded. "Okay. Call if you need me."

Neo nodded back then stepped onto the alleyway. She positioned herself to make it look as if she were feeding Cora.

"Apologies." Raizo's voice came from behind a crate. "I did not mean to frighten you."

"It's okay. I was distracted. Did you learn where Luffy is?"

"Indeed. I found he has been taken to the Udon prisoner mine and weapons factory."

Neo tensed. "Is he hurt?"

"He is well. I believe Sir Law is correct. Sir Luffy is doing well in the prison."

Neo exhaled. "I'm glad he's fine. Can you get him out of there?"

"I can, but not yet."

Neo pouted. Law's words came back to her. Maybe it was for the best if Luffy stayed where he was. She hated it.

"I must find the key to his sea prism stone cuffs. It may take a while."

"Okay. Please keep us informed on how he's doing. If his life is in danger let me or one of my fellow elementals know so we can rescue him."

"Of course, Lady Neo."

When no more words came from the ninja she assumed he had left already. She stood there for a few more minutes before joining Sanji. Once there was a break in customers Neo told him when Raizo had told her.

"I'm glad to hear he's all right," Sanji said. "You feeling better now?"

"I'll be better once Luffy's out of that place. But as long as Raizo's keeping an eye on him I'll manage."