Chapter 4 - Dru

I must have finally passed out at some point. I've never been the type to faint, or stress out to the point of fainting, but I suppose there is a first time for everything. While there may be plenty of just cause for it when finding myself hurtling through the air with no idea of where I'm going, how far I'll be from my sisters, or if I'll even land; I still want to face palm at my inability to do or say anything as Reese disappeared and the gigantic man's hand then came at me. I'm trying to remain calm, but it's not easy. I'm finding it difficult to simply open my eyes! I can hear people coming and going from the room that I'm in. I remember nothing of landing from my impromptu flight, let alone being brought into a building of some kind and put into a bed. If I open my eyes and my clothes are different, I may just have a panic attack. Well, that or punch someone… it really could be either at this point.

As I become a little more aware, I realize that I still have my life jacket on, which confuses and yet reassures me. No one would change my clothes and put me back in my life jacket, so at least that worry is gone. It seems safe enough to open my eyes.

Hmm. This is a bigger room than I imagined. It looks like some sort of infirmary. Several beds like the one I am currently in are spread out throughout the room, though I am the only one here. I glance around again, trying to decide whether to explore my surroundings to find out where I am. As I get up, I realize that sleeping in a life jacket is not something pleasant, and I immediately strip it off and set about stretching to alleviate the stiffness in my body.

I take some time to think back on what little information I got from Kia before we were separated. To survive, we'd have to train in self defense of some sort, learn more about the world we were now in, and eventually rejoin each other to find a way back home. Mr. Kuma, couldn't you have waited a bit longer before showing me your flying trick? It would have been so much better if we had some sort of concrete plan!

The door opened and a girl who looked about my age walked in. Okay, super cute outfit, and I just had to have her hat, like an oversized conductor's hat? So cute! Her red blond hair was short, just below her chin, and she was carrying a tray in one arm as she opened the door with her other hand. We just looked at each other for a little bit, and I finally brought my arm down from my overhead stretch when she spoke.

"Hi! I see you're finally awake! You must be ready for this food! Or would you rather get cleaned up first?" she asked.

"I think I'd rather have some information first, if you would be so kind." I responded in my most polite tone of voice.

"Oh! How rude of me! My name is Koala, it's a pleasure to meet you." She said as she put the tray down on the table near my bed and sat on a nearby bed.

"Likewise, and I'm Dru." I responded, "I was thinking more along the lines of, where am I? Why am I here? Are my sisters here too? Can I leave, or are you keeping me here?" and adding after realizing my top priority, "And most importantly, where's the bathroom?"

She giggled before responding, "you're in our base, because you came to join us, I don't know of anyone else being with you, I guess you could, and right over there" she pointed behind me and to the left at the door marked with the universal man/woman sign for restroom. I wasted absolutely no time and walked straight there without saying another word.

A few minutes later and feeling much better, I rejoined Koala in the main room of the 'infirmary' as I had dubbed it. I had gone over her answers in my head, and something needed some clarification.

"What do you mean, I came to join you? I mean, I don't even know who you are." I kept myself calm, though my mind was reeling. I didn't have high hopes that my sisters would be here, but I was sure I hadn't joined anyone yet.

She looked at me with a small frown, "That's what I was told by our chief of staff when he brought you here, that you were recruited." She smiled and lowered her voice to a whisper, "I admit, we're all quite curious as to your story."

I probably took that the wrong way. I simply did not want anyone looking too much into 'my story.' How would I even begin to describe the last twenty-four hours? If it has even been that long? I wonder what Kuma told them, no, I wonder what I should tell them. And, if I did, would they even believe me?

"Ahem."

I broke out of my thoughts to the sound the Koala made, surprised that I had somehow completely forgotten about a person right in front of me.

"Sorry about that, but I figured I should ask again." She said to me, looking apologetic. "Would you like a shower? Or I can always come back later. Everyone wants to meet you, but there is absolutely no rush. We want you to feel comfortable."

What's that line Reese always uses? No time like now? Well it's true. Staying here won't accomplish anything.

"No, that's my fault," I said. "I was getting stuck in thought and zoned out for a moment. I would really like a shower, and maybe some fresh clothes if there are any available? Then I'd be willing to talk, as long as I can get as many answers as I give." Hopefully then, I'd be able to determine where I was, and if this place would serve my needs for the time being.

"Sounds great!" Koala replied as she pulled on my hand towards the door. "We can go see if you like anything in my closet, because we look about the same size. If we go to the requisition officer, you'll end up with the worst clothes that nobody else wants, and nobody wants to wear those!" I couldn't help but nod my head along with her, because I wanted to see if all her clothes were as cute as the ones she was wearing.

After spending what some would consider too long in front of Koala's closet, I finally picked some relatively simple jeans and a t-shirt to borrow. I took a hot shower, dressed, and then followed Koala to their… cafeteria, for lack of a better word. They had a line of people getting food from others that were serving, and tables all around the room. I felt a lot of stares in my direction as we entered and headed towards a table in the back of the room. Koala had me sit, and I watched as she cut into the front of the line next to a man... that had to be the strangest looking man I have ever seen. In fact, as I looked around the room, I noticed that there were people of all shapes and sizes. From very small to giant sized, and others that looked like, well, somewhat animalistic. I quickly looked down at my hands as I realized that I was staring. I didn't want to start off on the wrong foot, but I was most assuredly aware now, that I was in a completely different world. I knew that already, true, but it hit home more so now. You would think meeting a man this afternoon that was over twenty feet tall would have done that, but as I looked up again at the man next to Koala, I found myself a little scared at what exactly I was getting into.

"Never seen a fishman before, huh?"

I turned my head to my right to see a guy with shaggy blond hair and a wicked looking scar around his left eye. He looked young, maybe a few years older than me, and was sitting in a chair next to me. When did he get here? He looked at me expectantly. Oh, right, he asked me a question.

"A what?" I replied. I turned my upper body so that I could see him better. He was wearing black pants and a white shirt with ruffles, and blue vest that reminded me of the covers of the romance novels my mother used to read. And with that thought, my mind conjured a picture of him as a model for a romance novel, and I felt my cheeks turn red as I blushed. Oh great, curse my overactive imagination!

"A fishman. Part man, part fish? Can breathe above and under water? Although, I don't know why I'm still asking, it's pretty obvious you've never seen one before." He smiled at me as he finished, and I'm hoping against hope that it's not because of my blushing.

"You're right, I actually have never hea… um MET a fishman before." Oh geez Dru, could you be any more transparent? I turned back to face front, though I could see him studying me from the corner of my eye. The last thing I needed right now was to be suspicious, and here I go, doing just that with the second person I talk to. Only way to fix it, is to try to change the subject. "So, do you know Koala then? I just met her earlier."

"Yep, Koala and I tend to work together pretty often." He said. As if she could sense her name being used, Koala turned to look at us, and I gave her a little wave, noticing that he did the same. This conversation just became somewhat awkward, but no turning back now!

"Oh, that's nice." I continued, "She's really great, I'm sure she is great to work with too." I barely managed to keep myself from face palming. I couldn't even handle small talk. Some diplomat I would be.

"Yeah, she really is." He paused as he stood up, and then turned to me, "I'd better get back to work, but it was nice meeting you Dru."

"Uh, yeah, you too." As I watched him walk away, I realized that I didn't get his name. Then I realized I didn't give him mine either. But he knew it anyway! I put my head in my hands. I was way out of my league here, and I wasn't very hungry anymore.


Sabo was lost in thought as he walked down the hallway towards Dragon's office. He still wasn't convinced that this girl was as harmless as Kuma believed, but he was closer to being convinced. She had been staring around the room like a lost little girl, and then the look on her face when she saw Hack? This had been the first time she had ever seen a fishman of any kind before, he was sure. There was no faking her reaction, and she hadn't been aware that she had an audience. However, it was also obvious that she was hiding things. She had been about to say something else before agreeing that she had never met a fishman before, and then there was the fact that she blushed when she realized someone was watching her. If she was a spy, she was very, very good. It was just difficult at this point to tell if she was. He hoped that Koala would be able to get more information from her. He reached his destination and knocked on the door before opening it and stepping in to give his report.


I followed Koala as she gave me a tour of the base. I admit, my mind really wasn't on the places I was seeing, but rather on what I had learned throughout the meal. I was worried that I somehow would offend Hack, but upon learning that I knew nothing of fishmen, he proceeded to answer any questions I had, and then some. He was quite intimidating at first, seeing a man with scales under his eyes, and gills on his neck, with yellowish skin and blue hair; but he was so patient and kind with me. He and Koala both, would simply beam with pride and righteous anger as they spoke to me about the fishmen, Fishman Island, and the animosity between them and the humans.

From what Kia had said, and now with this new information, I understood a little more why Kia was so serious about being able to defend ourselves. Nobles and government officials who could basically do whatever they wanted with no repercussions? Pirates who simply did and took whatever they wanted? I knew I was not prepared for this. None of us were.

"Koala?" I interrupted her as she was explaining the purpose of the building we were in front of, "I think it's time for us to have that talk."

"Okay Dru, did you want to go back to your room?" She asked me.

"No, here is fine." It was a nice night, with a slight breeze, and I could see the stars coming out. I decided to be honest with Koala, well… somewhat honest. "I came here from Tropska Island. I've never been anywhere else in this world, and I'm not sure where or how I'll fit in. All I know is that I want to find my sisters, and somehow get back home." I kept staring at my feet as I spoke, but looked up at her as I asked, "what exactly is this place Koala?"

She looked back at me for a moment before answering. "It's not really my place to tell you that Dru. All I can say is that we want what's best for the world, and we strive to make that happen. I can tell you why I am here. I want things in this world to change, and I can't wait for someone else to bring that change, I have to help make it happen." She smiled at me gently and took my hand to lead me back to my room. "Anything else, will have to come from Leader."

I stopped walking and pulled her to a stop as well. 'No time like now, right Reese?' I thought as I looked into Koala's eyes. "Then you'd better take me to him." I declared. She smiled a genuine smile and turned us around.

"Let's go!" She exclaimed and led me off at a much faster pace. I was thoroughly lost by the time she stopped and knew I would never find my way again without a guide. She reached out and knocked on a door. We heard a voice call "enter" and she cracked open the door and spoke to whoever was inside. I started to feel a little nervous but steeled myself with thoughts of my sisters. We needed to get stronger, and this was just the first step of many.

Koala stepped back and opened the door wider and gestured me inside. I paused, and asked "can you come in with me?" I followed her gaze to the man at the desk. He nodded, and she stepped inside with me, closing the door behind her. She stepped forward and gestured to the man.

"Dru, this is out Leader. His name is Dragon." She then gestured to me, "Dragon, sir, this is Dru, she's the one that came here this morning."

"Hello." I said. I really thought I should say more, but my voice wasn't cooperating. Dragon wasn't physically intimidating because of his size, he was the normal height for a man from what I was used to. However, his long black hair, and his dark eyes, plus the design that reminded me of tribal tattoos on the left side of his face was intimidating. The respect that Koala showed him added to this fact. He was dressed simply in a long sleeve shirt and pants, but his entire being screamed 'power' to my mind, and I found myself remaining quiet.

"It's nice to finally meet you Dru Cooper. Kuma has told me quite a bit about you and your sisters." I gaped at him and was embarrassed when I started tearing up.

"Did he say anything about where they are?" I asked. "I'm anxious to find them."

"Ah," he nodded, replying, "he did not give me specifics, but said that he sent them where they would find what they needed."

"What they… what they needed?!" I'll admit, I got a little heated at that comment.

"Yes." He was still so calm, it was like I hadn't even spoken. "Which begs the question, what is it that you are needing from us here, Dru Cooper?"

That took all the wind out of my sails. He didn't invite me to sit, but I collapsed into a chair anyway. I was literally the worst almost diplomat ever. But… I sat up as an idea crossed my mind. Diplomacy was about compromise, right? So, I'd have to reveal some things about myself, but then I'd be able to get answers as well. I looked him in the eye and offered. "I'd like to tell you my story, Dragon sir, and in return I'd like to hear yours." I saw Koala stiffen, so I thought perhaps I went about this wrong, but Dragon merely looked thoughtful before smiling at me.

"Agreed." He said.

We spent the next few hours talking, after swearing both of them to secrecy about myself and my sisters, I told them what I could about our journey, as well as knowing what we did about their world due to a "story." I wished I could answer their questions, but I couldn't even remember the names of the main characters. I told them about our meeting with Kuma, and how Kia recognized him, and Dragon nodded along, so I assumed Kuma had informed him of the event. Dragon then proceeded to explain in greater detail the situation we had found ourselves a part of. The corruption of the government and the marines, that he had decided to be the change in the world, rather than waiting for change to occur. He didn't tell me much about the people he had but did mention that they were serving all over the world, infiltrating, looking for recruits, helping others to save themselves. As he said this, it struck a chord within me. These people could also help my sisters and I to save ourselves.

"I don't know what the future has in store, but I know that once I find my family, we will be looking for a way back to our home." I commented. "Until that time, I would happily join your cause." Koala clapped her hands, ready to give me a hug, and Dragon's eyes also lit up before I continued. "however, I'm afraid that I must ask for another favor in return."

Dragon frowned, and said, "We don't normally let our recruits give stipulations. What favor would you ask?"

I took a deep breath. If he refused, I don't know what I would do. "We made a decision before we were separated, that we would continue our dreams, and we would train to be able to defend ourselves. The favor would be that you help me in both endeavors."

Dragon looked thoughtful while Koala spoke up, "What's your dream, Dru?"

"To be able to help others communicate and get along." I replied. "It is my dream to be a diplomat."

Dragon's smile returned to his face, and he stood from behind his desk. I also stood as he came around it to stand in front of me. He looked at me and said, "We would help you with your dream, even without a bargain between us." I smiled back at him. "It seemed we are in agreement again, Dru Cooper." He spoke without looking away from my face, "Koala, it appears we have a new recruit, who will need a room. Please take Dru to the requisitions officer and get her everything she needs."

Koala stood as well, giving a jaunty little salute, before leading me to the door. I stopped and turned as she pulled the door open. "Thank you, sir." I gave a little nod of my head in gratitude for what this man was doing for me.

"Welcome to the Revolutionary Army, Dru." He smiled and sat down behind his desk, as Koala closed the door.

"Alright," she said, "sleepover tonight, requisitions tomorrow!" She grinned at me, and I smiled back.

"Sounds perfect," I said.