Hiding the Truth (One Piece)

Chapter 48 - A Certain Surprise

Third Person's POV

Luffy, donned in his quite silly disguise of a grey moustache and printed shirt, listened in on the Transponder Call from where he stood in the dark and gloomy hallways beneath the Colosseum, the loud cheering from the crowds only a soft murmur from where they were, allowing the voices coming from the small Snail device to echo across the empty corridors. His bright mood caused by presence of the tall blonde with a distinctive top hat dampened slightly with what Sanji was saying, only now realising what had happened in the short time he had been trapped in the competition. 

Beside him stood a neon-green haired man who went by the name of Bartolomew, the man having been extremely helpful ever since he'd discovered Luffy's true identity. The pirate captain could not help waving his arms about in excitement as he heard who was speaking to his idol over the communication device. After all, 'Black Leg Sanji', 'Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro' and 'Kawatora Lana' were practically legends in the pirate world. His fanboying, however, was cut short when the severity of the conversation came to attention.

"Oi Lana, are you listening? Where are you? I thought you were with Law, why does Doflamingo have him?"

Sanji's question rang alarm bells to those paying attention, with Luffy showing deep concern as the weight of the situation was only beginning to dawn on him. Lana's reply only caused the others listening to bristle at the news, seeing as it was evident things weren't going according to their original plan.

"Lana! What are you talking about?! Oi, why aren't you answering?!" Luffy shouted over the communications line, desperate for an answer. His anxiousness was obvious and picked up by his company and crew members, especially when his queries were met with silence. Bartolomew on watching the tense situation with unease, wondering what had happened to the brunette strategist he so deeply respected and idolised. 

"Lana, where are you? I'm making a detour" Zoro stated. For anyone with keen ears, the panicked tone in the swordsman's voice was clear, though the reason behind it was only known by one certain blonde with distinct eyebrows, who had kept quite. In any other situation, he would have teased the green-haired swordsman, but even he couldn't help but anxiously await a response.

Lana's faint reply only caused the others hair to stand on edge. Her voice was weak, too weak. The line cut off with a quick discussion on what was to be done, with the agreement of Sanji and the Sunny going ahead to Zou, with the others choosing to remain on Dressrosa to try and salvage the shitshow they had unknowingly walked into. Luffy turned to the tall blonde who had remained quite throughout the conversation that had just taken place, a stern expression laced with worry as he considered what had transpired. 

"You need to get out of here. Don't worry, I'll handle everything from here"

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Lana's POV

I lay there resting and observing as everyone bustled about in a hurry, preparing for the 'heist' they were about to carry out on the Underground Port and the main Palace on the hilltop, two locations which played a large part in Doflamingo's operation here on Dressrosa. 

The small dwarf creatures were ready to head out, and I had been ordered to stay here at their base until everything was sorted. I had been a little peeved off that I would have to sit this one out, but had seen that there was no point arguing. I wasn't an idiot, I knew I would only be a distraction as the others would only be worried if I could handle myself, and in the end, wouldn't be able to provide any real help in my condition. It was unfortunate that my healing abilities couldn't be of use in this situation, seeing as my abilities only extending to helping others, rather than being able to heal myself.