Leaving Zion

Topaz gulped as she waited for the Summoners to make their move. She had succeeded in getting the Elementals to help subdue the Summoners, but it wasn't as easy as they thought it was going to be. The Summoners were still fighting back. Or they were until Elek had shouted out what Luna had told them. Some had switched sides immediately, believing that the cause of their loved ones deaths made sense now. Some didn't believe them so easy and thought that were just a lie.

"I don't think they're going to believe us," Bao said.

Topaz glanced at the young man. She still wasn't thrilled with him and Elek. But she had no time to get picky. They had more of an influence over the Summoners than she had. So she had to trust them, even though her trust in them had been damaged. She tried not to hold it against them. Well, most of it anyway. They still went along with forcing people to become Summoners. Just then a strange feeling came from Mount Zion. All of their eyes turned to the mountain in time to see the black aura coming out of it.

"It's the Mortem Orb!" someone shouted. "It's free!"

"It's going to kill us all!" another person shouted.

Panic spread through the people. Their voices roared up as several began to strike out against the Elementals. The Summoners struck out with their summons while the Elementals just redirected and deflected their attacks.

"Calm down!" Elek shouted. "No one is going to be killed! Trafalgar Law is strong enough to control the orb! Remember! You have been lied to!"

"You're lying!" someone shouted.

"You have betrayed the Council!"

"No! The Council has betrayed us!" Elek said. "They have lied to us! They are the enemy! Not the Mortem Orb!"

"I don't think you're going to get through to them," Teal said, walking up to the group.

"You believe us, don't you?" Elek asked.

"I have never had a reason to doubt you," Teal said, crossing her arms. "Besides, I like the pirates. They're nice." Her cheeks flushed. "Especially Bepo and Chopper."

"Focus," Bao said.

"Hypocritical coming from you," Elek said, earning a glare from the young man.

Bao shrugged.

"So what's your plan?" Teal asked.

"We don't really have one," Topaz said. She tried to reach the Summoners again. "Wait! Listen to me!"

The crowd continued to scream and strike out at the Elementals.

Topaz pinched the bridge of her nose. She summoned as many fire crystals as she could. Hovering them over those fighting, she flared them up as hot as she could then swirled the blaze to fry and melt attacks. Heads turned to her when she banished her fire. "Listen! You think the Council cares for you?!"

"Of course they do!" someone shouted.

Voices of agreement ran through the crowd.

"Then where are they?!" Topaz demanded.

Silence fell over the crowd.

"The Council ran and hid as soon as they knew for certain that the Mortem Orb was breaking free," Elek said. "Doesn't that tell you something in itself?"

Murmurs started spreading through the crowd.

Topaz gripped her hands, hoping they had finally got through to them all.

…

"Ah!" Luffy screamed when a thick vine wrapped around his body and lifted him into the air.

Shanks rushed to his friend and sliced the vine, easily freeing the young captain.

"Thanks," Luffy said, landing back on his feet.

Shanks nodded. "Hold on a little bit longer, Luffy. We're about to get out of this place."

"Huh?" Luffy glanced over at Neo. Sweat was beading down her face. "Hold on, Neo."

"She'll be fine." Shanks sliced a large rock in two. The pieces fell to the ground with a loud thunk before they shifted into chains and wrapped around his body.

"Shanks!" Luffy shouted.

Shanks, with a flick of his wrist, cut the chains holding him.

Mohan scoffed. "You pirates are such a pain."

"You're just saying that because you're going to lose!" Luffy snapped.

Mohan shrugged. Gathering his aura around his body, he shifted into his snake form.

"You think a snake can beat us?" Luffy asked.

Mohan hissed before his aura split and shaped into several aura snakes.

"Careful, Luffy," Shanks warned. "He's trying to trick us so he can bite us."

"Just great," Luffy said. The snakes struck out at them. The young pirate jumped up on one of the large snakes and ran across it while punching and kicking other snake auras. The snakes would disappear only to reassemble themselves. He ducked just as one about bite his head off. "Dang! That was close!"

"Doesn't look like our attacks are going to put them out of commission," Shanks said slicing through the aura snakes only to have them reassemble themselves.

Mohan hissed. His snake lips curled into a smile. Striking out his own tail among the aura snakes, he knocked Luffy and Shanks against the wall, crumbling it severely.

Shanks and Luffy shook off the attack and the dirt from their hair before charging back at Mohan.

"You just don't give up? Do you?" Mohan asked, shifting back into his human form. Gathering his aura, he pulled up dirt from the broken wall and mixed it in with water, creating a stream of mud. "Earth and Water Bind! Smash!"

Shanks smirk. Gripping his sword he easily sliced the attack coming for them. "You Summoners really shouldn't focus so much on using your summoning powers."

"Oh?" Mohan frowned. "Why not?"

"Because you suck at physical attacks!" Luffy appeared beside Mohan. Pulling his fist back, he slammed it into the man's cheek, sending him flying across the room.

The bones in Mohan's cheek snap and cracked under the pressure of the hit.

…

Neo panted, a cold drop of sweat dripped down her cheek. She was feeling her energy draining from her. Digging through this much was really putting a strain on her and their baby. If she didn't get through soon she knew she was going to have to let it go.

"Come on, Neo," Luna quietly cheered. With her own aura out, she too was doing what she could to move the earth around. She gasped when she saw several rocks flying their way. Gritting her teeth, she knew she had no choice but to help protect Neo. Her heart thumped against her chest, hoping the Mortem wouldn't get angry with her for using her power. It should so she did it. "Astral Orb! Lend me your power! Star Shower!"

White specks gathered around Luna's body. They shot out, hitting the projectiles coming towards them, shattering them to dust.

"Wow," Neo said. "That was amazing."

"It was nothing." Luna shrugged, her cheeks pink. "We can talk about that later. Are we almost out?"
"Yeah." Neo nodded, refocusing her attention above them. "Just another-Huh?"

"What is it?" Luna asked.

"I can feel them," Neo said, smiling. "The Elementals must have figured out what I'm doing. They're helping now."

"That's good," Luna said. She glanced over at Luffy and Shanks just in time to see them get slammed into the wall. She cringed, wondering how they could take a hit and stand back up.

'Law, be prepared to head up and out.'

'All right. We're ready. How are you doing? I can feel your body straining.'

"I'm fine, Law. The Elementals are helping now.'

'That's good. Once we're up, I want you to stay out of this fight. And no arguing. That's an order.'

'Yes, Law. But you're making that order up to me later.'

'I will, love.'

…

Law, with Mortem's aura swords, sliced at Morana several times. Their auras clashed, sending colorful sparks of their respective auras into the air. The woman kept backing away from him with each strike he took on her, obviously not as skilled with the swords as he was. It was good. This meant that the woman didn't notice what Neo was doing. If they got lucky enough, they would get the two Summoners back to the surface then Mortem could pull out the life force from them. Then it would be over. Still he had to admit that this woman was quick on her feet. He swiped at her. She ducked and swung at him. With his mastery of swordplay he easily blocked it. Since he was holding back, this was nothing more than a distracting tap dance.

"We're going up!" Neo then shouted out seconds before her winds wrapped around them all.

"What?!" Morana hissed.

No other words were spoken. Neo pulled them up towards the ceiling. Just as they were about to hit it, it flew up with them. Luffy cheered happily as they entered into the dark, dirt filled tunnel. She heard Mohan hiss something at the Straw Hat captain but was too focused on getting them out before she gave out. She angled them through the tunnel she had dug, curving up and around the mountain. Before long the sun shone in their dark surroundings before penetrating their eyes. They all blinked until their eyes adjusted to the light. Her winds faded, causing them to drop a few feet.

"Princess!" Era shouted out.

"We got you!" Aura added.

"Great!" Neo said, winded. She allowed her crystals to fade, letting the twins take over flying them. Below she saw the earth Elementals with their crystals. They hovered the section of the ground she had carved out until they were all moved out of the way. They then put it back into place and fixed it to look as if it hadn't been disturbed at all. Her heart warmed at how protective her people were being with nature.

"Wow. Your people are so amazing," Luna said, surveying the replaced ground. "I can't even tell that the ground has been moved."

"No!" Mohan, back in his human form, cried out. "You pirates are going to pay for this!"

"No, Summoner," Mortem said through Law. "You're going to pay for what you did."

"Neo! Take us back to the town!" Law said.

"Right! Elementals! Hurry us back to the town!" Neo shouted.

"Yes, Princess!" the Elementals said.

Wind whipped through their hair and clothes with their instant flight back to the town courtesy of the Hurricane Twins, Neo directed her people into dropping the two Councilmembers right in the center of the gathered people. She looked down to find a lot of the people of this island looked angry and betrayed while somewhere confused and some still looked loyal to the Council. Among them she spotted her family and friends. Relief washed over to see that they appeared unharmed. Their plans to deal with the Summoners must have worked. Of course having the Red Haired Pirates here might have help quite a lot. They were very intimidating alone. She was sure some surrendered upon seeing them. But now everyone was looking right at the two Councilmembers. Murmurs began to spread through the crowd.

"What's going on?"

"Are they fighting?"

"But where did they come from?"

"Can their betrayal really be true?"

"It has to be. If not, then why were they hiding?"

"No, it can't be true. It can't be."

"Tell us! Did you really betray us?!"

"Mohan!"

"Morana!"

"Please, tell us you didn't leave us here to die!"

Mohan and Morana didn't answer.

…

Mortem spread his aura over Law's body. The two Councilmembers screamed out loud. Their bodies began to glow black. The glow ripped out of them and flowed over into Law, into the Mortem Orb. Law could hear the surprised gasped from below them. They were quickly followed by angry shouts.

"What's going on?!"

"Speak to us, Council! What's happening?!"

"You lied to us!"

"You betrayed us!"

"We trusted you!"

"Tell us this isn't true! You do care about us, don't you?!"

Law stood still. His eyes ran over the crowd to check how hostile they might get and to make sure Neo was protected. She was. He saw they were hovering just above the crew plus several Elementals who were making sure no one hurt his love and their princess. Pulling his eyes back to the divided crowd, he could tell that the Council's rule was over whether or not all the Summoners believed them. He said, "Your rule is over."

"No!" Mohan screamed.

"This plan was perfect!" Morana added.

"You will not get away with this!" Mohan hissed.

"We already have," Mortem said. "Princess, release us now!"

The twins looked to Neo.

"It's all right," Neo said. "Law and the Mortem Orb will end this."

"Okay," they said. They then banished their crystals.

"Luffy!" the Straw Hats cried.

"Neo!" the Heart Pirates said.

"Captain!" the Red Haired pirates said.

"You're okay!" Penguin said, hugging Neo. Through their embrace he felt how tired she was. "You are all right, aren't you?"

"Just tired," Neo said. She summoned her solar crystal and engulfed her body in it. "Drilling up through all of that really wore me out. How is everyone?"

"We're fine," Bepo said. "With the Elementals on our side subduing the Summoners wasn't that hard at all."

Neo nodded then turned her eyes back to Law. The cool breeze was replaced by the warm some and tense anticipation on what was going to happen next. The crowd began to push and shove while shouting angry cries and threats to the Council. The pirates moved in closer around her. Penguin and Shanks remained by her sides, both on tense guard to make sure no one hurt her or the child she carried.

…

Law felt his boots tap against the ground. Without looking he knew his eyes were black with blue slits again. The battle was finally going to come to an end. And he was glad. He could feel his energy draining at an alarming rate.

"Indeed it is, Cub," Seal said. "And not too soon. The Mortem Orb is draining your energy rather quickly now."

"Good," Law said, his chest heaving up and down rapidly. "I don't think I can handle much more of this."

"Then I shall finish it soon," Mortem said.

Law felt the orb taking more of his body under its control. Painful screams filled the air. He looked up to see Morana and Mohan doubled over in pain while black aura was pulled from them. Then the screams cut off before starting again. The sounds of their screaming almost made him cringe. The Mortem Orb wasn't kidding when it said it was going to make the Council pay for what they did.

His hands lifted up. The black aura swords once again appeared. Rushing forward, Mortem sliced the Councils' skin multiple times. Blood spurted out of the cuts, dripping down their skin and plopping on the ground. A shiver of joy spread up his spine, well Mortem's spine. It wasn't his own joy that Law was feeling. He just wanted this fight over as soon as it could be. But he could easily tell that Mortem was going to drag this out as long as he could. And that could and would be dangerous.

"You're going to pay for that!" Mohan hissed. He and Morana pushed themselves to their feet. Gathering their auras together, they formed a large aura hammer, and swung it down towards Law.

"Do you really believe such a childish trick will stop me?" Mortem asked, shielding Law's body with his aura.

"It's a trap!" Law hissed just before Mohan and Morana shot vines out at him. The vines wrapped around his body, blocking out the sun and air from him. "You idiot!"

"Do not speak to me like such!" Mortem said.

"Do not tell me what to do!" Law snapped back. "Do you not have any battle experience at all?! You need to stop playing around for your sick little game of revenge and take them down!"

"Have you been locked up for years inside of a mountain?!" Mortem demanded. "I can easily kill them just by taking their life forces they had stolen. But what fun would that be?"

"Just kill them already!" Law felt the little air he had left quickly being used up. "I'm going to warp us out of here! Kill them!"

"Fine," Mortem said. "Your body can't handle much more of my power anyway."

Law huffed. His head was becoming lighter from the lack of oxygen. "Room. Shambles."

…

"Law!" Neo lunged forward only to have Penguin and Shanks block her path when the Councils' vines wrapped around his body. She knew no air would be able to get in through the vines and had to get him out.

"Neo!" Penguin said. "The captain will be fine!"

"He's right," Shanks said, calmer than Penguin.

"Godfather," Neo said, her eyes frozen on the vines. Her head was spinning but she wasn't sure if it was from the lack of oxygen from Law or if it was the fear. Then Law appeared. She relaxed when Law reappeared and filled his lungs with fresh air.

"He's trying to kill the Council!" someone shouted. "Stop him!"

"No! He's trying to save us!"

"Fight! Save the Council!"

The residents of Zion began to exchange punches and Summoner attacks. The Elementals jumped right into hold them down and keep nature from going out of control from the upset people. The group rumbled while the wind bounced back and forth between a rushing gale and a gentle breeze as plants twisted and grew.

"What's going to happen if things get out of control?" Aura asked. "We have our limits as well."

"It'll be fine," Shachi said. "Our captain will end this. Or Mortem will…or someone will."

"Very motivational and moving," Tero said, crossing his arms over his chest. "These people are still innocent victims where they believe it or not."

"Just give them a little more time," Luna said. "The Mortem won't let the Council live past today."

…

"Chains of Naturae!" Mohan and Morana shouted.

The ground rumbled violently. Lifting up out of the ground was a massive chain. People screamed and scattered. Law gritted his teeth. This had to be the work of the Councils' combined forces. His lessons never mentioned that he could make chains this big. It was unnerving. Did the longer a Summoner live mean their summoning attacks could grow as well? He didn't know and didn't think he would ever know.

Law panted. His chest heaving up and down as his vision blurred before him. If the Mortem Orb didn't take the stolen life forces soon his body was going to give out on them. The Mortem Orb lifted up Law's hand. A dark mist radiated out from the palm of his hand. "What is this?"

"A mist that will make anyone touching it feel very anxious," Mortem said.

"Great." Law frowned. Neo didn't need that at all. 'Neo, don't touch the mist. It'll make you feel anxious. You're feeling that enough as it is.'

'I'll be fine. Focus on the battle. I can feel your energy draining faster.'

'Blame Mortem for that. He's dead set on torturing them as much as possible.'

'He's already done that enough by breaking free of the mountain.'

Law nodded in agreement. This was overkill now. The chill from the mist sent a shiver down his arms. The Mortem wasn't kidding about it causing people to become anxious. Through the dark mist he could see the fear settling in the Councils' eyes. It was working, but he didn't know how well it was going to work. He then found himself saying, "Death Spears of Fear…" Mortem lifted his hand like he was holding a spear. Surprisingly, a glowing black spear appeared in his hand. "Strike!"

Several small spears shot out at the tip of the larger spear. They shot through the air and into Mohan and Morana's bodies. Law kneaded his eyebrows. No blood came out of their bodies so whatever this was it wasn't physical attack. "What did you just do?"

"These spears cause the target to see what they fear most. So they are seeing their deaths before they die," Mortem said.

"You are sick," Law said, feeling a twinge of pride coming from the orb. It made him second guess his offering of taking it with them. Finally, he felt Mortem form his aura sword. He shot forward, sinking the dark blade into Mohan's chest. The man's eyes widened, his face twisted with fear. Morana shrieked. He smiled, a reaction of the Mortem Orb, at the iron that now tainted the air and the red blood darkening the purple robe. His eye caught movement. Morana was trying to scramble away from him.

"Warp!" Mortem demanded.

"Don't tell me what to do," Law said, but did it anyway.

"Ah! N-no," Morana stuttered as she fell down on the ground. "Please! Leave me be!"

"Just like you left me alone?" Mortem asked through Law. He pulled back, shoving his aura sword into the woman's chest. Leaning forward, it whispered, "No longer will you use me to remain alive."

It pulled the sword from her body. She slumped on the ground. The last of the black aura left their bodies.

The black aura faded around Law. He stumbled backwards before falling to the ground himself. A black orb appeared, it rolled on the ground and came to a stop near Law's body.

"Law!" Neo screamed. She summoned her wind crystal again and flew over to him with the others following close behind. Kneeling down she instantly engulfed him in her glow. She cupped his face and turned him to her. "Law?"

"He's all right, Cub," Seal said. "Using the Mortem Orb just exhaust him."

"He's all right," Chopper said with a sigh of relief after checking Law's blood pressure. "He's just exhausted."

"That's good," Neo said, swaying from her own tiredness.

"Easy," Penguin said. He grabbed her shoulders and leaned her against his chest.

"I'll be fine," Neo said. "We both just need to rest for a while."

"We should move him to the hospital," Healer Chase said, stepping out of the crowd. "And you can inform me on exactly what happened here."

"All right," Neo said, her eyelids falling closed.

"I guess I'll be telling you what happened," Luna said.

"She should rest anyway," Shanks said.

"Yeah." Luffy nodded.

"Let's go," Healer Chase said.

…

Neo opened her eyes to the sound of the familiar beeping of the heart monitor. Luffy's smiling face then appeared in her vision. She jumped slightly, the beeping increased then slowly decreased as her heart rate slowed. "Luffy, you startled me."

"Sorry," Luffy said. "I was just so worried about you. You've been asleep for almost an entire day."

"An entire day?" Neo said. "I was more tired than I thought."

"Well, you're awake now," Luffy said. "Let's go flying now."

"Back off, Straw Hat," Penguin said before appearing in Neo's vision. "How you doing, Neo?"

"Fine," Neo said. "Still a bit tired." She turned her head to Law who was sleeping beside her. "How's Law?"

"He'll be fine," Healer Chase said as he walked into the room. "Never had I dealt with a case like this. He appears to be extremely exhausted. He wasn't properly prepared to handle the Mortem Orb. I've also hook you up to the heart monitor. You've been using your crystals quiet a lot."

"Sorry about that," Neo said, her hand rested on her stomach. "How's our baby?"
"Your baby's just fine," Healer Chase said, looking at the monitors. "But I do want you to rest for two weeks now before you use your crystals to such an extent again. If you can, I'd like you to not use them at all."

Neo giggled. "I think that'll be one of the first things Law tells me when he wakes up."

"And I'm telling you to do it as well," Penguin said.

"Count me in too!" Luffy said.

"All right now that's enough visiting for today," Healer Chase said. "Let them rest. You can come back tomorrow."

"Aw," Luffy whined but headed for the door anyway. He smiled when Shanks appeared. "Hey, Shanks! Neo's awake!"

"I can see that," Shanks replied. "I would have come sooner but I had to help Topaz with the crowd. Some of the more loyal people here were causing trouble. But they've settled back down now."

"That's good to hear," Neo said.

"We'll see you later," Penguin said. He kissed her temple then followed Luffy out of the room.

"Don't take too long," Healer said to Shanks as he too left the room.

"I won't," Shanks said. Once they were all gone, he walked over to the bed and looked at the younger pirates. "You know, he's been a bad influence on you. You're not supposed to be this reckless."

Neo laughed, her bells jingled. "I guess he has."

"But you've rubbed off on him as well," Shanks said. "Just don't tell him I said that."

"I won't," Neo said. She paused before adding, "When are you leaving?"

"Whenever you do," Shanks said.

"Really?" Neo's eyes widened.

"Yeah." Shanks nod. "I figured since we're here and since we never get to see each other much, we could stick around for a while. At least until you two have completely healed before we set sail."

"I'd love that," Neo said.

"Good." Shanks leaned over and kissed her cheek. "You get some rest now. I'll see you later."

"All right." Neo watched him walk over to the door, shut off the light, and then left the door, closing the door behind him before she laid down. Laying her arm over Law's chest, she stroked his cheek while she watched him sleep. "Mortem?"

"I'm here," Mortem said.

Neo pushed up on the bed and saw the Mortem Orb sitting on the nightstand beside the bed. "Good. You're still here."

"I am," Mortem said. "Luna made sure that I remained with you."

"What happened to you?" Neo asked.

"Once the Summoner passed out my aura left his body to reform the orb form that I usually take," Mortem said.

"So when you're inside of Law your orb disappears?" Neo asked.

"No, I'm still the orb. It just becomes my aura when I take someone over," it said.

"That sounds complicated," Neo said.

"Then you shouldn't have asked," Mortem said.

"I suppose so," Neo said. "Oh, and please don't be upset with Luna."

"Why shall I be upset with her?" Mortem asked.

"Because she used her powers to help me," Neo said. "She promised you she wouldn't use them again."

"It is fine," Mortem said. "She already proved that she wouldn't use that summons against me. She can use her powers once more."

"That's good," Neo said with a sigh.

"You should do as you were told," Mortem said.

"You're worried about us," Neo said.

"I am not," Mortem said.

"Sure you're not." Neo smiled and settled back down against Law. Breathing in his scent, she allowed his familiar warmth to wash over her and lull her asleep.

…

Neo snuggled against Law's side, listening to the beeping of the heart monitor. Her heart jolted when she felt him move. She lifted up. "Law?"

Law turned his head towards her voice.

Neo swallowed. A smile spread across her face as she watched him open his eyes. "Law!"

"Hey, love," Law said.

"You're awake!" Neo leaned into him, crying. "I was so scared!"

"Shh." Law stroked her hair. "I'm sorry I worried you."

She shook her head. "It's…it's okay. It wasn't your fault."

"I feel so stiff. How long was I asleep?"

"Two weeks," Neo said.

"Two weeks?" Law asked, his voice filled with a bit of alarm.

"Healer Chase said it's because your body wasn't prepared to use the Mortem Orb," Neo said. "And you certainly wasn't ready to use it like you did, being merged and all. The Mortem said it was natural for you to be drained like this. But with the help of my solar crystal your recovery time has been shortened. You were suppose to be out of it for a whole month."

"I see," Law said. "It could have warned me about that."

"A few days ago it said it didn't want to because it didn't want you to hesitate in any kind of way," Neo said.

"Well, it might have been the right decision then," Law said. Rolling over on his side, be brushed the back of his fingers over her stomach. "I would have hesitated knowing that you would have to be that long without me." He paused. "So where is it anyway?"

"Back in its orb." Neo reached over Law to the table and plucked the black orb off of it.

"So much trouble for such a small thing," Law said. He took it from her and rolled it in his hand. The light reflected off of it. If he had seen this just lying around somewhere he never would have guessed it held so much destruction in it.

"You probably thought the same thing about me," Neo said.

"Of course not." Law placed the orb back on the table then turned his attention back to her. He squeezed her hip. "You've never been trouble."

"You'd probably never tell me if I was," Neo said, pecking his lips lightly.

"Oh, I would tell you," Law said, pecking her lips back.

"Uh huh." Neo cupped his face and kissed him.

"Well, I hate to interrupt," Healer Chase said before they could go too far.

"Healer Chase," Neo said, pulling back from Law with pink cheeks.

The healer chuckled and walked over to them. "I just came to check on you. My crystals informed me that you were awake. You see to be feeling better.

"I am," Law said as he and Neo sat up. "So when can we get out of here?"

"You youngsters are always so impatient," Healer Chase said. "But, yes, you're free to go now. Just let me remove my crystals from you and you can go."

Law reached into his shirt and plucked the crystals off and handed them to the healer. The Elemental nodded, shut off the machines monitoring his patients, and then left the room without another word to them. He slid off the bed and turned to her. "Come on."

"You're carrying me?" Neo asked, scooting over to the edge of the bed.

"Don't I always?" Law smirked.

Neo wrapped her arms and legs around Law's body, letting him lift her off the bed. "You're such a good boy." She pecked his nose. "Oh, yeah, I should let you know that the Summoners have been asking for the Mortem Orb back."

"Really?" Law lifted an eyebrow. "What did you tell them?"

"Nothing," Neo said. "I thought you'd be best to handle that. I've only told the crews to keep quiet about taking the orb with us."

"All right," Law said. "I'll handle them later. Right now I just want to get out of this place."

"The crews are waiting for us back at the apartment," Neo said.

Law nodded. Once they got outside, Neo wrapped her winds around them and flew them to their apartment before anyone could stop them. "You really shouldn't be using your crystals."

"I've only used my solar crystal these past two weeks," Neo said. "I'm healed."

"Still, take it easy," Law said.

"I will." Neo nodded.

"Hey!" Shachi said. "The captain's back!"

"Captain!" the Heart Pirates cheered as their two captains landed.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" Bepo said, looking as if he would pounce on Law if Neo weren't already in his hold.

Law smiled at them and sat down with Neo in his lap. While relaxing he listen to them about what they had been doing since he went missing. They also informed him of the Summoner's Moon Festival, which continued even with what happened. Though it wasn't the best party since a lot of the Summoners were upset about the betrayal and that their captain took their leaders down.

"You should see Luna," Penguin said. "Her control over the Astral Orb is amazing!"

"It's nothing special," Luna said, her cheeks pink.

"You've got to learn to not be so modest," Shachi said. "You should see what she can do, Captain."

"I'm sure I'll see it soon enough," Law said as Neo snuggled against his neck. Knowing she was seeking his attention, he turned to her in time for her to capture his lips.

"I think they have different entertainment in mind for the moment," Nami said.

Everyone laughed.

"They have a good idea," Neo said through their kisses.

"That they do," Law said just before warping them from their current location and into their apartment.

"They lasted longer than I thought," Penguin said, earning another round of laughter.

…

The second Law warped them into their room he warped them again. That time he took off both their clothes while moving them under the covers of their bed. Instantly he started kissing her over her face while thrusting into her.

"Law," Neo gasped. "We're supposed to be resting."

"This is resting," Law said through his kissing.

Neo groaned when he hit her soft spot. Her toes curled. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. "Faster."

Law instantly obeyed her command.

Neo allowed him to continue kissing over her skin until she wanted his lips for her own. She tugged on his hair. He instantly lifted up and placed his lips over hers. She immediately took control and slipped her tongue into his mouth while roaming her hands over his back. Soon she stole complete control over him and forced him onto his back.

Law groaned and rolled his head back when she rocked her hips against him.

…

"But the orb belongs here," a random Summoner said. Several rounds of agreements passed through the gathered crowd at the town square. Two hours ago they had gathered, even some of the pirates, to discuss the fate of the Mortem Orb and it was an intense meeting.

"The orb doesn't trust you people," Law said. He calmly looked out at the people, one hand in his pocket where the orb was while the other was holding his sword to his shoulder. Neo was standing beside him with her arms wrapped around his. She hadn't let go of his since they left the hospital yesterday. "It's coming with us."

"You can't do that," another Summoner said.

"I can. And I will," Law said. "The Mortem Orb doesn't want to stay here."

"And how do you know that?" someone asked.

"Because I have spoke with the orb," Law said. "Neo, Luna, and Red Haired also were there when we spoke."

"It's true," Shanks said. "We were there."

"You pirates have been nothing but trouble," Charger said as he appeared out of the crowd.

Law couldn't hold back his smirk. The man was still covered in bruises from his beating.

"That orb belongs here," Charger said. "And it's going to stay here."

"Are you going to fight for it?" Law asked. His smirk grew when Charger flinched. "You all can see what kind of trouble the Mortem Orb can be in the wrong hands."

"And who says it's in the right hands with you?" Charger asked.

"As I just asked, are you going to fight for it?" Law asked. "None of you can control the Mortem Orb, but I can. And we have three pirate crews and the Elementals to fight you. If you want to waste your lives for an item that you all fear, then go right ahead. But it won't be an easy fight for you."

"Just let it go," Zip said appearing out of the crowd. "Even if someone here gained the ability to use the Mortem Orb, it's not like it has to be here for them to use it."

A round of agreements and murmurs passed through the crowd. Charger scoffed then disappeared back into the crowd. The crowd then started to disperse as they agreed to let the orb go.

"That was easier than I thought it would be," Shachi said.

"Probably," Penguin said. "Most likely someone will try to steal it from us."

"We can handle them easily if they do," Shachi said. He looked around. "Where's Topaz? I thought she would be here for this."

"She's taking a walk," Neo said. "I think she's still rather upset with Elek."

"What about you?" Shachi asked, looking at his sister.

"I am too," Neo said. "But I'm about over it. After all, it wasn't really their fault. At least, most of it wasn't. They were just as much pawns as we were."

"That's true." Shachi nodded.

"Yahoo!"

They all looked up when they heard Luffy cheering. The rubber captain was being flown around by the twins again.

"That guy," Penguin said.

"What are they going to do with the building the Council used?" Bepo asked. "I think they're going to rebuild it and use it for orphans," Neo said. "A lot feel really bad for how they treated Luna."

"Speaking of which, where did she run off to?" Penguin asked.

"I think she's spending some time with her grandfather," Neo said. "She has a big decision to make after all."

"Do you think she'll come with us?" Bepo asked.

"I hope so," Neo said. "But it is her choice. I'll support her which ever she choses."

"Where will she stay if she stays here?" Shachi asked.

"Teal offered a place for Luna to stay with her," Neo replied. "Let's get something to eat. I'm starving!"

"Did someone say food?" Luffy asked appearing upside down in front of the pirates.

"Some times I think he has super sonic hearing," Penguin said.

"Only when it comes to food," Shachi said.

"I'm all for eating!" Luffy said.

"We're hungry as well," the twins said as they landed. "Let's eat."

"So where are we going?" Luffy asked while the twins set him back down on the ground.

"I'm in the mood for fish!" Neo said, rubbing her stomach. "Baby wants fish too. You coming Godfather?"

"I shall join you," Shanks said. "I'm sure my crew can manage without me for a little bit longer."

"Great!" Neo smiled.

"We know the best place to get sea food," Aura said.

"Just follow us," Era added.

The pirates followed after the twins through the town.

"Bao," Neo said when the young Summoner appeared out of the crowd. She tightened her hold on Law's arm when she felt him get angry with the young man.

"Oh, um, hi," Bao said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"So this is the young man I've heard so much about." Shanks placed his hand on his sword, earning a nervous look from Bao.

"It is," Neo said.

"Come and eat with us!" Luffy then said.

"Straw Hat!" Law hissed.

"What? He's our friend," Luffy said.

"He is not," Law scoffed.

"Of course he is," Luffy said.

"That's your opinion," Penguin said.

"We're not happy with what he did to our captains," Bepo said.

"Oh, come on. That wasn't his fault," Luffy said. "The Council people lied to them after all."

"But he and Elek still went along with forcing people to become Summoners," Shachi said.

"So what? Wouldn't you have done that in their place?" Luffy asked.

"He has a point," Bepo said. "They might not have known what the Council was doing, but they still were in danger of the Mortem Orb."

"The orb didn't want to hurt anyone but the Council," Penguin said. "Everyone else would have been fine."

"No they wouldn't," Neo said, earning everyone's eyes. "The Mortem Orb would have killed anyone that tried to stop it from killing the Council."

"Don't tell me you're forgiving him for everything that he's done," Penguin said.

"He hasn't even really apologized for the moves he tried to pull on you," Shachi added.

"I know," Neo said. "But I won't be angry with him for the rest of my life. So I guess I do forgive him for everything that he's done." She narrowed her eyebrows at Bao. "But I do not want you to flirt with me again. I don't like it."

Bao sighed. Looking at Neo, he finally apologized sincerely for the first time. He said, "I'm sorry about the trouble I've caused. Both from the Council and from trying to flirt with you."

Neo nodded in acceptance to his words.

"Our sister might have forgiven you but we're not that easy," Penguin said, crossing his arms.

"I know," Bao said. "But I don't know why you're holding a grudge." He glared at them. "After your revenge you took on me."

The pirates snickered. Law cocked a cocky smirk.

"That was funny," Luffy said.

"You're going to have to tell me about that one," Shanks said.

"Fine," Bao grumbled while shoving his hands into his pockets. "Once you leave you'll never hear from me again. Does that make it better?"

"I guess it makes it a little better," Bepo said.

"It does not!" Shachi and Penguin snapped.

"I'm sorry." Bepo ducked his head.

"Can we please argue over this later? I'm starving," Neo whined while pulling on Law's arm.

"Easy, love," Law said before placing a kiss on her temple. "We're going. He can come if he wishes but he's not sitting anywhere near you."

"He'll be sitting beside me so I can keep a close eye on him," Shanks said, frowning at the young Summoner.

"Great! Let's go!" Neo said. "Aura! Era! Fly us, please!"

"You got it!" Aura and Era said. They summoned their wind crystals and flew their group to their destination. It was a quant little white shack like building sitting on a rock jutting out from the beach and decorated with nets, sea shells, and other sea related items giving it a boat like feel.

Neo's sniffed the grilled fish smelling air as they landed. "Smells so good!"

"Then it's a good thing our people work here," Aura said.

"You'll get the royal treatment," Era said.

"Royal treatment," Neo said thoughtfully. "I think this is the first time I won't care about being treated as a royal."

"Then let's eat!" Luffy cheered before running into the building.

"Yeah!" Neo said, following at her.

"She's such a child," Penguin said with a smile.

"You mean they're both children," Shachi said.

"Let's eat!" the twins said as they followed after the two pirates.

"I can't wait," Bepo said, following them. "It smells so good!"

"Might as well join all of the children inside," Shachi said before leaning the rest of their group into the building.

…

Topaz sighed as she walked along the beach alone. As the waves crashed upon the sand, she decided to take off her shoes and walked in the water. With them dangling from her hand, she continued on her way down the beach with the cold water lapping at her ankles. Her mind was filled with everything that happened while they were there while the salty air filled her nose.

"I'm not happy with what you chose to do," Topaz said when she felt his presence near her.

"I'm sorry," Elek replied. "I didn't want to hurt you. I just wanted to do what I thought was right. I wanted the orb to be sealed again because I thought it was dangerous."

"I can understand that," Topaz said. "But you still went along with their plan knowing that it was dangerous."

"And I feel extremely guilty about that." Elek shoved his hands into his pockets and walked right along with her. "I never expected to get so close to you all. My job was just to deliver new Summoners to the Council."

"That was a terrible job," Topaz said.

"Yeah." Elek nodded. "I'm thinking about getting a new one."

"Oh?" She tossed him a glance. "Anything in particular in mind?"

"Not yet," Elek said.

"I don't suppose a pirate would be on the list of possibilities?" Topaz asked.

"I'm afraid not," Elek said. "I'm not much of the pirate type. I kind of prefer to stay on the right side of the law. I'm sorry."

"I understand," Topaz said. "I never expected to become a pirate either."

"Do you regret it?" Elek asked.

"I never could. I love Neo far too much," Topaz said. "Besides, I could always return to Luminous to get away from the pirate life if I chose."

"Or you could come here," Elek said. Both paused. "But I guess that's not an option since you have no desire to leave your sister."

"I'm sorry," Topaz said. They started walking again. His hand found its way to hers. "I guess we're just meant to be star crossed lovers or something like that anyway."

"Looks like it," Elek said. "But you know you always have a home here if you want or need it."

"I know," Topaz said. "And you are always welcome aboard the Polar Tang and the Sunny."

"Yeah." Elek nodded again. With their fingers laced, the two continued on their peaceful walk along the beach as the sun started to set.

…

Luna wondered through the grounds of Zion until she found herself standing in front of her grandfather's grave. She placed the flowers down on it and sat down. "Hello, Grandpa. Guess what? The Mortem Orb is finally free of Mount Zion. There was a crazy battle with the Council, but Law or the Mortem Orb, defeated them. It's all back to normal now. Neo and Law are doing just fine. Both have completely recovered from the ordeal. The baby's fine as well."

A warm breeze blew over her skin as she went quiet for a few minutes. "Neo asked me to come along with them. Can you see it? Me as a pirate? It's kind of funny. I've thought about staying here so I could still be closer to you. But there are so many bad memories here. Even though people are now treating me a bit nicer I don't think I want to stay here. It would be too lonely without you and the crews, especially Neo. I never thought I'd care about someone like this. I'm not sure if it's okay for me to say this or even feel this, but I kind of see her as my mom. Do you think she would mind that?"

Luna paused again. She looked up at the red and orange sky. "Either way, I still want to be with her. So I'm going to leave with them. I just wanted you to be the first to know." She brought her eyes back down to the stone. "I hope you'll be okay with this. I know I'm just a kid and this is a very big decision. But I know I'll be safe with them. Don't worry about me, Grandpa. I promise I'll be on my best behavior." She chuckled. "That sounds odd since I'm becoming a pirate. But I'll make you proud of me."

Luna stood up and brushed the dirt and grass off her dress. "I should probably train some before we have to set sail. I'm not sure how the sub will handle my abilities. And I haven't really done much with them since I've stopped. Well, I'll come see you before we leave, Grandpa."

She walked out of the graveyard. Slowly walking back to the apartments she went over her decision about joining the pirates. She hadn't told them yet. Her mind had been so divided. It was mind bottling to her that she was divided on her decision. But then she realized that the only reason she wanted to stay here was this was her home. This was where she lived with her grandfather for eight years, never leaving this island for anything. Fear wanted her to stay here on this island where everyone was mean to her. She was scared to leave the only home she knew, but she knew that she would be safe with Neo and her crew. Without really noticing it happen, she had come to love the pirates as family. Though it was a long shot, she hoped that Neo and Law would one day be her parents or be like parents to her. She already saw Neo as a mother figure.

Without realizing her, she had reached the apartments. The pirates were all there. Having fun like always, still partying that their captains were safe once again. Standing back from them, she watched. Just taking in how much of a family they were. Never would she have ever thought of pirates as a family. But here they were. Two crews that was as close as people could be. Her eyes stopped on Neo, who was sitting in Law's lap. She knew that the blue haired pirate was the one who was the glue that held them together.

"Hey! Luna!" Luffy called. "What are you doing over there?! Come over here and join us!"

Luna walked over to them.

"Is something wrong, Luna?" Neo asked.

"No, I was just visiting with my grandpa," Luna said. "There was something I needed to tell him before I came here."

"Oh?" Neo asked. "Would you like to share or was it a private conversation?"

"I'll share," Luna said. Shyness washed over her as she dropped her eyes to the ground and started digging her shoe into the dirt. "I've decided, if you would be fine with it, to, um, join you when you leave."

Neo looked at Law. Both were plenty shocked that the young girl decided to take them up on their offer. Standing up, Neo and Law walked over to her. Neo knelt down and put her hands on Luna's shoulders. "Luna, you know you are more than welcome to come with us. We're happy to have you."

"Really?" Luna looked into Neo's eyes.

"Really." Neo nodded. "We love you, Luna."

Luna's bottom lip trembled. Tears pricked the back of her eyes. She flung her arms around Neo's neck and hugged her tightly. "I love you too! I want to always stay with you! So don't leave me behind!"

"We would never leave you behind." Neo put her arms around Luna, holding her close to her body. Once they pulled away from each other, she took Luna's face in her hands and kissed her nose. "Welcome to our family."

The Heart Pirates cheered. "Welcome, Luna! Welcome to the Heart Pirates!"

"Yeah! Party time!" Luffy cheered.

"Not again," Zoro said. "We just had a party to celebrate winning over the Council."

"So? This is a bigger event than that!" Luffy said.

"You just want to eat more," Usopp said. He sighed when Luffy just laughed. "You'll never change."

"Looks like Neo and the captain's baby will have an older sister," Shachi said.

"Hey!" Luna's cheeks flushed. "I never said I wanted them to be my parents!"

"Don't try to deny it," Tero said. He walked over then bent down to smirk at the girl. "We can see right through you. You want a family."

Luna's cheeks brightened. "You're supposed to be the sensible one! Why are you teasing me?!"

"Because you're now part of the crew," Tero said, ruffling Luna's hair. "Get use to it. And don't expect me to treat you special from the rest of the crew. You're going to work just as hard as we do."

"What?!" Luna gasped. "I'm just a kid!"

"But you'll grow up!" Tero said.

"Neo!" Luna looked to her only savior.

"You all will treat Luna with the respect she deserves," Neo said. "She'll have her fair share of chores, but you all are not going to use her to do your own chores."

…

"Are you sure you want to train with me?" Law asked then next day. They were standing outside of the apartments. No one felt like going to the training field after what happened. Besides this was just going to be a simple sparring session with their auras to get Luna back into the swing of things.

"I'm sure." Luna nodded. "You're going to be my captain from now on. Plus, you're going to be the only one who I can really train with. So I have to get use to training with you."

"Understood," Law said. "Just understand that when you get older I won't be so easy on you as I'm going to be now."

"I understand," Luna said. "And I wouldn't expect anything else."

"All right then." Law passed his sword over to Bepo. "Then let's begin."

"Law, you had better take it nice and slow with her," Neo said. "I don't want a single scratch on her."

"Yes, Neo, I know," Law said. "I'll be careful."

"Okay," Neo said. "This is nerve wracking. I don't think I watch this."

"Then don't watch," Usopp said.

"How dare you say that?!" Neo snapped with tears in her eyes. "I have to watch! My babies are fighting each other! How could you be so mean?!"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Usopp said, bowing his head multiple times. "I didn't mean to upset you!"

"Well, you did! Don't do it again!" Neo said.

"I won't," Usopp said while the others laughed at the mood swing spectacle in front of them.

Shanks chuckled and put his arm around Neo's shoulder. "There, there. He's a man. You know how insensitive they can be."

Luna closed her eyes. Connecting to her aura, it spread out over her body until she was completely engulfed in her white glow.

"Wow," Nami said.

"It's so beautiful," Robin added while Luna started shaping her aura into objects.

"I wonder if her aura has anything to do with her hair," Sanji said.

"Is that possible?" Neo asked.

"Probably not," Robin said. "My mother had white hair too."

Neo hummed while she kept a close eye on Luna's training. It didn't take the young Summoner long to feel comfortable using her aura. And now Luna and Law were exchanging simple blows with each of their aura.

…

Luna looked around the house she had spent so many years in. It felt so empty to her on more than one level but still smelled the same, like her grandfather. All of the things she had chosen to take with her had been loaded up on the sub. The rest of the stuff had been given to Teal so she could sell it off or put in another home for someone. She really didn't care which. It was a symbolic expression of starting her new life as part of a pirate crew. The thought sent tingles up and down her entire body. To say she was nervous wouldn't be true. She couldn't think of a word to describe how she was feeling. Moving in with Neo and the crew was the right choice. There was no way she would ever second guess that now. The whole thing was just scary. She was taking her first steps off the island that had been her home for eight years. It was a lot to take in. Touching the wall, she turned and headed out the door. The sun replaced the dimness as she stepped outside.

With a heavy sigh, she walked through the yard and down the path that eventually took her to the graveyard where her grandfather was buried. Sitting down in front of his headstone, she placed her hands in her lap and just listened to the wind. Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine what her grandfather would think or say about her joining a pirate crew. He probably wouldn't be very excited for her. But she knew he would be happy for her to have found people she trusted so much. "Well, this is it, Grandpa. I'm leaving Zion. The crews' are going to be departing the island within an hour. The house has been taken care of. So there's nothing to worry about. And you don't have to worry about me either. I know Neo and the pirates are going to take very good care of me. I'll be the best girl I can be. And I'll be the best Summoner I can be."

Luna paused and looked up at the sky. She had no idea how long she had been sitting there just staring at the lazy clouds floating overhead. With warm breeze flowing over her skin, she knew she needed to get to the sub. She stood up. "Well, this is it. Maybe we can come see you sometime. I just want you to know that I love you so much. You did a good job in raising me."

With that, Luna turned and walked away from the grave. On the way back to the sub, she listened to the crowds like she usually did. Things had changed. There weren't as many people hostile towards her anymore. Mostly because she had been proven right about the Council and the Mortem Orb. However, some were still a bit hostile towards her, blaming her for what happened. She didn't mind. This was the last time she was going to have to hear them.

Soon the noisy chatter of the people was replaced by the rustling of the leaves. She had reached the apartment. Pausing momentarily, she looked up at the tree before heading on through the forest and down the path that led her right to the pirate ships. All three of the ships were snuggling together like they had been since the day they had arrived here, with the exception of Shanks' ship. And the crews looked ready to leave. Some were already on the ships while others were still down on the island. A smile came to her face when she saw that Teal was hugging both Chopper and Bepo and looking like she wasn't going to let them go. It really was bad that Teal didn't get to spend much time with the pirate animals. Then it was probably a good thing. If Teal had spent more time with them she probably wouldn't let them go.

Looking up, she found the twins were once again flying around Luffy. The rubber man was lucky to have Neo around to fly him. It made her wonder how often Luffy did go for a flight. Bringing her eyes back down she saw Neo and Law speaking with the twins' mother and grandfather with Shanks standing nearby. Moving forward, she joined the crews.

"Luna, did you get done what you needed?" Neo asked.

"I did." Luna nodded.

"I'm going to ask you this one last time," Law said. "Are you sure you want to go with us."

"Absolutely," Luna said firmly. "Without Grandpa, there's nothing here for me."

Law nodded, satisfied the girl had her mind made up.

"We're going to miss you around here, Princess," Edan said.

"I will miss you as well," Neo said. "But we have spent enough time here. It's time for us to get back to our own lives."

"You know you are welcome here anytime," Mesi said.

"Yes." Neo nodded. "Take care of yourselves."

"We will," Edan said.

"And they have us to help with that," Aura and Era said, floating upside down behind the two adults.

"Now that's a comfort," Edan said, rolling his eyes.

"Hey!" the twins protested.

"Let's fly higher!" Luffy cheered.

The twins lifted him back up into the air.

"Can we leave him here?" Law asked.

"Law." Neo elbowed him on the arm. "Behave."

"I am behaving," Law said, smirking.

"Sure you are." Neo leaned into his arm and squeezed his hand. Her eyes drew over to movement near the path. Elek was walking over to them. Expectantly, her heart sank a little in her chest upon seeing the man. She didn't think she would be sad to leave this island. And despite what transpired here, she still cared about him and Bao.

"I take it you all are ready to leave now," Elek said.

"We are." Law nodded.

Neo nuzzled against her lover. She was glad he was in charge. She didn't know if she would be able to give the order to set sail.

Elek smiled when Topaz walked over to them. She smiled and said, "So this is it."

"I guess it is," Elek said. He reached out and brushed his fingertips over the orb on her forehead. "Once I remove these orbs your adventure on Zion is officially over."

"I'm as ready as can be," Topaz said.

"Then let's ship out," Law said.

"Yeah! Time to set sail!" Luffy cheered just as he landed on the Sunny with the help of the twins. "Get onboard!"

"So this is it," Shanks said.

"It's not fair that we hardly ever get to spend time together," Neo said.

"I know." Shanks placed his hand over her cheek. "But you know this is the life we both chose to live."

"Yeah." Neo nodded before wrapping her arms around her godfather. "I know. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you as well," Shanks said, returning her hug. "Take care of yourself. And keep me updated on how your baby is doing. I still want to come see you when the baby is born."

"I'll be looking forward to that," Neo said. Pulling away from him, she felt his lips on her forehead before he finally pulled away. She watched as her godfather joined his crew on their ship. Tears leaked down her cheeks as she watched the sails drop and the ship began to move out to the sea.

"See you later, Shanks!" Luffy cried from the Sunny.

"Take care, Luffy!" Shanks replied back. "I'll see you when you become a great pirate!"

"You bet I will!" Luffy said. "Bye!"

"See you later!" Usopp said.

"Bye bye!" Chopper added. The three Straw Hats were waving like crazy, like the Red Haired Pirates were their best friends.

Neo exhaled and looked up at Law.

"You ready?" Law asked.

"As ready as I will ever be," Neo said. "Let's go home."

Law nodded. The remaining pirates climb upon the ships while Law warped Neo up there so she didn't have to use her crystals.

The twins wrapped their winds around Elek and joined the pirates on the Polar Tang. Standing on the deck, they waited until they were far enough away from the island before Elek removed the orbs from them.

"Wait," Penguin said. "What about the Mortem Orb? Won't it force Neo and Topaz to use it?"

"Uh," Elek said. "I guess it would."

"You don't have to worry," the Mortem said.

Law reached into his pocket and pulled the orb out.

"I won't force them to use me," it said.

"What's it saying?" Shachi asked.

"It's saying that it won't force them to use it," Law said. "I trust it. So go ahead and take the orbs off their foreheads."

"All right, but I'm going to leave them with Luna just in case." Elek reached out and gave a light tug on the orb on Neo's forehead. Painlessly, it slipped right off.

Neo hummed as she rubbed her forehead, glad for it to finally be off of her.

Elek then turned to Topaz. The two smiled at each other. He reached up and took it off before handing the orbs over to Luna who was waiting for them.

Topaz pushed up on her toes and captured Elek's lips, earning several hollers and whistles from the crews.

"Woohoo!"

"Don't go too far now! We're leaving!"

"Kissy! Kissy!"

Luna scoffed. "Children."

They broke the kiss. Holding hands for a second before Elek stepped away from her. He said, "See you around."

"Yeah." Topaz said, holding back her tears.

"Well, you all be careful." Elek scanned his eyes over the pirates. "It was great meeting you all. If you're ever by this way again, be sure to stop and say hi."

"You know we will," Neo said.

"Princess." Elek took Neo hand. Kneeling down, he placed a light kiss on it. "You have my loyalty."

"And you have mine," Neo said.

Elek released her hand.

"See you," the twins said before they lifted Elek into the air.

"So this is really it," Bepo said.

"It kind of feels like a dream," Shachi said.

"Too bad it wasn't," Penguin said. "And we have two reminders that it wasn't."

The pirates turned their eyes to Luna.

Luna shrugged in response. "I'm not the one you have to worry about."

"The Mortem Orb," the crew chorused.

"I guess this makes you even more of the Surgeon of Death," Shachi said.

Law smirked.

…

Later that day, Neo wondered out onto the deck after making sure Luna was settled into her new room. She found who she was looking for, Topaz staring off into the distance. She watched her sister from the door for a few minutes before walking over to her. Slipping her arm into Topaz's, she leaned her head against her sister's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Topaz nodded. "I guess I'm just going to miss him more than I thought."

"You could go back," Neo said.

"I know I could," Topaz said. "But my home is here." She looked at Neo. "With you."

"But if you're going to be this sad," Neo said.

"Neo, I am sad to have to part from him, but I know I made the right choice," Topaz said.

"How?"

"Because, while I like Elek a lot, I'm not in love with him," Topaz said.

"I guess that would be true," Neo said. "If you did love him, you would have stayed, wouldn't you?"

"I think I would have," Topaz said.

Neo bit her bottom lip when tears pricked her eyes.

"I'm sorry," Topaz said. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's fine," Neo said. "I know that there's a high possibility that you or one other crewmember will find someone to fall in love with and you will chose to leave the crew. I just hope that it's a long, long time before that happens."

"I'm sure it will be," Topaz said. "So how are Luna and the orb settling in?"

"They're fine," Neo said. "The orb agreed to let me lock it up in my Luminous shelf when it's needed. But for the most of the time it's going to be with Law."

"That's good," Topaz said.

"It really does feel like it was a dream," Neo said, staring at the horizon.

"Yeah." Topaz nodded.

"Maybe we'll return to the dream some day," Neo said.

"Maybe." Topaz smiled.

…

Author's Notes: Well, that's it. I had no idea how to end the final chapter but here it is. Still don't think I built up the Summoner world very well. I'd like to do a sequel at some point to see more of Luna's abilities. But for now I'm going to play catch up with my other fanfics. So look for updates soon on Death Memories and Monkey D Law soon. I'm also hoping to get my AU where Neo grows up on Luminous posted sometime this month, so look for it too if you want to read it. Thanks for reading and commenting!