I'm sorry guys, but my updates are going to have to be longer because I am writing longer chapters. You get more bang for the buck though. I am sorry I did this at a cliffhanger too. By the way, this gets a little graphic.

I wake up slowly until I realize I am sitting straight up. All my memories came rushing back and I jerk in my seat, but I don't open my eyes. They could be watching. Extend your senses Rose; find out what's going on without opening your eyes.

I am sitting in a metal chair by its cold feel, and am strapped in by my wrists, ankles, and my waist. I don't feel extreme heat or cold, so I can't be on three, four, or five. I don't hear any beasts, but that didn't mean anything, or cries of prisoners walking on spikes. I must be on the top floor, as I predicted.

Cautiously, I opened my eyes and gazed around. I am sitting in a box cell with tinted glass sides. Double mirrors? Why would they need to do that?

I take a few deep breaths. There is no sign of coughing, dizziness, or weakness. They must have called my bluff and gave me the antidote. Good.

"Ah you are awake."

I jump as I look around, trying to find the source of the voice. There, I see her reflection across from me, standing behind me. I stiffen. It had to be her.

Sadi-chan is caressing her whip lovingly. She licked the handle and moaned.

"Ooh, I can't wait to hear your screams."

I bite my lip and give a defiant glare. Of all the people, I can't stand Sadi-chan the most. How could she hurt people and enjoy it? I understand it's her job, but it's like she has lost her humanity. So I hate her.

I have a very defiant streak. I will be humble if I respect you, but if I dislike you, I will not give up without a fight. I know what she is here for. I'm not stupid; they want information on the Straw-hats, and I doubt she is going to ask nicely. I steel my nerves. I will not give the screams she wants, no matter what. I won't give her the satisfaction.

We just stare at each other in the glass, until she comes around to stand in front of me. She has burn marks as well as bruises. Looks like Nami gave it to her good.

I am scared, only because I don't know what she will do to me. Once I know, I will calm down, but until then I will be hyperactive. Because I am scared, I am also reckless. I am brave, or stupid, because I smirk at her.

"I heard a couple of your screams. Electricity not feel too good?"

She frowned and grasped my chin in her pink long nails. I don't dare wince as they scratch into my face.

"I can't wait to hear yours. You sound like a sassy one."

She releases me and cracks her whip, which I am ashamed to say makes me jump.

"Now, you said you have information on the Straw-hats. Any information the marines get can be used. So tell me."

I roll my eyes. Act confident. Act brave. Act like a Straw-hat.

"I said I would tell you. I didn't say I would tell you willingly. You want it, I am making you work for it."

Sadi-chan smirks at me. We have a mutual agreement now; we both see each other as challenges. I won't talk, and she won't stop until I do. It's almost comforting, because there is nothing I hate more then losing.

She walks around me, trying to frighten me.

"So, let's start with your name."

It doesn't scare me because I can still see what she is doing in the mirror. I think carefully. Should I give her information about me? I don't think it would hurt if I did. Besides, I am like her: I need information.

"All right Sadi-chan, how about an old-fashioned trade system."

She slides back in front of me again, her eyes gleaming with interest. The longer I stall with her, the less damage I can take until Luffy and the others come back.

"What do you mean?"

I roll my eyes, a silly smile coming over my face. I feel the reckless heat roasting my body.

"You ask a question, I ask a question. That way we both get answers."

Sadi-chan seemed to ponder this, tapping her chin.

"Hmm, I guess it can be all right."

I answer her first question with a confident voice.

"My name is Rose."

Sadi-chan brushed her fingertips against my cheek, sending tremors of frozen fear through my hot confidence.

"Rose-chan, what a pretty name? Ask your question."

I try not to let my discomfort show as I glance around. What could I ask her? Ah, that would be nice to know.

"What is the deal with this cell?"

Sadi-chan looked confused.

"What do you mean?"

I looked around.

"The double mirrors and things. What makes it so special?"

Sadi-chan nodded.

"Ah, I see. This is on the first floor, but it is soundproof and visually hidden. You can't be heard or seen in here, but you can see and hear things outside."

Interesting, and I could possibly use that. Good it was as I suspected. I am on the first floor. I see the normal cells around us, but not the front door. No matter they will still find me.

"My turn, Rose-chan."

The way she says it makes her sound like an okama. I shiver inwardly as I inquire politely.

"Yes?"

Sadi-chan went over the mirror walls, but her gaze, at least I think, never left me.

"Are you a Straw-hat Pirate?"

I shake my head.

"No."

She keeps giving me easy ones, but this is only warming up. Soon I won't be able to answer any of her questions. I have to keep my questions good until that time. Should I ask how long I have been asleep? No, I can just check my internal clock. Oh, it's been almost four hours. Dang, I was out wasn't I? It's about noon or one now. I hope they made it out. Ah, my question.

"Did all the Straw-hats make it out safe with Jinbe and Bon Kurei?"

Sadi-chan frowned and spat.

"Yes. They got to the top of the lift, gathered up that okama rabble and they took off in the boat before we could even get to floor three. Then we had to take care of you so that slowed us down."

I slump in my seat, relieved. Good, my plan worked. They all got out, and I seriously doubt they just took off. Knowing them, they would have circled back to get me. At least I hope. Despite my bravado, I would like to avoid torture if I can. Sadi-chan came over and slammed her whip butt against the armrest, right next to my wrist. I am pleased to say I didn't react.

"Now then, what are the Straw-hats plans?"

Ah, the harder questions now. I can't tell them that because the marines might follow their routes and capture them. I smirk and shrug, playing innocent. Sadi-chan buried her nails suddenly into my arm, and I tense at the pain that rips into my arm along with the inch long nails. I close my eyes. It's worse if I see the damage. I hear a squelching noise and the pain diminishes slightly.

"You do know Rose-chan. Now tell me, unless you want your screams to echo in here nicely."

I feel a rush of fear. It was only a matter of time considering such a torture expert Sadi-chan is. Nevertheless, I had expected this so my fear is gone.

"Sorry Sadi-chan, but I have nothing left to trade, and neither do you."

Sadi-chan gave a growl of frustration, stomping off to stand by the mirror again. I watch her intently; trying to read her, see when she will strike. She stands there lost in thought, before moaning.

"Huuh, you know Rose-chan, I can do anything I like to you in here. Amputating things is a very effective form of torture."

I stiffen so much I'm sure the tension will burst my muscles. Out of all of the things she can do to me, she picks that. I can live with whipping, waterboarding, cuts, any other kind of torture; they can heal. Scars will remain and it will still be painful, but they can heal. Amputations are different. They don't heal. I will have to change my entire lifestyle to accommodate for it, and I wouldn't like to do that.

Sadi-chan smirked, noticing my discomfort.

"I could cut off so many things."

I see through her ploy. She is saying these things to scare me, and it is almost working. She strides over, fingering my knees.

"I could cut off your legs."

No I need my legs to run from enemies, to fight. I need them to play tag with Usopp, Luffy, and Chopper. I need my legs.

She moved up, brushing my hands lightly.

"Your hands next."

I need my hands to eat Sanji's food, and to hold Nami's maps, and Robin's books. I need them to hand Franky cola, and bandage injuries with Chopper. I need them to tag Luffy, I need them to help Usopp, and I need them to return Zoro's silent and rare hugs. I need my hands.

A finger flicked my ear, making me jerk away from the offending hand. She whispers right in my ear.

"Your ears."

I need my ears to listen to Brook's music, to Usopp's and Robin's stories, Sanji fawning over me, Nami beating the boys up, Franky's super, Chopper's kindness, Luffy's laugh, Zoro's encouragement. I need my ears.

I close my eyes, hoping childishly that the threat will go away if I can't see it. The finger brushes my eyelid.

"Then your eyes."

No, I need my eyes to see Nami's maps, Luffy's smile, and Robin's books. I need them to see Zoro's smile, Franky's contraptions. I need them to see my friends achieve their dreams. I need my eyes.

The finger drifted over my lips and Sadi-chan is hovering over me, behind my back like a teacher looking down at a test. Personal space isn't heeded and I feel trapped and confined. My modesty meter is going off the charts but I listen to the final breath in my ear.

"Then your tongue."

I need to taste Sanji's food, sing with Brook, tell Luffy what a great captain he is, laugh at Usopp's stories, talk with all the members of the crew, and to tell Zoro my insecurities and my triumphs. I need my tongue. I whisper.

"I can't tell you anything with my tongue cut out."

Sadi-chan chuckled, but it held little humor. More like wickedness.

"That is why it is last."

I am so close to falling into her trap, but I stop because I hear voices in my head.

Don't worry you can do this-Nami

You are braver then I will ever be-Usopp

Don't worry, I will protect you Rose-swan-Sanji

You aren't alone-Chopper

You have a family here-Robin

We will stand behind you-Brook

You are super Rose sis-Franky

Be brave. You are stronger then you think you are-Zoro

The note that I had practically memorized from my first trip burns itself into my resolve like a brand, strengthening it. Right, I had them behind me then, I have them behind me now. I can face this. I can be strong.

I can be brave.

I straighten proudly giving a smile to match my confidence, small, but still there.

"You know, I need all my body parts so I'm going to have to decline that offer."

Sadi-chan notices my transformation and frowns. Ah, I have upset her. Good. She can't win.

"I won't have to if you tell me the info."

I sneer.

"Can't do that either. Looks like a stalemate."

She frowns deeper and then smirks. She leaves the room, and I watch her go into a side room. She comes back with her hands behind her back, the object hiding she is carrying hidden affectively. She sets it down behind the chair in my blind spot. So I resign myself to the fact that I will see it when she wants me to,

"Rose-chan tell me."

"No."

I answer firmly and without hesitation. Suddenly a loud noise assaults my ears and a thin razor edge cuts into my leg for any instant. I bow my head, pinching the top of my shirt in my teeth for comfort. Holy moly that hurt.

Sadi-chan withdrew her whip. A deep gash went up the length of my thigh. A thick welt was already forming. I grit my teeth. I have shown weakness, and I have shown pain. She has almost won with that surprise attack.

Seeing how little that affected me, Sadi-chan started flogging me without a break, her whip descending on me again and again, and the metronome of cracks filling the air. She screamed maniacally.

"Scream Rose-chan. Scream for me! Tell me your secrets!"

I bite my shirt harder, trying to distract myself from the continuous attacks. Luffy would say that to protect his friends this is necessary. For Zoro, it would be a training exercise. Brook would make a skull joke. Usopp would exaggerate it in his stories. Robin would calmly explain the mechanics of whipping. Chopper would try to bandage me. Sanji would stay back and tell me how cute I was. Franky wouldn't feel it for his iron body. Nami would beat her up again. Get a grip.

Suddenly the barrage stopped, and I found myself breathing hard and trembling. Pain ravaged my body and I felt blood sliding across my skin. My arms, legs and torso are covered in cuts. Crap, this sucks. Escaping will be harder now. Sadi-chan examined me.

"Still haven't screamed. I will hear them."

I bite my lip.

"Not if it involves betraying my friends."

She shrugs and reaches around my chair.

"Oh well, looks like we have to do harder stuff."

She pulls out a giant pair of scissors. She grins evilly at me.

"Now, about those fingers…"

She trailed off and I allow my eyes to widen in horror as I realize what she is going to do.

She is going to cut my fingers off!

My mind goes completely blank with terror. My brand of the note is wiped away as fear completely takes over my mind. The fear awakens an animalistic instinct almost. I just think one thing: get out.

I let out a cat like hiss and Sadi-chan jumped back. I kept my eyes on her, waiting her to move. I got the main concept, get out, but my strategic mind had completely shut down. I was frozen. I couldn't do anything except sit there.

Then a whisper: Be brave. You are stronger then you think you are.

I blink and like that I am thinking again. Zoro said I am stronger then I think, so I imagine myself as strong as Luffy, as strong as Zoro himself. Now think.

I need to get out of the chair. Get out of the chair, then the room. Then I can outrun anything they throw at me, at least try until I find the entrance and the Straw-hat crew. First thing is first: get out of the chair.

I start to buck and writhe, trying to escape my confinement. I know I look desperate. I know I look terrified, but I don't care. I will not give up, no matter what.

It is worthless; you can't escape.

Shut up Rose, just shut up. At least I am doing something. At least I'm putting up a fight.

Sadi-chan starts laughing at me.

"What do you think that will do? You are trapped here."

Looks like it's two against one, Sadi-chan and myself vs. myself. I don't care. I will get out of here. Any injury to me will make him feel guilty, and I can't have that. These welts are already pushing it.

I feel the slight scrape of the chair against the floor as I steadily move backwards. All this time, I don't make a single noise. I won't give her the satisfaction. Sadi-chan reaches forward, shears in hand and panic spikes up so much I give an extra push with my feet and I topple the chair backwards. I grunt as my wounds ache at the impact on the concrete floor. Sadi-chan's laughter increases.

"You are pathetic."

I growl at her.

"Better then missing fingers."

She leans down and hauls me back upright. I am still struggling. I won't give up. If I keep repeating that, I won't.

Then I see it, a flash of green. I do a double take and almost laugh in joy.

Zoro is there, creeping stealthily down the hallway, swords in hand. He is looking around, and not making a noise. He is here. He will rescue me.

No, he can't see you. He can't hear you. He doesn't know you are here. The weaker side whispers in my mind.

No, I can think. I can think of a way to contact him. Sadi-chan doesn't notice him yet; she is too busy testing the scissors on some of my clothing, ripping through the bottom of my shirt like a knife through butter. No don't focus on that. Think.

Ah, brilliant. He can't see or hear, but he has other senses. Haki.

I close my eyes and concentrate, not on the sound of ripping cloth, but Zoro, strong Zoro only meters away. I summon all of my concentration into that one word.

Zoro.

I open my eyes and stare intensely at him, hoping he will sense it. He acts normally; so he didn't sense it. I will have to try harder.

"Now, let's try it on flesh."

I feel another slice of panic dig into my mind and I see it. Zoro pauses and tenses, looking like a dog catching the scent. I feel a rush of relief. He felt me. I know it.

I curl my hands into fists tightly, not giving her my fingers to just lop off. I need time. Sadi-chan dug her fingernails into my skin, hoping to loosen them but I didn't dare.

"Come on Rose-chan, there is no need to struggle so. We can give you food here, and shelter, and clothing. Stay here for awhile."

I snort.

"You can also give me a death sentence. No thanks."

I turn back discreetly at Zoro. He is still standing there, his back turned to me. I concentrate again.

Turn around.

Zoro stiffens and slowly makes a three sixty, staring at the cell I was in. His eye roamed over me several times. I smiled unintentionally. Yes Zoro.

Cut this wall. I am here.

Zoro looks unsure for a second.

"Here we are. Now I will hear your screams."

I had been so distracted by my nakama, I had relaxed my fists. She now held three of my fingers in my hand and was putting them in between the blades.

My mind went into panic overload. My plans had all failed. I was finished. I struggled but it was too late. I look away from the shears just in time to see Zoro slice through the double mirror.

Sadi-chan screams and drops the scissors. They didn't cut me, but I am too terrified to care. Zoro looks like a wrathful god; I have never seen him this angry before. He takes the scene in at a glance and immediately moves to cut Sadi-chan down. The torturess recovers from her initial surprise and raises his whip.

"I will hear—"

She doesn't even finish before her whip is reduced to shreds. Zoro cuts through her, and her blood spills on the floor. She is unconscious but in bad shape. Some flecks on me, but I don't feel anything. I am completely numb.

Zoro cuts through the binds holding me to the chair. As soon as I am free, my mind kicks back into gear, like getting a jumpstart for a car. As soon as I know I am not restrained, I leap forward, burying my head into Zoro's chest, clutching his shirt in between my trembling fingers.

I need to know he is real. I need to know this is no hallucination.

Zoro tenses for a moment before he slowly eases me onto the ground in front of him.

"Rose? Are you ok?"

I am panting so hard, and my heartbeat thuds in my ears like a bass drum. I need one minute. I shake my head, trying desperately to control my rapid breathing. God, I am so scared. Was, was scared.

Zoro seems to realize that I need this and sits still for a minute before slowly easing himself out of my grasp, bringing me back to reality. No weakness, be brave, be strong.

I jump away from him, which agitates my injuries. I wince, cradling my, thankfully whole, hands. I mutter.

"I'm sorry. I am so weak. I'm so sorry."

I know I just almost had my fingers chopped off, but Zoro saved me. I am ok. Now I am just being a baby.

"Rose what did she do to you?"

Zoro's eyes were hard as the steel he carries. I take a deep breath and my breathing is under control now. My heartbeat is faded.

"Tell you later. Let's get out of here."

Zoro nods and stands. I try to push myself up, but my legs won't work. I glance at them curiously. Why won't they work? The whipping wasn't that bad. Then I get it.

My legs are still scared. Fear has taken away my power of walking.

I look up apologetically at Zoro.

"I, I can't."

He gets the message, picking me up gently and setting me on his back in piggyback style. I am so ashamed I might die. He talks about me being brave and strong, and I can't even walk I am so terrified. Sadi-chan was right; I am pathetic.

Zoro walks with a patience and purpose toward the exit, at least I hope. I whisper in his ear.

"Zoro, tell me, am I strong and brave like you say?"

Zoro turns his head to look at me and I see him see through me. He had thought it was my injuries, but now he knows it is my fear that is debilitating me. I duck my head down. I am so sorry Zoro. He says calmly.

"I think you are the strongest, and the bravest girl I have ever met."

My legs solidify again, Zoro giving them steel braces as a foundation to walk again. I feel my fear receding, and my weakness as well, leaving only strength and bravery behind. I smile to myself. He always does that.

"Zoro, I can walk now."

For once, he doesn't refuse. He sets me down like I am a delicate object. I stretch, thank everything I have my fingers and Zoro, and smile at him.

"All right, let's get out of here."

He takes off at a brisk pace and I keep up with a trot. Not a lot of pain is present; I will be more in pain tomorrow.

"Where are the others?"

I ask casually. I don't want Zoro and me to escape and they get caught here in Impel Down looking for me. Zoro shook his head.

"On the ship fighting the marines that came as backup. I was the only one that came back to rescue you."

I nod. Ok, that makes sense. We find the big door easily and walk out onto the dock. The Sunny is out far, anchored and keeping off a few marine battleships. I really don't want to swim.

Zoro waves from the dock to the Sunny, and suddenly there is a rubber arm inches away from my face. Zoro wraps his arm around my waist and he grabs Luffy's arm. In a few seconds we are flying through the air. I feel Zoro wrap around me as sort of a cocoon as we hit the side of the ship with a smack, and I can't help a small groan of pain at the slight impact. Then we flipped over the railing.

I collapse to the deck, on my hands and knees. Through the blood, sweat, and fear I had survived Impel Down. We had made it out alive.