Dru woke, though she didn't open her eyes yet. I must have finally passed out though I've never done that before, but there's a first time for everything I suppose, she thought.

Reese… she thought unhappily as the guilt came back. She had stood there, slack jawed as her youngest sister had disappeared, and the gigantic man's hand then came at her. Then she was flying through the air without any idea of where she was going, if she would even live through the experience, or if she would ever see her sisters again- without the chance of even saying goodbye. I hope they are all okay…

She found it difficult to remain calm in her new situation, but not knowing who may be listening, she focused instead on her surroundings. Definitely people coming and going… I must be in a building of some kind, as I can hear a door opening and closing.

Focusing closer to herself, she determined she was laying on a bed, and she was still wearing her life jacket. This thought calmed her more than any other, as no one would undress her and put her life jacket back on before laying her in a bed, so she was relatively certain nothing bad had happened to her person while she had been unaware.

The area became more quiet, so Dru decided to open her eyes, blinking rapidly at the brightness. Hmm, she mused, the room is bigger than I had imagined, and looks like some sort of infirmary. There were beds spread throughout the room, leaving an aisle in the middle of them. She noted that the door was closed, and as far as she could tell, she was alone.

Glancing around again, she pushed herself up to sit in the bed, and stretched her sore muscles. Finding it difficult to do with her life jacket on, she unbuckled and took it off as well, storing it under the bed, before standing to stretch.

Raising her arms above her, and looking up at the ceiling, Dru thought back to what little information she had gotten from Kia before being separated. To survive, we'd need to be able to protect ourselves, or find those to protect us? She wished that the huge man had given them a bit longer before showing his neat flying trick. This would have been easier if they had made some sort of plan ahead of time.

The door opened again, and Dru turned to it, seeing a girl about her own age come in carrying a tray with a covered plate and cup on it. What is that hat,like an oversized conductor's hat? So cute! Dru thought to herself. Her red blond hair was short, just below her chin, and with her ruffled shirt and short skirt paired with tall boots, she reminded Dru of the way the popular girls at school had dressed.

"Hi! I see you're finally awake! You must be ready for this food! Or would you rather get cleaned up first?" the girl asked, and Dru finally pulled her arms back down from her stretch.

"I think I'd rather have some information first," she responded in a mostly polite tone of voice.

"Oh! How rude of me! My name is Koala, it's nice to meet you." The cute girl said as she put the tray down on the table near the bed, and took a seat on the neighboring one.

"Likewise, and I'm Dru," she responded, deciding that dressing cute didn't mean snooty. "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 most importantly, where's the bathroom?"

Koala giggled before answering, "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 I won't stop you, and right over there," she pointed to the left at the door at the opposite end of the aisle, across from the entrance.

Dru wasted absolutely no time and rushed over without saying another word.

A few minutes later and feeling much better, she rejoined Koala in the main room of the infirmary, having gone over her answers, and wanting some clarification.

"What do you mean, I came to join you? I mean, I don't even know who you are," Dru asked, her mind reeling at the implications that she had somehow joined with a group without being aware of it.

Koala looked over 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."

Dru frowned as well, wondering how she could 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? she thought.

"Ahem."

Breaking out of her thoughts to the sound the Koala made, she was surprised that she had somehow completely forgotten about a person right in front of her.

"Sorry about that, but I figured I should ask again," Koala said, 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."

Dru admitted to herself that a hot shower sounded like heaven, and putting off meeting whoever everyone was sounded almost as good.

"I'm sorry," Dru replied. "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 guided Dru towards the door by pulling on her hand. "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 awful clothes that nobody else wants, and I can't make you wear those!"

After spending what some would consider too long in front of Koala's closet, Dru finally picked some relatively simple jeans and a t-shirt to borrow. Then taking a long and hot shower, dressed, and then followed Koala to their… cafeteria.

They had a line of people getting food from others that were serving, and tables all around the room. Dru hunched instinctively as she felt the stares in her direction since they entered and headed towards a table in the back of the room. Koala had her sit, while she retrieved food, and Dru watched as she cut into the front of the line next to a man... that had to be the strangest looking man she had ever seen.

Looking around the room, she noticed that there were actually people of all shapes and sizes. From very small, to giant sized, and others that even looked… animalistic. She suddenly found her hands very interesting, as she didn't want any of them to think she was staring at them.

I knew we were nowhere near home… she thought. But this truly is a completely different world. I would have thought seeing a man as big as a building would have had it sinking in, but this… she looked up at the man next to Koala again, realizing she was a little scared of what exactly they had gotten themselves into.

"Never seen a fishman before, huh?"

Turning to the sound of the voice, Dru saw a younger guy with shaggy blond hair and a wicked looking scar around his left eye. She had jumped slightly, seeing him sitting next to her, when she hadn't even heard him approach. When did he get here?! She looked at him apprehensively, as he looked at her in expectation. Oh right, he asked me a question.

"A what?" she replied, turning towards him to see him better, and looking him up and down. He was wearing black pants, blue vest, and a white shirt with ruffles that reminded her of the covers of the romance novels her mother used to read. And with that thought, she felt her cheeks heat as the image of him on a romance novel cover came to mind. Gee, thanks Mom…

"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 as he finished, and Dru just hoped it wasn't because he could tell why she was blushing.

"You're right, I actually have never hea… um, MET a fishman before." Oh geez Dru, could you be any more transparent? She cursed herself, and turned back to face front, though she could see him still studying her. 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 them, and Dru gave her a little wave, noticing that he did the same. This conversation just became somewhat awkward… she thought.

"That's nice," Dru continued, wanting to face palm. "She's really great, I'm sure she is great to work with too." Dru the great diplomat, who can't even handle small talk…

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

"Uh, yeah, you too" she replied, watching him walk away, and feeling bad that she didn't ask his name. Feeling discouraged, and out of her league, she rested her head on the table, and waited for Koala to return with the food.

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.

After eating, Dru followed Koala as she gave a tour of the base, though she knew she wouldn't remember any of it. She was more interested in what she had learned during the meal. She had been worried that she would somehow offend Hack, but upon learning that she knew nothing of fishmen, he proceeded to answer any questions she had, and then some, giving a short history of the culture.

It 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 Dru couldn't help but like him. He and Koala both, would simply beam with pride and righteous anger as they spoke about the fishmen, Fishman Island, and the animosity between them and the humans.

From what Kia had said, and now with this new information, Dru felt she understood a little more why Kia was so serious about the sisters being able to defend themselves. 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. Dru determined her course of action, and spoke up.

"Koala?" she interrupted as Koala was explaining the purpose of the building they 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.

"No, here is fine." It was a nice night, with a slight breeze, and the stars were coming out. Dru had 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." She kept staring at her feet as she spoke, but looked up at her new friend as she asked, "What exactly is this place Koala?"

She looked back, searching her face 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 gently and took her hand to lead her away. "Anything else, will have to come from Leader."

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

"Let's go!" She exclaimed and led at a much faster pace. Dru knew she was thoroughly lost by the time she stopped, wondering what direction they had even come from. Koala reached out and knocked on a large, unmarked door. Hearing a voice call out to enter, she cracked open the door and spoke to whoever was inside.

Thinking of her sisters to keep her nerves in check, Dru steeled herself. We needed to get stronger, and this was just the first step of many, she thought.

Koala stepped back and opened the door wider to gestured Dru inside. Seeing the man alone at the desk, Dru stopped, and turned back to Koala. "Can you come in with me?" she asked, following her gaze to the man at the desk. He nodded, and she gestured Dru in, following behind her and closing the door. She stepped forward and gestured to the man.

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

"Hello," Dru said timidly, her voice cracking as it decided not to cooperate. Dragon wasn't physically intimidating because of his size, he was the normal height for a man from back home, however, his long black hair, and his dark eyes, plus the tattoos on the left side of his face made him intimidating.

The respect that Koala showed him simply added to the overall effect. He was dressed simply in a long sleeve shirt and pants, but his entire being screamed power to Dru, causing her to stay quiet.

"It's nice to finally meet you Dru Cooper. Kuma has told me quite a bit about you and your sisters." Dru gaped for a moment, anger and then sadness crossing her features.

"Did he say anything about where they are?" she 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?!" Dru asked sarcastically, getting heated.

"Yes." He was still so calm, like he didn't notice her emotional outburst. "Which begs the question, what is it that you are needing from us here, Miss Dru?"

He hadn't asked her to sit, but Dru collapsed into a chair anyway. I am literally the worst almost diplomat ever, she thought. He wasn't giving me anything!

An idea came unbidden, and she realized suddenly that compromise was the only way. To get answers, she would need to provide answers. They probably trusted her as much as she did them, so she would need to take a step of trust, as it were.

"I'd like to tell you my story, Dragon sir, and in return I'd like to hear yours." Dru spoke, seeing Koala stiffen slightly, and thinking perhaps she had gone about it wrong. Dragon merely looked thoughtful for a moment, and then nodded slowly.

"Agreed," he said.

Spending the next few hours talking, after swearing both of them to secrecy about herself and her sisters, Dru explained what she could about her journey, as well as knowing what she did, or rather what Kia knew about their world being due to a story.

They asked questions that she couldn't answer, as she couldn't seem to even remember the names of the main characters, let alone if they were apart of it. She told them about meeting Kuma, and how Kia had recognized him. Dragon nodded along, so she assumed Kuma had at least corroborated that part.

Dragon then proceeded to explain in greater detail the situation the sisters had found themselves 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 say 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 Dru, who finally felt as if she had found somewhere to get the help she knew she needed.

"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," Dru said. "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 she 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?"

Taking a deep breath, Dru readied herself to gamble, for if he refused, she had no plan B. "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 people of differing cultures to communicate and get along," she replied. "It is my dream to be a diplomat."

Dragon's smile returned to his face, and he stood from behind his desk. Dru rose as well as he came around it to stand in front of her. He looked at her and said in earnest, "We would help you with your dream, even without a bargain between us. It seems we are in agreement again, Miss Dru." He didn't turn away as he addressed Koala, "It appears we have a new recruit, who will need a room. Please take Miss Dru to the requisitions officer and get her everything she needs."

Koala stood as well, giving a jaunty little salute, before going to the door and holding it open. Dru looked at Dragon through watery eyes as she tried not to cry. "Thank you sir," she said, her gratitude overwhelming her.

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

"Alright," she said as she rubbed her hands together in excitement. "Sleepover tonight, requisitions tomorrow!" She grinned at Dru in question, and received a smile in return.

"Sounds perfect," Dru replied.