Two Dreams, One Adventure

Enies Lobby

No matter her past, no matter her reason for leaving them, Luffy wouldn't allow her to die. And especially not carrying the guilt of Luffy's supposed death. Paulie got their attention to introduce them to how Enies Lobby looked and functioned. Where everything was, and where they should head to get to Robin and Franky.

Luffy curbed his amazement with the waterfall and the land that sticked out of it. The last place they could get her back was before the Gates of Justice opened and took her away. Then she'd be taken to Impel Down and they'd never get her back. Get her before the Gates of Justice opened. They would do it, Luffy knew that.

"I've seen how strong you all are on the way here. If anyone can save them and take down those traitors, it's you," Paulie said strongly. Zambai said they'd be the backup to help get them there. They weren't in fighting shape at the moment and knew they weren't on par with them. But they were strong in their own ways!

Really, Usopp shouldn't be fighting either, but Sogeking was determined. "Okay. We've done this before. We've saved friends before. And this doesn't involve stopping a war," Luffy said. "All we're doing is getting Robin and Franky back alive. We'll figure out what to do after that."

The others nodded. "We'll be fine. Maybe hurt afterwards, but nobody is dying," Zoro said firmly.

"Of course not, idiot. I'll be there for Nami-san~"

"Well it's different since we don't have Usopp this time..." Chopper said sadly. Luffy said they had Usopp's friend, Sogeking. "Still..." Luffy snuggled him. "Let's not think of that now. It's all about Robin - and Franky. Sanji said Franky helped them, so we're saving that guy as well." Chopper sniffled, but nodded.

"Thanks Luffy," Chopper said happily. Luffy beamed and nodded.

Luffy was listening to the plan, but it was too long. He just wanted to get there to Robin fast. Just for her to see him. See he was alive.

"So you guys should wait for 5 minutes at the beach. Then charge in on rocketmen, straight through the gates and onto the island itself. Before that, the rest of us will go in," Zambai explained seriously. "Open up the main gate and the front gate before you enter through on rocketman. No matter how many of us die, don't stop! Keep going. There are only 60 of us, and thousands of enemies, so you should all avoid unnecessary fights. Just focus on CP9!"

"Yeah! I got it!" Luffy said firmly. He turned and kissed Zoro sweetly. Kokoro told them they were now in sight of their destination. They went to the windows and saw the massive doorway, the Gates of Justice. "How do those open? Are they attached to the floor?" Luffy wondered.

"They're bolted to the ground, and have been in place for a long time. They never completely open all the way, even when ships are passing through. They only open a little. Behind them is a windless area like the clam belts, but there's a huge whirlpool that goes to Impel Down, Marineford and Enies Lobby. Sea kings live in the whirlpool, so it's almost impossible for any other ship unprepared for the journey to go in," she explained in detail.

"Only marine ships can enter. I see. But how did they manage that?!" Nami asked in shock and awe. It was clever, and strange. Making doors into a whirlpool. "But... that means we definitely can't follow Robin if she passes through the gate."

"We were never planning on drawing this out, anyways," Zoro said, though he was very serious now.

"There's no time for chatting!" Kokoro said. They got ready to go, and Luffy contemplated leaving without them, but... he wanted to stay together. They were all getting to Robin. And he was captured once, he wouldn't get captured again and cause more problems. Plus, Zoro was holding onto his arm tightly, probably knowing he would have the urge to go on first. He didn't tell Zoro to stop or let go.