"This way, [Y/n]!" Law directed as he took the lead, turning a corner. "I know it's around here."

"Law, you say that like you know the place," you commented as you tried to keep up with him so you wouldn't fall behind.

"I do," Law confirmed taking another corner turn. 

The two of you passed a wall of photos. Among the family portraits, you noticed a little boy who looked like Law standing proudly with the Donquixote family. You look back to your captain, unsure what emotion settles around your shoulders.

"I used to be a part of their crew," Law told you, not daring to glance in your direction. "I was a monster just like them. Doflamingo wanted me to be his successor, he raised me to be a monster, and at the time I wanted to follow that path. By some miracle, I was pulled from that life." Law slowed down when you passed a wall of hearts, you could see how he gazed at a portrait of a blond man with jester makeup. "I owe my life to the man who saved me from that hell, if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have been able to save you and Bepo."

"Law..." Your heart grew soft, fond of your captain, tears filled in your eyes.

"I heard them pass by here, get them!"

Footsteps echoed after you. The enemy found your trail and was now gaining. You could feel the edge you were running along. 

"Don't worry, [Y/n]-ya, I'll get you out of here. " Law's words were beginning to sound as if they were his last. 

Other elements started to disappear, your focus remained on Law. Your gut eating at your mind, saying something wasn't right. You caught sight of sweat dripping down your captain, it wasn't like him to lose composure. Worry crept inside your mind, yet just as fear got ready to send chills down your spine, Law stopped in his tracks.

"This is it!" Law walked up to a large painting of Doflamingo sitting on a throne and holding little Law by the shoulder. The surgeon removed the portrait and settled down next to where it once hung, there revealed was a vault door. He spun it open before turning and gesturing for you to get in. "Go on, I'll be right behind you."

"Are you sure?" You glance between him and the secret tunnel. "Shouldn't you-"

"I thought I saw them go this way!" The footsteps grew louder.

"There's no time." Law looked at you with urgency.

Knowing how much sand was running out, you didn't bother arguing and climbed in. It seemed small but you had enough room to turn around. You started crawling forward only to hear the sound of a door closing. You whip your head to the exit, Law nowhere in sight.

"LAW!" You called going back and banging on the door.

"I'm sorry, [Y/n]-ya."

"What are you doing? You idiot, you still need to get inside."

"This door... can only be closed from the outside," Law stated. "I know... from experience..." 

You didn't have to see him to know the pained expression he wore. You placed your hand on the door, wanting to feel his warmth one last time, yet you were only met with cold metal.

"Law... you'll come back, right?"

Cora-san... you'll come back, right?

"I'll meet you in Zou. Now get out of here."

You heard the painting being put back in place, followed by the extra footsteps stopping.

"There! It's Law!" a man yelled.

"Come get me if you can morons!" Law provoked and you heard him beginning to run.

"Why you-!" 

Shots fired, and the noises blurred together. You could hardly make sense of the events unfolding. Slowly the sounds grew distant, you could hardly hear the blasting guns. Just as you decided to turn to head down the tunnel, you heard one final sound.

The cry of your captain.