(Art by my bestest friend in the whole world! Deckbird! He's not very active on social media right now, so I'll update this with a link to his work when I have that info;3)

Silence.

Tani wandered the empty black void of her mind. How long has she been here? It feels like an eternity.

Images of Luffy's terrified face haunt her. The picking off of her crew, one by one, they vanished leaving nothing more than squashed grass.

She felt lost.

This wasn't what death felt like was it? She hoped not. This is boring, and lonely. Tani wanted to see the Sunny again, sail on the ship with her crew at least one more time.

Was the crew even alive?

Tani sat down in the darkness, curling into a ball and whispering to herself.

"This is all gonna be fine." she chanted, over and over, and over.

"We're all going to survive, and fond each other again." she promised herself.

"Everything will turn out just fine." Tani sobbed. Fat teats rolling down her cheeks as she clenched at her legs.

"Don't cry," she scolded herself. "Luffy would call you dumb for crying." yet the tears kept rolling.

...

"...-ke up,"

*tap tap*

"Ta-... Wak-... up,"

*clap clap*

"TANI! GET YOUR ASS UP NOW!"

Tani felt a slap to her cheek, the girl hissed with pain, grabbing the heated skin and rubbing the pain away. Her gaze focused on two figures, the smaller of which was telling the taller one off.

"You can't just hit people," the shorter one scolded. The taller huffed.

"Works on Ace, that bastard sleeps like a rock." the taller... Woman? Said.

"I know! That doesn't mean you can slap others." the shorter one spoke.

Tani opened her eyes, only to shut them quickly because of the midday sunshine. Easing herself into waking up, stretching and groaning at the ache of her body.

"Woah woah woah. Slow down," Tani felt a hand on her back, rubbing at it. "You've been sleeping for three days. You gotta take it slow,"

Tani opened her eyes, focusing on the faces of her company.

"Oscar?" the yawned. Staring at the marine cadet, who waved back at her.

"It's been a while," they grinned. "How are you?" they asked... Though their face said they knew exactly what she felt.

"Hurts." Tani motioned to her everything.

"Welcome to the club pal," the other voice groaned. Tani looked at her.

Dirty blonde hair tied in a messy bun on top of her head, with strands sticking out. A scowl on her face, arms crossed over her bikini clad torso, jacket on her shoulders doing nothing to hide her body.

"Trip?" Tani coughed. The girl softened her gaze at the sight of the younger girl.

"Nice to see ya again. Even if the circumstances are shit." the Whitebeard pirate greeted.

If Trip was here... Then-

"Where's Ace?" she asked. Causing Trip to scowl harder, gripping so hard at her arms that her long nails clipped the skin.

"The idiot numbskull pea brain! Thought it would be a wonderful idea to engage in combat with Teach! All by himself." she yelled. Shocking both present.

"Ace is being held in Impel down. It's this maximum security prison built underwater." Oscar explained. "We have about two days before Ace is publicly executed." they stated.

"Where are my crew? You would know right?" Tani asked. The Ace information going over her head, she needed to know her crew was alright.

"Everyone is just fine, I promise." Oscar assured. "We'll even get to see Luffy if the plan goes right."

What plan?

"Maybe start making sense dipstick. The brat looks like she's just been asked so solve an algebra equation," Trip snapped. Oscar rubbed their neck sheepishly, turning to Tani.

"I'll bring you up to speed."

Oscar explained what happened on Sabaody, how everyone has been split up, and sent to the perfect locations for training in their field of expertise. They explained how Luffy was on an island full of women, that would later aid him in his quest to save Ace from being executed.

They explained the prison break, how it was layered like Dante's inferno. Each level being worse than the last. Oscar warned of the prison warden made of poison. How he almost kills Luffy, until Bon Clay! Rescues the captain and brings him to safety. That safety being the "Queer queen that rules the Okama!" Oscar exclaimed excitedly.

Oscar described the brutal war that occurred after the prison break. Luffy struggling to make his way towards the only living brother he had left. The near victory. The lava wielding marine admiral...

The death of Portgas D. Ace, who died with a hole in his chest, protecting the brother he loved so dearly. Thanking the world for loving him.

"A fate that we're going to change!" Trip declared. Oscar nodded.

"Ace is like my third favourite character. He dies way too soon." Oscar gushed. "So, what's the harm in changing things up?" they grinned. Trip took on a devilish smirk of her own.

"The navy won't know what hit them." she snarled. Tani and Oscar exchanged a look.

Trip was down right terrifying.

"So... What can I do to help?"

"Here's the plan!" Oscar grinned. Like they've been preparing for this moment their whole life.

...

The plan was anything but simple. Oscar having whipped out, what Tani would describe as a mad mans' conspiracy theory white board. The kind that have the red strings attached to everything.

"Here's the dealio." Oscar started, holding their hands up to quell the odd expressions that both girls before them made. "We only have one shot at getting this right, and I want to have the best possible outcome."

"No shit Sherlock, hurry up and explain this red string bullshit." the ill-tempered woman huffed.

"Getting there. First you need to understand this magic thing I have." oh, Oscar had powers too? Awesome!

"TLDR, I have future vision." Oscar blurted, "It's like Garnet from Steven universe, only I get a bunch of maths percentages for what version of the time line we will get-"

"Who's Garnet?" Tani asked. Trip rolled her eyes.

"She's from this cartoon about-"

"Oscar! The future vision stuff," Trip snapped. The marine shrunk back, sheepishly grinning.

"Right, sorry." they apologized, "Anyway! I have a bunch of different scenarios that could play out, depending on certain events." Oscar rambled, "There's like a butterfly effect thing, and all different events makes the time line change! To be totally honest there's like a hundred different ways this can go, but my head likes to focus on the ten most likely ways this will turn out-" Trip interrupted the mumbling marine.

"Buddy, pal, you're not making a lick of sense. A four year old explaining the plot of Inception would do a better job than you."

"What's Inception?"

Oscar opened their mouth to explain, when Trip walked over and slapped a hand over their mouth. Oscar struggled against the hold, but Trip kept a hold.

"Now, future vision is basically you saying. "I can see all alternate versions of the timeline, but mainly the versions that are more likely to happen,". Am I correct?" Trip asked slowly. Oscar nodded.

"So you're trying to explain what route we should aim for, to get the best outcome?" Tani chimed in. Oscar nodded again. Trip let out a sigh of relief, finally having got somewhere. She dropped Oscar, who took a dramatic inhale of air. Coughing with just as much over exaggeration.

"Is the route we're on now, the best one?" Tani asked. Looking at the board. The red strings made no sense at all. There was a couple sticky notes with percentages on them, a cut out picture of a persons face next to each one.

Tani was there. The number 3% next to her head.

"At the moment, we're on route to the third most ideal outcome. Which would leave Trip with severe burns all over her body, Tani would be with Luffy when escaping on Law's ship-"

"Law's gonna be there?" Tani gawked. Oscar held a hand up, to silence her.

"This route means Luffy won't get that scar on his chest, and Jinbe doesn't join Luffy's crew later. Luffy also ends up having the time skip-"

"Oscar, you're rambling again..." Trip slapped her forehead. "What do we need to do for the best outcome?" this rambling was grating on the older woman's nerves.

"I'm getting there!" Oscar snapped, quickly apologizing. "First. You two need to get captured, and sent to Impel down at the same time as Luffy and Boa-" Tani lifted her hand, "Tani don't ask who Boa is, we have a tight schedule," Tani lowered her hand.

"Next, Trip you can't go any higher than 76. Trust me, anything after that will lock us out of an Ace survives ending." the girl gave a smirk. Oscar started talking again before Trip could get a word out.

"Next! Crocodile, Jinbe, Ivankov and Mr 3, must be with you guys on the escape boat. They're important for the survival of Luffy and Ace." those names sound... Hold on!

"Crocodile?! The hook hand guy made of sand?" Tani yelled. Oscar rolled their eyes.

"Questions at the end," they zipped their mouth shut. Tani gave a grumpy pout.

"Finally! Marco can't get cuffed. This is important, if he's cuffed with seastone. It's game over." Oscar inhaled deeply. Deflating like a balloon.

"Any questions?"

Yeah...

"WHAT THE HELL DOES ANY OF THAT MEAN?!"

...

A day had passed. Tani and Trip looked roughed up, hands tied down with 'seastone' cuffs. Oscar stood by the islands dock, both girls having been 'captured'. A marine ship approached, about five minutes away.

"Remember the plan," Oscar winked. Tani winked back, while Trip smirked.

"They won't know what hit them." Trip looked down right terrifying. Tani kept the number 3% in her mind.

That was her survival rate.

Oscar had written out the fatality rates for anyone notable in the war.

Trip was 27%

Luffy had a rate of 30%

Ace... Ace was 75%

Oscar warned that these rates can fluctuate, depending on small factors. Though Tani didn't need to worry too much. The odds of hers rising was so small, it might as well be considered nonexistent.

Which is why Tani was going to keep it in mind...

A horn rang out, signally the arrival of the ship. The gangplank dropped, a tall woman with green hair walked out, her coat signified her status as captain of the ship.

"Cadet Oscar, ma'am." Oscar saluted, the woman waved Oscar off. Her face was soft when addressing the young cadet.

"At ease my dear." she beamed. "My, my. You must be so shaken from such an awful fight against those nasty pirates." she coddled. Tani got 'doting mother' vibes from her.

"Not at all ma'am," Oscar grinned back. "They're both pretty weak, even if they're scarily intelligent." Oscar reported. The captain turned to look at them, her soft eyes hardened with distaste.

"You ladies should be ashamed of yourselves. Up you get," she grabbed them both by the arm and hauled them forward. Oscar tailing behind.

The girls were tossed into a small cell, the door locked with a rattling clank. The green haired woman continued to glare at them as she left the room, the sound of her doting voice could be heard from behind the door.

It would be a while until they're transferred over.

Trip leaned her head against the cold metal wall, squirming until her body was comfortable enough to take a nap.

She looked so calm, and certain of herself. Nothing phased her, not even the chances of death knocking at the door.

Tani kept her thoughts on her crew.

Oscar described every island to her, from Zoro showing up on the Gothic gloomscape that was Mihawk's home. To the weather wonderland that Nami was exploring.

Each island was perfectly crafted to fit the needs of all her crew mates.

It was still... Painful to think that she wouldn't be allowed to see any of them for two years.

Oscar made it very clear that Luffy needed to agree to a two year training break. Otherwise the crew had no chance of surviving the new world.

She wasn't allowed to train with Luffy either.

The optimal outcome was for Tani to train with Boa Hancock on the island of Amazon lily.

There was so much confusion. Time manipulation is confusing. Tani dropped her head against the wall, taking a page from Trip's book. Closing her eyes, sleep would be difficult to grasp.

...

Tani woke up in a throne room, red coated the white stone walls and floors. The throne was surrounded by red drapes, held back by golden strings. The throne itself held many plush cushions, perfect for anyone laying about while ruling their kingdom.

The doors burst open, a tall woman strut into the room like she owned the joint. Maybe she was the queen?

"Snake princess, listen to me! You can't let this man-"

"Shut up old hag," the taller woman snarled at the very tiny old lady. "Luffy is the love of my life. He's so considerate and kind." the woman swooned. Tani let out a snicker.

Sure Luffy could be kind, but considerate? The bastard did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Not giving a damn about others opinions.

Tani did understand the whole falling hard for Luffy thing though. This princess had good tastes.

"But he's a man! Men aren't welcome in our kingdom-"

"My kingdom! Why are you still in here? Get out, you're making me uglier just looking at you." the princess looked away, walking towards her throne and flopping into it. The old lady gave a sigh, but did as asked. Leaving the room-

Until Luffy slammed the doors open, the swinging wood slamming right into the little old lady. She went flying backwards, zooming out the open window. Tani ran in that direction, watching as the old lady disappeared into the streets below.

Hope she's still alive...

"Hammock!"

"Yes Luffy," the princess swooned, her cheeks a bright pink. "What can I do for you?" she fluttered towards him. Luffy remained completely neutral to her charms.

"I need to get off this island now," he stated. The princess gave a pout.

"Why? Have I not given you enough food? Or is it the rooms aren't comfortable enough? What can I do to make your life here better?" she sounded desperate. Luffy shook his head.

"I need to rescue Ace from Impel down." he said with an air of seriousness. The princess looked shocked.

"Ace? Oh that's awful! I'll help you in any way I-"

"Boa Hancock!" the old lady from moment ago returned. Bandaged up and hobbling. "You can't just break into a maximum security prison," the little lady scolded. Boa gave a pout.

So that's Boa. Man, is she stunning. Hourglass figure with legs that rivalled Sanji.

"But I wanna make Luffy happy. Stupid old bag," Boa hissed. Grabbing Luffy by the head and cuddling him into her massive chest. Luffy looked completely unfazed by this, turning his attention to the old lady.

"Why not? It's very important that I save Ace before he's executed." Luffy pushed Boa off his face, the woman looked like a cherry with how bright her skin had shifted. Tani decided to take a look at Luffy.

He was wearing a light blue vest, rather than the dark blue he had in Sabaody. His skin was a little roughed up, other than that he looked perfectly fine. Thank the stars.

"Ace? I saw that young man in the newspaper. He's on Whitebeard's crew." the old lady said. Luffy nodded.

"He's my only brother left... I need to save him. He promised he wouldn't die." Luffy stood firm, holding back the shake in his voice. Tani noticed right away, a frown gracing her face.

If she could hug him, she would... Might as well give it a go.

She wrapped her arms around him, surprised when she didn't phase through him. He didn't react though, probably not feeling it. She didn't mind, it made her feel better.

"Please." Luffy gave a bow. Boa fluttered her hands to her face, unable to contain her affections for Luffy.

"Luffy." Boa sighed. Her eyes full of love and admiration. "I will do whatever I can to get you to your brother. You have my word." she promised. Holding Luffy's hands in her own. Luffy gave her a sunshine smile.

"Thank you!" he cheered. Pulling his hands away from her to jump around.

Tani couldn't help but cheer with him.

They'd meet again soon.
...

"Wake up," Tani was broken from the dream. Trip was sitting by the jail bars, a plate with bread rolls on it, sat in front of her.

"O' oll ah bis-in ood I' 'ad, is is ah bes'." Trip grinned around the bread in her cheeks. Whatever that meant...

Tani shuffled towards the plate that was slid towards her. It was covered in warm breads, looking more like a bakery display case. Not that she was complaining, she grabbed a warm roll. Biting down on it, the flavour was buttery. It felt homey, the last word you'd ever associate with a prison.

"I'm just checking on the prisoners ma'am," came a familiar voice. The clicking of shoes on metal approached the door.

Oscar opened the door with a smile.

"Only a few more hours until the hand over. It'll be happening at about 3pm today. So get yourselves ready." they informed. Trip gave a thumbs up, still shoving bread into her cheeks.

"Rest easy. We've got a big day ahead." Oscar said with as much enthusiasm as possible. Tani couldn't help but feel motivated.

It didn't take long for 3pm to roll around. The ships horn went off, followed by another horn from further away. Tani couldn't keep the grin from clawing it's way onto her face.

Luffy's on that ship. Hiding under Boa's coat.

The cage door opened, the marine captain stood there with her intimidating face. Oscar standing by her side, giving them a thumbs up while the captain lectured them about what was happening.

Tani and Trip were hoisted up, not as roughly as expected. Oscar holding onto Tani, while Trip was held by the much stronger marine captain.

They walked onto the deck, the sky bright and cloudless. Fresh air that smelt strongly of the salty ocean. Tani would never get sick of that homey feeling.

Standing on the other boat, was a tall man. He had a purple look to his hair and skin, so Tani named him captain purple. Beside him was the princess from Tani's dream, Boa Hancock.

Oscar looked excited to see her, the lad was vibrating at the sight of her gorgeous black hair that danced with the physics of a shampoo commercial. The long cloak she wore covered her hourglass figure, she held onto the edges, so as to stop it from flying open.

Luffy had to be under there. Tani just knew it.

"Hurry up," a marine pushed Tani onto the gangplank that connected the two boats. Leaving Oscar behind with the green haired captain. This was where they parted, fated to meet again on the battle field... If the plan didn't go to shit first.

"Hands off the goods pal," Trip snarled. Snapping her teeth at the unfortunate marine that pushed her on the back.

"This is Portgas' partner?" purple captain raised a brow. Trip gave a smug grin.

"The one and only."

"And this is?" he motioned to Tani. The girl remained silent, if Luffy hears her. The odds of him getting caught would sky rocket.

"This little lady is silent bell, you've probably seen her bounty poster." Trip spoke casually. "Not much of a talker, it's in the name." man she was good at this.

"Who are these two?" Boa asked with a demanding voice. Down right dominating the scene. The captain let out a tired sigh, clearly sick of this woman's existence.

"These would be the prisoners we were asked to collect on our way to Impel down." he motioned towards the women. "They're special cases, needed to be dealt with after the war." he explained vaguely. Boa gave them a sceptical look, focusing specifically on Tani.

It felt like she was being tore down, atom by atom. She gave a smile towards the woman, a silent thank you for keeping her captain safe. Boa let up her gaze, nodding with an air of respect.

Boa knew of this one. Her precious Luffy wouldn't stop talking of his crew, but this one. Miss Tanisha Lowe, was the one he spoke of the most. The mention of her name from the marines, caused Luffy to tighten his hold on the princesses waist.

"I wish for these women to be brought to my quarters for dinner." Boa demanded, many men dropped to their knees, practically drooling over the pirate princess. The captain let out another sigh.

"These women are prisoners. You're not of the authority to make such demands." Purple challenged. Boa stood taller, her heels clacking on the wood.

"I've made my demand. If these young women aren't within my quarters for dinner. I will reduce your crew to nothing but pebbles." Boa snarled, leaning away from the captain. Disdain on her face.

"If it'll keep you satisfied, than fine. However their restraints don't come off." he replied. Boa huffed, but agreed to the terms.

"Take them to the holding cells." Purple commanded. Marine soldiers pushed the girls in the opposite direction of Boa and Luffy.

...

Dinner rolled around slowly, Tani barely contained her excitement as a guard showed up to take her there.

Two guards muttered to themselves, sharing grievances over Boa's indifference towards them.

A couple marines walked into the room ahead, hauling mountains of food for the princess (and her unknown guest). After they all left, Tani and Trip were escorted in. The two guards standing beside the door, inside the room.

Boa immediately kicked them out... Literally, her legs swooping in and handlebaring them out the door. She waltzed over to the entrance and shouted at all the marines within range.

Tani and Trip snickered as the men who gathered around the room, scattered. Fearful of the power that Boa held.

Once the coast was clear, Boa slammed the doors shut. Clicking her fingers, a huge snake, scales a patchy red and white. Slithered towards the door, standing guard with a hiss in its throat.

"Oi... Hammock, can I let go now?" Luffy whispered. Hancock gave a smile, lifting the robe to reveal the rubber man. He couldn't stop the smile from stretching his cheeks.

"Ta-" he moved to shout, though cut himself off when everyone on the room held a finger over their mouths with a hushing sound. "-ni," he whispered. Dropping to the ground and rushing towards the girl.

Tani dropped the cuffs from her hands, they were fakes after all. She spread her arms open, ready to receive the cannonball that is Luffy.

He collided with her, knocking the wind from her lungs. She managed to stumble backwards, but not topple. A new skill she'd learnt from months of projectile Luffy hugs. The captain rubbed his cheek into Tani's face, smothering her with as much contact as he could give. Arms and legs looping around her torso, tenfold.

"I'm so glad you're safe," Tani sighed happily, her eyes growing teary as she clung onto Luffy with everything she could. Not that it would hurt him, if anything, Luffy enjoyed all the squishing he could get.

"It was so lonely without you guys," Luffy mumbled. Tani rubbed small circles on his back. "Everyone disappeared, and I was all alone." he gripped tighter, Tani wheezed.

"Lu-ffy..." she coughed. The captain looked up at her strained face, loosening just a bit. Tani inhaled as much air as she could. "Ok, I'm good now." Luffy squished her again.

Boa sighed happily, watching how happy Luffy looked. Adorable! Her heart was fit to burst. Of course, she would much prefer to imagine her being held in Luffy's arms. This Tani peasant will suffice.

Trip cleared her throat, Luffy and Tani turned to face her. The girl pointed at the plush couch at the centre of the room.

"Aight, ladies and Luffy. We've got shit to discuss." Trip summoned, walking towards the seat and lounging over as much of it as she could possibly take up. "I've got a date with death, and I ain't planning on putting out." Trip remarked, a crude smirk on her cheeks.

The statement flew right over Luffy's head.

"Right, there's been a slight change in our prison break out plans." Tani grinned at Luffy. His eyes widening with surprise.

"You're saying you purposely got yourselves caught?" Boa questioned. Tani nodded.

"Oscar, a marine ally of ours. They helped plan for our attempt to break Ace out of prison." Tani explained. Luffy gave a happy cheer.

"What are the odds that our paths would intercept." Boa pondered. Trip let out a bark of laughter.

"Impossibly high. Marine brat has future magic, or some bullshit like that. Has a huge plan for giving us the best outcome for the war ahead." Trip grinned.

"Future... Magic..." Luffy pondered the words, his ears going red while he thought about the concept. Only for his face to break out into a smile, "It's a mystery magic," he declared. Tani giggled, classic Luffy.

"Whatever he said," Trip pointed to Luffy, before sitting up. A feral expression of excitement on her face.

"We've got one hell timeline to destroy."

...

Luffy and Boa listened to the story. Well... Boa listened, Luffy didn't make any attempt pretend to pay attention, preferring to shovel as much food into his face as possible.

Until the mention of Ace's death, which caught Luffy completely off guard.

His clueless expression darkened, smile fallen and hands clenching tight.

How could that possibility even exist? Ace can't die... He promised.

Trip moved on to a different subject.

"This outcome, if it doesn't go to shit. Which it probably will," Trip twirled a fork on her finger. "Means Ace doesn't die, Luffy does all the stuff we can't mention because the straw hat bastard doesn't like spoilers. I get to punch marine piss bags in the face, and everyone lives happily ever after."

The room remained silent, the information sinking into the brains of Luffy and Boa.

"It's a lot to take in, but Trip and I can handle it. Just listen to what we say, and everyone gets-"

"That ruins the adventure." Luffy gave a pout. Tani had a feeling this would happen, even without Oscar predicting it.

"Oi, dodge ball brain. This is more than your little pirate adventure." Trip barked. Hopping off the couch, stalking towards the young man. "Ace died the last time this happened. I don't give two flying shits about your mystery adventure, if it means I can get my partner out of this hell. He's already been through the wringer enough." Trip grabbed Luffy by the front of his vest, "You would know." she huffed.

"Trip-"

"Unhand him right now," Boa sneered. Her leg bouncing in anticipation. Trip dropped Luffy, keeping her gaze on the man.

"We kept the information about you and your future a secret. Be grateful for that." with that, Trip wandered back to the couch. Tani placed a hand on Luffy's shoulder.

"I'm sorry..." she pulled him into a side hug. Luffy leaned into the touch, his brain still processing the information.

A knock at the door rang out through the room.

Their time was up.

Luffy looked at Tani with large eyes, just as reluctant to let go as she was. Boa pulled her robe back on, Trip tossed a pair of the 'seastone' cuffs at Tani.

"We'll meet again," she assured. Luffy gave a small nod, very slowly letting go of the girl he desperately wanted to keep holding.

"Don't like this." Luffy murmured, hiding his face in her neck. Tani gave a sad chuckle.

"I don't like this either..." she sighed, prying Luffy off her body, with great effort. He looked pained, watching as she slid her hands into the cuffs.

"Come, Luffy." Boa requested nicely. Her face soft as Luffy slowly wrapped himself around her torso. Her robe dropped, Luffy disappearing from sight.

"You may enter," Boa called to the marines that had come to collect the prisoners. The men let themselves into the room, taking their sweet time (gawking at the sheer beauty of the snake princess). She paid them no mind.

"The company of capable women is a welcome one. This ship is drowning in male filth." Boa bid the women farewell. Tani gave a silent nod, while Trip remarked about how great the dinner was.

Tani could feel Luffy's eyes baring on her as the door slowly shut between them.

The temptation to come running, it hurt her heart to leave him alone. Luckily Boa was good company, a little clingy and quite the push over when it came to Luffy's happiness.

Tani could trust him in her care.

...

The ship came to a halt. The nervous pit in Tani's stomach made her want to throw up.

They'd arrived at around 9pm. Leaving them with about 15 hours until Ace was set to be executed.

Boa was lead off the ship first, escorted by many marines. Her robe held tight to her body.

Trip and Tani were ushered behind the snake princess, who requested they enter the prison together. Something about a womanhood bond, captain Purple wasn't in the mood to argue.

The medieval draw bridge opened to reveal... One of the ugliest looking men Tani and ever seen. Maybe he's a nice guy, but what the hell is he wearing? Some Egyptian god of death costume gone wrong. Tani looked away, for fear of making a scene.

"Boa Hancock, please proceed into this room. We must ensure that no unauthorised items are being brought on to the premises." the blonde lady with sunglasses requested politely. Tani didn't miss the pink dusting on her cheeks.

"Oi, you lot." the Egyptian god guy barked. Holding onto the bags that contained both girls belongings. "This way, for inspection." he motioned. Tani gave a shiver, the thought of some... Guy. Running a body search on her.

Bleh.

Trip practically skipped towards the door, Tani approached with less enthusiasm.

This next step was very delicate.

The door closed behind them, leaving them in an empty room. No female officers in sight.

Gross...

"Remove your clothes please," the guy instructed. Trip gave a big ol' grin.

"Aw, aren't ya jumping the gun there pal? At least take me on a date first." she teased. Already shrugging her jacket off, the cloth stopping at the cuffs. "Heyo, buddy. A little help here. Kinda need my hands for this."

The guy gave a sheepish expression, Tani kept away from his line of sight. Sliding her hands out of the cuffs. Trip whistled loudly, covering the sound of Tani's shuffling feet.

The darker girl slid towards her bat, still wrapped up nicely in its bag. The guy had no idea what was about it hit him... Literally.

*click*

"Thanks there pal," Trip grinned. Her eyes meeting Tani's as the girl kept into the air, bat at the peak of its swing. "You deserve a break," she winked.

*clonk*

"Maybe a nap will do." The older woman snickered. As the man wobbled on the spot, eye lids fluttering until he dropped to the ground. Knocked out for... Oscar said it would be 30 minutes at least.

"Grab your shit," Trip instructed. Grabbing her carry on bag, pulling out a belt with a knife holster.

It was the same one Ace had.

Tani tossed her bag onto her shoulders, with her bats bag being underneath that.

"Ready to turn this place on its head?" Trip grinned. Oozing an air of confidence, that Tani could never imagine having herself. The other woman held put her hand.

"Let's do this," Tani grabbed the offered hand. Their fingers interlocked.

"Follow my lead,"

"Hop"

"Step"

"Jump!"

The girls vanished into thin air.

Operation: Save Ace. Now in progress!

(A/N: Jesus Christ this chapter is a lot of exposition and talking! Sorry if that makes it a slog to read. It's just tricky finding that balance of too much and not enough information. Was it too confusing? Feel free to ask questions! I can fix the chapter up to make it less confusing. Your input is important to me :D

Love you all so much, we're entering the war saga now my friends! It's gonna be one hell of a roller coaster ride. Smooches!!!)