If level 3 was hell on earth... Then level 4 was hell's hell!

"The heat from this level is so strong, that it dried out the whole of level 3," Bon Clay explained to Luffy and Tani.

Trip went missing the moment she landed, Tani couldn't hear her bell at all.

"Hungry... Thirsty..." Luffy whined. Tani gave a soft smile. Pulling her bag over her shoulder, and revealing the water bottle.

Luffy didn't think twice, before grabbing the bottle and sculling it's contents. Humming happily as the water refreshed his system. Tani gave Bon Clay an apologetic look, the man smiled brightly. Taking no offense to the action.

"Yosh! Now that I'm feeling better, let's go find Ace, and that Emperor Ivan-polka guy." Luffy declared.

"Ivan who now?" was this that Ivankov guy that Oscar was so excited to talk about?

"The okama queen," Bon said with a twirl, heart a flutter at the thought of such an idol. "He's been missing for years, and it's rumoured that he's been in prison. I hope to free him," Bon Bon was glowing with admiration.

"If Bonny wants to save this guy, then we want to save him too." Luffy snickered. God that smile did wonders to Tani's heart.

"Where's that spunky little doll?" Bon asked. Looking around, only now noticing that Trip was missing.

"Knowing Trip, she's doing something important for the plan-"

A blood curling scream filled the level. Howling pain that echoed off every wall, sending chills down the spines off those with a heart. One thing was certain though...

That scream was not Trip.

Now the haunted, hollow cackling that followed the screaming? Yeah that was definitely Trip.

"All those in favour of heading in that direction? Raise your hands," Tani called. Lifting her hand.

Luffy and Bon lifted their hands. Tani gave a nervous laugh.

"This should be... Terrifying." she sighed. Luffy grabbed her sweat slicked hand, a comforting pillar to keep her grounded.

It felt like they were walking around in circles, every bloody wall, fire lit torch, reddish glowing hole in the ground. It all looked the same!

The heat and screaming wasn't helping the girl concentrate on finding Trip's location. The heavy breathing behind her head was not helping either.

"Can you stop that?" Tani requested, turning her head to look at Luffy. Her expression shifting from annoyed, to shocked.

"I wasn't doing anything?" Luffy shrugged, taking note of Tani's shifted expression. What-

"Minotaur..." she whispered.

"Mini tart? Where!" Luffy's stomach rumbled at the thought of food. Tani pointed behind him.

"Minotaur," she said louder. Luffy turned around, expecting a small tart. There was no tart, only a tall half man, half cow with a dopey expression and an axe.

Luffy's disappointment was immeasurable... And his day was ruined.

"You're not a tart!" Luffy lamented angrily. Rolling his shoulder, he was in a bad mood now. Tani and Bon Clay took a step back, they'd only get in the way.

"Gum gum pistol!" Luffy's arm flew forward at a break neck speed. His fist collided with the beasts chest, pushing it back. The Minotaur didn't flinch at the contact.

This would be a tough fight, and they had no time for this.

"Run!" Tani shouted. Grabbing Luffy by the back of his shirt and dragging him away. Bon Clay ran beside the girl.

"The Minotaur should have shown up like... Two floors ago," Tani groaned. Her lungs hurt from running in such sweltering heat. She could feel the fat and muscles on her body, melting into goop.

And they still had two more levels to go.

The Minotaur roared, it's axe came crashing down between Tani and Bon Clay. The pair flailed from each other, Tani dropping Luffy's shirt from her grip. The captain gave a growl, turning back at the creature with anger.

"First you weren't a tart, and now you're attacking my nakama?" Luffy was pissed. Tani let it go, if he removed the problem, it would make finding Trip a whole lot easier.

"Gear 2nd," Luffy's skin shifted to a glowing pink. The Minotaur charged at the powering up captain, swinging at nothing. Luffy appeared behind the beast. Both his arms stretched out behind him.

"Gum gum-"

There was a scream from their left, the wall muffling the sound, but it definitely came from that direction.

"Luffy! Aim for here," Tani called out, waving her hands towards the suspected wall. Worst comes to worst, they bust a wall and it leads nowhere.

Tani was aiming for a best case scenario.

"Jet bazooka!" Luffy thrust his arms forward. Tani's eyes couldn't catch his movements, but she did catch the sound that popped her eardrums.

The Minotaur slammed into the wall. Shattering it with a crumbling burst, debris rained down in the group in tiny pebbles. Dust cleared to reveal that Tani was correct! An opening onto a proper path was revealed.

"Let's go go go," Tani waved, ignoring Luffy's panting breaths, the energy he used up for gear 2nd already draining him. They could find food later.

She didn't want to risk running into the kitchen. Already aware of who was waiting outside it.

There was one threat on this level that Tani couldn't keep off her mind.

The warden of this prison, Magellan. A man made of poison, so toxic it could kill a regular man in seconds.

In the original time line, he kicked Luffy's ass. Poisoning Luffy until he was drowning in the stuff. It's a miracle that Luffy survived at all (thanks to the help of Ivankov, and protagonist plot armour) but the damage was done. Luffy wasn't able to handle the extreme conditions of Marineford.

Apparently he lost approximately ten years of his life too, in the treatment process. Which Tani was not letting happen. She enjoyed her partner being alive, thank you very much.

The only benefit that would be lost, is Luffy's insane resistance to poisons. However, knowing Lu, he would manage to get poisoned enough to build up that immunity.

That same scream was let out again, this time a little bit louder.

"This way, we're getting closer." Tani coughed, the hot air made it difficult to breath. The boiling cauldron that bubbled at the bottom of the whole level, filled the place with a thick, red steam that reeked of a metallic blood taste.

The flooring shifted from wood, to stone. Metal chains hanging from support beams. This had to be the bridge. Which means Trip already made it this far, without any help.

How did she not get lost? Her navigation skills must be on the same level as Nami!

"Oh more! More!" a gasping woman begged. Her screams ringing out around the whole area. Tani blinked at that.

What the fu-

"Piss off," Trip snarled. Her voice raspy and weak. The small group picked up the pace.

"The pain feels so good~" the other woman moaned. Tani felt herself gagging at the... Interesting conversation. Bon's cheeks reddened with embarrassment, and Luffy was none the wiser.

"Where the hell are they?" Trip shouted. Somehow this command spurred the group on. There was desperation in her voice, it felt... Wrong.

Trip's bell shook with vigour, as if summoning Tani with everything she had.

"Almost there, Trip." Tani breathed out. Taking the lead, her sneakers scrapping on the blood soaked stone.

Just down this path, they were so close! Almost there!

The group burst from the path, landing atop a wide medieval bridge.

"Found you!" Tani shouted with victory, Trip stood at the entrance of level 5. Her form was dreadful, covered in thick bruises, cuts and wounds that weren't there before. Holding onto her was a woman in hot pink latex, enjoying the contact a little too much.

"Took you long enough," Trip smirked. The action seemed forced, with hints of aggravation. She was definitely off.

Wasting no time, the trio jumped onto the bridge, facing the Whitebeard pirate with grins on their faces. They started their sprint towards her-

"Hold it right there," an unknown voice bellowed, from the opposite end of the bridge.

The new voice was a deep one, which held authority and power. For a world so heated... Tani felt nothing but chills as realisation struck her in the brain like a hammer.

Magellan.

She didn't need to look over her shoulder to see him, she didn't need to know that he was at the other end of the large bridge that connected the entrance of the level to the exit.

The bridge that connected the group to their only chance at saving Ace.

All she knew, was Magellan was there, and needed to be avoided at all costs.

"Come here! Right now!" Trip screamed. Tani couldn't move, of all the times her body decided to stop-

Luffy scooped Tani into his arms, and bolted towards Trip. Bon Clay hot on their heels. Trip pushed the dominatrix off her with an elbow to the chest. The woman let out a pleasured whine, Trip didn't waste time feeling bother by the sound.

A foul smell filled the room, a slimy squelching followed. Tani gave a quick glance towards the warden, withholding her gasp at the sight.

The man was massive, at least three times larger than Luffy. His appearance was ghoulish, leaning towards a vampire bat in style. Wide in the shoulders and chest, with smaller legs.

Oh and he was completely covered in a purple substance, that was forming into a large gloppy mound behind him.

"Hurry up! Hurry up!" Trip begged. "I'm not doing this again!" she sprinted, there was a clear limp in her left leg, yet she pushed on.

"I will not allow you meddling children to tarnish the name of-"

"Shut up!" Trip shrieked. "I've heard that speech so many God. Damn. Times." she didn't stop running, this bridge was too long. "I couldn't give any less of a SHIT! About this prison. So piss off!"

The snap of the woman silenced the warden. He'd dealt with snarky prisoners, desperate ones too. Yet none had ever rendered him speechless. This woman was off, unhinged with the intent to bring bloody murder, or die trying.

She was dangerous, not only to those who dared to go against her... But to herself as well.

Magellan shook his head, now's not the time to reflect. She wasn't going to live for much longer, not if he had any say in it.

"Hydra," he summoned, three massive dragon like heads formed from the poison behind him. "Finish them," he sighed, pointing towards the fleeing group. The beasts roared to life, charging forward, drowning everything in their path with the deadly poison.

Five.

Trip stumbled, her left leg slipping under the weight of her body. She slammed into the ground, screaming bloody murder as blood dribbled from a newly opened wound.

Four.

Trip crawled onward, her nails slick with red. Tears streamed from her frustrated faces. The sight was ungodly, watching this woman who previously took on the world with a smirk... What happened to her?

Bon Clay couldn't stand to see such a sight, and practically flew towards her. Long strides covering the distance that Luffy and Tani couldn't.

Three.

The okama scooped the injured girl into his arms, the woman's breathing was laboured. Yet a blazing fury burned in her eyes.

"Get me to Luffy now!" she barked. Bon gave her a nod, running towards the ever approaching straw hat.

Two.

The hydra grew closer. Tani felt sick just smelling the vile poison. She clung to Luffy tighter, terrified of what even a drop of the stuff would do to them.

One.

Bon collided into the pair, Trip let out a cackling laugh. Victorious in its delivery. The hydra was a breath away.

Zero.

"Bye bye bitch!" Trip cried. Lifting her hand, fingers prepared to click.

The Hydra let out a roar, spitting blobs of poison towards the group.

*click*

The world went black.

...

A blinding white, followed by a complete 180° from the blazing hell scape that was level 4, was what greeted the small group.

Tani looked up at Luffy, the boy's breath danced in a mist, cheeks and nose a bright red from the biting cold. His arms remained warm, Tani couldn't help but lean into the touch.

"Oh my!" Bon cried out in shock, holding out the girl who slumped in his arms. All eyes turned to find-

"Shit! She was hit," Tani gasped. Staring at the smallish globs of poison that dripped off the injured girls torso, exposed skin turning an unhealthy blackish-purple. Her eyes lazily blinked, unfocused and sluggish.

"What do we do?" Bon panicked, holding her close to his body. She was shivering violently, tears stained her cheeks. Garbled words escaping her mouth, the group ignored her incoherent rambling. Tani had an idea.

"Ivankov is on this level, I know he is. I just... I have no idea how to get to him." she admitted. "Oscar said? Something about an orange and white person. That showed up when Luffy was poisoned, instead of Trip." Tani recounted.

"So we need to find a mystery guy?" Luffy asked. Tani gave a nod, close enough.

"What are we waiting for? Let's find them," Bon stood up, clutching the woman as close as possible. Letting out a wince, the poisonous residue on Trip connected with his chest. A burning sensation clung to him.

Tani dropped out of Luffy's grasp, her feet sinking into the 12 inches of snow. The bare skin of her arms, burned in the chilly air. Why didn't she pack a jacket?

Frosty snow nipped viciously at the trio, their bodies huddling around Trip, in an attempt to keep her as warm as possible. Bon removed his shirt to add an extra layer of warmth to the suffering girl.

"Ivankov!" Tani would shout occasionally. Looking for any signs of the man? Oscar never mentioned what he looked like, only that he was a queen.

"Come out Ivan-Polka! Help our friend!" Luffy yelled along side Tani. Bon remained silent, paying attention to the surrounding areas. There was a forest to the left, and a cluster of prison cells to the right. The younger pair noticed this too.

"We can check out the cells over there?" Tani suggested, teeth clattering with every breath. The men gave a nod, turning towards that direction.

"Wa-" Trip hissed, the group froze, staring at the woman. She lifted a hand, finger pointing towards the forest with a weak shake.

Even when she's incapacitated, Trip manged to take the lead.

"She doesn't look like she's got much longer." Tani sighed, concerned as the inky black colour spread across the older woman's skin. "Where the hell is this guy..." she whispered to the wind.

They trekked through the forest, Tani's spine prickled. The trees had eyes...

Luffy noticed this unwelcome company, his fists balling up, ready to take a shot if anything snuck up on them. Tani wouldn't be at her best, not with this cold. Luffy needed to be ready to protect the whole group.

"Ivankov!" Tani called out again. The trees opened up to a clearing, the wide circle bearing nothing but snow, snow and more snow.

Tani couldn't feel her feet anymore, or her fingers. It hurt to move the little appendages, her arms weren't fairing much better. It really hurt... God she hated the cold.

Flashes of Drum island blurred through her mind, the avalanche, Luffy carrying her up the mountain with nothing but his sandals and teeth. The cold that ironically burned... She hated it.

She froze on the spot, a choir of snarling huffs surrounded them. The trees looked alive, glowing yellows appeared from the shadows. Well isn't that just swell.

Wolves, big wolves. Their teeth were sharp as knives, with claws that were just as deadly. Tani couldn't move her arms enough to grab her weapon.

The wolves stalked slowly, there was no rush when your prey were sitting ducks. Let the cold take their lives, why waste the energy. It made Tani mad to feel such a way, yet she still couldn't muster the strength to arm herself.

Luffy was not in the same boat. The second the wolves moved in, Luffy was on a war path. Nobody gets to eat his friends, they had important things to do.

"Ivankov!" Tani shouted again. Huddling close to Luffy and Bon, they barely generated enough warmth for the girl, but it was nice to be close to people she cared for.

"Iva-chan!" Bon called with Tani. The pair begged for rescue, Trip groaned in pain as the poison continued to work its way through her body.

A howl was let out, the wolves were tired of waiting. Luffy stood taller, fists ready to strike at any wolf that strayed to close to the vulnerable group.

"Ivankov!"

A wolf pounced, only to get socked in the muzzle. Launching it away from the group.

"Iva-chan!"

Another snarled, swiping at the rubber man. Who retaliated with an elbow to the wolves ribs.

"Ivankov!"

A wolf got too close, jaws ready to snap around Tani's leg. Luffy put an end to that, if the wolf shaped hole in the snow was any indication.

"Iva-" Tani coughed her words. A violent chill shook her body, breathing was painful, the cold causing her teeth to clatter.

Luffy's movements began to slow, the cold quickly cooling his limbs as they defended his friends. The wolves were fast, their thick coats preventing the cold from effecting their movements.

A wolf pounced. Slamming straight into Luffy, it's jaw clamping over his arm. The boy let out a hiss of pain, blood staining the snow a crimson red.

"Lu-ffy," Tani wheezed. Her eyes wanted to close, her skin burned, face going numb. Her eyes drifted from blurry to clear, setting themselves on the orange that approached from the trees.

She dropped into the snow, face first. Though she couldn't feel anything, having gone numb to the point of potential frost bite.

She clawed as hard as she could to her conscious brain. Wanting more than anything, not to have a repeat of Drum island. Not when Sanji or Nami weren't there for Luffy.

Not when he would be alone.

Another wolf bit down on Luffy, the captain snarled. His demeanor shifted, a shockwave of energy blasted from him. Just like with Duval's bull, or those people from the auction house. The wolves paused, frozen like statues, before their eyes rolled back and they dropped like flies.

Luffy fell limp, his blood leaking from both bite wounds. His eyes dazed with fatigue, he turned to star at Tani.

"Lu-ff-ff-ffy," she shivered. Trying with all her might to move her arm, to reach out and hold his hand. The boy could barely move himself, but he managed to lightly clasp around her hand. Smiling at her with everything he could muster.

Tani's eyes fluttered shut, her focus on the warmth that Luffy's hand provided. Paying no mind to the approaching foot steps that crunched in the snow.

...

If Tani had a dollar for everytime she woke up in this world with a headache, she would be worth more than the one piece.

She found herself in a hollowed out bunker room, with a single bed (which she was currently occupying) in the centre of the room. There was a door, no windows, and that's about it.

Had she been caught by the prison guards? This place kinda looked like solitary confinement, if the movies were anything to go by.

Tani lifted herself into a sitting position, her head swirled in a nauseating fashion. Both her arms reached up to grasp her forehead. That's when her eyes noticed something off...

She had sleeves on, as to be expected if she was caught by the prison guards. However, instead of black and white stripes, the sleeves were a warm yellow colour, made of a wooly material.

It was super! Warm.

Tani lifted the blanket off her, finding her clothes had been completely changed. Gone was the summer dress and sneakers. Now she was rocking a yellow cardigan, black turtleneck skivvy, and thigh length shorts. She found a nice pair of shoes on the ground, a pair of socks tucked neatly into the holes of each shoe.

Where did the prison get such homey clothes?

She'd get her answer soon, as the door to her room creaked open. A bizarre looking man, dressed in a doctors garb, if you gave it a drag queen aesthetic. Wandered into the room with a clip board and big grin. Tani gave a sluggish wave, unsure how to respond to such an unexpected arrival.

"Hello darling," he greeted, his voice pitched up slightly. "It's lovely to see you're awake dear." he cooed. Walking towards her, heels clicking as he approached. Tani gave a lazy nod, words still stuck in her throat.

"Do you mind if I give you a little check up?" he asked sweetly. Tani gave a nod, the doctor continued to smiley pleasantly at her. It was like getting a check up from Chopper, only less steps. Chopper always had extra things he wanted to test, thanks to her otherworldly properties.

The check up went without any issues. The doctor even complimented her healthy status, which felt nice.

"How's your head my dear? Are you feeling dizzy spells or nauseous?" he asked. Tani shook her head, the dizziness from earlier had subsided. The doctor clapped his hands happily.

"Wonderful my darling. Straw hat kid is gonna be elated at the news." he cheered. Tani perked up at that.

"Luffy's here?" she finally spoke. The doctor pointed outside the door.

"The kids been asking about you since he woke up. He's been worried sick about you." the doctor sighed dreamily.

"Can I go see him?" Tani asked. Already removing the blanket as if she knew the answer. The doctor held out an arm for her to hold.

"He's currently in the Newkama land club, he's been stress eating for half an hour now." he held a hand to his forehead. Tani snickered.

"That's Luffy for ya," she smiled. Holding the doctors offered arm, he walked slowly out of the room with her trailing by his side. Her legs still ached, but she couldn't complain. At least she still had legs.

A pulse rumbled the ground, a heart beat like hum. The distant sound of laughing, partying and merriment grew louder and louder with her step the girl made towards the club.

It's the most life Tani has felt in this godforsaken prison, and she absolutely loved it.

Bright lights, flashing in different colours, burst from the room ahead. Tani let go off the doctors arm, her pace picking up with a spring in each step. The doctor gave a giggle from behind her.

Tani entered the room, the lights, music and dancing was a little overwhelming. There was so much sound, it would take a moment to adjust-

"Who's this little doll?" a woman asked. The couple of people on her table turned to stare at Tani. Their gaze was curious, no hints of malice.

A few more people turned to stare, then some more, until the club had come to a halt. Staring at the newcomer with a welcoming curiosity.

"Tani!" came a familiar voice that she couldn't help but love. Her heart fluttered at the sound of incoming sandal slaps. Tani opened her arms, bracing her knees and stomach for the projectile that is-

"Luffy!" she cheered. The captain came barrelling towards her, the biggest grin she'd seen in a while, plastered on his face.

His hands stretched out and grabbed her by the shoulder, she didn't wobble at all when his feet left the ground, or when he flew towards her with the force of a bullet train.

She did topple over when he slammed into her, his arms looping around her tenfold. Luffy squeezed into her warm embrace, his face was all she could see.

"YouwouldntwakeupevenwhenItoldyoutoanditmademefeelbadthings!" he rambled. She managed to translate the garble of words.

"Sorry Lu," and she was. She should have tried harder to stay awake. "It won't happen again." she promised, hoping that it wasn't empty.

"You better not. I hate feeling bad." he huffed. Tani gave a soft chuckle before planting a quick kiss onto his cheek. The captains face dusted a rosy pink.

"Better?" she grinned. Luffy looked over the moon, he nodded. Accepting the apology.

"Nyo~ Tani! It's so good to see you awake again," Another familiar voice called out. Tani lifted her head to find Bon Clay prancing towrads her and Luffy. He was looking better, his prison uniform was still on. Odd? Since her and Luffy got new clothes.

Oh right, Luffy was wearing an orangey-yellow vest now. Not much of a change, but a change none the less.

"Bon Bon, it's great to see you too," Tani wheezed. Luffy was gonna be the death of her, if he didn't let up on the squishing.

"It appears the young lady has finally awoken." a woman said. Her hair was orange and white, matching her long coat.

"You're the one that saved us," Tani stated. The woman gave a nod, her expression was pleasant.

"It's lovely to see you alive and well." she answered. Tani wanted to say more, when the lights of the club started to dim. Except those on the stage. "Please take a seat," orange lady requested. Ushering the trio to sit at a vacant table, Luffy still being attached to Tani like a lovable leech.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and all you lovely little candies!" a powerful voice called from the stage, the red curtains shaking.

"Introducing, the man who created a queer paradise within the confines of hell. The queen of the okama dreamland that we've all been whisked away into. Give it up for our queen, the ever stunning-"

The curtain pulled open, and Tani couldn't stop herself from gasping at the sight.

"Emporio Ivankov!"

Ivankov stood before the crowd in nothing more than a fancy set of lingerie, the whole shebang. Fishnets, panties, barely covered chest. The addition of knee length, heeled boots, and gloves were the perfect addition to the whole get up.

He had a large purple Afro, the most dramatic make up Tani had ever seen... And all she could think to say was-

"Holy shit, it's Rocky horror picture show." she gasped with awe. Watching as Ivankov danced around merrily with a small crew of backup dancers. It was wild! Tani couldn't help but get swept into the motions of it, bobbing her head to the music, foot tapping with the beat.

A door burst open violently. A man with baggy clothes, a gruff expression, and a large gun strapped to his back came barrelling into the room with a yell in his throat.

"You shitty bastard!" he roared. Pointing towards Ivankov with burning hatred. "You're the creep that turned my father, the former ruler of our kingdom! Into a prissy little okama," the man accused.

"Oh come now," Ivankov dismissed, waving his hand in the intruders direction. "You came all this way, just to tell me that my work has been flawless." he gave the man a wink. "I'm flattered, you shouldn't have." he blew a kiss in the man's direction.

The man hissed with disgust.

"Piss off! I travelled through hell and back, just to find your shitty ass. To restore my families honour, because you're a weirdo creep! And tainted my father." the guy snarled. Ivankov shrugged.

The crowds whispered among one another... Then they burst into laughter. Hacking up a storm at the man's angered state.

He didn't like that very much.

In fact, he hated it so much, that he pulled the bazooka on his back, over his shoulder. Readying the shot.

"Oh sweetie, please be careful with that. If you fire it, it could kill me!" Iva panicked. Only to turn back at the man and wink cheekily. "Oh wait! You can't kill me," he beamed.

The man pressed fire on the gun. Nobody bothered to move to Iva's defence. They didn't need to.

He looked towards the missile and gave it a wink. The force of the wink being so powerful, that the bullet exploded from the force.

Amazing! But that's not all folks.

Ivankov decided to take it a step further. Jumping off the stage and prancing towards the man, who continued to fire off shots at the okama queen. Each shot being winked into oblivion.

"Darling dear, it appears you haven't yet opened your queer eyes to the possibilities of the okama way!" Ivankov's voice boomed. The intruder slowly backed away, eyes wide with impending fear.

Iva landed in front of him with a big, purple lipped grin. He lifted one of his hands, fingers pressed together with spiked nails. The man barely got a squeak out before Ivankov plunged his nails into the man's side.

Tani watched with mild horror, and fascination, as the man's body morphed. Face slimmed down, shoulders shrunk, chest enlarged, hips popped, legs lost their hair, skin smoothed.

"You have been reborn!" Ivankov announced, moving to reveal a woman in the man's place. "Your family now has two mothers, and a daughter. How wonderful!" Iva cooed. The reborn woman, held her baggy clothes over her much smaller frame. A teary anger present on her face as she fled the room with terror. Shouting profanity as she left.

The room burst into a fit of cheering and celebration. It was hard not to get swept away with the energy.

"Here in new Kamabakka! We are hereto transcend gender, heehaw!" he danced around happily.

"Is that Ivan polka?" Luffy pointed to the now dancing okama queen. Orange lady gave a nod. Luffy unwrapped his arms from Tani, and bound towards the Rocky horror look alike. Tani and Bon followed behind.

"Polka queen," Luffy pointed towards Ivankov, who turned in response to the short stack captain. "Where's Trip?" straight to the point.

"Trip?" Ivankov hummed in thought. A light bulb going off in his head. "The spunky little brat?" he asked. Luffy nodded. "Oh, she's recovering from the antidote hormones I gave her." he assured. The trio gave a sigh of relief.

The okama queen turned away from them, walking towards a corridor. He waved for them to follow, which they did without missing a beat.

"Her bodies reaction was quite fascinating. I've never seen someone like her." he recounted. "She spat out all of the poison from her mouth. Normally it would be expelled from the blood through the skin." Ivankov explained.

"It what?!" Tani gasped. "That would have killed her! Our bodies can't function without like... 30% of our blood missing." she explained, turning to Luffy with a scrunched face. "You guys are insane." Luffy laughed at her for that.

"Well, my assumptions aren't false then." Ivankov leaned down to level with Tani. "You and that spunky one, aren't from around here." he questioned. Tani opened her mouth-

"She's from another dimension! It's really cool and has all this stuff that we don't have. Like boats with wheels that drive on land! And-"

"Luffy," Tani hushed. The captain shut his trap, "Yes, Trip and I aren't from this world. Thanks to some crazy time and space magic stuff we don't understand." she shrugged. Ivankov gave a hum.

They stopped in front of a door. The sound of coughing and choking could be heard from behind it. Wet splats and pained gasps. It was cringe worthy.

"I'm coming in dear." Ivankov have a single knock before opening the door. A foul stench wafted from the room, toxic and purple. Tani clamped a hand over her nose, if she smelt more, she would puke.

Trip wasn't looking good at all. The colour from her skin was drained, a sickly white that made the bruises and marks on her skin stand out. Her mouth was slick with stained spit, as was the sleeve of her right arm, her prizes jacket having been replaced with a grey sweatshirt.

She looked like she'd been through hell and back, a hundred times.

"Sup," she groaned. Nobody was willing to approach her... Except Luffy.

"Are you better yet?" he asked. Trip looked at him with the biggest eye roll.

"I'm peachy, never felt better." her words dripped with sarcasm. If only Luffy knew that language.

"Awesome, we need to find Ace." he grabbed her by the arm and hoisted the girl onto her feet. "Let's go," he grinned. Trip gave a cough, purple goop dripped from her lips.

"Yeah, nah... Gimme a couple more minutes." she spat the goop to the side. Adding to the growing pile of purple.

"But we don't have that much time-"

"We have plenty of time. Trust me..." she gave of a tired sigh. "Ace is probably on his way to Marineford right now. Pops won't let him get killed." she assured, confident in her beliefs.

Luffy looked at her with surprise. She wasn't lying, he just knew she wasn't. So why? Why couldn't they just rush towards level 6 right now? And stop the marines from taking his brother away.

"Don't worry shithead," Trip gave him a weak pat to the back. "We'll save him... I'll make sure of it." her voice was dark, threatening to anyone who dared to oppose her.

Tank couldn't help but believe every word she said.

...

Trip was resting on Bon Clay's back, the girl was still recovering, but she felt well enough to "Get the hell outta this bitch".

"So are you gonna come with us?" Luffy asked Ivankov. The man gave a wave of the hand.

"Unfortunately not my dear. The world is far too chaotic right now, and I'm still waiting for the moment my leader gives the signal to strike." he replied. Trip gave a smirk.

"You talking about Monkey D. Dragon?" Luffy perked up at the name.

"Oh, you mean my dad." the captain questioned. Ivankov gave a nod.

"Yes yes, the honourable leader of the revolutionaries-"

A beat of silence.

"YOUR WHAT?!" he shrieked. Luffy pointed to himself.

"Monkey D. Dragon, that's my dad. At least that's what Gramps says." he shrugged. "I don't know him,"

Ivankov was completely taken aback, processing this new development. Dragon had never mentioned having a son, and no, Sabo doesn't count. Yet... The kids unbelievable strength, the presence of Conquers haki, his status as a supernova... That widows peak... Yeah that was definitely Dragons son.

"Where are you from? What sea?" Ivankov needed one last confirmation.

"East blue."

Bingo!

"Inazuma," Ivankov summoned. The orange and white... Man? Stepped forward. "Pack it up, we're helping Luffy-boy and his entourage." he declared. Luffy lit up like a Christmas light.

"Awesome!" he cheered.

"Anyone else who wants to join us, feel free to do so!" the okama queen offered. The power of his voice, boomed through the room. Leaving crowds of okama citizens cheering.

Floor 6 has no idea what they're in for.

...

The biting cold of level 5 wasn't as bad this time round. Fully rested and ready to take on the world, an army of okama, and one Monkey D. Luffy. The wolves had to think twice before charging the rowdy group.

"I see the stairs!" Tani called out. Pointing towards the large door, leading towards the next level.

Ivankov death winks that issue out of the way. Leaving a wide space for the okama army to enter. Luffy, Tani, Bon, Trip, Ivankov and Inazuma took the lead. Knocking out any prison guards that dared to get in their way.

They descended into the heart of darkness. This was the worst of the worst, societies most vile, violent, and evil criminals, all of them housed here.

They only needed to free two of them.

Crocodile, who would help them on their journey back up, and a fishman named Jinbe.

Luffy kicked the next door down, the steel slammed into the ground, echoing back from the barren room in front of them.

No hell fires, or tortuous cold. No thirst inducing deserts, or beast filled mazes.

This level was just darkness, with cells of all shapes and sizes. Nothing to do but rot away... Any pure evil prisoners worst nightmare.

"Ace?" Luffy called out. Knowing deep down that his brother wasn't there... But he could still hope.

No reply came back.

"He ain't here pal," Trip sighed.

Shackles rattled, the prisoners stirred at the new arrivals. This was the most entertainment they'd be getting for a while.

Tani instantly tuned them out, focusing on the task at hand.

"Where's Ace?" Luffy ran ahead. Tani followed behind him, holding her bat. Just in case the prisoners get too rowdy.

"Straw hat?" an oldish man's voice called. His voice in disbelief. Tani followed the sound, grabbing Luffy by the hand to lead him in the right direction.

Sitting in a lone cell, a large blue Fishman, with teeth poking up from his lower jaw. He was wearing an orange kimono? Is that what it's called? Or is that the girls one... Tani had no idea, and now wasn't the time to figure it out.

"Jinbe." Tani whispered to herself.

"You just missed him. He's already on his way to Marineford." Jinbe sighed. Luffy clenched his jaw, this was annoying!

"Then we've gotta go back up." Luffy said with renewed determination. Staring at the stairs they'd just arrived from. "Ace can't wait. I need to save him now." Luffy turned away from Jinbe, already charging towards the exit.

"Hold it!" Ivankov commanded. Luffy ground to a halt. "There an elevator just there, it'll be faster-"

"The elevator is trapped." Jinbe informed. A little too late, as Luffy bolted for the elevator, and found a wall of spikes falling from the ceiling.

The path to the stairs closed, a thick wall of steel covering their way out.

A hissing sound started up, Tani covered her ears in irritation. Something was flooding the room, a gas? She lifted her head, and sure enough. White mist filled the air, Tani held her breath.

Luffy didn't... He dropped to the ground, knocked out. Tani concluded that it was a sleeping gas.

Inazuma jumped into action, his hands growing and shifting into a silver, scissor like form.

Gracefully, he glided along the ground. Hands snipping at the stone floor, as if it were made of paper. He then grabbed the tips of the ground strips, and flicked them upwards. The slabs covered the hole that was producing the gas. He turned to them with a small bow.

So cool!

"Ahahahah," came an, oh so familiar laugh. "If it's a hole in the ceiling you need, I'd be more than happy to assist." the man offered.

Crocodile. Sitting on the ground with his prison uniform in tatters.

"Hey! You're the jerk that made Vivi cry." Luffy huffed. When did he wake up?! "Like hell I'm letting you out." he glared. Croc gave a chuckle.

"I'm not looking to take over that country anymore." he gave Luffy a bored look. "My goal is to get the hell outta here, and challenge Whitebeard."

"He's telling the truth. Shitty sandbag." Trip confirmed. "Let him out, we need him if we wanna break out of this shit hole," she waved a hand.

"What if he betrays us?" Tani fretted. She knew he wouldn't, but she needed-

"Oh he won't." Ivankov waltzed over. Crocodile gave the okama a concerned look. "Because I know a big ol' secret that Croco-boy would very much like to keep under wraps," he winked at the sandman. Croc gave the okama a death glare.

"Shut up, I won't betray you lot." he swore. Inazuma cut the cell bars, and handcuffs off. Letting the former warlord free.

A choir of voices called for the same treatment. Wanting freedom, promising not to betray them (their lies were so obvious, even Luffy could tell) begging for their shackles to be broken.

"Let me free!" Jinbe's voice called over top the no faces. Luffy took one look at him, and nodded.

"Ok," he grinned. Inazuma freed the Fishman man with ease.

"That's everyone we need," Trip confirmed. Lazily pointing towards the roof. "Let's hurry up! It smells like shit in here."

With everyone geared up (honestly how did Crocodile get his pimp attire back?) the group was ready to raise hell.

Only a few more hours until Ace was scheduled for execution.

They had one shot at this. Let's make it count.

(A/N: hey everyone! Friendly neighbourhood puff-gremlin here! Thanks for your patience. A lot has happened this week :D

Firstly! My state has pretty much opened up again, so the cafe I work at has been booming with customers! I've been so busy serving people that I just haven't had the time to write.

Secondly! Today is the last day that I'll be a teenager :0c it's my 20th birthday tomorrow (October 31st) so I've been distracted with planning stuff for that day. How crazy is that? So that's cool I guess hegehehge.

Thank you all for waiting so patiently, I've been working as hard as I can on the chapter. My mental health has recovered quite a bit, and I have you all to thank for that! Honestly what would I ever do without you guys!!! I love you all so much, and can't wait to post again! Smooches!!!)