Everyone gathered was shocked by Hiccup's quick recovery as he transformed into his human form.

"You can't be human! What the heck are you?"

"No one survives Magellan's poison. This is straight-up bonkers."

"Just 20 hours, and he walked out on his own."

"It's a miracle; it has to be."

"Miracle? It's something far greater than just that," said Mala shocked.

"Hiccup! Your live!" Astrid cried, and every one half expected her to hug him. Instead, she punched him so hard he smashed into the ground. "That was was scaring me!"

"Whoa, I thought they were friends."

"Yeah, she spent all those hours hanging outside, and then she punches him?"

"That girl is one-of-a-kind."

"Ah, young love," said Bon Clay.

Several of the patrons looked at him.

"That's love?"

"Indeed, she wouldn't have been so worried for him if she had punched him," Bon Clay nodded.

Astrid then promptly hugged Hiccup and cried on his shoulder. "I knew you would survive."

"Okay, maybe it is love."

"That girl has quite an array of emotions."

One by one, everyone began to surround Hiccup, amazed by his quick recovery and then began throwing him up into the air.

"Dragon! Dragon!" they yelled repeatedly.

"I am so happy," said Bon Clay as he cried.

"Bon! So glad to see you alive!" said Hiccup, noticing him.

"Me? You were the one who almost died," said Bon Clay.

"Yeah, do you know how much you made us worry?" Astrid snapped before she passed out.

"Astrid!" Hiccup cried as he rushed over to her. "What's wrong with her?"

"She's just a little worn out; better to let her rest," said Mala.

"Oh, hey, Mala," said Hiccup.

"Show some respect!" everyone yelled.

"Got to say your treatment did the trick. Thanks for helping my friends," said Hiccup.

"Well, I did my best," she said. "But I'm not the one you should be thanking both. Astrid was the one who saved you. I may have notched you in the right direction, and yes, my powers are wonderful. She stayed here all night long, struggling and suffering for hours and hours, never relenting. She lost her voice; she could barely stand and even spewed blood, but she never stopped. She kept on encouraging you non-stop."

Hiccup was completely speechless as he looked down at Astrid.

"Your recovery was far beyond miraculous; I can only imagine it's thanks to all her efforts," said Mala.

"I see," said Hiccup. "Thank you, Astrid, and thank you to Bon; I would still be in a prison cell dying from the poison if it weren't for you."

"I was just making up for my cowardice," said Bon Clay.

"No, I was foolish enough to face Magellan; I should have heeded your warnings before," said Hiccup.

"Good," said Astrid as she regained consciousness, "because we're not done yet."

Everyone gasped.

"Whoa, she's awake."

"Looks like she's got the same vitality as her captain."

Mala smiled at the two of them. "It would seem as if those two are made for each other."

Hiccup nodded. "We still have a mission to do."

The muscular man from earlier suddenly appeared, carrying Hiccup's shirt. "I have your shirt, Hiccup Haddock, but I'm afraid you are not ready to leave yet. It will still take several days of rest and preparation before you're back to your old self."

"Hiccup, it's just gone past 8 o'clock in the morning; they'll be extracting Ace any minute now," said Astrid.

"Then I can't wait," said Hiccup as he put his shirt on.

"We need to move now," Astrid agreed.

Hiccup then attempted to take a step forward but nearly toppled over if Astrid hadn't caught him.

"Be careful."

"You see, like he said, you've got some hearing to do."

"You as well, girl, you're not exactly in fighting shape either."

Hiccup reached into his pocket and pulled out Ace's viva card, which was pointing down. "Looks like the papers still pointing down."

"That means they haven't taken him just yet," said Astrid.

"Do you know exactly where we are?" Hiccup asked.

One of Mala's people then looked at the card curiously. "What is that thing?"

Mala instantly recognised it. "It's a viva card, I believe. And to answer your question about your honour between Levels V and VI, I assume now you want to go and rescue your brother, regardless of the advice we might give you. If you wish to throw your life away, I won't stop you."

"What about you?" Hiccup asked. "Are you gonna try and make an escape attempt? Bon said that he wanted to break you out."

"I see, so you were trying to rescue me," said Mala, looking at Bon Clay and somewhat amused. "I'm flattered, I do appreciate the gesture, but I have no need to be saved, for it is not my time to break out just yet."

"You don't wanna break out?" Bon Clay asked, surprised. "I know this place is a paradise in comparison to the rest of the prison, but it's still a prison."

"Sure does get rather dreary down here, and watching the prisoners getting tortured is a bit of a bore," Mala admitted. "And I know that the outside is getting rather exciting. There has been a shift in the tide, and big changes are coming. The Navy in the Hairy Hooligan Pirates are taking centre stage. Even so, the boss is still waiting things out. I am, of course, referring to my comrade, the leader of all revolutionaries in the world… you may know her as Valka Stormcutter."

"You mean Hiccup's Mum?" said Astrid and then quickly covered her mouth.

"Yes, that is the plan," Mala nodded. "Once Hiccup Haddock's mum makes a move with that army of hers, then I shall do some manoeuvring on my own. I'll be causing my own little brand of chaos. If I were to escape from this place now, I would just end up on a sea of wanted lists."

When she finally stopped talking, she suddenly realised what Astrid had just said, and her mouth practically fell to the floor. "M-M-M-Mum!"

Hiccup facepalm himself and shook his head.

"Valka's your Mum?" everyone gasped.

Hiccup looked at Astrid. "Nice work keeping that a secret?"

"Sorry, it just slipped out," Astrid apologised.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Mala yelled. "Valka doesn't have any children; she's not even married!"

"It was a shock to me as well," said Hiccup. "I only heard it recently from my grandfather. To be honest, I've never even met her. I mean, I knew her name was Valka, but Dad just told me she just disappeared one day."

"What?!" Mala yelled. 'But this may very well be true. He doesn't come across as a liar, and here's a rather impressive pirate in his own way. Plus, the vitality he showed is the stuff of legends, even despite knowing who his father is. With an extraordinary father and mother, it only makes sense they would give birth to an extraordinary son.'

She then looked directly at Hiccup. "Please tell me where you come from."

"I originated from the East Blue," said Hiccup, surprised by the question.

Mala's eyes widened as a memory began to appear in her mind.

Back at the Revolutionary headquarters, she noticed that Valka seemed to be looking in one direction each and every day.

"Say Valka," she said, wanting to satisfy her curiosity.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Every time you step out for air, you always seem to phase in the same direction no matter where we go," Mala noted.

"Do I?" she said without looking at her. "I suppose I never gave it much thought. A bit strange that you bring it up, isn't it?"

"Well, I wondered if it was some sort of homing instinct. You know, the same thing animals have. Thinking of home or perhaps some family members at least?"

"That's enough," said Valka firmly. "Do not stick your nose into my past."

"As you wish," said Mala as she turned to leave.

Now, in the present, Mala was staring at Hiccup dumbfounded.

'Hang on, if Hiccup Haddock really is Valka's son, this could be a disaster,' Mala stared. She then quickly turned to the muscular man. "Throk, check to see when they're taking Ace D Portgas."

"Yes, of course," Throk nodded.

"There isn't much time," said Mala. "The viva card was pointing down, which means he's still here and still alive, thank goodness. Get me that info as soon as you can; I'm heading to Level VI with Hiccup Haddock and Astrid right now."

"You're going to show us how to get down?" said Hiccup, surprised. "Wait, did you just say Level VI?"

"It's a long story, I can explain on the way," said Astrid.

Mala then turned and looked at Hiccup. 'I wasn't paying attention; it hadn't occurred to me before. If Hiccup Haddock is Valk's son, as he claims, Ace is too or at least a stepson. Is this why the Navy captured him and planned a public execution? But that's ludicrous, not to mention suicidal. There is no way they would pick a fight with both Stoick and Valka at the same time. What does the World Government hope to gain from all this? I'm missing a crucial piece of the puzzle, and the only way to find it is to join Hiccup Haddock.'

Hiccup looked at Astrid. "You're sure you're up for this?"

"I was gonna ask you the same question?" Astrid smiled.

Hiccup looked at Bon Clay. "Bon, I think it's best you stay here. You don't look too good."

"As painful as it is to admit, I have had to agree," said Bon Clay. "But I'll be sure to join you when you plan on making your big escape."

"Hiccup Haddock, listen closely," said Mala approaching him. "You must keep your heritage secret. You must not let anyone know that Valka is your mother."

"I'm not the one who blabbed," said Hiccup, looking at Astrid.

"I know I'm sorry," she said apologetically. "But if I hadn't, we wouldn't have gotten Mala's aid."

"Regardless, I'm an old friend of your mother's as well as one of her trusted commanders," said Mala. "That means I'm a Revolutionary; that is the reason why I was arrested. So it's my duty to help you whether you like it or not. I can't just stand around and let my friend's son die before my eyes."

She then turned and looked at everyone. "Listen up! Tell everyone in the New Kama Land we're going to move fast and rescue Ace D. Portgas before his execution, and then we'll break out of Impel Down. Does everyone understand?"

Everyone just stared, stunned.

"It's just so sudden."

"I don't know if I'm ready."

Mala then slammed her foot onto the ground, silencing everyone.

"A crossroad in life comes without warning; if you're prepared to fight, then prepare to die," she said strongly. "Get ready for action and wait for our return."

"All right then, let's do it!"

Everyone then cheered.

"I'll follow you wherever you lead!"

"It's a new beginning for the people of New Kama Land!"

"I'm coming to save you, Ace!" Hiccup yelled. "Now, let's go."

Unfortunately, before he could take a single step, he suddenly collapsed.

"Hiccup!" Astrid yelled.

Mala then bent down and checked his pulse, and for a brief moment, everyone thought that he was dead.

"He's just fine," Mala informed them, "the treatment he went through to treat Magellan's poison has taken a toll on his body, resulting in him shortening his lifespan. It's only natural that he's still worn out."

She then extended her nails. "Imperial Energy Hormone!"

She then plunged her nails into his chest, and he instantly regained consciousness.

"It's just a matter of adrenaline," said Mala. "I just injected you with another therefore full day, but just to warn you, you going to feel the side effects several days from now. But by that point, let's hope it won't really matter."

"I've never felt this energised before," said Hiccup as he stood up.

Hannibal was currently in the Warden's office, sitting at Magellan's desk, looking at the photos of the escapees.

"Vice Warden, Warden Magellan won't be pleased if he hears you've been sitting in his chair," one of the jailers warned him.

"I don't think we won't mention it in our reports," said the second jailer.

"You guys mean, you know that," said Hannibal, folding his arms. "War Maiden Astrid, Mr 2, Mr 3 and Buggy the Clown. Mr 2 and the War Maiden just waltzed them into the Freezing Hell, and that was the last you saw them."

"Yes, that's right. Their disguises were perfect, sir. We searched for them, but all we could find was that headdress covered in blood. From the lack of remains, we assume that they took Dragon out of the cell but were eaten up by the walls afterwards."

"I see," said Hannibal, looking at his new headdress, which he had taken from Magellan. "Look at me sitting in the Warden's chair wearing his special ornamental headdress, and yet I feel so empty. Do you know why? Because I haven't earned it until I've crushed Magellan."

"Right, good luck with that."

"And let me remind you that if we get tricked or beaten again, not only the Warden's job but also your job will be on the line."

Hannibal's eyes shot up, and he looked at the two jailers. "My position, too?"

"Yeah, of course," they nodded.

Buggy and Mr 3 finally returned to Level IV and were currently sneaking around. Strangely, the entire board appeared to be deserted, as they had yet to encounter a single guard.

"Surely the staircase to Level III is nearby," Mr 3 panted.

"Level IV is a lot easier this time," Buggy smiled. "I haven't seen a single jailer; they must be busy elsewhere. It's like a victory lap; let's pick it up, partner."

Mr 3 then suddenly came to a halt, and Buggy ran right into him.

"I said pick it up, not stop," said Buggy, rubbing his nose.

"Just hold on a minute," said Mr 3.

They slowly climbed the stairs and saw a surveillance transponder snail down the corridor. Fortunately, it had its back towards them, so they were spotted. However, if they proceed further, they must be cautious.

"It's a surveillance transponder snail," said Mr 3. "Be careful if it notices us. All of our efforts will have been in vain."

"Good eyes, partner, nice find," said Buggy.

"We'll just have to be extra sneaking from here on," said Mr 3.

Buggy and Mr 3 remained absolutely quiet as they tried to sneak around the transponder snail. It was challenging, considering neither of them could stay quiet for more than five seconds.

When it looked as if they had managed to sneak past, it began choking, and something began to sting their eyes. Buggy nearly cried out if Mr 3 had placed his hand over his mouth. Then they realised that some sort of purple mist had drifted their way.

"What is this stuff?" Buggy asked as he covered his mouth with his shirt.

"My eyes are itching like crazy," said Mr 3 in tears. "This must be Magellan's work. The poison that he used while fighting Dragon must still be floating around in the air here."

The two of them did their best to hold out, but they couldn't hold their sneezes any longer.

"Oh crap!" Buggy yelled, covering his mouth.

"The guards will see us for sure," Mr 3 moaned.

"We're in its line of sight!" Buggy cried when he noted the transponder snail looking directly at them.

As luck would have it, the poison mist also affected the transponder snail, and it fell to the ground and dropped dead.

The two of them then gave off a sigh of relief.

"That was a close one," they said in unison.

They then sneezed again.

Meanwhile, Magellan was finally making his way down to Level VI. He had to cut his toilet break short due to Domino's insistence.

"You're late, sir," Domino scolded.

Magellan sighed. "And your strict Domino."

"Try to empty your bowels faster next time."

"Not possible," he groaned as he rubbed his stomach. His stomach then growled, and he looked as if he was about to be sick. "Not again!"

"You'll have to hold it in," said Domino.

"I can't!"

"We need to be at the front gate at 9 AM sharp to officially transfer the prisoner; that is the mission placed before us. If we don't make it in time, we'll ruin the reputation of Impel Down."

Magellan merely groaned.

Several Navy vessels had already arrived to transfer the prisoner to Navy headquarters.

"All right, listen up," said Vice-Admiral Gorg, looking at his men. "Our mission is to take custody of Ace D. Portgas and then transfer him to Marineford Navy headquarters. Got it? Until the moment that we hand over that prisoner, I need each and every one of you on full alert."

"Yes, sir!" said his men.

"For that, we are ready for any possibility. We are moving him in a convoy of five ships under the direction of five Vice-Admirals. We cannot afford a single slipup, understood?"

"Sir!" everyone saluted.

Meanwhile, Hiccup and Astrid ran through Level V to get to the stairs leading them to Level VI. Mala and Throk were following them close behind.

"I never felt this energised before!" Hiccup yelled.

"Good because you're going to need it; we can't afford to waste even a second," said Throk.

"I'm surprised we haven't run into any kind of security," said Astrid.

"That's because there is no security down here," said Mala. "The Army Wolves are more than enough to deal with any prisoners that wander down here."

The Army Wolves began to gather as if they sensed something heading towards them, and the prisoners took note.

"Hey, what's going on over there."

That's when they saw Hiccup and his group running by.

"Who are those weirdos?"

"Mala?"

"No way, I thought she was dead."

"No, it can't be."

The Army Wolves saw them advance and immediately pounced upon them, but Hiccup transformed his hybrid form and easily knocked them aside.

"Out of my way!" he roared. "I've got no time for you!"

A wolf then launched itself Astrid, but she moved with blinding speed and quickly struck it down with her battleaxe. Throk showed his strength by kicking one and crashing it into a tree.

"Death Wink!" Mala yelled.

With a single wink, she unleashed a powerful shot that blew the wolves away.

"Throk, open it up!" Mala ordered.

"Right," said Throk as he reached the gate that led to Level VI.

Somehow, he managed to pick up the lock and open the gate.

"They'll be monitoring us from now on," said Throk as they descended the stairs.

"Then we need to move fast," said Hiccup.

Sure enough, the guards in the observation room spotted them the instance they made their way down the stairs.

"We have intruders! They're running down the staircase between Levels V and VI! Wait, that woman, she is the Queen of Defender of the Wings, that went missing years ago… name is Mala."

"Where has she been hiding? We gave up on her ages ago!

"The War Maiden is apparently with her, but I thought she had been eaten by the Wolves!"

"And next to her is Dragon Conqueror Hiccup. I thought the Warden had taken care of him, but he looked as healthy as ever."

"The fourth one is another missing prisoner! Throk, a revolutionary from the South Blue!"

"What the hell is going on?"

"Looks like they're headed straight for Level VI."

"I think they're trying to save Fire Fist Ace!"

"Domino and Warden Magellan are also on their way to Level VI for the transfer as we speak. They're all going to bump into each other!"

Hannibal then appeared out of nowhere and leaned over towards the monitors. "How can they all still be alive?"

"Vice-Warden? When did you get here?"

"Activate the passageway traps immediately!" Hannibal ordered. "Call all the jailers on Level VI and tell them to get ready. They must stand their ground until Mistress Sadie and the Demon Guards arrive as reinforcements. Report everything going on to all floors and contact Warden Magellan!"

Everyone stared at him, stunned by how he was taking charge.

"You have your orders; get moving!" he yelled.

"Right! Yes, sir!" said the jailers and they immediately scrambled.

One of them just stared at Hannibal openmouthed. 'I've never seen the Vice-Warden so serious before. Maybe it's the impostor again.'

Hannibal growled in annoyance. "We have to stop these troublemakers since I can't blame the Warden for this one, I mean."

The jailer gave a sigh of relief. 'Nope, he's the real deal.'

Hiccup and the others were running down the stairs as quickly as they could.

"We can make it, we can make it," Hiccup panted.

Running up the stairs, several jailers followed Hannibal's commands and attempted to slow them down. Unfortunately, Hiccup just punched them aside, and they kept running.

"Hang on, Ace, I'm coming for you!" Hiccup yelled.

Magellan and his entourage were making their way over to Ace's cell at that very moment. The jailers opened the cell, and Jinbe could only watch helplessly as they went inside. With their arrival, Ace's execution was now within six hours.

"This is it, Ace D Portgas," said Magellan. "You're going to be transferred to Marineford. On your arrival there, you will be taken to the execution grounds."