Inside the Dragon's Den

by LittleRuky

The news that shook the world had been the catalyst to the biggest movement incited by only one person that was supposedly dead.But Strawhat Luffy has friends and enemies that doubt that to the very core and even without memories he still earns himself allies from every possible social class including the World's Nobles. Now they have to somehow save him without a war breaking out.

2. Chapter 2

RIPTIDE

---

Rayleigh sighed as he watched the commotion currently underway in his bar. Well, Shakky's, but he spent quite a lot of his time there too, so he supposed he could say that.

Another shout disrupted his trivial musings and the sounds of fists, swords and Devil Fruit powers thrown into battle could be heard, making the man curse the black haired boy and his tendency to make friends with the most impossible people. And when they were all here because of him, they still couldn't get along at least for a goddamn minute to try and talk about it.

The former pirate didn't even want to start on the fact that it took them more than two months to get their asses to Sabaody and finally gather together everyone who received his letter, and some others that appeared randomly. He surely did not want to know how Luffy got himself a fleet of 5600 men and more than 48 ships, not to mention the guys that joined him had more or less crazy reputations and substantial bounties to boot. He had shaken his head and allowed them to join in or else they would've done something stupid for sure. And they couldn't be careless in a situation like this.

The ruckus became annoying after a while, so the older man decided to get down to actions. They had to get the plan rolling soon.

Sitting up, he sent a wave of powerful Conqueror's Haki which made the room descend into silence immediately. Fortunately, those present were pretty powerful themselves, so the Haki's only effect was to act as a warning to shut up already. Outside, several thumps could be heard through the silence.

Since the bar was pretty small, only the representatives of each crew that showed up were allowed to stay, the rest of their crewmates were either the unfortunate ones that remained outside to keep watch or they went back to the ships.

"Well then, shall we begin already?" Rayleigh's smile was sharp, making the pirates in the room raise their guards up. Heads nodded and he continued. "I think everyone knows why we've gathered here. Let's get one thing straight." Keen eyes studied the silent people in the room for a few more moments.

"I don't care about your reasons for being here and I'm not going to ask. Whatever you came here for, if you execute your part of the plan then we've got no problems. Anyone that came here just to get a good laugh out of this and messes up the plan, I'll make sure to personally kill him." His words echoed through the still room.

Once again, everyone nodded their heads, some slowly, reluctantly, some determined. Having said that, the older man sat down on the sofa again, hands on knees, watching the room.

"So what's the plan?" Cavendish asked, his blue eyes holding a weary light.

"I think the better question would be, is Strawhat-ya really alive?" Trafalgar Law crossed his arms over his chest, leaning in his seat. His eyes were narrowed, obviously not sold on the idea that his ally might be alive. He had learned to not expect miracles.

Rayleigh sighed again. "It's just a gut feeling. Though in my defense, Shakky's intuition arrived at the same conclusion. My gut feeling combined with her instincts and it might as well be true."

Many pairs of eyebrows were lifted up in confusion and disbelief as they listened to the man's words.

"Let's not get derailed here." Shakky exhaled the smoke from her cigarette. "You guys aren't here only for Luffy-kun. First we've got to get those kids out of the blasted prison."

Rayleigh nodded. "This will be a coordinated attack. We can't take any chances and we have to act fast."

"I suppose you have a plan to back up this movement right, Rayleigh-san?" Shanks grinned from his spot next to Marco.

The former First Mate regarded him with an amused face. The man's appearance had surprised him the most. He knew that the former cabin boy and Luffy were close, Shanks having saved the boy's life- a story that Luffy never ceased to speak about proudly. But when he appeared with the new captain of the Whitebeard pirates to boot, Rayleigh admitted that he was grudgingly impressed. The string of shocking appearances continued when Buggy stepped over the threshold, albeit hesitantly and with trembling hands. After that, the second in command of the Revolutionary army arrived along with Ivankov and demanded to know where Luffy was. Jinbei had already been there for a few days with his Sun pirates and Crocodile arrived only hours later with the suspicious intention of participating as well. He had argued that he'd get a good laugh out of this whether it was discovered that his ex-enemy was alive or dead and he didn't have anything to do anyway. The former pirate reasoned that however bad those arguments were, the man must have another one hidden from him, but it wasn't Rayleigh's business and any helping hand was welcomed. Boa Hancock was the last to arrive just after Law and Luffy's new fleet. The Empress did not look very happy and Rayleigh feared a woman's rage the most. He pitied their enemies right now.

"Fortunately for you, I have a plan. You will have to cooperate, though."

Protests arose just as he finished talking, most of the angry pirates expressing their refusal. The First Mate of the Roger pirates could care less in that moment. Slamming his hand on the coffee table in front of him, he spoke above the insufferable sound.

"Are we going to find Luffy or do you want to stay here and get to know each other better?" The sarcastic question had the intended effect when everyone fell silent. "Now listen up."

---

WATER SEVEN

Iceburg looked at the piece of paper in front of him and sighed. It was the seventh time he read it, and while he knew it won't provide him with an answer, rather he had to give it, he didn't feel any less useless.

Rayleigh, the man that he had met in his childhood when he had been the First Mate of the Pirate King, had contacted him roughly a month ago to ask him for a favor. The Mayor wouldn't let dangerous things endanger him or his city, but he was forced to reconsider when the older man mentioned the possibility that Strawhat Luffy might be alive.

The news of the Strawhats' capture brought him a crowd of workers at his threshold demanding a paid leave in order to go save their leader. The blue haired man refused on the pretext that he didn't like to give paid leaves. In reality, former ship dismantlers going to Impel Down equaled extermination and Iceburg won't endanger the city.

So, with the smallest amount of reluctance, he dialed the number written on the paper, only to be answered by some Captain of the Royal Guard. When he finally managed to snap his jaw shut, Iceburg had a deal with the Alabasta Kingdom. He was later informed that princess Vivi and princess Rebecca had already formed an official alliance between Dressrosa and the Sand Kingdom.

What was going to happen, he didn't know. But after that wild phone talk, he didn't care anymore. His next instructions were to wait for the Thousand Sunny to be brought to Water Seven. Then he'll execute all the necessary repairs in order to prepare the ship for another wild ride. Iceburg knew Franky won't be very happy that someone else meddled with his ship, but the cyborg didn't have any say in the matter this time.

---

Perona swore under her breath when her minion ghost returned to relay her the worst news possible. The Marine Headquarters were full of soldiers.

Just what kind of integral Government organization was this? They had to be slacking in some department, dammit!

"How are things looking, Perona'un?" Heracles asked, crouching down behind her.

"The hell do you think you're doing standing so close to me?!" The pink haired girl almost shrieked, but lowered her volume down in the nick of time. She exhaled in relief, making the oblivious man behind her blink.

Shaking her head, she bent forward, trying to catch another look at the building and its surroundings. The island itself was just like Marineford in terms of the big castle and the reinforced walls and cannons.

Perona and Heracles were stationed in an abandoned alley somewhere between the first line of civilian houses and the next. The buildings around them were mostly empty since everyone was either at work or at school, giving them the best opportunity to launch their scheme.

They have been tasked by Rayleigh to bring the Thousand Sunny back. Unfortunately, the ship was taken by the Fleet Admiral and now rested at the bay, in a remote corner, hidden but not really- because Perona was just good at finding things in general.

"Let's go." She whispered, jumping from their hideout. Heracles stood frozen in surprise for a moment before he hurried after her.

It didn't take them long to arrive at the place where the ship was. Perona couldn't see it since it was covered with a huge, white sheet of cloth, but the form was unmistakable. There were only four soldiers stationed there on watch.

"Let's get down to it." She summoned one of her ghosts to go ring the huge bell.

To onlookers, it looked like a strong gust of wind blew and moved the Ox Bell. To the hiding pirates and their allies, the signal had been sounded. And now it was time to play their parts.

---

"Uhm... madam," The soldier began, looking quite uncertain of himself in that moment, "I assure you this is not the island you are looking for. May I ask how did you enter the Tarai Current?"

A blonde haired woman- that looked more like a man- winked, a pout on her face. "We don't know ourselves! And we are very sorry mister officer for taking you away from your duty. Hmm, or not~" The transvestite did a little pirouette in place, placing a hand on another unsuspecting soldier.

The man who spoke looked a little disturbed at the display, but decided to let it slide, however hard that was.

The Okama pirates were currently at half their usual forces, sailing on a boat that looked as ordinary as it could get for ordinary civilians. The irony was not lost on their allies. As they executed their mission of keeping the soldiers occupied and generally making a ruckus out of it, a shadow slipped through the confusion, going straight for the ship, led by one of Perona's ghosts.

Haredas swore, trying to keep his wizard hat from falling off his head as he sneaked silently- as much as he could- through the ships stationed at the docks. His target was becoming bigger and bigger and he had to whistle, silently, when he arrived at the meeting point.

He smiled as he saw the pink haired ghost girl nod at him, pointing to the irregular shape of the vessel, thus silently making sure he knew their target. Haredas nodded back and took out a weather ball from his bag. His job was the easiest- for him- but most important. He had to make sure the ship was correctly stolen. While the old man did not encourage such acts, he would do it for the lovely Nami. She had been a great student and he would try to help her in any way!

As the old man worked on getting the right weather set, Heracles whistled sharp and short, but enough for the Torino birds to hear it. A loud chirp was heard back and five dark forms appeared inconspicuously from the cloudy sky, courtesy of Haredas.

"Last phase, bug man. Make sure you do it right." Perona whispered as she summoned four ghosts to attack the patrolling men.

"I'm a beetle, Perona'un!" The masked man exclaimed as he kicked their now negative victims over the head, promptly knocking them out.

"It's done!" Haredas half-shouted. He slammed the ball on the ground, shattering it.

A white smoke that Perona identified as fog started flowing out of the carcass, enveloping half the island in under five minutes. The visibility was no more than a meter in a happy case.

"All right creepsters, move!" With that, the girl snatched the white cloth covering their target and tugged at it, ripping a piece before flying on deck, her companions climbing behind her on the makeshift rope. They got the cloth off from the edges just in time for the Torino birds to land on it and fly again immediately, ship and pirates in tow.

From besides them, shouts and cheers were heard and from the wall of fog emerged another two birds carrying the small vessel with the Okamas on them. The two teams congratulated each other for their amazing performance and, with hope renewed, they continued on towards Water 7 as fast and as inconspicuous as they could- with Hareda's help.

Perona looked down at the blue ocean passing by below them and finally allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief, embracing the whistling wind passing over her ears and the loud alarms sounding from the Marine base.

---

"They did it. It's time. Go."

The Impel Down prison, said to be the most secure in the world, stood towering before them like the titan it truly was. Hancock snorted, her fists closing at her sides. Happy memories-for her-had surrounded the prison ever since she helped Luffy sneak in there to save his brother. She had been happy that day, happy that the object of her affections finally spoke her name correctly and thanked her for bringing him there. She was glad that she managed to help him.

But now, the grey structure held only misery for her, serving as a constant reminder that he was gone.

"We are ready Hancock-san." Luffy's brother tried to offer her a small smile when he saw the state she was in, but he could only offer so many positive vibes in such a situation. They were planning on raiding the most impregnable prison and save the remainder of the Strawhat crew- his crew.

The Empress nodded and signaled the crew to approach the docks. The guards were already on high alert. Fortunately, they snatched a possible ally on their way here so the pirates could profit from the rapid current of Tarai. Else they would have lost even more time. The plan had been in motion for more than a week now.

"Vice Captain Smoker! What is the meaning of this?" Vice Warden Magellan stepped closer to the ship.

The man in question exhaled the smoke from his two cigars and spoke. "Miss Empress demanded I bring her here. I've only done my duty." The white haired man shrugged like it did not concern him- which was a big fucking lie, like Smoker liked to say. Still, he had a role to play.

Magellan did not look convinced, but just then Hancock stepped forward.

"Vice Warden Magellan, it's a pleasure to see you again." The black haired woman winked, making every man present on the deck down below weak in the knees.

"I am very sorry for my unannounced arrival, but it's been a waterfall of confusion ever since the incident two months ago." Hancock explained, her face serious and voice grave. Smoker almost snorted.

"Strawhat Luffy has asked me a favor a long time ago, to relay a message to his crew in case he would die." Her words silenced even the love-struck guards that were catcalling her only moments ago.

Hearing the captain's name, Magellan's face visibly darkened, but he did not say anything.

"Knowing this, would you please let this poor woman fulfill her promise?" She flipped her hair for effect and put on her most innocent and sweet face.

The warden was just about to agree when Head Jailer Domino intervened.

"We are very sorry, Empress Hancock, but we cannot allow anyone into the prison without prior notification. We have strict rules here in the most impregnable prison." The blonde woman's dark glasses shined in the sunlight warningly. She offered them a polite smile that clearly signaled the discussion was over.

Hancock would have glared, but opted to sigh. She was tired of being mad at the world, two months had been enough.

"All right. I am sorry for wasting your time. Vice Admiral Smoker, we are free to go." The Empress turned on her heels and made a beeline for the cabins.

Smoker sighed in irritation, hands going to his hips.

"We will make sure to report this to the Headquarters as well, Vice Admiral Smoker."

Tashigi visibly tensed behind him, but the white haired man remained impassive. He's had enough of these clowns.

"Do whatever you want." With those words, he motioned for the G-5 crew to prepare for departure.

"I ain't gonna stay around and do nothing. Strawhat's no saint but he sure as hell ain't a bloody murderer either. I may hunt him, but I consider it my job. What that bastard Sakazuki did wasn't what the Marines are supposed to do. And I ain't gonna stay and perform by their justice. If the Government wants to play, then I'm gonna make sure I goddamn win."

---

Sabo smiled at the shrinking form of the G-5 ship as the heavy gates closed behind them. Somehow, his little brother had even gotten himself an ally from the Marines' side. The revolutionary shook his head in disbelief. He knew Luffy tended to make friends and allies out of the most impossible people-the group he was part of spoke volumes-but this was a new level.

"I think the path's clear." The bespectacled man that he learned was called Mr. 3 whispered from the next concavity in the stone ceiling. They were waiting for their cue when the guards resumed their posts to retaliate.

Rayleigh had made sure every one of them knew what they had to do and how to do it. The man was truly a mastermind in his free time and no one could convince the blonde otherwise.

"Then let's get down to it." Jinbei nodded as they dropped down to the ground.

A short look passed between them before the large group started towards the entrance.

Entering the first level, the atmosphere already became somber and much too humid for Sabo's tastes. A shiver went down his spine as he remembered that Ace was held in this prison at the bottom level. Fists clenched and the fire from the Mera Mera no Mi pulsing through his veins, the blonde made a vow to not let his only remaining brother die. He had almost lost himself back then and two, hellish, freaking months had been long enough.

Wait for me, Luffy. I'm coming.

"It's here." Buggy's shaky voice brought him back to reality.

They learned that the clown had been more or less dragged to Rayleigh's by Mr. 3. The Shichibukai never did want to play a part in this, but his companion thought otherwise and his subordinates had more than encouraged this new challenge. They said he'll be the man that's going to become Pirate King. Sabo almost snorted but abstained from breaking their cover.

Jinbei nodded. "We are splitting down from level two. Crocodile..."

Said man tsked and used his sand to open the door slowly, making sure no sound was heard. The ex-convict had used his Devil Fruit powers to blind the Den Den Mushi on the way as they made a run for it through the loud first level. It looked like the prisoners had another show coming.

Entering the Beast level, the group split in two, Jinbei stopping in an overcast corner, safe from the cameras, while the others continued on. The fishman has been tasked with support, so the limit level he could go to was level two. He will clear the first two floors in case one of the Strawhats were imprisoned there.

The rest of them went straight below.

"You'll be split in four teams so you can cover more ground. The first two levels can be cleared by Jinbei without problems. The next two will be cleared by Buggy, his associate that dragged him here, Mr. 3 and Bartolomeo. Do it in reverse... start from the lowest level and go up. Remember, your goal is to keep going up."

Level three passed by in a blur with its scorching madness. It did not affect Sabo as bad as it affected the others. He was made of fire, after all.

If the former level had been hot, level four was literal hell. Sabo pitied whoever had to stay there.

Buggy looked like he wanted to be anywhere else, but not where he was standing now, looking at the nightmarish lava bowl below. Memories that he would rather forget played inside his mind as he jumped along with the others. The old man had always been a bastard and now was no exception. At least he had mercy and only made Buggy descend to level four. The pirate wished the other idiots good luck inside his mind.

They'll need it.

---

Level five was a serious surprise. Sabo had thought the prison could only get hotter, but he was thoroughly disappointed when he was greeted with a frozen wasteland. None of them were really prepared for it, since not even Rayleigh had been sure what to expect. Provided, his flaming skin did keep him warm, but he refused to stop there. The other men refused as well and in the end it came down to Cavendish to stay and search this place. The man had sighed, muttering about damn blockheads and went about to search for any sort of life form.

Sabo smiled.

Crocodile directed them to the stairs that went to the last level of the prison. Level six was neither hot nor cold, but it was silent. So goddamn silent that you couldn't even hear your own thoughts if you stayed there long enough. The blonde revolutionary was sure he'd go mad here. Shaking his head, he opted to concentrate on making this 'visit' go smoother and faster. He eyed Crocodile's back as he led them down the stairs and admitted he had to thank the man. His experience in this prison was more useful than any kind of map now. Buggy and Mr. 3's too. Without them, Sabo doubted they would have gotten this far and so fast. Almost to level six and no alarm was sounded yet.

This might as well work.

Wishful thinking.

---

LEVEL TWO

Chopper coughed blood, almost choking before he managed to get himself into a position where he could spit it on the muddy ground. The action made his body hurt all over and the small reindeer stifled a groan as another sharp pain shot up his shoulder.

Dislocated, huh.

The doctor would have laughed at his situation, if he would have the strength left. He wondered how much time has passed since that nightmarish day. This brutal prison has made him lose his sense of time but he didn't mind. He could not bring himself to care anymore about anything or anyone since that day.

They had been celebrating beating Kaido and everyone was in a generally good mood when the Marines attacked. They came without preamble and literally burst out of the water and started firing cannons. They retaliated as much as they could but their enemies had had the element of surprise and they used it to their maximum advantage. Luffy had fought tooth and nail with AkaInu but in the end, the man won. The image of his captain being held by a lava hand gripped firmly on his neck would forever be imprinted into his memory.

Chopper had cried and wept and cursed himself for his inability to heal his captain. He had failed the job he was entrusted with, how could he even face his friends now?!

A low growl permeated through the grim silence of the hallway and the reindeer whimpered. So they came again. The beasts patrolling the halls were coming at fixed intervals and their favorite plaything was Chopper. He surely did not expect any pity when they got dragged and thrown in this black hole of a prison and Chopper wouldn't ever stoop so low to beg for mercy.

Let them come. I'm ready.

---

Jinbei paused in his walk as his sensitive ears caught the animal growl. It did sound like one of the beasts this level was famous for. But if it growled, it could mean that it had found prey. Curiosity getting the best of him, the fishman turned and directed his steps towards the continuous sound. As he passed the corner, his yellow eyes fixed on the growling beast as it stood outside a prisoners' cage, its attention fully on what was inside.

Charging an Arabesque Tile True Punch, the blue skinned man studied the darkness of the cage as the animal flew away with a whimper. His instincts had been right. He was there.

"Hang in there Chopper, I'm getting you out of there." Jinbei called to the prisoner of the cage as he stepped back, preparing another attack. The sound was so loud it could have been heard throughout the whole prison.

Of course it would attract the attention of the guards. If the flying animal didn't, then this inconspicuous metal breaking sound would surely do that. As he lifted the battered reindeer from the ground with alarms blowing in the background, Jinbei had a passing thought that he hesitantly agreed with.

He could have planned this better.

---

Buggy almost jumped when the obnoxious sound blasted through the megaphones and swore like the pirate he truly was.

Which one of the blasted idiots fucked it up?!

He couldn't wait to find him and chop him into tiny fucking little pieces.

"Goddammit!" The clown's hands were in his hair, pulling at it with an exaggerated fervor.

Bartolomeo gave him a look, but remained silent. He wasn't in the mood for dealing with idiots today. The last two months had been hell for the green haired pirate, what with his senpai's death and the other Strawhats he considered his idols thrown into this pit of trash, he was going to make somebody- or preferably more than one person- pay for it dearly. Pain involved, too. But for now, he would take his sweet time.

Mr. 3 looked shaken, but at least he was not trying to get himself bald.

"Such thing was thoroughly predictable. They are all idiots, ourselves included." He shook his head as he turned around to go towards the boiling bowl of lava. "Let's go."

"Did you just insult me too?" Buggy yelled as he scrambled after him.

---

"Oh, for fuck's sake!" Law cursed looking at the snails delivering the alarm. He glared at one of them, making the creature visibly sweat but it continued screaming anyway.

The former Shichibukai huffed in irritation.

"Finally, now things are getting interesting." Crocodile smirked, adjusting the coat on his shoulders.

Sabo shook his head in disbelief.

"We should hurry it up until the guards come." A shrill voice made them all jump.

Two heads turned to look at a horrified Law. The man bowed his head down to look at his jacket's zipper. It was partly open and a small head peeked through the hole.

The dwarf offered a smile to the horrified men.

"How the hell did you get in there?!"

"That's the last of our problems, Torao-land!"

---

Nami bit her lip so hard it bled, but the coppery taste did not help to lesser her pain in the least.

"Nami-san, are you all right?" A shushed voice asked from behind her. The young woman wanted to scream no so hard, she had to physically stop herself from saying the damning word. She looked back at Brook and tried to smile, but ended up with a grimace.

"I'm fine."

She struggled to stand up from the kneeling position she had fallen in and adjusted the heavy load on her shoulder.

The skeleton behind her would have had a worried expression on his face- if he'd have one!

Brook sighed,this was no time for jokes. It was pretty obvious the orange head in front of him was definitely at the limit of her powers, but a look behind told him they wouldn't receive mercy for any reason they presented. Brook had been in Hell after he had died so he could only say that this prison was as close to the truth as it was humanly possible.

The large, overly grown animal currently whipping another poor inmate surely did not look too friendly.

The musician would have no problems fighting it normally, but now the Kairōseki shackles deprived him of any freedom. His chest- if he'd had any...- hurt when the word popped inside his mind.

Freedom was a word that completely disappeared from his mind ever since the tragedy that landed them there happened. Their captain might or might not be dead, and because of his undeterred trust he had in his captain, Brook could only arrive at one conclusion.

If Luffy was alive, he will come to save them. If he was indeed dead, then the musician would make sure to take care of his crewmates, not matter what. This was his job and he would make sure he did it right.

Brook almost jumped when Nami stumbled. A bony hand reached out to help steady her and fought off the urge to repeat his earlier question. He was sure that Nami has had enough of those from him. Instead, he opted to stay silent, empty eye sockets urging her onwards.

The orange head finally managed to regain her balance. She exhaled in relief, not wanting to become the next victim of the mutated beast behind them. The prisoner's yells of pain pushed her forward and she moved, her mind carefully blank. If she was distracted, the chances of randomly stumbling over something went up to fifty percent.

Of course, her overworked mind could not stay still even for a moment in these conditions. Ever since she was thrown down here she could not sleep, no matter how exhausted she was and she could not eat, no matter how hungry she was. Sometimes she felt as if it was a way for her body to cease all activity and die slowly. Of course, Brook did not let that happen and she will be forever indebted to her good friend. He had to force her to both eat and sleep so she can keep up with this hell. Sometimes she wondered if that experience wasn't coming from his previous experience with the real Hell.

Even if her body refused to keep living, Nami's will hadn't been broken. She had to keep living, no matter what.

Even if Luffy's not here anymore.

The thought brought a fresh wave of tears that would never fall to her eyes. She did not have any tears left to cry. They were consumed when she came here and from then on, the scorching heat did not let her shed even a single drop. And she was thankful. If she would have been able to cry, it would make her even more miserable. No matter what happened from then on, she would live with her head held high and never let anyone- not even that goddamn bloody monster behind her- force her around like that. Well she didn't have any choice right now, but the Cat Burglar wouldn't let such a small thing as being held prisoner keep her in those shackles for long. They will break free out of this godforsaken place.

No matter what.

---

A blaring sound suddenly erupted around them and snapped the orange head from her thoughts. All the prisoners looked around in confusion while the humongous beast gave a loud growl and lifted up its weapon. People scrambled and Nami almost lost her balance again, but Brook caught her both times. They moved as fast as they could to the other side of the bridge, far, far away from the dangerous warden.

Risking a look behind, light brown eyes watched the beast move in a confused circle, clearly not knowing what to do.

And that pink bitch is not here now to tell him. We are really lu-

Her train of thought stopped abruptly when she slammed into someone's body. From what she could tell, it wasn't the skeleton.

"Nami-san!"

Brook's eyes would have widened when he saw them, but he did not have any!

There were three men with which their path intersected. One of them was swearing wildly on the ground next to Nami and the other two stood over them with mixed expressions of incredulity and relief.

The bespectacled man looked up and visibly jumped back a step when he saw him but then his face broke into a relieved expression.

What?

"Goddamn you, can't you walk?!" Buggy sat up, rubbing at his swollen head. He looked at the bastard that dared run into him and froze.

Nami's shocked gaze stared right back, hand still rubbing her head. Her mouth hung open but no sound escaped.

Mr. 3 laughed from above and the clown gritted his teeth. What were the fucking chances?!

"Nami-senpai, Brook-senpai, I'm so glad I found you!" Bartolomeo yelled, his face so happy it almost shined. He ran towards them but stopped at the last moment, looking like he had finally figured that throwing himself on them would not be helpful in the least.

Nami was about to ask just who the hell was he, when Mr. 3 intervened.

"Stand up." The black haired man commanded as he moved towards Nami. She visibly tensed, but obliged clearly having no other choice.

Brook stepped forward in a warningly manner, but the man did not seem perturbed.

"Just be patient, I can't release you two at the same time!" He said matter-of-factly, a white liquid forming from his hands and solidifying into a key.

Nami's shackles fell to the ground and the young woman swore she had never felt so free.

"What are you doing here?" She eyed Buggy, confusion clearly written in her eyes.

The clown glared. "Sure, you can thank us anytime!"

"We were searching for you." Mr. 3 answered as he released Brook. The skeleton did a happy pirouette, stretching his bony hands.

His confession startled both Strawhats.

"Why?" The question was no more than a whisper.

"The bastard Rayleigh sent us." Buggy explained as he stood up. "We are getting you out of here."

"And Luffy...?" Nami didn't want to ask this, but the name just spilled from her mouth.

Bartolomeo opened his mouth but the Shichibukai beat him to it.

"Dead." Buggy's face was as blank as his tone.

A shaky silence descended above them for a few short seconds before Brook broke it.

"Let's go."

Cavendish shivered as he walked through the frozen wasteland. Even with the beautiful hat on his head, it was still cold. He wrapped his coat tighter around his body and cursed those bastards inside his mind. Crocodile had a fucking fur coat on him, couldn't he have handed it to him if he so completely refused to be the one to remain?!

Goddamn those blockheads and their insufficient attention span.

The blonde exhaled, watching as his breath turned into vapors before disappearing. He sincerely pitied the prisoners kept here. This whole level was like a giant refrigerator. It was like they were frozen here for good keeping. Cavendish snorted.

His blue eyes spotted a patch of fir trees in the distance and he immediately changed his course. It wasn't so far-fetched for these trees to grow here, but that meant the chances of new discoveries went higher up.

As he neared the first tree, a low growl suddenly erupted from behind it and before he knew it, the pirate was surrounded by white wolves that looked hungry and by the look in their eyes, crazy.

Sky blue eyes narrowed, his hand immediately latching to the hilt of his sword. The man won't take any chances, they didn't have time for that. This was a race against the clock and the guards stationed in the surveillance centers. If they were found out, they were dead meat.

Franky whistled as he refined his new invention. It was a crossbow complete with arrows and shooter. The blue haired man lifted himself up from the concrete floor of the empty stone house he was in with the intention of proudly presenting it to their sniper. His hands dropped to his sides when his eyes adjusted to his surroundings.

Of course.

In all his excitement, he forgot that they were in prison. From what he had heard about the other levels, the shipwright supposed he had it the easiest, even if he was standing in the middle of a snowstorm in only his inmate uniform. But the man had endured worse.

Jaw clenched tightly, Franky moved to stir the quenching fire. He'd have to go search for more firewood soon. Placing the crossbow down on the ground, he mentally prepared himself for the inevitable ice hell. Even with all the upgrades he did to himself, being deprived of Cola and new oil for so long was taking a toll on him. And he was sure they'd be there longer.

Giant metal fists clenched as he stared at the wooden object, though his eyes were unseeing, somewhere else way back in time.

Luffy wasn't a stupid guy, Franky had known it from the moment he met him. But he was clueless, oblivious and inattentive most of the time. So when he was battling with that AkaInu bastard, the shipwright knew what his captain was sure of. He would lose.

The Strawhats' captain had known from the moment the Marine's ships burst out of the ocean that he'd lose. Franky caught that split second darkening of his expression and the grim line of his mouth as he was fighting. Luffy's plan was to sacrifice himself and let them escape, but it didn't go his way.

They were all tired, and inattentive. Mistakes were made and the loyalty and trust in their captain had prevented all of them from leaving, Franky included. He had hoped, but it was for naught in the end. He didn't regret it at all. He swore his allegiance to the straw hat wearing pirate and he was damned sure he'd keep it, no matter how many years he'd have to go without Cola and oil.

Loud barks snapped him away from his thoughts and a cyan eyebrow lifted up in surprise. It was curious to see prisoners approaching the patch of fir trees. Everyone knew this was where the wolves were. That could only mean there were new inmates that tried to get themselves killed.

Shaking his head in disbelief, the shipwright opened the wooden door of the little shack, intent on helping the poor idiots, but quickly realized there was no need. His eyes settled on the half-shivering, half-irritated form of Cavendish and he could not contain the shocked expression that crossed his face.

The blonde pirate dropped the last white animal he kicked into oblivion to the ground, his other hand still clutching his bloody sword.

"I hope these retarded dogs aren't yours."

As if on cue, the alarms blared all around them.

---

LEVEL SIX

Robin coughed softly but it still made her shackles clank. The raven head cringed as she stole a quick look at her cellmate- and crewmate.

Good, he's still asleep.

It didn't pass more than thirty seconds before his foot nudged hers. Robin sighed.

"You okay?"

He was too concentrated.

"I'm not the problem here." She saw his eyebrow lift up in question through the darkness. "You should sleep once in a while. No use getting slowly drained."

"I'm fine, I slept a while ago." The swordsman lied through his teeth. Robin saw right through it but didn't call him on it.

She knew the reason he was always on guard was that it could always come down to one of them being dragged out of there for execution. This happened regularly in level six. Inmates were constantly going in and out of the cells, some going for their executions, some only beginning their sentence. Zoro simply did not want to let any sound or move escape his notice because he was scared. Scared that he would lose his remaining friends.

Robin knew that feeling very well.

There was nothing to do here in the last level, the pit of the hole, the endless abyss as some defined it, besides keeping up with your thoughts. The archaeologist had never thought that a human could manage to stay in its own mind and simply think for so much time, but there she was, all alone with her thoughts. And she was the usually quiet one.

Granted, the green haired man sitting on the other side of the cell wasn't such a bad chatting partner but after a while, all subjects of conversation were gone, leaving the stone room in silence once again.

Robin gazed through the darkness but what she saw wasn't the usual nothingness. Colors burst in front of her eyes and she tried to shut them tightly, but it didn't work. The colors were still there, more vivid than ever. She watched everything happen in fast forward again and again and when Luffy was captured by Sakazuki the sixth time was when she slammed her head on her knees as hard as she could. The memory ceased and the darkness returned.

The black haired woman wanted to cry but didn't dare. She has had enough of Zoro trying to awkwardly comfort her while he tried to deal with his own darkness. No, this time she would embrace the nothingness around her and try to lose herself with it.

Zoro watched the woman in front of him whimper quietly, but didn't say anything. His head turned to gaze at what he suspected, must have been the outside world, but the black persisted and it irritated him.

He tried to keep himself from growling out loud since he didn't want Robin to think he was angry at her. She wasn't to blame for this situation, he was. He had failed and when his captain was captured by that bloody bastard he couldn't even get close enough to swing a good slash at him. He had been overpowered and lost in his self-assurance that Luffy could handle it. So when the black haired boy's body was dangling from AkaInu's hand, the First Mate couldn't even bring himself to run. He had the whole crew on his shoulders and he fucked it up big time.

I deserve every bit of this sentence.

But his friends didn't and that's what has been bothering him for the last two months. Watching Robin break down had been one of the things he had never even tried to consider before. That woman was though and she didn't let her emotions get the best of her, but it seemed she was not indestructible.

He was a fool to let himself get so comfortable in his own powers and in Luffy's. He went head first in battle without any thought other than enjoying his fight. His unwavering trust in his captain's power had been his downfall. And with him, everyone else fell.

Gritting his teeth, Zoro decided to stop fucking thinking about it already! He's had more than enough of this shit. He just hoped something, anything would just distract him. The man considered trying to strike up a conversation with Robin. Maybe they could get their heads off this constant nightmare.

His thoughts were surprisingly answered before he could speak though. As one, the whole hell of sharp and loud sounds that made your brain feel like bursting began to ring inside the dark.

Zoro smirked, feeling his ears bleed. It wasn't a bad distraction.

---

Usopp tried to move his hand but only managed a small twitch. A try with his other one and he came at the same conclusion. Sighing in exasperation, he looked up at his blonde friend who was glaring at the darkness outside.

Great.

The sniper could only hope that Sanji was not already losing his mind. He knew that he was starting to. He was lucky to have the Love Cook be his cellmate but even so, the silence sometimes was too much and he wished it to stop, however strange that sounded.

He shifted his leg into a more comfortable position and was relieved that he could at least feel his feet. He would go mad without them.

That was even stranger, ugh!

"Hey Sanji, say something! Why the hell are you so silent now?" The teen complained.

In the first weeks, the cook's voice could be heard through the whole damn level. That's how loud he'd been. Compared to his silence now, Usopp surely wanted that Sanji back.

"The hell do you want me to do? Sing for you?" His biting remark did not hold anything. It was a simple remark devoid of any emotion, something that struck the sniper as strange and incompatible with the emotive man.

"Well, you could at least talk or something. This freaky silence is getting to me man..." The black haired teen began uncertainly, still trying to establish contact with his arms. His eyes did not catch the darkening of Sanji's face.

"You know, Usopp," the blonde began, eyes narrowing. His mouth twitched, a habit he had obtained in these two months without his cigarettes. It was driving him crazy. "You don't look so concerned about anything that has happened."

Usopp's stomach dropped at his friend's words and the ball of negative emotions he had kept locked inside his chest burst from a few simple sentences.

How dare he?!

"Yeah, and what do you want me to do? Cry?! I fucking did that!" Usopp snapped, an action so unlike his usual self that it threw Sanji a little back.

But not for long. Glaring back at his friend, the blonde countered.

"I don't care what you fucking do! But you sure don't look to me like someone whose captain just died!"

"I do." The two words were whispered, but in the loud silence they were echoing off the walls. "You just don't want to look at me, or at anything else. You're drowning Sanji!"

The man grimaced. "Yeah," he agreed, "I am."

Encouraged by his admission, the sniper continued. "I was never an optimistic guy, so I know how to deal with negative feelings best." The corners of his mouth dropped. "I know how you feel Sanji. We are all in this together. You gotta talk about it."

"Hah," the blonde chuckled, "never thought I'd confess my problems to you."

He meant it as a joke and Usopp allowed the angry haze that washed over him moments ago to disperse. He attempted a small smile. "That's what friends are for."

His voice cracked but it didn't matter.

Sanji could not help but feel indebted to the sniper. Usopp truly wanted to help him. The smile looked almost comical on his battered and bloody face, but Sanji was sure his own was in the same state.

His thoughts darkened when he thought about the subject of their discussion, but he shook his head quickly. He was angry, but that wouldn't help him now. If he was drowning, then he'd accept the help. Drowning was not an enjoyable feeling to experience for a long time.

"Thanks."

The word seemed to turn on some kind of switch because the next thing Sanji found himself doing was wishing death to all the blasted snails that propagated the blaring alarm through the whole level.

---

Crocodile took a long look at the darkness awaiting them and snorted.

"Not to destroy your hopes, but we ain't gonna find them." He spoke above the blasting sound of alarms.

Sabo frowned and Law glared at him. Leo tried his best dangerous face on as well, but he looked more cute than bad.

"What." The statement was spoken in response to the dirty looks he received.

"Let's go." Sabo's fist caught fire, creating enough light to see their surroundings.

The quartet started at a fast pace, searching the cells as quickly as they could manage, all the while hoping some stroke of luck would befall them.

"This is going too slow." The Heart pirates' captain furrowed his brows, his posture impatient. They were not even at half the number of potential cells the Strawhats could be in.

"I told you we aren't gonna find them." Crocodile shook his head, looking like he was talking to a disobedient child.

The relaxed atmosphere irritated Law.

"Well, I don't see you even fucking trying. Are you here to be in the way?"

His growl was met with a sharp laugh. The man scowled before his eyes widened when he saw Crocodile's confused face.

The two looked inside the darkness searching for the source of the sound.

"You look as healthy as ever, Law." The sly voice brought a shiver on his spine and the ex-Shichibukai glared heatedly inside the void.

"And what do you want?" He spat, taking a few steps forward. His eyes fixed on the man on the other side of the bars. Even from his distance, he could feel the infuriating effects of the Kairōseki stone.

"It's that how you speak to your seniors now?" Doflamingo's grin widened at the other's glowering face. "I've read the news and I know what you're here for. But it looks like Mugiwara got his divine punishment. Serves him right!" The blonde haired man's laughter echoed all around them.

Law sighed, his face becoming carefully devoid of any expression. It made Doflamingo raise a curious eyebrow.

"So that's what it was." He placed his hands on his hips, his eyes holding an amused, teasing light that made the incarcerated pirate want to strangle him. "Would you like to know a secret?"

Eyes hidden behind red glasses narrowed. He didn't have to answer that question, Law would tell him anyway. The blonde partially anticipated the answer.

"Strawhat-ya," Law smirked, a fist indenting on the cell's bars, "he's alive. We're gonna get him outta there."

He turned around, intent on leaving, but Doflamingo's words stopped him.

"How? No one can enter Mariejois."

"It's none of your business." The younger man growled. "You just keep enjoying your newspapers."

"Search for Baby 5."

Law stopped for the second time and gritted his teeth. The bastard was stalling him from his search and he was losing fucking time.

"And why the hell should I?"

"She knows where my key is. There's a secret entrance that serves as an emergency exit."

"Why would you help us?" Law doubted his intentions as much as he doubted Doflamingo had suddenly become a good guy.

The man's grin only served to further confirm his thoughts. It might as well be a trap.

"'Cause I am fucking bored around here!" His confession made Law lift an eyebrow.

"I wanna see you people wreak havoc in there. I couldn't enact my revenge so why the hell shouldn't I take this opportunity to make you idiots go there and get yourselves and those snotty bastards killed? It will make a good front page, wouldn't you agree, Law?"

His words were followed by silence. The Surgeon of Death considered this for a while. It was obvious the man had no underlying intention, Law had been around him long enough to know that. Actually, what he said did not sound bad at all.

"Where's the door?"

Doflamingo almost chocked on his spit. "Don't tell me you are fucking considering this. When did you become as crazy as that straw hat bastard?" The man grinned madly.

Law smirked. "That's a question I'm always asking myself. Well?" He urged.

The blonde prisoner shrugged. "You're going to have ta' find it."

That was a good enough answer for the pirate as he made his exit without another word.

Crocodile remained, still quiet, as he studied the former Shichibukai. A sudden smirk crossed his face and he exhaled.

"Not so high up on your throne now, former Shichibukai?"

Ignoring Doflamingo's glare, he moved to follow the other man. His eyes caught the flicker of light from behind a line of cells and a few hushed whispers. Absently, he noted that the alarms were off so they didn't have any more time. Chances were that the guards were already onto them.

---

"That's it!" Leo exclaimed as he exited the cell, pointing to the darkness inside.

Sabo trust his hand forward, illuminating the place. His eyes widened as he gazed down at the two people strapped to the walls by chains.

"Zoro-land, Robin-land can you hear us?" The Tontatta asked frantically. There was the clanking of metal against concrete and both of them looked on in hope, but the two remained silent.

Silence.

Sabo whipped his head to look up at where the snail should have been screaming, but all he found was a sleeping animal. Swearing under his breath, he locked eyes with Leo.

"How fast are you?"

The dwarf smirked. "Very fast!"

The blonde nodded. "I need you to go back there and find the keys. See if you can locate Law and Crocodile while you're at it."

Leo nodded and disappeared in a slant of wind.

Sabo dropped on the ground, looking inside the cage.

"What are you doing here?" Zoro's voice was cracked and no more than a whisper. The green haired man felt his throat as dry as the Alabastian desert.

Sabo frowned. "Getting you out."

"Why." The immediate reply threw him off.

"What do you mean why?" The blonde looked incredulous. He hoped he didn't hear right, but Robin's next words were his confirmation.

"You should not be here, Sabo-kun. Please leave." Her voice was as weak as Zoro's.

"Hell no!" The blonde exclaimed. "The hell did they do to you?!"

Sabo didn't want to admit it, but he was becoming more and more unnerved by this. With the exception of the alarm setting off, everything's been so perfect! And now the people they had to save didn't want to be saved!

What the hell kind of logic is that?!

"Nothing." Zoro spit. "Get out of here. NOW."

Blonde eyebrows lifted up so high, they almost touched the hairline. They didn't want to be saved... who the hell did they think they were, some martyrs? Did they think that this was enough? Had Luffy's death been such an impact?

Well, of course it did have a huge impact, but that shouldn't make them act like this, goddammit!

Gritting his teeth, he fought off the urge to yell at them and possibly disclose the possibility that their captain might be alive. He didn't want to get their hopes up, in the unlikely case that he wasn't, so he decided to remain silent and wait for the dwarf to come back. He'll drag them if he had to. He could care less about their selfless faces and self-sacrificing moods.

The trio remained silent for a few more minutes until another gust of wind signaled the return of the Tontatta. Leo showed the dangling keys proudly and Sabo smiled. The little guy was really helpful.

Quickly opening the Kairōseki door, the blonde stepped inside and paused. It would be really irritating to have them- especially Zoro- fight back when they dragged them away. So he decided to keep them in chains for now, however bad treatment to victims that was. Sabo almost huffed at the irony.

Leo helped him detach the steel from the walls and did not ask any question when the blonde hid the keys inside his coat, making no attempt to release the two.

"Sabo." Zoro growled, eyes narrowed.

Leo almost stepped back in surprise. Why was Zoro-land refusing to move from his spot?

The Chief of staff refuted his glare with his own one. "We can do this the hard way or the easy way. If you don't want to be dragged when you're unconscious then you better keep your mouth shut and let yourselves be dragged consciously. Is that clear?"

The two clashed scorching glares, but the match didn't last for long.

"Is this bloody thing working?"

The voice was unmistakable and it made Sabo release a laugh. What the hell were those three doing?

There was a shuffle of something in the background and a few shouts before an explosion happened in the distance. After a few seconds of static, the same voice spoke again.

"A message to the bloody idiots on the lower levels:" The speaker inhaled audibly and then, "YOU BETTER GET YOUR ASSES UP HERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE LOSING TIME FOR?!"

The sentence was so long and loud, the two Strawhats visibly winced. Their eyes held a recognition light, though.

"Is that...?" Zoro began uncertainly.

"Thanks for destroying our ears jackass." Another voice that was more familiar to Robin than to Zoro deadpanned, making the woman blink.

"Oi, are Robin-senpai and Zoro-senpai alright?! Answer me or I kill you, ya hear!"

"The fuck is the fanboy doing here?" The First Mate whispered, his eyes on the snail.

"That's what I wanna know too." Usopp sighed.

Four heads turned to see both their sniper and Sanji walk, their arms and legs still bound with the chains. Behind them were Crocodile and Law.

Zoro's eyes narrowed on the cigar smoking bastard. "The hell is he doing here?"

Robin glowered from next to him. Sanji agreed.

"The bastard dragged us out of the cage after some wind opened it without questions asked. What the hell kind of saviors are you?"

The man in question simply ignored him. After he observed them for a full ten seconds, he turned around to where they came from. "They are almost here. Let's go."

They didn't need to be told twice. Despite protests from the four bound pirates, each one of them grabbed a chained person and they ran for it.

Despite his small form, Leo packed a strong force and Sabo was very impressed. He'd like to have a chat with the dwarf when they got back.

Fortunately for them, the ex-prisoners did not manage to put up a good fight since they weren't in the best of conditions, so the four ended up really being dragged by their saviors. In the background, Buggy's voice was urging them on in his original way.

"Come on bastards, go, go, go! We've got no time ta' waste. The green haired bastard is stalling them for now, but we don't know when his shitty power's gonna go out. Hurry the fuck up!"

There was an indignant shout in the background, a few choice words were exchanged and a snort escaped the clown before he spoke again.

"He just said he's an idiot and confessed his power's shitty. You better hurry your asses, we can't rely on this guy."

It was pretty obvious at this point that the Shichibukai was just doing it for his own entertainment.

"That fucking idiot should learn to keep his mouth shut." Crocodile snorted. "This is the second time I'm breaking out of this prison with those idiots in tow."

Sabo laughed. "Then you should work better in a team. We are relying on you."

The black haired man opened his mouth but closed it back. He shook his head and continued on with the others, urged on by Buggy's obscene comments and the fighting in the background of the recording.

---

"Can't you tell me at least why are you dragging me?" Franky asked as he hurried on after Cavendish. The man had the chains from his shackles in his hands, and was actually running pretty fast! It took a lot of effort for the cyan haired robot to keep up with him. He blamed this on his low levels of oil.

Cavendish barely looked back as he answered. "'Cause you're so slow it'll take us years until we reach the stairs."

Franky wanted to protest, but a look at himself and his speed and he had to agree with the man.

"Why the hell are you so heavy?!" The blonde huffed, already partly worn out. The guy was seriously heavy! Was it even healthy to have a thousand kilos?

"Heh, it's heavy metal alloy bro. Resistant to all weather and safe of short circuits. Can't help you on this one." He grinned looking proud of himself. Cavendish shook his head in exasperation but he encouraged himself on, ignoring the clown's background 'cheering'. He'll stab him when he'll see him.

His eyes settled on the stairs and he thanked all gods out there. Rayleigh and Jinbei had both insisted they use the stairs at all times. They argued it was safer, since the elevator could always be stopped and they'd be caught in a literal cage.

"I don't think this is the best strategy out there, you know. Maybe we should wait to regroup with the others." Franky offered, looking really unsure. He still wasn't sure if this was a saving mission or a suicide one. Both sounded pretty random timed to him anyway.

"I ain't gonna wait for those slowpokes. We are regrouping on the fourth level. Besides, why would I wait for those idiots? I can take care of whoever tries to stop us." He said as he swung the wooden doors open and stepped back.

An army of prison guards equipped to their teeth with weapons was revealed. The stairs couldn't be seen anymore from their dense numbers.

Franky made a noise between a curse and an 'I told you'.

Cavendish smirked and took out his sword. "You just watch me."

---

Jinbei chuckled as he took out another guard. These people were sure interesting, he was glad he could take part in this. The fishman looked at the battered Chopper placed safely on his back and bound by a piece of material. He looked like a baby.

The forces sent to the front entrance where he was currently located were pretty easy to beat. He's had a few hard times when he fought the giant koala but the karate master beat him in the end. Now he was just waiting for the others to come while trying to keep the exit as clear as possible. He knew the problem would be for them to get here through the waves of guards, but he was sure they could handle it. They were grownups and knew how to follow a plan.

Jinbei snorted.

---

Buggy kicked one last guard on the head and smiled. This was revenge.

"Stop that, it looks wrong on you."

The clown glared at his comrade, who glared right back.

"Could you please stop that?" Nami moaned, hands over her eyes.

"Nami-san, look what I found!" Brook exclaimed, excited for some reason. He was carrying a huge bundle of cloth which turned out to be three certain katanas, her Clima-Tact, Kabuto, his cane and violin.

The navigator smiled widely as she touched her weapon for the first time in two long, hellish months.

Mr. 3 eyed the two before his head turned to Buggy.

"Why the hell did you say that Strawhat is dead?" He whispered, casting a look back to make sure they didn't hear.

The clown eyed him with an expression only meant for idiots. "Are you an idiot?" He asked sarcastically.

The bespectacled man rolled his eyes.

"Why the hell should we get their hopes up?" Buggy whispered back heatedly. "That bastard Rayleigh isn't sure himself the idiot's alive. Our mission is getting them out of here and that's that. The rest is the old man's problem."

Mr. 3 had to blink as he actually processed the fact that Buggy-of all people-had made a solid statement complete with arguments and all the other stuff.

This world is going to hell. Please don't let this be the sign of death.

"Yo-you actually made sense!" The wax man could not help but gasp.

A vein threatened to burst on Buggy's head. "What do you mean by that?! I'm always making sense!" He yelled, attracting everyone's attention.

Bartolomeo snorted from his place at the door. He had his barrier up and was currently mocking and showing rude signs to the soldiers that tried to get in.

"Like hell you do. Better refresh your knowledge."

Buggy was about to explode at him with all the unrestrained fury of a pirate clown, but stopped himself when some shouts were heard over the Den Den Mushi. He approached the wall where the screens were displaying various places inside the prison. Looking down at the screen, Buggy almost yelped when he saw a crazy looking horse-guy decimate an army on the stairs between level five and four with the Strawhats' cyborg looking at him horrified in the background.

The clown shook his head.

He didn't want to deal with this shit now.

As if ordered by the Heavens, the Warden and Vice-Warden appeared with a huge army on their backs at the doors, intent on recapturing the lost Warden's office currently occupied by the invaders.

Buggy flipped a table.

---

"Are you trying to kill me?!" Usopp yelled as he tried to regain his balance. He had almost broken his nose when Leo jumped the last few steps to level five, leaving the sniper to try and catch up with him and gravity. It did not end well.

"Sorry Uso-land!" The dwarf apologized absently, still dragging him at full force.

Usopp groaned but tried to keep up. He doubted Leo would slow down, the Tontatta was full of energy and excitement. And it was killing the sniper. Slowly.

"What the hell happened here?" Law asked no one in particular when they had finally arrived- after a longer while than it should have been!- close to the stairs leading to the next level and stopped to study a particularly bloody and mutilated corpse.

What the hell had happened here?

"I think Cabbage-land just opened up a path for us!" Leo exclaimed, the energy rolling off him in waves. The others had to take a step back. Too much joy and happiness for a normal pirate.

"Doesn't matter," Sabo shook his head. "Move."

The trail was bloody and it looked like a literal slaughter was performed on the stairs going to level four. Now the hellish prison look was complete.

Stepping over a carefully crafted body with its eyes taken out and a few intricate designs that were really artistic, Sanji cringed. Who the hell was the butchering maniac anyway?

The needed time to arrive on the next level was longer than the previous, considering the mountain of bloody obstacles they had to step around and sometimes on to get higher, not to mention the stench. Usopp shuddered.

What they saw in level four made them reconsider their earlier statement about the stairs. Corpses scattered everywhere, all in positions not possible for a breathing human being to be in. And the trail followed until somewhere after the bridge. It took a turn to the left, but they ignored it in favor of concentrating on the scene before them.

In front of what they assumed was the warden's office, a huge battle was underway. Disregarding the growing mountain of corpses, Law looked past the blood and screams and spotted a crazy looking Cavendish that was swinging his sword with so much fervor, it looked like he was possessed. Buggy was next to him, alternatively being cut by his supposed ally and by the Warden himself.

Hannyabal looked frantic, his eyes inattentive and posture rigid, as he fought with loud battle cries and desperate swings of his lance. It did nothing but aggravate the clown pirate. Mr.3 was behind him, taking care of one side while Bartolomeo stalled Magellan and his poison on the other side. They seemed to be protecting the entrance to the office.

"This is as good opportunity as ever." Crocodile stepped forward intent on getting it on with those two.

Sabo understood the meaning behind his words and nodded.

"Leo take care of these four please." The blonde smiled down to the dwarf who grinned back. He was happy to be needed!

Shaking his head in exasperation, Law prepared himself as well. They had to make it short and escape no matter what. This was to be their first priority. He did not get to take another three steps before Buggy's head was on him, literally.

"The fuck took you so long?!" The head screeched.

The Strawhats blinked.

"What the hell is happening here?" Law did not beat around the bush.

"We are trying to keep them away while we were waiting for your slow as hell asses to arrive. One more minute and I was going to kill you!" Buggy glared and the former Shichibukai in front of him glared right back.

"You have a plan, or I kill them all?" Crocodile exhaled grey smoke, his golden hook glinting in the red light.

The clown's face was deadpan. "We aren't idiots like you. The elevator is in the Warden's office that we've got under control. The only problem is that we have to somehow stall those two off," he looked at the Warden and Vice Warden pointedly, "and another hundred of their soldiers so we can go up. The green haired freak already volunteered. If you wanna kill 'em so bad then you stay too."

"Huh, I don't need another idiot to drag me down." The black haired man furrowed his brows.

"That's not my business!" Buggy shouted. A round of wails came from the crowd behind them and he looked back shortly before his head turned to look at them again. "Open up a path and enter the room. The others are already there."

With that, the head flew back to its owner. Law smirked and unsheathed his sword. Next to him Crocodile's smirk was even wider. Sabo shook his head, bursting into flames.

"You drag them Leo. I will bring up the rear."

The dwarf nodded and prepared himself along with the exhausted prisoners. They had been unusually silent, but all four were actually speechless to see these strange people-that had been their enemies, minus Sabo and Leo-actually work together to get them out of there. Not to mention the strange green haired guy and the blonde. In Robin, Zoro and Usopp's cases, they knew them and were even more surprised to see them here as well.

"Run for it!" Leo snapped them out of their thoughts, and they almost lost their footing from the speed and force of the pull. The crowd opened up, courtesy of Law and Crocodile and before they knew it, the screams and weapons were behind them.

A large, furnished room opened up and it did not take them long enough to spot their crewmates near a large entrance.

Nami smiled widely, waving at them enthusiastically. Brook whooped in joy and Franky offered them a shaky smile, all the while muttering about psychotic blonde swordsmen.

"NAMI-SWAN, ROBIN-CHWAN, I AM SO GLAD TO SEE YOU!" Sanji exclaimed loudly, his eyes heart shaped.

Zoro and Usopp sweat-dropped. He was back to normal.

"Wasn't Robin with us all this time?" Usopp asked Sanji but the cook ignored him in favor of listening to the navigator.

"Brook found our weapons." The orange head pointed to a large bundle on the skeleton's back, completely ignoring the blonde cook. Her eyes widened. "Why are you still in chains?"

Looking down at themselves, the level six prisoners concluded that they were indeed the only ones with chains on.

"I didn't want to risk them doing something stupid." Sabo confessed as he entered the room, a wall of flames behind him.

Franky gasped when his eyes settled on the blonde which made the other two Strawhats that didn't know him even more confused.

"And you had to drag us around the whole prison." Zoro scowled.

The blonde laughed. "It was really funny, though. Well you'll have to endure it for a little while longer. We still need Mr. 3's help over there. And I lost the keys." He added sheepishly when the swordsman eyed his coat.

"Now that we are on the subject," Sanji looked outside where the backs of their allies(?) could be seen through the haze. "How did it come to this?"

Sabo smiled. "We'll explain it later."

---

"And I'm saying that I should be the one to stay!" Bartolomeo yelled, glaring at Crocodile.

The man scoffed. "You'd be useless so just go."

This seemed to aggravate the green haired man further but before he could speak, Sabo intervened.

"Maybe you should both stay...?" He stopped when two glares zeroed in on him.

"Tch, stupid idiots stage a rescue mission and they can't even complete it." Zoro muttered, shaking his head. Sanji and Usopp nodded from next to him.

"You should be grateful we've got your asses out of there." Buggy pointed an accusing finger at the trio.

"Yeah, why should I die where I was supposed to when I can get killed because of you idiots and your half-assed plans."

"That's enough Zoro." Robin whispered harshly, looking at him with furrowed brows.

The green haired man looked ready to argue but Nami's warning glare finally stopped him.

"I've got an idea!" Leo exclaimed, looking at the group from the ground. He jumped up on Sabo's shoulder for a better view.

The people in the room all looked at him with various expressions, waiting for him to begin speaking.

"We need someone who can protect us when the elevator doors open on the first level. Bartolomeo should come with us." He pointed to the green haired man. "Croco-land and Buggy-land stay here and keep them occupied."

"WHAT WHY ME-"

"But first Sabo-land and 3-land launch a big attack and reinforce the doors so they are occupied for a while. The rest of us go up."

Cavendish actually considered the plan. It seemed legit. After he had woken up from his nap/Hakuba personality, he was confused for a few moments about what was happening, but the Strawhats' skeleton filled him in on the details.

"It sounds good." The blonde finally said, breaking the silence.

Law nodded. "Good plan, Leo. I'm surprised."

The dwarf grinned.

Buggy begged to defy. "Why the hell do I have to stay here too?! I can't fly!"

"Yes you can if your feet remain on the ground."

The clown looked taken aback when he heard the secret of his Devil Fruit ability spilled out so easily.

"So you have to stay here because you and Croco-land can transform and fly, so it'd be no problem for you to go up fast." The Tontatta explained matter-of-factly, his tone deadpan, making the clown feel more and more like an idiot with each word. "After we arrive on the first level and the elevator stops you can get out of here."

"We'll block it from up there." Mr. 3 adjusted his glasses.

"There's only one flaw in that plan of yours." Crocodile inhaled from his cigar. "Magellan is a Logia type too. I bet he can fly too."

"Then you'll just have to be faster." Leo's eyes shined in challenge.

"We'll be at the submarine already when you get up so head straight for the exit." Law commented, crossing his arms.

A short silence passed over the group as each of them absorbed in the new plan.

Zoro admitted he was impressed by this. Robin's small smile made him raise an eyebrow but he didn't ask. He cast a look at his friends and inwardly sighed in relief. They looked bad, but they were all alive. That was enough for him. He noted that Chopper was not there and hoped he was on the upper levels. He couldn't wait to see the small reindeer too.

Another boom from the outside was their cue. The circle split abruptly and the larger group consisting of the Strawhats, Cavendish, Law and Leo entered the elevator.

Sabo and Mr. 3 took their places by the door. Bartolomeo used his Barrier Clash to clear the way and surprise their enemies before he made a run for the others.

Sabo's body burst in flames, Mr. 3 cursed from besides him.

"My wax is going to melt if your flames are so near. It's not going to keep anyway..."

A blonde eyebrow rose up at his confession and was about to ask what he had planned, but the two higher-ups of the prison were already on their feet.

"Hiken!" The revolutionary shouted as flames enveloped the two and the whole army in front of them. The scorching heat continued even after Sabo stopped attacking and he silently thanked his luck for the fire level they were in.

He turned on his heels and re-entered the room as the doors swung closed behind him.

Mr. 3 took out a big wax cube. The white substance fell off and dripped to the ground. Sabo's eyes widened when he saw the huge chunks of ice.

"The cyborg was using them for fuel." The bespectacled man explained. He directed his hands to the doors, and wax combined with ice covered the whole length and height.

The blonde touched it and reeled back. "It's like metal."

Mr. 3 nodded. "With the ice, it should not melt so fast."

Screams were heard from the other side and the two ran to the elevator.

"Keep up the good job, captain." Mr. 3 teased as he patted a trembling Buggy's back mockingly when he passed by. The pirate cursed him.

Arriving inside, the bespectacled man tweaked with the switches and the machine began ascending almost immediately. Silence descended inside the cramped space but it was broken by Leo.

"Barto-land you stay in the front and run with the barrier on. 3-land can you make a cover for us?" The dwarf asked, looking at the man expectantly.

He nodded hesitantly. Leo grinned.

---

"How much freaking time do they need to climb up?!" Buggy asked, already on the edge of hysterics.

The thumps at the door were more and more powerful and the wax had already begun to melt!

Crocodile tsked but remained silent overall, watching the sealed doors attentively. He tried to ignore the crazed clown.

The sounds made by the elevator changed and then stopped completely, signaling that the group had arrived at their destination and they were free to go.

The former and the current Shichibukai looked back to the dark, empty space where the elevator had been and then to the door. Buggy didn't need to be told twice. Running on air at full speed, he jumped inside the dark, following his feet upwards.

Crocodile frowned and cursed that he didn't have the chance to fight the two wardens, but was quickly forced to rethink his choices when the doors burst open and the whole Impel Down army led by an enraged Magellan and a not-so-enraged-but-hesitant Hannyabal stood ready to take his head off his shoulders. Frowning, the former convict summoned his biggest wave of sand intent on burying them.

Poison clashed with sand and Crocodile decided to screw this shit. He'll have time for revenge when there wasn't the whole freaking population of the East Blue -metaphorically speaking, the number was what mattered- trying to skewer him. He didn't like to run from a battle, but he knew when to save his life.

Throwing another wave and a tornado for good measure, he took off after the clown.

---

"There are more guards than freaking prisoners, what the fuck?!" Law growled as he struggled to not stumble on his own feet, on the bodies scattered on the ground and on Franky.

Great.

"This shit is really heavy." Zoro mumbled as he struggled to keep the cover above himself.

There were a few muttered agreements from the group currently running while holding the heavy wax casket above their heads.

"Well I'm sorry to have been of help!" Mr. 3 shouted indignantly from behind Bartolomeo at the front of the group. The green haired man was the luckiest one to not have to hold the heavy thing, instead concentrating on keeping up his barrier.

"This might be heavy, but it's really effective. Let's hurry up." Sabo shouted from the back. He was keeping up the rear again with Leo as a watch out in case someone tried to stab him in the back.

There weren't that many guards still conscious on level one, but there were enough to cause trouble. Thankfully, the casket was keeping most bullets away.

After a few more minutes of navigating through the halls, with Nami's help, the three people in the front finally shouted out in joy.

"I see the exit!"

Everyone visibly exhaled in relief.

The feeling did not last long.

With a heavy metal screech, the heavy gate started descending.

"What the fuck, wasn't it Jinbei's job to keep it open?" The Heart pirate's captain tried to look outside through the small holes for the fishman but didn't see him anywhere.

"I see him! He's running to the door too!" Bartolomeo shouted.

"Faster you slowpokes or we're gonna be locked in here for real!" Cavendish exclaimed and everyone picked up their speed, running as hard as they could.

Sanji did not think he would ever be so exhausted from running this little. Two months were too much time after all.

"Are there any guards left?" Usopp asked, trying to peak through the holes. It was pretty hard when you were running for your life.

"What do you think?" Cavendish snapped.

"Yeah, there are a few thousands behind us." Sabo's uneasy reply came from the end of the group.

"THOUSANDS?!"

"Fuckin-"

"Everyone!" The fishman's voice was heard through the thick wax walls. "Please hurry, the gate is almost closing and I cannot keep it in place, it's too heavy!" Jinbei looked on frantically trying to search for anything that could hold it and not get smashed into pieces. He stood under the descending metal, gaze alternating between watching the approaching white thing and the gate. Behind them were a lot of soldiers, and that was an understatement. And behind those could be seen two flying figures and one looked to be made of sand-

Wait.

Law was thinking along those lines too. The man looked left and right in search for something durable before it clicked. Eyes looked up to their roof and he smirked.

"Room."

A wind suddenly began to blow and before the group knew it, their white cover was missing. Most of them stumbled from the sudden weight being lifted from their shoulders and yelped in surprise.

A small poof came from above followed by a delighted shout.

"Chopper!" Nami exclaimed, squeezing the life out of the small reindeer, however sad and literal it was.

Before they could be confused, Law yelled, still running to the door. "What are you standing there for, go!"

They did not need to be told twice.

"Good job, Law. I will stay and wait for the other two." Jinbei said when Law and the others were almost to the gate. "Go."

The pirates continued on. The Strawhats smiled at the fishman and he smiled back, urging them on. They were almost there.

When they finally stepped outside, Nami could not believe the day finally came. She couldn't believe that after two months of being imprisoned under the ocean, she would be able to see it again in all its blue splendor. The Navigator almost cried.

Robin inhaled a fresh breath of air and smiled. It was good to be back. She watched Usopp discreetly wipe his eyes and her smile widened.

Franky grinned, feeling the fatigue disappear little by little. He could not wait to see Sunny. Brook would have grinned as wide as Franky did, if he'd have a face!

"Yohoho!"

Sanji's face relaxed and he finally allowed himself to breathe for real. He looked at the battered Chopper and his face dropped a little, but he knew the small reindeer would be alright. All of them will, no matter what. And Sanji would make sure they will eat the best food he could make.

Zoro's face remained blank. The swordsman did not allow himself to feel anything besides irritation at seeing the blue ocean again. The ocean where Luffy was killed and it looked so fucking peaceful, how dare-

"Sanji-dono, Strawhats!" Someone shouted from the water.

Now that they looked better, there was no ship, how were they supposed to get out of there?

Usopp almost pointed out the obvious when Law and Cavendish, who were leading the group, jumped in the water without hesitation.

What.

Mr. 3 and Leo were next, which made the Strawhats even more confused.

Before jumping, Bartolomeo stopped and turned towards them with a sparkling face.

"This way, everyone. Please hurry!"

He almost melted when Robin smiled at him. Zoro rolled his eyes at the display. Sanji growled at the unknown guy.

Looking downwards, Franky's eyes widened. "Is that-"

"What the hell are you stopping for you idiots, JUMP!" Law yelled from the deck of his submarine. Most of the Heart pirates were there as well, encouraging them to jump.

"We are all ready to take you to safety!" Duval waved, trying- but failing- to wink.

Sanji growled again, but with less ferocity than usual.

---

"Shark Tile True Punch!"

Thirty guards were blown away from the impact, but more took their places. Jinbei gritted his teeth. The casket won't hold for much longer.

Where were they?

"JINBEI!"

A wave of poison hit the distant rows of guards, making them scream in pain. The fishman cursed. Just great.

Magellan's face was more than livid. It couldn't possibly get redder.

"I won't let you leave this prison!" The man roared, summoning a giant wave of poison and sending it towards the blue skinned man. "Where are those goddamn reinforcements?!" He added, looking at one of his officers expectantly.

The poor man shrugged and fainted from fear.

---

Jinbei froze for a second, not knowing how to counter the large toxic wave. Water was too far away, so he had only one other choice. Concentrating despite the approaching danger, the fishman jumped to attack but was tackled to the ground and flung on the other side of the gate along with a sand storm, flying pirate parts and poison.

The mash rolled along the deck and seemingly dropped into the water from the prison's point of view, but in reality, the trio was splashed on the Heart pirates' deck, breathing hard and covered in poison and sand. It did not help that they dropped without preamble, so some crewmembers were touched by the substance as well.

Screams erupted, but Law was prepared for that. "Get them inside and let's go." He ordered and his subordinates scrambled to complete the preparations for submerging.

Duval shook off his stupor and ordered his men to descend before doing the same. Their part was to lead the submarine and make sure it wasn't attacked back to the meeting point. The prison would retaliate for sure and they were the cavalry that would stop them.

---

Smoker looked at his clock and exhaled. They should be there in two hours, at most.

"Do you think they made it?" Tashigi asked from next to him. She had a worried expression on her face and it made her superior snort.

"What, don't tell me you are worrying for pirates now?"

The black haired woman looked at him with a mixture of shock and denial.

"Red Haired Shanks called." Hancock spoke from the door to her cabin.

This drew everyone's attention to her.

Her eyes were hard, but her expression relaxed, a small upturn of the lips barely visible.

"Mission complete."

---

A/N: Hi! :D

Here comes the second chapter, that is very long (and I'm proud of that xD)

On another note: I had total fun when I first wrote this chapter. I love Impel Down (however strange that sounds, it being a hellish prison and so on) but it was the perfect place for Buggy to return to... poor guy xD

I'm happy that everyone liked the first chapter and I hope you continue to enjoy my story! ^^

Reviews and Feedback are loved~!