Magic & Children

Neo picked at her cinnamon oatmeal. Constantly, even throughout the night, she searched for Law to see if he was getting closer to her or not. He wasn't. She didn't even know if Law and Shanks had met up yet. Her eyes dropped to the circles on her wrists. Her desire to try and escape was strong, overwhelming. But she knew it was impossible. Still, she wanted to try it at some point, just to make sure. She flicked her eyes to her two hosts down at the other end of the table. They were, just like yesterday, kissing and touching each other like they couldn't get enough of one another. It made her wonder if she was this bad with Law. She didn't believe they were. These two seemed out of control. They seemed to be lusting after each other instead of being in love.

"Neo," Neve said.

Neo jumped. Heat rushed to her face as she dropped her eyes back to her plate.

"We're going out this morning," Neve said. "I think it's time we got to know each other a little better."

Andri slammed his hand down on the table, rattling the dishes. "My lover spoke to you! I will not tolerate you being so rude! Answer her!"

"I heard her," Neo said lifting her head. "And I do not have to address her if I do not feel like it. I am not here of my own free will. You pulled me here."

"You insolent little brat!" Andri stood.

Neo held firm but cringed on the inside. She probably should have kept quiet since she didn't have proper use of her crystals. Those words just came tumbling out of her. Perhaps she has spent a little too much time around Law and the crew. A smile threated to cross over her lips. Law would love to hear how she's being with these two. Or part of him would be. The other part would think she was being a bit stupid with her magic being suppressed. She was going to have to be careful on what she said from this point on.

"Settle, my dear." Neve placed her hand on his wrist. "At least she is more respectful than Icy was."

"That brat." Andri plopped down in his chair. "I should horse whip her for what she's done."

Neo furrow her eyebrows and gripped her fists tightly. Anger grew inside of her, though she wasn't exactly sure why. The though of Eira being horse whipped just didn't settle right with her, even if the snow leopard was a bit unruly and rude.

"I'm sure our sweet little house guest here will be more understanding after we have our little walk," Neve said.

It unsettled Neo when Andri suddenly grew calm. A secretive glance passed between them that were colder than the ice inside of the house.

"Very well," Andri said. "I'll leave that part up to you."

"Thank you," Neve said. "You won't regret it."

"I'm sure I won't." Andri smiled.

Neo turned back to finish up her meal. She'd know soon enough what's going on with them two. And she was sure she wouldn't like it.

"Shall we go?" Neve stood from her chair and headed for the living room. There a female Keeper was holding a shoulder pack and handed it to the woman.

Placing her fork down, Neo stood and followed her. She caught a glimpse of Polaris as she walked through the living room. She hoped he would give her some clue as to what this walk was about, but he just gave her a sympathetic look before she disappeared outside. The wind howled upon their exit from the building, but the storm had stopped. Pain slammed into her body and soul. The entire island was crying out in pain from being so cold. She gripped her chest. "It hurts."

"What's the matter, Neo?" Neve asked. "Did you hurt yourself?"

"No," Neo said, cutting herself off before she could say that it was nature that was hurting. As far as she could tell these people didn't know about her Elemental nature. She was going to keep it that way as long as she could. "I'm all right."

"Then let's go." Neve turned and walked away from her.

Neo took a slow deep breath before following after the woman. She eyed the path they were walking on. It was clear that someone had come out here and dug a path for them. She hoped they didn't do it during the storm. She had been preoccupied with what was going on inside that she didn't even notice the storm had stopped. Her eyes then lifted up to Neve's back. The woman didn't seem to feel cold at all.

"I suppose you're wondering why I'm not cold," Neve said.

Neo jumped, so did her heart. Did this woman have the ability to read her mind? "Um, yes?"

Neve chuckled and tossed Neo a glance. "There's no need for you to be scared or so timid. Lots of people have wondered that."

"Yes, I have," Neo said.

"I knew it." Neve continued to walk for several more minutes without answering the question.

Neo took the time to look around. All she could really see was snow and ice. A couple small and narrow mountains were at four spots near the edges of the island. Connecting to nature, she found that they were at least two miles from the closest shore and the ice covering the ocean when out about a mile before it ended. Polaris was right. There would have been no way for her to get on the pirate ship last night, unless her two captors were close range fighters. She still had to learn about that. She also noticed some strange structures all over the island as far as she could see. Some were trees and bushes, dead now but trees and bushes nonetheless. Other's she had no clue what they were. They didn't appear to be part of nature at all. They all were different shapes and size. Houses maybe? She did feel some wood inside of them. Where there other people here?

"Here we are," Neve then said.

Neo looked up to find they had ended up in what appeared to be some kind of garden. A small round fountain was in the middle of the place, the spouting water frozen in place. Several frozen benches were scattered around, as well as more of those strange ice sculptures. There were some even smaller here that almost looked dog like. Her stomach sank at the thought. She kneaded her eyebrows and looked at the other sculptures. Upon a closer look they appeared to be almost human shaped.

"Are you ready to hear what I have to say?" Neve asked.

Neo turned her eyes to Neve. The woman had placed herself down on one of the benches. The ice melted and hit the ground. She swallowed. She was no longer sure if she was ready to hear this. A strong desire to run filled her body. Still she stayed right where she was. "Tell me. I want to know."

"It's a rather long story," Neve said. "It starts with my birth. You see I was born with a gift." She placed her hand over her heart. Her skin began to glow and she removed her hand. A glowing flame appeared on her chest. "This is the fire talisman. I was born with this inside of me. Legend has it that if you are born with a talisman you are both blessed and curse." She snarled. "I say it's nothing but a curse. A curse that killed my mother when I was born."

"It killed your mother?" Neo heard herself asked.

"It did." Neve nodded. "The doctors tried to tell me that I was wrong. That my mother was just too weak and ill to have survived the pains of childbirth, but I know the truth. I was the one who killed her."

"Maybe you didn't," Neo said. "I know a lot of women die in childbirth."

"Do not try and persuade me!" Neve hissed. "I know the truth! No amount of lies will change that!"

Neo clamped her mouth shut. She had no actual proof, which way it happened.

"Anyway, growing up I was loved and even worshiped," Neve continued. "But then one day I lost control over my talisman. I burned a child to death. I was hated and feared after that. I was losing control. No one wanted me around. My own father drugged me and set me adrift in a small boat."

Neo just stood there. Part of her wanted to believe what Neve was saying, but something about this story didn't feel right. Emotion appeared to be missing from Neve's eyes and voice. It was almost like the woman was talking about the weather rather than some traumatic event of her past.

"No one appeared to want me no matter where I went or how I tried to help when someone was in danger," Neve said. "That is until Andri found me. We fell in love. And we want to have a child. However, the fire talisman continued to be cruel. I am unable to conceive a child because of it. My body is far too hot for the sperm to survive." She placed her hand on her stomach. Her eyes softened. "I want nothing more than to be a mother. To prove that I'm better than people think." She looked up. "All women want children. Don't you?"

"Actually, no," Neo said.

"Why not?" Neve frowned.

"Because we live the life of pirates," Neo said. "Having a child would only put them in danger of being targeted and killed by the Navy. I can't put a child through all of that."

"Stupid choice," Neve said. "You should have a child anyway. They are such a joy to have."

Neo shifted on her feet. Something clearly wasn't right about this woman.

"So Andri did a little searched on magic and talismans," Neve continued. "He found out about the Keepers and this island then brought me here. And we got luck. An ice talisman was here. Icy was in control of it."

"Icy? You mean Eira?" Neo asked.

"Don't call her that!" Neve snapped. "Her name is Icy! We named her that because she became a child to us! It's the horrible Polaris who chose to call her that stupid name and it's his fault that she's gone now! We did everything for her and running off is her way of paying us back?! The ungrateful brat!" She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Anyway, we sent the Keepers out to bring her back home. Instead they brought you."

Neo shivered. She was starting to get a better idea of why Eira has such issues with family and why she ran away.

"But it matters not." Neve reached into her bag and pulled out something that was glowing an icy blue.

Neo's eyes widened upon seeing what the woman held. It was identical to the tattoo Eira wore on her back. She could feel the ice magic radiating from it. The icy blue glow flowed over to her and engulfed her body in it.

"Magnificent, isn't it?" Neve smiled. She eyed the glow around Neo hungrily. "This little thing is what's going to let us have a baby. This will freeze the world so cold that I'll be able to conceive." She glanced up at Neo. "And you're going to help with that."

Neo's heart pounded in her chest and her head. Her body shivered at the hungry look in Neve's eyes. Something about this was just wrong. "I won't."

"Excuse me?" Neve frowned.

"This island is suffering because of the irregular weather here," Neo said.

"And how do you know that?" Neve listed her head.

"I can feel it," Neo said, careful not to reveal too much. "And what about the animal and people? They would never survive temperatures like this."

"You are doing just fine," Neve said. "Though that is a bit curious. The others didn't seem to far as well as you are."

"Others?" Neo's eyes roamed back to the odd ice sculptures around them. No way they could be people. It's not possible.

"Why don't you see for yourself?" Neve asked waving her hand to one of the structures.

Neo didn't move. She wanted to know but she didn't want to know. Her feet moved her forward. Reach out with a trembling hand, she swiped away some of the snow on the figure. Her blood turned to ice. She gasped and jumped away. It was a frozen person, their face frozen in fear. Her eyes dropped down to the dog like shape near the human. This island use to be warm, like Polaris said. All the people and the animals that once lived here was now dead. Her stomach turned. Rushing away, she bent over a frozen bench and lost her breakfast.

"You have a weak stomach for a pirate," Neve said.

Neo heaved. "How…how could you? All these animals…all of these people…"

"I will do anything to have a child," Neve said.

"This is wrong," Neo said, tears streamed down her face. "No wonder this place hurts so much. It's grieving the loss of its…" She gritted her teeth. "You're going to pay for this. You murdered them all."

"I did no such thing," Neve said. "If you want to blame someone then you should blame Icy. She's the one who controls the ice talisman."

"And you're the one who made her!" Neo leaped up, the glow remained around her body. Summoning her crystals, she lifted as much snow and ice up as she could and hurled it at Neve. She gritted her teeth as Neve walked through her attack then threw a fire-engulfed punch at her. Jerking to her left, Neo managed to dodge the attack.

"I didn't make her do anything!" Neve followed Neo, through fireballs at her.

Neo threw several blasts of wind, snow, and ice at the woman before launching herself into the air.

"Interesting abilities you have," Neve said. "They almost seem magical."

"They're from a Devil Fruit!" Neo lied. Bringing together her wind and water crystals, she formed a massive ice ball and tossed it at Neve. She wasn't surprised at all when Neve easily melted it. She had no idea if she actually had a move that would work against her. Her plants would just die. She couldn't fight fire with fire. Her wind crystals could only change the direction of the flames or put them out. And her water would either just freeze or evaporate.

"You're not going to win this," Neve said. "So come on back down and we'll forget this ever happened."

Neo's eyes landed on the ice talisman. That might work but she had no idea how to use it. Bringing her water and wind crystals back together she formed a large ice spear and hurled it at Neve. Fire flared up around it before shooting back up at her. She winced when fire singed her skin. Her crystals started to fade and she dropped to the ground.

"Foolish child," Neve said walking over to her with a harsh glare. "You're not strong enough to defeat me. I am fire."

Neo forced herself not to roll her eyes. Neve wasn't fire. Neve only had control over fire. She was fire. Or she could be if she had more than five minutes of magic to use. She held her burnt arm against her body. She should have taken control of the fire and remained unharmed by it. Law was going to be furious that she allowed herself to get hurt. Wincing at the pain, she watched Neve walk passed her, pick up the ice talisman, walk back over to her, and toss it at her.

"Start learning how to use this," Neve said, her eyes cold as the world around them. "You'll start freezing the rest of the world tomorrow. That should give you enough time to figure out how to use it. I'm sure Polaris would be more than willing to explain how to use it to you."

Neo watched as the woman walked away. She turned her eyes down to her arm. Her arm was burnt. She couldn't tell exactly how bad it was. She tried to summon her solar crystal. It flickered before fading. "I hope I can use my magic again soon. I'd rather not have Law see my arm like this."

Forcing herself to her feet, grabbed the talisman, and she headed back to the house. That pain ran up and down her arm with each step she took until she dropped to her knees.

"Neo, are you all right?" Polaris asked, his eyes locking onto the glow around her body.

"Where did you come from?" Neo asked. "What are you staring at?"

"The house. I told you we're fast." Polaris looked at her burnt arm. "Let me help you back to the house. I have something that can help heal that."

"Okay." Neo nodded while wondering why he didn't answer her second question. She jumped when Polaris put his arm around her.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked.

"No," Neo said. "I'm just not use to strangers touching me."

"Of course," Polaris said. "Sorry I forgot about that."

"It's fine," Neo said letting him help her stand up. "I trust you."

"Let us be off then," Polaris said.

Neo nodded as he grabbed the ice talisman and helped her back to the house. Coming closer upon the building, she hoped that Neve and Andri was nowhere in sight when they got inside.

"Don't worry. They'll be in their room entertaining themselves with each other," Polaris said.

"You're really good at guessing what I'm thinking," Neo said.

"I had lots of practice with Eira," Polaris said.

"Is it true that you named her?" Neo asked.

"I did." Polaris nodded. Reaching the house another Keeper opened the door for them and they headed right to Neo's current room.

Neo was grateful for the heat of the fire once they got back into the room. She carefully pulled her coat off and sat down at the table. "I will be able to use my magic again, right?"

"Of course." Polaris placed the ice talisman on the table then took Neo's coat and boots and returned them to the closet. Coming back he pulled the other chair closer to her. "It'll return in an hour."

"Good," Neo said. "I can use my solar crystal on this then."

"This will help until then." Polaris pulled a small crystal shaped in a leaf out of his pocket. He placed it over the burn and said, "Healing Haven."

Neo watched as the leaf began to glow a soft green. The glow flowed over her burn, taking some of the pain away and healing the scar about halfway. "What is that?"
"It's a healing talisman," Polaris replied. "There are hundreds of thousands of talismans in this world. It's our job as Keepers to watch over the talismans and bring them here when the humans abuse them."

"What about someone like Neve?" Neo asked.

"There's not much we can do about someone like her," Polaris said. The talisman stopped glow, he shoved it back into his pocket and examined her injury. "The elder will have more answers for you. I think it's best for him to explain it more. He's going to come to see you tonight."

"The elder?" Neo asked.

"He's the one who knows all of the secrets of the talismans," Polaris whispered. "They do not know he's still alive." He sat back and lifted his voice. "How does your arm feel?"

"Better," Neo said. "It'll be fine once I can use my solar crystal."

"You should stay in here for the rest of the day," Polaris said.

"No argument from me," Neo said. "Neve said she wanted me to use that talisman. She said you would tell me how to use it."

"I could, but I suspect that you can use it in a different way," Polaris said.

"What do you mean?" Neo asked.

"Normally, a person who uses a talisman says a few words to invoke its magic," Polaris said. "But this talisman is different from normal ones. It wasn't created the normal way." He picked it up and examined it like he's never seen it before. "The elder will tell you more."

"Why are you keeping so many secrets?" Neo asked. "I can tell you know more than you're telling me."

"I'm sorry," Polaris said. "I really want to tell you everything, but I don't want to make the mistake of having Neve and Andri overhear. Plus I'm not exactly sure that my suspicions are correct."

"Then I guess it's safe to assume you won't tell me why I'm glowing along with the talisman," Neo said.

"Just be patient a little bit longer," Polaris said. "Everything will be clear soon."

Neo dropped her eyes to the talisman. Her heart squeezed. It was just another reminder that she wasn't with Law.

"You're meals will be brought to you," Polaris said as he left the room.

Sighing, Neo sat back in the chair and watched the ice talisman share its glow with her. After half an hour she moved over to the bed and curled up. The day had stressed her out. She didn't know which was worse the stuff that happened to her on Luminous or the stuff that was happening here. Her eyes drift closed to the sight of Law's ring.

…

Basil sighed heavily as he placed roast beef slices onto the bread slices he had laid out over the counter. His mind was going over and over the day Neo was taken away from them. Having only been with the crew for a short while he had no idea how much he would miss the innocence Neo brought to the sub.

"Amazing how much things change when she's not here, huh?"

Basil looked up to see Shachi walk into the room. "I don't get how you all kept your sanity in tack when she was taken away from you before. I feel so helpless. It's not a feeling I'm use to having."

"None of us are use to feeling like this," Shachi said.

"So how's Penguin doing?" Basil asked.

"He's still holding up on his bunk," Shachi said looking at the half made sandwiches.

"I thought I'm make lunch," Basil said. "Though I know the crew won't care much about eating."

"At least we got word from her that she's all right," Shachi said.

"Is the captain feeling better?" Basil asked. "Where is he anyway?"
"Outside on the deck," Shachi said. "He's training while waiting for Red Hair to show up."

"How much longer?" Basil asked.

"It's hard to tell," Shachi said. "Neo didn't get much details on where Red Hair and his crew was. But Elementals can travel as fast as hurricanes. So depending on where they are and how many wind Elementals are sailing with him, it could be anytime or a few days."

"Ah! He's here!" Bepo's voice ran into the galley before his body did. "He's here! He's here!"

"Who's here?" Shachi asked.

"Red Hair Shanks!" Bepo shrieked.

The pirates bolted for the door. Their boots thundered on the wooden floor as they made their way up and out onto the main deck. There the large ship of the Emperor was sailing in the air right towards them at striking speed. Within seconds the ship was right beside them.

"Finally!" Penguin said as he ran out onto the deck.

They watched as the red haired man jumped from his ship and landed perfectly on the deck, rocking the vessel.

Shanks stood up straight. "Sorry we're late. We picked up a few more wind Elementals on the way. We're heading out right this second."

Law nodded in acceptance.

"Do you have the girl?" Shanks asked.

"She's in the brig," Law replied.

"I want to see her," Shanks said.

Law watched the Elementals lift the two ships into the air before leading the Emperor into the sub and down into the brig with Penguin and Topaz following.

"What are you going to do?" Topaz asked when they all just stood there in the silence.

"Get her to talk," Shanks said. "Unlock the door."

Penguin and Topaz looked over at Law. When their captain nodded, Topaz pulled the key from her pocket. She was giving the key since she was less likely to go into the cell and hurt Eira. She opened the door then stepped away.

Shanks walked in. He sat down in front of Eira, his eyes examining her bruises and broken fingers. "You really do live up to your cruel reputation, Surgeon of Death. I'm actually surprised you haven't done more to her than this."

Law growled. "You would have done exactly the same."

"Probably," Shanks said. "Topaz?"

"Yes?" Topaz asked.

"Please go have one of the wind Elementals tell my doctor I want him over here in fifteen minutes," Shanks said.

"Sure thing." Topaz left the room.

"Why?" Penguin asked his voice filled with venom. "She doesn't deserve help."

"Perhaps it only appears like that," Shanks said. "We'll know the truth soon enough. If you want to stay you can. After all this is your ship. I'm just a guest."

Law leaned back against the wall. "I'm not leaving."

"Neither am I," Penguin said.

"Eira, is it?" Shanks asked.

Eira lifted her eyes to him.

"Well, that's a surprise," Shanks said. "You have Neo's eyes."

Eira frowned. "Why must everyone point that out?"

"Why don't you tell me who you are?" Shanks replied.

Eira growled but said nothing.

"You're from Ivy Island, correct?" Shanks asked. "That's an island within my territory. But I'm sure you're aware of that. After all you've attacked my division ships."

"What are you saying?" Penguin asked.

"Around the past two years, there have been some odd happenings going on over at Ivy Island," Shanks said. "A once beautiful lush island was completely iced over. And as far as I know, everyone there is dead."

Eira flinched. Her bangs fell over her face.

"I've tried several times to get my men on that island yet they always came back defeated, some even dead," Shanks said. "Eira, listen to me. We're heading to Ivy Island right now."

"What?!" Eira lifted her eyes to him.

"We're going to get all the answers whether or not you want to speak," Shanks said. "It's your choice. You can either tell us now or later."

Eira dropped her eyes back to the floor.

"Just tell us what's going on there, Eira," Shanks said. "We're going to find out the truth very soon."

Eira gritted her teeth and clenched her fists before relaxing. "Neve and Andri want to freeze over the planet so Neve can have a baby."

"What?" Penguin asked. "What are you talking about?"

"Neve was born with a fire talisman inside of her. Her body is constantly hot," Eira said. "They came to the island about two years or so ago. They took me in and used me for my own magic."

"So you've been the one freezing my crew," Shanks said.

"That's right," Eira said. "I also killed all those who lived on the island."

"How could you do such a thing?" Penguin asked.

"Kind of hypocritical coming from pirates." Eira looked up at the hatted man.

"No, it's not," Penguin said. "We haven't and don't kill the innocent. What did those people do to you for you to kill them?"

"Absolutely nothing," Eira said. "Neve and Andri told me it was the right thing to do because to was for them and that if I loved them I would do it for them. The Keepers tried to get me to stop but I wouldn't listen. I wanted to believe Neve and Andri really cared for me. I was wrong."

"Keepers?" Law asked.

"They're the one's who took Neo," Eira said. "They were after me."

"Keepers are also not human," Shanks said. "They run around the world collecting talismans that people are misusing and abusing."

"So you knew about them?" Penguin asked.

"They are in my territory." Shanks looked over his shoulder at Penguin before turning back to Eira.

"It was actually Polaris who brought it to my attention that what I was doing was wrong," Eira said. "That was about the same time my Death Memories were getting worse. I have no reason or excuses for what I did to that island. Most of it I don't really remember."

"You expect us to believe that?" Law growled. "You're at least nineteen years old. You should have no problem remembering what happened in those two years."

"Actually, I have no idea how old I am," Eira said.

"What do you mean?" Shanks asked.

"I only have a few memories of these past two years that are actually mine," Eira said. "The rest are the Death Memories."

"Why should we believe that?" Penguin asked.

"What reason would I have for lying about my age?" Eira asked.

"Well, you could…" Penguin trailed off.

"See? There is no reason," Eira said. "If you want to know more then you'll have to talk to the Keepers. They know everything that happens on Ivy."

"And so we shall." Shanks stood up and stepped out of the cell just as his doctor came inside. "Fix up her wounds." He looked at Law. "Unless you have objections to that."

"Do what you wish," Law said.

Shanks nodded to the young captain then at his own doctor before heading out of the brig.

"Do you think she was telling the truth?" Penguin asked once they were out in the hall.

"I see no reason for her to lie now, especially since we're on our way to Ivy Island right now," Shanks said.

"We still don't have the entire story," Law said.

"We will," Shanks said. "Just be a little patient."

Law gripped his sheath hard.

Shanks smiled. "Just think of Neo. I'm sure she'll want you to keep a cool, clear head."

Law relaxed. Shanks did have a point.

"So how long will it take for us to get to Ivy Island?" Penguin asked.

"Well, I have sixty wind Elementals with me," Shanks said. "So only a couple hours."

"That quick?!" Penguin smiled. "That's amazing! I so love Elementals!"

"This fight might not be as easy as you think," Shanks said. "The Keepers have rounded up quite a collection of talismans. We have no idea how many Neve and Andri have under their control."

"We'll do what we have to and get Neo back," Law said.

"Of course we will," Shanks said. "And I'm sure Neo will do what she can on her side of this."

…

Hugging her knees, Neo waited for Polaris to return. Since her little run in with Neve earlier in the day she had done as Polaris asked and stayed in the room. During that time she used what little time she had to heal her arm with her solar crystal. Dinner had been brought to her almost three hours ago but not by him. She had no idea when Polaris would come. She hoped that he didn't get caught doing something he wasn't supposed to. She wondered if he was putting a sleeping potion in Neve and Andri's drinks again. But he never said he was going to do that. Looking to the window it was hard to tell what time it was. The world outside always was dark here. She watched the snow falling for thirty more minutes before heading some shuffling outside her door. Then a light knock came before Polaris entered. "I was getting worried."

"Sorry," Polaris said closing the door. "It took a little longer to get to the elder because of the storm. But he is ready to meet you. Are you ready?"

"I think so." Neo crawled off the bed and walked over to him. "Where is he?"

"We're going to him," Polaris said.

"But I can't get too far from Neve and Andri," Neo said.

"You won't." Polaris walked over to the fireplace. Going to its left side he pressed something that Neo couldn't see. The fireplace shifted and slid to the right. A hidden door appeared behind it, lit up by yellow glowing orbs. "There are many hidden secrets on this island. Would you grab the ice talisman?"

"Apparently," Neo said. She grabbed the talisman off the table before following after Polaris. Walking down the stairs she eyed the stonewalls. They were decorated with illustrations of the Keepers doing various tasks of finding and bring back talismans to cultivating the island and helping the humans who lived here. "So you lived here peacefully with humans?"

"We did." Polaris nodded. "At least until they were killed."

"Frozen solid," Neo said. "I know. I saw one out there. The animals were killed as well, weren't they? And it was done by Eira."

"It was," Polaris whispered.

Neo wanted to ask him more but didn't. She could feel his regret radiating off of him. They had reached the end of the stairs. Several doors were in the circular cavern they stepped into. "A maze?"

"Not really," Polaris said. "Each door leads to somewhere else on the island." He pointed to the one on the far right. "We're going through that one. A lot of them lead to caverns were the talismans are held. We put them down here so it would be harder for people to find them."

Neo continued to follow him. A minute later they entered into a living room of sorts. Large, colorful pillows were piled in a circle around one dark purple one. Sitting in the dark purple pillow was an old Keeper. His long grey hair was pulled back into a thin ponytail. His matching beard tapered off to a point that reminded her of Atlas and sent a shiver up her spine. She didn't want to be reminded of the man who betrayed her home and her parents. It was put at ease when she looked into the Keeper's face. His skin was full of wrinkles but very kind and gentle. And his eyes were soft and kind but full of secrets and wonder. She reminded herself that this was not Atlas. Atlas was dead.

"Oh, so you are glowing in sync with the ice talisman. Come sit, my child." The elder waved his hand to the pillow right in front of him. "We have much to talk about."

Neo swallowed but walked forward and sat down as instructed. Placing the talisman gently in her lap, she waited patiently for the old Keeper to speak.

"It's been some time since I've seen an Elemental," he said.

"Polaris said you all know about us," Neo said.

"Indeed we do," he said. "Many times Elementals have come to stop on this island, even a few lived here long ago, and Shanks' crew use to stop here all the time. But there will be time later for that. I'm sure you have lots of questions that need to be answered."

Neo nodded.

The elder stroked his beard. "Well, it actually starts with you and your lover."

"You know about Law?" Neo asked.

"So his name is Law?" The elder said. "Interesting indeed."

Neo looked over at Polaris. The Keeper had sat down in the pillow beside her. She brought her eyes back to the elder. "What's going on?"

"To put it bluntly, young one," the elder said. "It's you and your lover's fault this island is in this mess that it is."

"Excuse me?" Neo asked.

"Elder, please," Polaris said. "She's not use to your teasing. Do just get to the point."

The elder laughed. "Apologies."

"Forgive the elder," Polaris said. "He enjoys teasing people."

Neo glanced at Polaris then the elder. "Could you please tell me why this is our fault?"

"Because you two created Eira," the elder said. "She is your magical love child."

Heat rushed to Neo's cheeks. Her heart slammed against her chest. "What?! But we're not…we haven't…I'm not allow to…"

"Calm down, young one," the elder said. "This type of child doesn't come from sexual intercourse. It comes from the bond that you two have come to have."

Neo placed her hand over her heart. She took a moment to claim herself down before saying, "Could you please explain?"

"It might be difficult to understand as magic often is, but basically when you two bonded you created Eira," the elder said. "We not quite sure how exactly it happened as this is the only the second time a talisman had been born from a bond between a magical and a nonmagical. The first time happened centuries ago. And some of those records have been lost. But our best guess is that when you two bonded it created a spark that resulted in the ice talisman."

"The ice talisman? But you said Eira was born," Neo said.

"They are one in the same," the elder said. "The ice talisman appeared here to us then within a short amount of time a baby snow leopard appeared with it. Then a few days later that snow leopard grew to have a human like form."

"Baby snow leopard," Neo said. "I guess that was the one I saw on the sub."

"Most likely," the elder said. "Eira's magic is a bit unstable because she doesn't really know who she is. And it didn't help her when Neve and Andri came into her life."

"What did they do to her?" Neo asked.

"They manipulated her basically," the elder said. "They tried to act like they cared around her and told her they would be her parents if she did as they were told. Eira, being as confused as she was, believed them and froze the island. With her under their control and with Neve's fire talisman we really didn't stand a chance against them. We fought as best we could but Neve and Andri eventually took over. We faked my death and I've been in hiding ever since."

"Why did you fake your death?" Neo asked.

"Because the elder of our people are the keepers of all of the secrets of the talismans," the elder said. "Currently I hold all of those secrets until I its time for me to pass on. After that Polaris will gain all of the secrets and become the new elder. If Neve and Andri were to get their hands on these secrets the entire world would be in more of a threat than it is right now."

"I'm almost afraid to ask why," Neo said.

"It's taken Eira these past two years to freeze as much as she has," Polaris said. "If Neve and Andri knew that there is a magnification talisman then they would have been able to quadruple that in just a year."

"I see," Neo said.

"We can't tell you all of our secrets," the elder said.

"You don't have to," Neo said. "I have my own fair share of secrets I'd like to keep."

"Then you understand. Good." The elder nodded.

"Can you tell me more about Eira's magic? She has some abilities that can't technically be magic," Neo said.

"I'm assuming you're talking about the Devil Fruits?" the elder asked.

"Yes." Neo nodded. "She has the ability to warp herself like Law does."

"The magic from your bond must have absorbed some of his Devil Fruit powers," the elder said. "And because of that she wouldn't be able to use all of his powers. She would be far too powerful for that. It's just a balance."

"I think I understand," Neo said.

"You two should be able to sense her," the elder said. "At least for a while. After that you shouldn't be able to sense her because she's basically you two. And the same goes for her."

"I guess that would explain why this talisman is so similar to Law's tattoo," Neo said holding the talisman up. She then showed them the ring on her finger. "The design is even on his ring."

"That would be my guess," the elder said. "Your magic must have just created that image because it's important to you both."

"So what about Neve?" Neo asked before telling them what Neve told her outside.

"We Keepers always keep a close eye on those born with talismans," the elder said. "Neve was no different. The truth is her mother died in childbirth. She was indeed sick and couldn't handle it. It was not because of the talisman. The Keepers who looked after her tried to help her cope with the loss of her mother but sometimes things just don't work out like you want them to. Neve just kept going deeper and deeper into the darkness. People like that often look for someone who's like them. She found that in Andri. And here we are."
"I'm sorry," Neo said. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

"It's not your fault, Neo," Polaris said.

"Of course it's not," the elder said. "No one knew something like this would happen even though one has been born before like this."

"I understand now why Eira was so confused and hurt by our memories," Neo said. "She hasn't really had the chance to make her own." She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. A small familiar tick appeared in the back of her mind. "Law's coming."

"Are you sure?" Polaris asked.

"I am." Neo nodded. "I know this is going to be a lot to ask, but can you all help us?"

"What do you need us to do?" the elder asked.

"Take away as many talismans you can from Neve and Andri," Neo said. "How many do they have control of anyway?"

"Around eighty," Polaris said. "But most they don't use and they will be easily stolen. They have their own preference on using a certain few."

"Good," Neo said.

"You must remember, young one, that our people are not fighters," the elder said.

"I am aware of that," Neo said. "And I give you my word that I will keep you all safe. Is it possible to bring all the Keepers down to this area?"
The elder hummed and stroked his beard. "It might be a tight fit, but I believe it's possible. A lot of us are still away from Ivy Island keeping close watch over talismans. Some are not away of what's going on here."

"What can be done about these?" Neo lifted her hands up to show her restraints.

"Those can only be taken off by the bracelets Neve and Andri are wearing," Polaris said. "The only way you'll get close enough is to knock them out."

"That will be done," Neo said. "Law won't stand for what they've done to me."

"He's very protective of you," the elder said.

Neo blushed and nodded. "He is."

"I think I should go with you," Polaris said.

"Why?" Neo asked.

"They're going to use me against Eira in anyway they can," Polaris said. "They might try and tell her I'm dead. She needs to see me."

"That is not wise, Polaris," the elder said.

"I know, but I have to see her," Polaris said.

"He'll be kept safe," Neo said.

"Very well then," the elder said. "You all should get to work now. I'll stay here with the rest of the Keepers."

"Keep safe, Elder," Polaris said.

Neo picked up the talisman from her lap, stood up, and then followed Polaris back up to the room.

"What will you do now?" Polaris asked as the fireplace slid back into place.

"I'll keep an eye on how close Law and my godfather are getting," Neo said. "I know they'll come right to me when they get here. Hurry and get everything on your end done. I'm not sure when they'll get here. But if I know my godfather, he's gathered enough wind Elementals to get them here as quickly as they can."

"Understood." Polaris nodded and left the room.

Neo shivered at the cold rush coming into the room when the door opened and closed. She hugged the talisman to her chest and sat down at the table. Time passed painfully slow for her. But with each passing second she could feel Law and Shanks getting closer and closer. 'Law, please answer me.'

'I hear you, love.'

Neo's heart skipped a beat. Tears streamed down her cheeks. 'Law…'

'I know. I've missed you too. We're close, my love. Just hold on a little bit longer.'

'I know. I can sense you and Godfather. I'm located basically in the middle of the island. The Keepers here are taking away as many talismans from Neve and Andri as they can. They're not fighters though. They're going into hiding, but for Polaris who's a friend of Eira's. Oh, the Keepers are-'

'I know. Red Hair told us about them and got Eira talking.'

'That's good, but there's something you need to know.'

'What's that?'

'It's kind of hard to explain but Eira is a result of our bond.'

'What?'

'Eira was born because of us.' Heat rose on her cheeks. 'She's…she's our magical love child.' Silence passed between them. 'Law?'

'I'm here. I'm just having trouble processing what you just said.'

'I know. I just found out about it a little while ago myself.'

'We'll talk about it later. Right now I just want you back by my side.'

'I know. But I can't leave here. I'm wearing talismans on my wrists that keep me close to Neve and Andri. We need the talismans they're wearing to set me free. So I'm afraid I can't fight. The talisman suppresses my magic to only five minutes.'

'Okay. Don't worry about fighting. We'll take care of that.'

'Also, Polaris will be coming with me. He wants to see Eira so she'll know he's alive.'

'All right. We'll be there soon. Topaz and the other Elementals are already working on getting up onto the island without being detected. I'll see you soon.'

'Good.' Neo sighed and waited for them to arrive.

…

"We're almost there," Shanks said just as Law walked out onto the deck. Several other pirates were out there among them was Eira.

"Are you sure about letting her loose?" Shachi asked.

"Sorry to disappoint you," Eira said. "But I do have a friend on that island that I want to rescue."

"You didn't seem to care about him before," Shachi said.

Eira glared at him and shifted back to her snow leopard form.

"Enough," Shanks said. "We don't need fights among ourselves."

"Neo's waiting for us," Law said. "She's fixed it where the Keepers will be in a safe place while the fight happens. And they're taking as many talismans away from Neve and Andri as possible."

"That won't matter," Eira said. "Neve doesn't need any other talisman. She's strong enough with her fire one. Way stronger than any of you."

Ignoring her, Law said, "Neo's magic is being suppressed by a talisman. She won't be able to help us fight until we get them off of her."

"I see," Shanks said. "Then it's possible that your Devil Fruit won't be able to help her."

"Why's that?" Basil asked.

"Magic often works on a different level from Devil Fruit powers," Shanks said. "Eira is actually going to be our best bet on stopping Neve's fire talisman."

Everyone looked at her with doubt. She glared. "Shut up! I didn't ask to be here!"

Law flinched at her words. She had a point. She was only here because of himself and Neo. Still, it was hard to see how this girl was their love child. But now it all made sense. They way she looked like them, acted like them, has their abilities, and their memories. He wanted to but he couldn't deny who she was. She was their child. Guilt, a little bit, hit him for how he had treated her.

"The island is drawing near, Captain," Topaz said.

"Then proceed," Law ordered.

Topaz nodded. Moving closer to the front of the sub, she summoned twenty fire crystals and moved them down to the water. Heating the water up as much as possible, steam started rise up. The wind Elementals gathered the steam around and pushed it in front of them.

Law shifted on his feet. His eyes scanned around his crew. They all stood ready to fight, most of all Penguin. "Everyone is to stay back."

"What?!" Penguin demanded.

"You all don't have the abilities to fight against a talisman like this," Law said. "Eira and myself will handle this."

"But that's not-" Penguin started.

"He's right, Penguin," Shachi said placing his hand on his friend's shoulder. "We have no way of defeating someone like this. Face it. We're out classed."

Penguin growled. "Fine."

"We're coming up on the island," a wind Elemental shouted out.

"Then get ready," Shanks said. "We're heading right for Neo."

'Neo, we're almost there.'

'I'm ready.'

"Eira," Law said. "When we get to the house you are to hit it hard and get their attention."

"Whatever," Eira said.

The Elementals lowered the ships to the island then picked up the pirates and headed to where they sensed their royal.

"Now!" Law shouted.

Eira lifted her hands. Gathering in front of them, she formed two large ice balls then shot them at the house. The ice balls collided with the house, shattering the ice that covered the roof.

"Room." Law held up his hand. "Shambles."

Neo popped in front of Law holding the ice talisman. She smiled and threw her arms around his neck. The talisman's glow spread to him. "Law!"

"Neo!" the Heart Pirates shouted.

"I'm so glad to see you all." Neo smiled, her tears freezing like crystals on her cheeks.

Seconds later two figured ran out of the house.

"What's going on here?!" Andri demanded.

"You!" Neve looked up at Neo and glared. "Who are those people?! How did they manage to get here?! The Keepers were keeping a watch on the island!"

"The Keepers will no longer serve you," Polaris said appearing out of nowhere.

"Where did he come from?" Bepo asked.

"Keepers are fast runners," Neo said. She looked at her Elementals. "But there's no time to explain. We just have to keep them safe. They're not fighters like us."

"As you wish, Princess," an Elemental said as they all bowed to her. Some then scattered out around the island while some remained with the pirates.

"Well, looks like our disobedient daughter finally has returned," Andri said.

"I'm not your daughter!" Eira snapped. "You never cared about me at all! You only wanted me to do what you wanted! You used me!"

"Dear child, we do love you," Neve said sweetly. "All we wanted was to give you a sibling."

"No, you didn't," Polaris said. "You only used her for your selfish gain."

"Silence, you traitors!" Andri hissed.

"We did nothing to betray you!" Eira snapped.

"You spoiled little brat!" Fire flared up around Neve's body. "We gave you everything! We're your parents!"

"Neo and Law are her parents!" Polaris shouted out.

Confusion passed through everyone but for Neo and Law.

"What are they talking about?" Basil asked.

"I don't have a clue," Tero said.

"Eira was a result of Neo's bond with Law," Polaris said pointing at the couple. "Look at how they glow. That's one of many links to Eira."

Everyone eyes looked to Neo and Law. The Elementals set them down on the snow.

"They're glowing," Bepo said. "But it's not Neo's glow."

"This is just crazy," Ikkaku said.

"I guess that explains why Eira looks so much like Neo and the captain," Jean Bart said.

"What?" Eira asked. "It's not possible. It can't be."

"Eira, it's true," Polaris said. "You were born from their bond. You're their magical love child."

Eira stared at Polaris before bringing her eyes to Neo and Law.

"I'm sorry I never told you before, but we didn't know for sure until Neo arrived here," Polaris said. "That's why you have their memories, powers, and magic."

"Their my…" Eira dropped to her knees. "No…it's not possible."

"Of course it's not possible. Polaris is only telling you lies. Don't worry, Icy, I'll get rid of them for you. And then we can live happily together again." Neve lifted her hands and shot a blast of fire out at Neo and Law. "Fire Twister!"

"No!" Eira tossed out her hand, forming a shield around Neo and Law.

"You brat! What do you think you're doing?!" Neve demanded.

"I'm not really sure," Eira said. "I'm so confused about all of this. But I do know that Polaris cares about me. And, as much as I hate to admit it, it does make sense. Everything now makes sense. I was drawn to them because of their memories. They're…they're my parents."

"Eira," Neo said.

"I won't allow you to kill them." Eira leaped in between the four adults. "I won't let you."

"You spoiled brat," Neve said.

"Call me what you will," Eira said lifting up her hands. Ice gathered around them, snapping and crackling. "But I won't let you kill them."

"Then we fight!" Neve fired at Eira again. The heat of her fire rushed over everyone's skin. "Fire Twister!"

Eira fired back with her ice. She pushed back Neve's fire then charged at her while firing several ice shards.

"Fire Rings!" Neve formed multiple fire rings then threw them at Eira. They circle around her before attacking her at once.

Eira shielded herself with her ice as the fire rings hit. She leaped into the air and brought down an ice hammer on Neve.

Neve held up her hand, forming a small fire shield over it. Fire flared up around the ice. "Fire Shield!"

Eira continued to feed ice into her attack. The edges melted before her assault never lightened up.

…

"Why is Neve shouting out her attacks while Eira isn't?" Basil asked.

"It's like me," Neo said. "We're born with magic. We are magic. We don't have to use words of any kind to call upon its power. Neve is human. While she was born with the fire talisman she's still not a magical being herself. She's still human. She has to call upon the magic from the talisman to be able to use it. The talisman then obeys her will." She looked at Polaris when he ran over to them. "Is that correct?"

"It is." Polaris nodded.

…

"You're too weak, Icy," Neve said increasing her fire. The fire gathered together and created a beam that started to break through the ice. "Fire Beam. You can't beat me. I've been using my talisman for years. You've only been using yours for two."

"Shut up," she said from her gritted teeth. She could feel her ice melting. The heat from the fire grew closer and closer to her. She lost control over her ice and warped, but not quick enough to go unscathed. The fire caught her on her arm, filling the air with burnt flesh. She cried out then disappear and reappeared a feet yards to her right. She dropped to one knee, panting.

"Pathetic," Neve said. "You never should have left."

…

"Eira!" Neo cried out.

"Crap! It's no good! Eira's not use to fighting like this!" Polaris said.

"We have to help her!" Neo said. She grabbed one of the bracelets and pulled. "I have to get these off!"

"You said you can get them off with the talismans those morons are wearing, right?" Law looked over at Andri. The man appeared like he didn't care who won the fight nor about the pirates close by. "Stay here, Neo. I'm getting you free."

"Law, wait," Neo said but Law warped.

"It'll be fine, Neo." Shanks put his hand on her shoulder. "You know he's not going to just sit around and take this."

"I know." Neo nodded. She placed her hand over his and watched Law and Eira fight. "I want to ask you to help them but I know you won't. This is their fight."

Shanks nodded.

…

Law appeared in front of Andri. With lightning fast speed, he pulled out his sword and swiped at the man.

"What the…?" Andri jumped away from the sword. He reached into his coat and pulled out a small dark purple talisman in the shape of a sword. It started to glow and grew in size. "Sword Extend."

"Free Neo or die," Law said.

"I'm not freeing her at all!" Andri said slicing back again Law's sword. "She's too valuable to let go!" The sword pulsed with a purple glow. He swiped it out at Law, shooting out several bullets made of the glow. "Bullet Shots!"

"Then die you will. Shambles," Law said. He warped the bullets back to Andri. They hit the man, causing him to fall on his back.

"What the heck?!" Andri looked down at himself. "What did you just do?!"

"You've never faced a real swordsman, have you?" Law asked.

"What's that suppose to mean?! I have a sword, don't I?!" Andri hissed.

"Yes, but I can tell in the way that you move that you rely on the magic part of that sword," Law said. "By doing that you weakened yourself against a skilled swordsman such as myself." With another swipe of his sword, Andri's hand popped off of his body. He grabbed the hand and warped it over to Neo. 'Neo, turn away. I know you still have issues with several body parts.'

…

"Okay." The hand popped in front of her. Unable to touch it, she allowed Shanks to grab Andri's hand.

"How do I use this?" Shanks asked.

"Just hold it over Neo's wrist and say Binds Release," Polaris said.

"Binds Release," Shanks said. The talismans started to glow then fell from Neo's wrists.

"That's so much better." Neo wiggled her wrists while feeling her magic coming back to her fully. Her heart leaped when she heard Eira cry out in pain. The world slowed down. Neve's fire shot out to Eira and shot right through her lower abdomen. Gathering her crystals, she flew over to them. She used her winds and knocked Neve across the island then dropped down next to Eira. She summoned her solar crystal and engulfed Eira in its glow. "Eira! Just hold still! I'll heal you!"

"Don't be stupid! Keep your eyes on Neve!" Eira said.

Fire shot towards Neo. She leaned back, barely dodging it, dropping the talisman in the process. She pulled herself into the air and tossed some fire attacks at Neve. But the woman only absorbed the fire into her body. "Crap. I should have known that wouldn't work."

"Pathetic," Neve said.

"She's right," Eira said. "You have to be more ruthless than that to stop her. But you're too soft. You won't be able to do it."

"I don't have to be ruthless to stop her," Neo said. "I'll figure it out."

"With that attitude? You might as well just give you." Eira forced herself to sit up.

"What are you doing? Just stay still," Neo said. "You're going to-"

"I'm fine." Eira stood up, revealing little blood was dripping down her body.

"But how?" Neo asked.

"Remember! Eira's born of magic! She's not like everyone else!" Polaris called out.

"Well, that's nice," Eira said. "I don't bleed a lot but I can still be hurt."

"Eira, be careful," Neo said.

"Don't worry," Eira said standing up. "I doubt I can really die. Or at least die like you all can. I'm the only one who can fight Neve. You just stay back."

"I'm not going to do that!" Neo said. "You're too important to me to let you just do that!"

"Don't pull that sentimental garbage on me now," Eira said. "We're not friends at all. You know that's true."

"Maybe, but we just got off on the wrong foot," Neo said. "We have a connection. You've known that from the start. And we now know why. We're not just going to leave you to fight all by yourself."

Eira scoffed but smiled. "You really are a mother hen."

"Maybe I am." Neo smiled.

"I don't think your lover will like it but fine," Eira said. "We can fight this one together."

"Law won't mind. He'll come help us when he's done with Andri." Neo glanced over at Andri and Law. Law clearly had the upper hand. So she could tell that Neve was going to be the real issue. She brought her eyes over to Neve. Neve had her entire life to build up her fighting skills and her skills with her talisman. "Let's get this over with."

"Right." Eira nodded.

"You two are pathetic if you think you can beat me," Neve said. Fire flared up around her. "But let's see what you've got."

Eira threw her hands out, shooting streams of ice towards Neve.

Neo flew into the air. Summoning her wind and water crystals she created a waterfall of ice and pushed it down onto Neve.

"Not good enough!" Neve flared up. Her fire shot up around the ice, melting it with ease.

Eira growled and charged towards Neve. She threw ice punches while Neve dodged them.

"Give up, my child," Neve said. "You're not stronger than I am."

"Shut up! I'm not your child!" Eira hissed.

…

"It's no good," Topaz said. "Neve's fire is a lot hotter than Neo and Eira's ice."

"There's got to be something we can do," Penguin said.

"Like I said, Eira just doesn't have enough skills for a fight like this," Polaris said. "She's already used up a lot of magic. Before long she'll run out. And Neve's making sure to get Eira as angry as she can so she'll use up more of her magic."

"What will that do to her?" Topaz asked.

"She'll revert back to her normal baby snow leopard form," Polaris said. "Or even to her talisman form. If she goes back to her talisman form it's possible that she'll never come back to her other forms ever again."

"What?" Penguin asked.

"You could say that it's a form of dying for her," Polaris said.

Penguin clenched his fists. "And us chasing her around for days surely didn't help anything. Neo won't be happy about that. She'll be so upset."

"Neo won't let that happen," Shachi said. "We have to get that information to her." He looked over at their captain. Law still had the upper hand on Andri. He ran closer to the fight. "Hey, Captain! If Eira uses too much more of her magic she could turned back into the talisman and never come back!"

"What?!" Law blocked a sword swipe from Andri.

"She's not able to fight very well like this! Neo will need your help!" Shachi said.

"It matters not," Andri said swiping at Law.

Law blocked the attack with this sword.

"Even if you defeat me you will never be able to defeat Neve," Andri said. "We raised Icy to use her magic to freeze over the planet. We never taught her how to fight against us in case something like this happened."

Law growled at him.

"What's the matter? You clearly don't even like her," Andri said.

They shared a few more sword swipes. Law said, "That doesn't make her any less important to Neo. I will protect whoever Neo loves in order to protect her."

"Sickeningly sweat. But useless." Andri pulled back. His sword flashed. "It ends now!"

Law warped just before Andri could hit him with his sword. Appearing behind the man, he ran his sword through Andri's chest. He retracted his sword. Andri dropped to the ground. 'Neo, I'm coming up there.'

'Okay.' Neo wrapped her winds around Law once he warped up beside her.

"Neo, listen, Eira is in danger of using up all of her magic," Law said. "If she does that she'll turn back into the talisman and stay like that forever."

"What?! We can't let that happen!" Neo said.

"We'll do what we can, but you know how stubborn Eira can be." They looked down at her. The young girl was still throwing attacks at their enemy. "We might not be able to stop her."

"Or maybe we can," Neo said.

"What?" Law turned to her.

"We can use her talisman," Neo said. She locked eyes with Law and held up the talisman. "She was born from our bond. We're also connected to this talisman."

"It might work," Law said. "But we've never dealt with a talisman before."

"We have to try," Neo said.

"All right." Law nodded. He warped his sword back down to the island and placed his hands under Neo's. "Let's see what we can do."

"I can sense the magic inside of it," Neo said.

"I'm counting on you to guide me through this. I've never done anything like this before," Law said.

"Just relax and feel for the ice," Neo said.

Law nodded. He focused on the talisman. Slowly he felt the cold tingling of the ice inside of the talisman. Ice came from the talisman, swirling around them. "Did we do it?"

"I think so," Neo said. "But we still have to defeat Neve."

"Let's try it," Law said.

Neo nodded. Connecting her mind to Law's she tried to help guide him in moving the ice down towards Neve.

Neve looked up in time to jump out of the way. "What the heck?!"

"What do you think you're doing?!" Eira jumped to avoid the ice as well.

"Eira, we can't let you continue to fight like this," Neo said. "You're going to run out of magic."

"So what?!" Eira said. "I don't need you two to protect me!"

"But you've got us anyway," Neo said. "And we're not going to let you get turned back into the talisman."

"What?" Eira asked.

A gust of wind revealed Polaris. He said, "They're right, Eira. If you keep fighting like this you're going to revert back due to lack of magic."

Eira opened her mouth to reply but a flash of fire flew past her. Polaris's cry erupted in her ears. She saw the fire hit Polaris in the chest. He fell.

"This is all your fault! Now die!" Neve said.

"Polaris!" Neo yelled as everyone ran over to him. She summoned her solar crystal and placed it near him.

"No!" Eira screamed. She turned and charged at Neve, throwing several fire attacks at her. "You're going to pay for that!"

"Eira, stop!" Law said.

"I won't!" Eira said. "That's the last time she's going to hurt him!"

"That child never listens. Shambles," Law said warping her up to them.

"What did you do that for?!" Eira demanded.

"We're trying to keep you alive!" Law said.

"Just leave me alone!" Eira warped back to the fight. Using more of her magic she tried to trap Neve in ice. But Neve easily melted it. "What do I have to do to stop you?!"

"You can't," Neve said. "You're not strong enough, little girl."

Eira exploded. Her ice shot out in several spikes. Neve melted them while everyone else dodged or blocked them with their own attacks. Eira dropped to her knees and panted hard. Her magic began to fade. Her snow leopard form shifted back to her human form before it started changing to her baby snow leopard form. "Darn it."

Neve laughed. "I told you. You have no idea how to actually control your emotions." She walked closer to Eira with a ball of fire in her hand. "And now you'll die." She threw it at Eira.

"No!" Neo flew her and Law down between the two and put up an ice wall between them as Law warped Eira over to their crew. "Take care of her!"

"We will!" Penguin yelled.

"So you think you can beat me?" Neve asked when the ice and fire vanished.

"I won't allow you to hurt my family any more!" Neo said.

"Family? You think that thing is family? She's not even human." Neve laughed.

"So what if she's not human? If you haven't noticed…" The elements around them came alive. They lashed out violently but left her family and friends alone.

"What the heck is going on?!" Neve took a step back and looked at the out of control elements.

"…neither am I!" The ice talisman flared up around her and Law. The ground shook below them.

"What's going on?!" Neve asked.

"Your defeat," Law said. "That's what."

"No! I will not be defeated!" Neve lifted her hand over her head. Fire gathered into a fireball that kept growing.

The Elementals lined up in front of the pirates, protecting them with their winds.

Neo and Law launched the ice towards Neve from the ice talisman and from the ice that was on the ground.

Neve fired her fireball at them while jumping and dodging ice shards that came up from the ground. One caught her in the side, throwing her off balance. She cried out, her fire wavered. She got control and kept pushing her fire towards Neo and Law. "I won't lose!"

"Neo, we can't keep this up!" Law said when he felt Neo's own magic and strength fading. "It's too much on you!"

"I have to keep fighting!" Neo said.

"I know but you won't kill her!" Law said. "Do you think you can keep this up on your own?"

"What?" Neo looked up at him.

"Room. Shambles." Law's sword appeared in his hand. "If we keep this up then you're going to run out of magic. Neve is a lot more powerful that we would imagine. I have to take her out now. And right now she's distracted."

"All right," Neo said.

"Draw her focus as much as you can," Law said.

Neo nodded. Tapping more into the talisman she pushed more ice towards Neve.

Law waited for a few seconds before warping behind Neve. He shoved his sword through her heart. The heat and fire faded. He pulled his sword out and warped back to Neo.

Neo released the magic of the ice talisman and collapsed.

"Neo." Law wrapped his arm around her and lowered her to the ground.

"I'm okay," Neo said. "Just tired."

They looked up when a warm breeze blew over the island. The wind Elementals were pushing the clouds away and bring in the warm sun while keeping their winds blowing. Neo sighed and leaned into Law's embrace.

"Neo!" The pirates ran over to them.

"How is she?" Neo asked.

"I think she'll be fine," Penguin said. In his arms was Eira, in her baby snow leopard form, sleeping.

"And Polaris?" Neo asked.

"He'll live," Shanks said. "My doctor is looking at him right now. You're solar crystal helped him a lot already."

"That's good," Neo said.

Over the next couple of day the pirates and Elementals set out to give everyone on the island a proper burial after Neo and the Elementals thawed out the island. Once that was complete everyone who didn't belong on the island got ready to leave.

"Take care of yourself," Shanks said as he hugged Neo.

"You too," Neo said holding Eira and the talisman in her arms. "Thanks for everything."

"Of course." Shanks kissed her forehead. "You know I'll always come running when it comes to you." He cupped her cheek. "I'll talk to you later."

Neo nodded. She watched as the Red Hair pirates boarded their ship and sailed off. "I guess it's our time to leave."

"You're welcome here at any point in time," Polaris said.

"Are you going to be okay without Eira here?" Neo asked eyeing his healing skin.

"Of course." Polaris nodded. "Eira belongs with you and Law. Though I do hope to stop by some time to see how she's doing."

"You're always welcome on our sub," Neo said.

"Take good care of her and the talisman," Polaris said while stroking Eira's head. "And you behave yourself."

"Like that'll happen," Law said.

Eira hissed at him.

Neo giggled, earning a disapproving frown from Law.

"Captain, we're ready to go," Bepo said from the sub.

"Let's go," Law said.

"See you later, Polaris," Neo said before lifting herself, Eira, and Law up to the sub deck. Inside they headed down to their bedroom so she could secure Eira's talisman in her Luminous shelf. Standing in front of it she held up Eira to show her the pictures of her family. "These are my parents. They would love to have met you. Maybe you'll meet Kailen one day."

Eira tilted her head then wiggled from Neo's grip.

"You better not pee on the floor," Law said.

"She's trained, Law," Neo said looking at the talisman and her shelf, trying to figure out where to place it.

Eira sniffed and looked around the room before jumping up on the bed. She sniffed around Law's side then squatted.

"The little rat peed on my side of the bed," Law said. "I'm telling you she doesn't like me."

"I guess it's her revenge for the way you treated her." Neo placed the talisman inside of the shelf and closed it.

"She deserved everything she got," Law said. He grabbed Eira by the scruff of her neck and lifted her off the bed. "Spoiled little brats get punished."

Eira hissed and tried to scratch his face.

Law frowned and held her farther away from his face. "I'm not going to like having her stay in our room."

"It'll be fine." Neo walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his lips.

Law dropped Eira on the bed then wrapped his arms around Neo and kissed her back. The kiss was interrupted when Eira jumped upon his head. She placed her paws on his hat brim and pushed it down over his eyes. "See?"

"Eira." Neo took her from his head. "You behave."

"Room," Law said.

"Law, don't you-"

"Shambles."

Eira disappeared from the room.

"Law!" Neo crossed her arms over her chest.

"Don't worry." Law took Neo's chin in her fingers. "I only warped her into a storage room. We'll get her out later."

Neo growled at him. She was cut off by his lips pressing against hers.

…

Author Notes: Well, not the best fight ever. It just wouldn't come for me. I still need work on them and my endings. But it's finally complete. Thanks for reading and commenting. Sorry for mistakes. It's a long chapter to read. Off to write more stories.