Brynlee had completely forgotten about Laboon, to be quite frank. But, while being swallowed by an Island Whale had not been on her bucket list, there was no denying that the experience was quite… unique, to say the least. While the others slowly recovered from the intense state of panic and shock that had taken over after Luffy stupidly punched Laboon in the eye, Brynlee observed their surroundings.
Bright, clear sky with a few clouds, calm waters, and a small island with a house.
"Where- where are we?" asked Nami, shaking.
"The whale's stomach, of course," replied Brynlee, unperturbed.
"What? That doesn't make any sense!" immediately protested Usopp. "We're clearly outside! Look, there's the sky and—"
A giant squid burst out of the water, looming a dozen of meters or so above them. Brynlee blinked, a bit taken aback by the sheer size of it, while Nami and Usopp screamed in fright in the background. Before any of them could try anything, however, large fishing spears pierced right through its head, effectively killing it. As it collapsed in the water, an unknown man slowly walked out of the little house.
"What- what's up with that guy?" whispered Usopp.
"That old man… just killed that giant squid…" murmured Nami.
"Was he fishing or was he saving us?" mused Sanji.
A heavy stare-down began between Sanji and the old man, and Brynlee watched, amused, as a cold sweat broke out on her friend's forehead – until the old suddenly sat down in his chair and pulled out the newspapers.
"SAY SOMETHING YOU JERK!" snapped Sanji.
"We'll- we'll fight you if we have to!" warned Usopp.
The old man narrowed his eyes, and Brynlee was admittedly impressed. His intimidation factor was through the roof! Though, then again, freshwater pirates like them were probably more susceptible to this sort of intensity.
"Don't. Or someone will die."
Nami and Usopp squealed in horror. Zoro tensed, hand poised near the handle of his sword. Sanji stiffened, grinding down on his cigarette.
"Yeah? And who would that be?"
"Me."
Brynlee couldn't help but laugh as Sanji snapped, Zoro just barely managing to hold him back before he could go and try to beat him up.
"Who are you? And where are we?" asked their swordsman.
Another heavy silence, another heavy stare-down—
"If you want something from someone, it's proper manners to introduce yourself first."
"O- oh, right," hesitated Zoro, a bit taken aback. "My mistake. I'm—"
"My name is Crocus. I am the Keeper of the Twin Capes Lighthouse. I'm 71 years old, Gemini, blood type AB—"
"I'M GONNA KILL HIM!" snapped Zoro, instantly losing his cool.
Brynlee simply laughed again, patting his shoulder, and gently pushing him back. "Don't even try. That guy could snap you in half with his little finger alone. Hello, Mr. Crocus! My name is Lucky D. Brynlee!" she greeted, waving cheerfully his way. "Would you be so kind as to point us towards the exit?"
"W- w- w- wait! You're saying we really are inside the whale's stomach!?" gawked Usopp.
A chill ran down Brynlee's spine as the old man's stare bore into her very soul – now she understood better why Sanji and Zoro were so shaken—
"STOP DOING THAT!" snapped the rest of her crew.
Brynlee laughed once more, and Crocus grunted. "Tche. At least one of you can appreciate a good running gag. But the exit's that way, girl."
"A GAG!?"
"AN EXIT!?"
And to think the madness was only getting started.