Kidd would have never thought it possible that he would be grateful to be jumping into nearly three feet of sea water. It was amazing what a lot of bickering and overcrowding on a small boat could get a man to do. Kidd clenched a fist and partially waded through the water to the beach shoreline, before he turned back toward the sea. Straw Hat and his two crewmembers were close to bringing the Mini Merry to the beach, and Kidd sneered at the sight. He hadn't been overreacting; he'd just done the Straw Hat Pirates a favor by not killing them for all of the noise and jostling in the small boat that they'd been doing.

"Hey, metal guy! Why'd you jump?"

Kidd slid a glare Straw Hat's way, thinking that Luffy was standing a little too close to him after he had leapt off the Mini Merry. The red head didn't get a chance to say anything, as Sanji and Zoro had already beached the Mini Merry. Kidd crossed his arms moodily as the cook and the swordsman walked over to them, carrying the nets with sea prism stone hastily woven into it. Kidd presumed that Zoro had the handcuffs as well. No one spoke, which irritated Kidd, especially since they'd made enough racket to force him over the side of the small boat, "As much as I wanna rush in, I guess that ain't gonna work with Doflamingo." The red headed captain noted that Straw Hat was now eying the forest intently, as if trying to figure out exactly where Doflamingo and Law were.

Luffy wasn't listening, having been distracted, but Sanji nodded in agreement with Kidd's words, "It wouldn't be the smartest thing to do. I think we should assume that he would be ready for the possibility of us to show up." Sanji eyed the island, wondering if that was the case. The Straw Hat Pirate cook ignored Zoro, who had just passed by him quickly and clamped a hand down on Luffy's shoulder. To keep their captain from racing off before they discussed what exactly they were going to do.

"Zoro! Let go! I'm gonna go beat 'mingo up!"

"Idiot! Don't go running off just yet!"

Sanji shook his head at the sight, "If Law is still fighting with Doflamingo, we'll need to find a way to separate them."

"I doubt he lasted very long. It's more likely that Trafalgar got his ass kicked right away." Kidd commented snidely.

Zoro kept his grip, despite his captain's protests, "If that happened, someone would need to draw Doflamingo away from Law, right?"

"Get him out of sight without Doflamingo noticing?" Seeing Zoro's nod, Sanji ran a hand through his hair, "That'll be difficult."

Luffy had finally tuned into the conversation, successfully freeing himself from Zoro's grasp. He grinned at the swordsman, "You and Sanji can get Tra-guy."

"And what are we supposed to do if Doflamingo attacks us all at once?" Zoro didn't like the way this was going. It already didn't bode well that Luffy was solely in the mind of giving Doflamingo a good trouncing when he ran across him.

Luffy smiled cheerfully, "I can just beat 'mingo up."

Zoro frowned, "That could work, if he just pays attention to you." He didn't want to bother attempting to talk Luffy out of a fight, especially if he had his mind set on tackling Doflamingo.

Kidd had been silent up until this point, and, not pleased that he was being ignored, turned to Luffy with a smirk, "I suppose I can go start a fight with Doflamingo too."

Luffy smiled, "Not if I get to him first."

"Let's get going already." Sanji said, raising his voice slightly over Kidd's, not wanting the two captains to get into an argument about who got to fight with Doflamingo. His efforts were in vain, as the trek through the forest was filled with short bursts of bickering. Ten minutes later, and Sanji had had quite enough of the childish chatter. He whirled on the two captains, "Would the two of you shut up! You're going to draw attention to us!"

"Hey, look at that." Zoro unintentionally saved Sanji from being set upon by Kidd, as the group had just entered into a clearing.

Kidd gave the pool of water in the clearing a disinterested once over, "So what?"

"I wonder if it is sea water." Sanji mused aloud, crouching next to the edge of the pool.

Kidd grinned, seeing an easy opportunity to deal with Sanji scolding him moments before. The red head stole up behind Sanji, and gave him a hefty shove in the back, "Why don't you find out?"

Sanji twisted slightly from the momentum, his hand darting out and grabbing Kidd's nearest arm. When he was no longer in danger of falling, Sanji hopped up lightly. He smiled at Kidd's surprised expression, and, with a light kick off of Kidd's shoulder, Sanji went over his shoulder. Twisting in midair, Sanji lashed out with a foot, kicking the red head squarely in the back, "Why don't you go check things out?"

Kidd cursed as he pitched forward, unable to prevent himself from falling into the pool of water. His body went limp, and the red head cursed inwardly. What the hell was sea water doing in the middle of the island? Or wherever they were on the island. Kidd floundered around for a moment, before his feet reached the bottom of the pool. At least it wasn't deep, but it didn't matter if he couldn't fucking swim. The most he could do was hold his breath. Kidd twitched as someone seized him by his right forearm, and soon after his head broke the surface of the water.

Zoro effortlessly pulled the spluttering Kidd halfway out of the pool, before he let go. Zoro backed off as the red headed captain dragged himself out the rest of the way out.

Kidd lay prone, breathing heavily, until he got it under control. Kidd sat up and glared at Sanji, who appeared unconcerned as he turned to Luffy and Zoro, "Looks like it is sea water."

Sanji, unaware of the fact that Kidd was glowering at him, took the net Zoro had been holding beneath one arm, "I think we could use it to our advantage." Sanji stored the nets behind a nearby tree, and, seeing the looks thrown his way, sighed, "Since Doflamingo is a Devil Fruit user, don't you think we should try and lure him here? I doubt that we could actually knock him into the water, but it should hamper a fight if he has to actively avoid it."

"Only he could knock me or Straw Hat into it." Kidd didn't like the idea. The pool looked to be barely over ten feet wide. It was highly unlikely that the pool would be a threat to Doflamingo unless someone forcibly shoved him head first into the water and held him there.

"You'll just have to avoid letting that happen." Sanji commented, and this time he did see the glower that was aimed his way.

"It'd be interesting if it would actually work." Zoro added. He thought the pool of water was a bit on the small size as well, but it was big enough that Doflamingo could potentially be knocked into it.

"Let's plan on drawing Doflamingo over here then." Sanji nearly groaned when he realized that Luffy had dashed off, his attention span gone, "Luffy, wait!"

-x

The huge beasts on the island seemed intent on getting something to eat, so there hadn't been any thought given to what they should do if they were split up. It didn't even matter that Zoro and Sanji had killed two animals; another, larger creature went after them, leaving Kidd in its wake.

And with that, the four of them were split up, and Kidd was left with Luffy, who was currently laughing merrily at the sight of his two friends being pursued.

Luffy waved his hands in the air after them, grinning as he called after them, "Zoro! Sanji! I'm gonna go find 'mingo and beat him up!"

Sanji dodged a swipe from the creature as he yelled over his shoulder, "While you're doing that, make sure you lead him back to the place with the pool! You can find that again, right?"

Zoro blocked the claws of another beast that came crashing toward him, "Follow the plan for once, Luffy! We'll only get one chance! Don't mess it up!"

"Right!" Luffy pivoted as another creature popped up, and he ran. He was still laughing when Kidd caught up with him and ran alongside him.

A few minutes later and Kidd was almost wishing that he had ended up with one of Straw Hats' crewmates, because Luffy wouldn't stop shouting. And there was nothing he could do about it, because his attempts to intimidate Straw Hat had failed.

"'mingo! Where are you?!" Luffy yelled, dashing through the forest pell-mell. He didn't seem to be going in any particular direction.

"Shut up! He's gonna hear us before we can even get near him! Are you stupid?!" Kidd snarled, as he miraculously kept up with the hectic pace that Straw Hat had set. The red headed captain couldn't believe that Luffy was drawing any and all attention to their position. If Doflamingo was within hearing range, he would be foolish not to take advantage of all of the noise.

Luffy had quieted for only a moment, before he started calling again, "Oy! 'mingo! Where are you? I'm gonna beat you!"

If it hadn't been below him to do so, Kidd would have covered his face with a hand. He wondered how Straw Hat could survive for so long if he couldn't be even a little stealthy. Kidd glanced around, and decided that he didn't like that the two of them hadn't seen any animals since they'd split with Straw Hat's crew. Kidd skidded to a halt as something whistled through the air, and tore into the ground in front of him. Kidd leapt back to avoid another strike. The red head flicked his gaze up, and saw Doflamingo diving down from the high treetops, a wide, nasty smile stretching across his face.

Any normal person would have run, but Kidd merely offered a smile of his own. Kidd flexed his right hand, searching for metal on the island again, and perhaps the weapons of the low-life idiot pirates that he'd try to do in the day before.

Luffy had come to a halt as well and had immediately swung a fist at Doflamingo, only to have the blond twist and dodge the attack. Luffy was thrown backwards by a slashing motion from Doflamingo, drawing forth several light cuts.

Doflamingo dodged some metal thrown at him by Kidd. Since the blond pirate was more interested in dealing with Luffy, he flexed a hand in Kidd's direction, and knew from a curse that Kidd wasn't going anywhere. Doflamingo turned his focus to Luffy, who came back swinging after righting himself.

"Jet Pistol!" Luffy swung his fist hard, and this time managed to nick Doflamingo's shoulder. Luffy landed and skidded a short distance, undeterred as he prepared to strike again.

Kidd, meanwhile, was enraged that Doflamingo was holding him in place with his Devil Fruit powers. Son of a bitch wasn't even going to let him fight. Kidd felt insulted, and struggled against the invisible restraints, not caring that the string merely dug into his skin more with each move. The red head was distracted when he heard Luffy let out a gasp. Kidd lifted his head, and realized that the string holding him in place had slackened. While free again, the only problem was that the red head ended up stumbling backward against a tree because of the force with which Luffy had been thrown at him. Kidd grumbled a curse and tossed Luffy next to him, out of his way. Straw Hat landed lightly on his feet, breathing a little hard, but none the worse for the wear.

Neither of the other captains expected Doflamingo to suddenly halt, his hand still poised to strike at them. Doflamingo turned his head to the left, and his smile stretched wide as he laughed, "Fufufufu. Either Law woke up sooner than I had anticipated, or someone's trying to help him." Doflamingo started to walk away at a casual pace, "I'll have to postpone dealing with you two. There's a more pressing matter to attend to." Doflamingo half-turned and slashed one of his hands through the air, striking Kidd and Luffy. It wasn't as lethal of an attack as he could normally land, but it had served its purpose. It had distracted Straw Hat and Kidd.

Once he saw that Doflamingo had left, Kidd rested his back against the tree. He blinked blood out of his eye from a cut on his forehead. Kidd made a disgruntled sound as he looked himself over. He'd been dealt quite a lot of wounds in a short time, but it was all superficial, and likely wouldn't even leave a scar.

"'mingo!"

Kidd pushed away from the tree, and followed after Luffy, who, while also covered in numerous nicks and cuts, had gotten back up. And the crazy bastard was currently racing at breakneck speed through the forest, shouting at the top of his lungs. Kidd was bemused by the other captain's antics as he followed after Luffy. Even if Kidd disliked the very idea that he found anything that Straw Hat did amusing, he didn't mind seeing Luffy act crazy. It was entertaining as hell that Straw Hat's actions were so erratic.

-x

Sanji and Zoro had killed the beasts that had been chasing them, and since they hadn't seen any creatures after that, figured the others would leave them alone. Their run had been more or less quiet after that, until Sanji spoke up about the animal that was lying still on the ground some distance back.

"That last one was bigger, wasn't it?"

Zoro blinked as he turned his head to look at Sanji with his good eye, "It was, but the one before that I took down yesterday was the largest animal we've seen on this island."

"Dammit! You just don't want to admit defeat, mosshead, you…!" Sanji stopped short as he and Zoro came out of the forest, and into another clearing, this one around the middle of the island.

Zoro came to a halt next to Sanji, realizing what had caught the cook's attention. A short distance from where they were standing, the two could see Law. The Heart Pirate appeared to be suspended in midair in front of a falling apart cavern entrance, injured and unconscious, "Doflamingo?" Zoro questioned, indicating the fact that Law was swaying through the air a little, even though no restraints were in sight.

"Looks like it. I somehow doubt he did that to himself." Sanji bit down on a cigarette he had drawn out of his pocket, and lit it as he turned to survey the area. When he didn't see anything, Sanji walked forward, standing just below where Law was hanging, "It's probably those invisible strings." The blond grinned at Zoro, "Think you can cut something you can't see?"

Zoro snorted softly, as if the question didn't even need to be asked. The green haired swordsman drew one katana, and, pushing off against the ground with a foot, sliced effortlessly through the invisible string holding Law aloft. Zoro landed and sheathed his blade, as Sanji caught the Heart Pirate. The green haired swordsman knelt down next to Sanji as the cook set Law down on the ground. The two noted that Law's wrists were behind his back, and figured that there must be more strings that they couldn't see. Between them, Zoro and Sanji loosened the invisible string, tossing it aside as they pulled it loose.

"This is weird." Sanji commented, holding a string between forefinger and thumb, yet being unable to see it.

Zoro tossed another bit of the string aside, "Doflamingo has a strange Devil Fruit ability."

Sanji rolled Law over onto his back, "Maybe, but it's dangerous if you can't see an attack coming. No wonder people have said that he is one of the most dangerous warlords."

"A former one now." Zoro fell silent, as he noticed that Law was waking up.

Law let out a low groan, opening his eyes a little. As soon as he recognized who was looking down at him, the Heart Pirate promptly closed them and let out a sigh, "I should have known Straw Hat-ya wouldn't follow the plan."

Sanji stood up and puffed away at his cigarette, "I'm pretty sure that a few of us have warned you that Luffy doesn't always follow the plan."

Zoro stood similarly as he crossed his arms, eying the trees surrounding the clearing, "The captain does what he wants."

Sanji joined the swordsman in gazing around, keeping an eye out for trouble, "Where's Doflamingo?"

Law rolled onto his side, his mind clearing the more he woke up. As soon as it registered that neither Zoro nor Sanji were running, and looked as if they were expecting a fight, Law protested, "You shouldn't have come! Joker-ya could come back at any moment!" Just like Luffy, however, neither of Straw Hat's friends' seemed inclined to listen to him, and Law was left lying on the ground and very frustrated. He'd tried to give them a head start, had expected not to survive his encounter with Doflamingo, and the Straw Hat Pirates were ruining what he'd tried to give them.

Sanji tensed, not conscious of Law's inner turmoil and exasperation, "Hey, Zoro."

The swordsman narrowed his eye, "Yeah." With a swift movement, Zoro stooped and seized Law around the middle.

"Bullet String."

With little effort, Zoro lifted the Heart Pirate up as he dodged to the right, Sanji going left. Both men narrowly avoided the attack.

Doflamingo landed on the ground a short distance away, not looking the least bit pleased with the scene he had just come across. He didn't seem to be too disappointed that the Straw Hat Pirates had dodged his attack. What did bother him was that it seemed like they were trying to spirit Law way, and Doflamingo wasn't going to allow that to happen. He wasn't going to let the Heart Pirate get away to continue his plan, which seemed to be mainly a ploy to take him down, with Kaido as an afterthought.

Zoro touched down next to the cave, and set the Heart Pirate down. Zoro turned and drew his katana as he struck a fighting stance.

Doflamingo observed the two Straw Hat Pirates, a grin rising as he noted that the two of them were ready for a fight, "It's too bad that Straw Hat Luffy wasn't much of a challenge."

Zoro and Sanji ignored the intended slight. The two of them knew that Luffy would show up, one way or another, despite Doflamingo's snide comment. Luffy was too single mindedly determined to be killed by someone like Doflamingo, so neither Zoro nor Sanji were overly concerned. Instead, they focused on the fact that they were going to have to tangle with Doflamingo until Luffy showed up.

Since Doflamingo didn't seem inclined to start the battle, Sanji and Zoro darted forward from either side, launching attacks of their own.

"Three sword style: Purgatory Oni Giri!"

"Diable Jambe! Collier Strike!"

One of Doflamingo's legs moved to block Sanji's kick, before he swiftly leaned to the side to avoid Zoro's blades. Doflamingo grinned as he struck Sanji across the chest with string through a quick hand movement, sending him flying backward. Doflamingo twisted, and lashed out with a leg, kicking Zoro in the abdomen when the swordsman tried for another attack. Doflamingo backed out of range of another kick from Sanji, and sent both Straw Hat Pirates careening backward with another wave of his hand. Since the swordsman and the cook obviously thought their captain was going to show up again, Doflamingo decided that he didn't feel like overexerting himself with the two before him. He'd try another tactic.

Law was fully awake by now, and not liking what he was seeing. While Zoro and Sanji were strong, they were going to have trouble landing their attacks with Doflamingo making use of his Devil Fruit ability. While Law was musing at the possible outcome of a fight between the Straw Hat Pirates and Doflamingo, he became aware of the fact that he probably should have been feigning unconsciousness. The Heart Pirate tilted his head slightly, and stilled in trepidation when he saw Doflamingo turn his head to look at him. Law did not like the smile the other man was wearing. It didn't bode well for him.

Doflamingo's smile stretched even further when he saw that Law was looking back at him, and he raised a hand, "I said I'd have you help me, didn't I?" He'd found a way to distract the Straw Hats Pirates, at least until Luffy showed up again.

Law felt the telltale sensation of invisible string settling around his limbs, and the Heart Pirate knew that he had guessed right. It didn't stop him from protesting weakly by trying to go limp. Law grit his teeth as the string's grip strengthened in response to his actions. The Heart Pirate still felt himself forced to his feet, a little shakily due to his weary body fighting against the sudden movement. The Heart Pirate walked unsteadily over to where his sword lay on the ground, and reached down. Law briefly resisted, using what little energy he could muster up to try and prevent the inevitable.

Law's hand wrapped around the hilt, and that was it. He couldn't do a damn thing about this now, and Law could only wince as Doflamingo had him run a short distance. Law felt himself swing his blade with two hands, where it managed to halt Zoro's blades, therefore preventing the green haired swordsman from striking Doflamingo. As Law felt the manipulating strings force him into a tussle with Zoro, the Heart Pirate finally gave up. He couldn't fight Doflamingo's Devil Fruit powers anymore. It would only cause him more pain and injury, as the amount of force with which the strings grasped Law changed depending on how much he fought the manipulations.

Zoro blocked a sideways slash from Law, and back stepped away, next to Sanji. Something was up, especially when Law hadn't given any indication of wanting to move at all earlier.

"Why the hell is he attacking us?" Sanji ducked out of the way as Zoro caught another wild swing from the Heart Pirate.

Zoro focused on parrying the erratic and slightly jerky sword swings from Law, before he took a quick peek over the Heart Pirate's shoulder. The green haired swordsman spotted Doflamingo leaning up against a tree, his hands raised and making minute movements. While he was launching attacks at Sanji, his other hand was angling in Law's direction. Zoro's eye narrowed, realizing what was going on. Zoro deflected Law's blade one more time as he moved closer to Sanji, "Doflamingo's using his Devil Fruit ability on Law. He's forcing him to fight."

Sanji paused briefly, as he had been avoiding lazy attacks from Doflamingo, "What the hell. He can do that?"

"Bullet String."

Sanji hissed in pain and stumbled to one side as Doflamingo's attack caught the side of his right leg, tearing into the skin. Sanji grit his teeth as he leaned back when Law swung the sword his way.

Zoro intervened, and spent the next fifteen seconds parrying the Heart Pirate's blade in a blur of motion, the blows landing with swift if sloppy force. The green haired swordsman could tell that Law wasn't in the best of shape, and couldn't keep up this strenuous of a fight for much longer.

Law wheezed from the effort of being compelled to attack, barely able to remain conscious as he could tell that his exhausted body wanted nothing more than to collapse. The will to fight was fully gone by now, and Law was too weary to be angry with Doflamingo. Law didn't even seem to notice that the string had loosened around his limbs a little. The Heart Pirate wouldn't have even bothered trying to free himself anyway, as he would have known that Doflamingo was toying with him.

Sanji and Zoro evaded the sword a few more times, before they were able to catch sight of Law's expression. The two were surprised to see that Law practically pleading with them by now in the short time that they had been fighting. It was a defeated look, as if Law was too spent to care what happened anymore, so long as someone ended the humiliation that was being inflicted on him. Zoro and Sanji were equally disgusted with Doflamingo by this point. Law was obviously not a threat, having been beaten down earlier. The Heat Pirate was too weary to do much on his own, so making him fight them was merely to torment Law, as if to make a point to him. Neither Straw Hat Pirate knew what had gone on between Doflamingo and Law, but they knew that had Luffy been there, he would have been upset.

Zoro exchanged glances with Sanji, and he indicated Doflamingo with a jerk of his head.

Sanji nodded in understanding, and he went immediately for Doflamingo, launching an attack as he sprang into the air and went careening toward the other blond, "Flanche Strike!"

Zoro parried Law's blade a few more times, before he angled a blade backward, holding the hilt at the ready. As he passed by the Heart Pirate, Zoro cracked him over the back of the head with the hilt, knocking Law out as he landed. Zoro heard Law collapse to the ground, before he flipped the katana back around, and raced over to join Sanji.

Doflamingo dropped the strings manipulating Law, and left the unconscious Heart Pirate on the ground where he had fallen. Doflamingo halted Sanji's attack with his leg again, and flicked a hand at Zoro, catching his blades with the string and diverting the attack to swing harmlessly through the air. Doflamingo was smiling, but he wasn't happy. He was going to have to deal with Straw Hat's crew after all.

Sanji and Zoro avoided a few attacks from Doflamingo, but they were unable to get out of the way of Doflamingo's five color string attack, which slashed them with punishing force, and knocked them back to the tree line.

"Let's go around to the other side of the cave." Sanji panted, leaping out of range of the invisible string that Doflamingo had sent his way.

"Right. Let's just hope Luffy doesn't get lost." Zoro muttered back, not noticing Sanji laugh a little at the lost bit.

Doflamingo gave chase, not bothering to take Law along, because he figured that Law would be out for a good long while now after the brief, under a minute fight. Doflamingo didn't realize that drawing him away from the Heart Pirate had been the plan all along.

Sanji narrowly avoided another Bullet String, and hoped that he and Zoro would be able to avoid allowing Doflamingo to manipulate them into fighting one another. Sanji really wasn't entirely sure how long the two of them could keep up the fight if none of their attacks were landing.

-x

Law knew he must have been knocked out, because when he came to again, the back of his head was throbbing painfully. Even though he ached, the Heart Pirate let out a low sigh of relief. At least the green haired swordsman had taken him down to prevent Doflamingo from manipulating him for too long a time. Law hurt from the effort of being forced to fight beyond his body's limit, and knew that he'd need a good rest to recover. Law frowned inwardly, thinking that he heard a voice. It sounded like someone was calling to him.

Law cracked his eyes open, and glanced up dazedly. If he had had the energy to be exasperated, he would have said something. Kidd and Luffy were staring down at him, the former looking disinterested, while the latter looked a bit concerned. A least until the Heart Pirate had opened his eyes. Luffy was smiling then.

"You look like shit." Kidd stated as way of greeting as he grinned mockingly at the Heart Pirate, "It's pathetic that you let that flashy bastard get the better of you."

Law had enough left in him to be offended, and he let the other pirate captain know what he thought about his comment, "It looks like…he got the better of you too."

Kidd didn't even bother to respond to that as he stormed off over to the tree line. He bristled at the faint sardonic tone Law's voice had held. However, Kidd was not in the mood to pick a fight with Trafalgar when he was as down as he was. It wouldn't be a challenge at all, and Kidd would gain no satisfaction from beating Law as he was.

Law was silent as Luffy crouched down next to him, and could tell that the other captain was still upset about what had occurred on the Thousand Sunny. It was also probably due to his abrupt departure from the ship. Law sighed, unable to look the other in the eye, "I would have mentioned my change in plans earlier, but I didn't want something like this to happen." When Straw Hat said nothing, Law turned his head slightly, and saw that Luffy was just staring at him now. Law sighed lightly again, "Doflamingo threatened to go after my crew if I didn't do as he asked." Law stared up at the darkening sky, "I didn't anyway, and that was why all those things were happening earlier on the ship. Doflamingo was trying to get me to kill you, since he probably figured I had no intention of doing so."

"Hmm, I guess that make sense. Zoro said you were trying to hurt me." Luffy smiled brightly, "But if it wasn't your fault, then it's fine."

Luffy's abrupt decision to not hold it against him for trying to off him in a not so subtle way caught Law off guard. The Heart Pirate smiled faintly. He was worn-out and ached from the wounds Doflamingo had inflicted on him. "We shouldn't waste time engaging in a fight with Joker-ya here, but it seems we don't have much of a choice if we want to leave unhindered."

"Yeah?" Luffy picked his nose, as if waiting for Law to say something specific.

Law was irritated with Straw Hat, before he realized what Luffy was waiting for him to say. Checking to see that Kidd was out of ear shot, the Heart Pirate spoke softly, "Joker-ya wants to take me back to Dressrosa, and make me work for him again. After taking everything important to me away." The Heart Pirate squeezed his eyes shut, "I'd rather die than have that happen." Law opened his eyes and looked up at Luffy, speaking softly, "I want to take him down myself, but I wouldn't mind a little help."

Luffy grinned, "Got it." He ran over to Kidd, slapping him on the shoulder, "Let's go beat 'mingo up!"

Kidd shook Luffy off his shoulder, "Don't tell me what to do." With a lopsided grin, Kidd ran in the direction of the sound of a fight, "Though I do want to kick that bastard's ass." After all, Kidd needed to make up for the previous embarrassing exchange.

Law couldn't help but smile faintly as Luffy and Kidd left him where he was as they raced one another to other side of the cave, arguing. The Heart Pirate figured that Luffy and Kidd would do as they liked, and would hope for the best. If he couldn't trust the other pirate captains, to an extent, then the plan he had wouldn't be able to be seen through to its completion. Law figured that he must have been wearier than he'd thought, because he slipped off into a light doze.

-x

Doflamingo figured that a few more strikes would take care of two of Straw Hat's crew. With a grin, he raised a hand to finish his wounded opponents off, when Luffy and Kidd came flying in. Doflamingo jerked backward out of the way, though his shoulder ended up being grazed by a punch from Luffy and a swipe from Kidd, because he can't quite dodge the other two.

"Zoro! Sanji!" Luffy said, landing on the ground and spinning to face Doflamingo. He didn't need to take his eyes off the blond to know that his two friends had retreated, having discussed their strategy earlier. Whether Luffy would fully follow it depended entirely on just how much he wanted to beat Doflamingo up.

Doflamingo's attention turned to Luffy and Kidd, and with almost inhuman movement, all three captains exchanged blows. Doflamingo grinned as he followed after Kidd and Luffy as they skirted off into the forest. Doflamingo lifted his hand. If they thought that the forest would provide them cover from his attacks, they were wrong.

Doflamingo didn't realize at the time that he was being led into a hastily set up trap near the pool of sea water.

-x

Law thought he was going to be able to have a nice rest, but it wasn't to be. It seemed like he'd only just dozed off when he was being shaken by his uninjured right shoulder. The Heart Pirate's eyelids slit open a little to glare at being disturbed.

"Time to get up. You don't want Luffy and Kidd to have all the fun, do you?" Sanji questioned, helping Law into a seated position.

The Heart Pirate shook his head slightly, "It's not like I can put up a fight right now." Not unless Straw Hat's friends wanted to potentially fight with him again. Doflamingo would use any and all resources in a fight.

"You won't have to." Zoro responded, though his katana were now sheathed, "Provided Luffy sticks to the plan for once, but even if he doesn't, we should be able to handle things."

"What are you talking about?" Law disliked things being unclear, even if it registered in his mind that a short term plan had been made up on the spot. One that Luffy more than likely would not follow.

Sanji and Zoro exchanged glances, before the cook answered, "Well, you see…" He laid out the plan they had come up with on their way to the island on the Mini Merry.

Law was speechless by the time Sanji finished, and he could only laugh weakly, "I guess we've already started a fight with Joker-ya. If it doesn't work, things could go badly. He doesn't like being caught unawares."

"Too bad for him." Sanji said in response, as he helped Law to his feet.

Zoro drew two of his katana, and led the way through the forest, "We need to hurry. Staying in a longer fight with Doflamingo is probably a bad idea." He kept an eye out for any of the animals on the island that might try to attack them.

Law allowed Sanji to help him along, even if he hated the fact that he was feeling so weak that he couldn't even walk under his own power without collapsing. The Straw Hat Pirate's plan was crazy enough that it might just work. Surely Doflamingo wasn't going to expect them to try and catch him, and they could use that to their advantage.

The only downside was that they would have a murderous Doflamingo on their hands should the quickly thrown together plan fall flat.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Ahhahaha, pummeling time in the next chapter. Even though I feel like I'm being really mean to Law, Doflamingo is going to get it in the next chapter. He won't know what hit him…well, other than Luffy, that is.

Aaaaand I had a thought occur to me last night, so like adding Doflamingo to this fic, I thought of something else I wanted to do. So the summary is going to have to change a bit, because I'm going to write about them going to Dressrosa after all. Though...in more of a brief way, since I really just want to write my own version of Doflamingo getting his ass kicked there (cause there's a lot of drawings that I've seen on it). Plus I wanted to do my own twist on Cora, whom Law thinks about (not going to go much into it, as there is little to no info on Cora at the moment). But I wanted to toy around with the idea that crossed my mind before something official comes out about it. I tend to think about a lot of things when I have too much free time. I might even change my mind by the time I get to that point, since there's still a few chapters left for this part of the story.

On an unrelated note to the above, I think I caught the grammatical errors.