Running as fast as she could, dodging the bullets that were being shot in their direction, Dru was trying her best to keep up with Sabo, even though she was sure he was holding back on speed for her benefit.

"I guess that means no, to our offer," she said and Sabo burst out laughing.

"Yes, I would definitely take trying to kill us as a no," he said as he chuckled. "But we made the attempt, and that is what is important. Remember, we don't simply liberate people, we-"

"Help them liberate themselves. Yes, I remember."

Sabo smiled, as he suddenly pulled her onto a cross street, and then into an alley. He held a finger to her lips, ensuring that she would stay silent, and they waited as the mob behind them ran past, then they started walking in the opposite direction as if they hadn't a care in the world.

Puru-puru-puru…

"Hello?" Sabo pulled out his transponder snail and answered.

"Hi Sabo!" Koala said. "Are you having fun without me?" Dru grabbed the receiver, because it was Koala, and also because she knew Sabo hated chitchat on the transponder snail.

"It's never fun without you, Koala!" she answered cheerily. "What's the news?"

"Since you two are the closest, Leader wants you to check something out. Recon only."

"Give us the details," Sabo said as he took the receiver back. He nodded along as Koala spoke, then said "Okay," and hung up.

"You know, it wouldn't hurt to say goodbye," Dru said with a chuckle.

"Eh?" he responded. "What do you mean?"

She gave him a bewildered look. How could he not know what I meant? "You know, if you just hang up on someone, they may think something is wrong… or that you're rude."

"Oh… I see."

They walked on in silence, heading to their small boat. They were near enough of their next destination that they would be able to simply follow the log pose, which was good, since they didn't have an eternal pose. It made sense why they were given this recon mission. Climbing aboard the boat, they prepared to set sail.

They had been underway for a bit, and had settled down on the deck to eat lunch, when Sabo asked, "Dru, did I ever tell you about my first mission?"

She thought back, and answered, "No, not that I can recall. Did Koala tell me about it?"

He smiled, "I doubt it. It wasn't something anyone would normally talk about, being that it was an utter failure."

Her eyebrow lifted as she looked at him. "Failure? I find that hard to believe," she said honestly. Sabo was what she would call the "golden boy" back home. Not just because he was blond, but because he could do no wrong.

He was always in the right place, at the right time, and when everyone else gave up, he would find a way to accomplish the mission. There was plenty of reason why he was second in command, and the idea that he failed in something was hard to fathom.

"It's true, though I didn't know it at the time it happened." He paused to eat some more. "Have you ever heard of a black transponder snail?"

She racked her brain, but failed to come up with anything. "I feel as though I should have, but nothing is coming to mind."

"They are very hard to find, because they are rare, but mostly because the Navy pays very high prices for them."

"Why? What makes them special?" she asked, curiously.

"They don't make calls like other transponder snails, instead they are able to intercept calls that are being made, allowing the person to hear other people's calls."

Her eyes went wide. "What? Really?"

He nodded, lost in memory.

She stayed quiet, until he shook his head, and looked back at her. "They do not have a long range, but I am certain you can understand the effects of such a thing on covert missions, such as ours."

Suddenly, she understood where this had come from. Sabo didn't stay on the snail longer than he absolutely had to, and he tried hard not to give names, or specific information. True, some of that was necessary, but… "I see," was what she said in response.

He smiled back at her, glad he didn't need to elaborate. "If the wind stays with us, we should be able to make it within the next day or so."

She settled back against the railing. "So then, who's turn is it?"

"Yours," he said, pulling his hat down over his eyes to take a nap. Guess I am on watch duty, she thought with a smile.

"Excuse me sir, we're looking for a man named Koza?" Dru asked the elderly gentleman in front of her. Nearly a week had passed since they sailed to Alabasta, and they finally had a lead on the leader of the rebel army. Sabo was certain he could give them some insight into the coup that nearly destroyed the kingdom, or at least point them toward someone that could.

"Visitors, is it?" he asked her, and she nodded. "From quite a distance too, if I'm not mistaken."

She smiled and nodded again. "You are correct, we have been travelling for some time now," she answered vaguely. That was lesson one from Sabo- don't lie, but don't give information away either.

"We're looking for a man named Koza, and were told he lives here in Yuba," Dru repeated, keeping her smile on her face. "We're hoping he could help us."

"How about a trade?" the man asked shrewdly. "I'll take you to Koza, if you help me carry my things home?"

Sabo was quick to pick up some of the heavier sacks. "You have a deal," he said. "Please lead the way." Dru grabbed some of the tools that were near the man, and introduced herself. "Thank you so much. My name is Dru, and this is Sabo."

"My name is Toto, it is a pleasure to meet you. Though I must say, your timing is quite interesting. People came around for days, asking questions of everyone in the kingdom. I don't know what else you could learn."

Sabo smiled, "I'm certain that's true, though I think we may ask different questions."

"And we prefer to hear things for ourselves," Dru added, causing to Toto to reassess them.

"I'm not sure he will be happy to greet you, but I will take you to him," he said.

"I'm not interested," Koza said, for the fifth time in as little minutes. Dru could see that Sabo was just as frustrated as she was, and looking to him, Dru shrugged. They would need to explain why they were here, but she would let Sabo make that call.

"From everyone we talked to, we got a picture of you Koza, a picture of an honest, hardworking man that wanted the best for his country, and everything I see here, confirms that," Sabo said, fiddling with his hat that was in his hands. "I don't share this lightly, so I would ask that do not share what I will tell you with others."

Koza's interest seemed piqued, and he nodded in a go ahead gesture to Sabo.

"We are part of an group that wants to make a difference in the world, who wants to stop tyrants from leading people to ruin, who wants to see the government care for its people, who wants those that are in power to not be corrupt and vile. We heard of the problems here in Alabasta, and that there was some differing accounts of what happened here."

"We are merely seeking information as to the truth, so that we can determine if our help is needed here or not," Dru added. "We are spread thin, but we never turn those in need, away."

Koza looked over at Toto, the two of them having some sort of silent conversation, then they turned back. "We are leaving in two days to go to the capital. We need to meet with the king and report on the welfare of this part of the kingdom," Toto said.

"If you truly wish to help, then there you will find the people to ask," Koza said slowly, still looking uncertain about the visitors.

"I don't blame you for your caution," Dru said, "and we welcome the chance to help."

"Should we wait and travel with you, then?" Sabo asked.

Koza nodded. "There are not many bandits, but it is not unheard of," he answered. "We will get you a room at the hotel next door to stay in the meantime."

"Uh, two rooms if that is all right," Sabo said, embarrassed. "We are merely colleagues."

"Of course, my mistake."

Dru glanced over at Sabo with a smile, but kept silent as they were walked to the hotel and helped to procure rooms.

Two days of waiting would normally not be a problem, however since they were keeping a low profile, Dru and Sabo couldn't do most of the things they normally would, like train. However, they wanted to gather whatever information on the country that they could, so they spent most of their time in the town. They would spend hours shopping, though they hardly bought anything, but did a lot of talking to people, whether store owners, workers, or customers. They spoke of how wonderfully the country was recovering, and most were willing to speak of that success.

They often heard the names of the king and his daughter, and how their love for the country and its people was their inspiration.

"I don't get it," Dru said once to Sabo. "If the royal family is so wonderful, why were the people rebelling in the first place?"

Sabo was confused as well. "It seems we are missing a piece to this puzzle. We know the former warlord, Crocodile, was responsible for the coup, yet we've not heard of his involvement either."

"Perhaps they are simply focusing on the positive, but I don't believe that is the case here," Dru said softly.

"I agree," he replied.

Soon enough they were on their way to the capital, travelling with Toto and Koza. While the two pairs didn't trust the other completely, they were kind and courteous, giving each other the benefit of the doubt, and thinking they would find the truth once they reached the palace.

It seemed that Toto and Koza were well known in the palace, because they were ushered through several places with just a nod. The guards were not slacking by any means, so that was the only conclusion Dru could reach. She grabbed Sabo's arm, looking at him, and asking quietly if they were going to share who they were, and he looked uncertain.

They were led into the throne room, and followed Toto's example of bowing deeply to the royals, and Koza slightly less, though it seemed that there was no lack of respect.

"Toto, Koza! How fare you? And how fares Yuba?" the king's voice boomed out. The princess however, merely came forward, and gave Toto a hug, then turning to Koza, placed her hand on his arm and asked. "Koza? How are you healing?"

"Fine, princess. You needn't worry about me," he answered with a smile. Dru was a little taken aback, as it was the first time since she met him, that he didn't seem guarded.

"Who are your friends?" the king asked, as he too stepped forward to greet them.

"I'll let them introduce themselves," Koza said. "I'm not entirely sure that I believe them, but if it is true, then I knew you would want to speak with them."

The princess and the king both turned to the visitors, curiosity and suspicion warring on their faces. Dru stepped forward, hoping that the skills she had learned would serve her better here than the last island they visited.

"Your majesty, princess, this is Sabo, and my name is Dru. We've come today-" Dru stopped as the princess let out a gasp, and everyone turned to look at her.

The princess stepped forward, looking at Dru with scrutiny, and asked, "What did you say your name was?"

"Uh, Dru," she answered, feeling like a bug under a microscope. "Dru Cooper."

"Oh my," the princess said, then threw her arms around Dru in a hug. Her arms pinned to her side, she turned to Sabo in panic. She was NOT prepared for this in any way, shape, or form.

"Um, your highness?" Sabo asked. "I'm uncertain what it happening here…" he said tactfully.

"Oh, of course! I'm so sorry!" she replied, releasing Dru with a tearful laugh. "Does the name Kiana mean anything to you?" she asked with a smile.

Dru's jaw dropped, and she felt a little dizzy. "You know Kia? Is she here?" Dru asked looking all around.

"Kia?" she heard Koza say, and she whirled to him.

"You know her too?" she demanded. "How? Where is she?" Dru was starting to get frustrated, at the lack of answers, and Sabo helped hold her steady.

"It sounds as if you know Dru's sister," he said calmly, and the four other people nodded at Sabo, all of them smiling, and the princess's eyes still shining with tears.

"She was here for a short time, with friends. They were moving on, but since I was staying we decided to have her write a letter in case any of her sisters came to Alabasta… " she trailed off, choking up. "We never really thought it would happen though. It's like some kind of miracle!"

"Can… can I see it?" Dru asked, excited at the thought, though let down that Kia was already gone.

"Of course! Please, all of you, come! We'll have dinner and tell Dru all we can remember about Kia's time here!" the princess exclaimed.

Dru could hardly believe it, but it was definitely a letter from Kia. The letter didn't say much, and Dru could understand, especially since Kia didn't really have a lot of hope that anyone would see it, but she mentioned not only her travels, but where Ash and Reese were sent, and how she heard about them.

It blew her mind to think that one lone pirate crew was able to meet all three of her sisters, and make it so that she would have this letter, to know that they are all right, and that they are all doing what they had agreed to do. After hearing about the fighting here in Alabasta, Dru realized she need to step up her own training. I can't rely on Sabo forever, but I can utilize his wealth of knowledge and skill, she thought.

Dru and Sabo lingered even after dinner, as Vivi recounted her time sailing with the Straw Hat pirates, Kia's new crew. She told them of meeting Kia for the first time, and how their captain insisted that she come with them, to belong. Vivi may not have understood how big of a deal that would be for Kia, but Dru did. Kia held others at a distance, ever since she had been hurt by those she thought were her friends back home.

"This Luffy sounds like a pretty amazing guy, especially for a pirate," Dru commented, and the others nodded.

"He is definitely someone special," Toto said, telling about his meeting with Luffy and his crew. The king then told of his fight with Crocodile, how he risked his life for the country because Vivi was his friend.

"Are you like Kia, Dru?" Vivi asked suddenly, and Dru looked back at her in confusion.

"I suppose so? At least a little, I mean, we are sisters."

"I never got to ask her, because every time I tried, I was afraid of how to word it, but I really want to know how she knew things."

"Knew things?" Dru asked, again in confusion.

"Knew things?" Sabo repeated.

"Yes! There were times, where she just knew things, things that no one told her, and I couldn't seem to figure it out!"

"Uh… such as?" Dru asked, thinking that perhaps Kia had shared something about their home, or technology that didn't exist in the new place.

"Well… oh! Like the time she knew Zoro's name, without having ever met him before! Or how she knows all about devil fruits, or the government, or the warlords- even though no one told her. It was strange, she never asked questions, and we never had to explain anything to Kia… ever. And I guess, I wondered if the same was true for you, Dru."

Dru squirmed a little in her seat, as she felt everyone's eyes on her, looking for an explanation. "I don't know what to tell you Vivi, but that's never been the case with Kia before, and definitely not for me. I'm always asking questions… there's so much I just don't know."

Vivi looked disappointed, but recovered quickly. "It was just a hunch anyway, so no problem. Sometimes coincidences are just that… coincidences."

It seemed like two different people that travelled back to Yuba with them, as Toto and Koza no longer doubted them. They were free with information, and explained all about Crocodile and his plan to use an ancient weapon to go against the world government. It was startling to hear how easily he played both sides against each other, and Dru knew Leader would be most interested to hear it.

When she and Sabo finally were taking their leave of Yuba, Koza stopped Sabo, and apologized again for his mistrust. Sabo was quick to brush it aside, knowing that caution is essential. But then Koza surprised him.

"Kia saved my life that day, and I never really got to repay her for that," he said, looking at his feet. "If she were here, she'd want to say something to you, so I am going to do that for her." He looked at Dru, and then back at Sabo. "Make sure you take care of her, okay?" he said, nodding at Dru. "They all need to find each other again, and after meeting you, Dru, I truly believe you will."

Sabo promised that he would look after her, as if she was his own sister, and that satisfied Koza. They said their farewells, and set sail back to headquarters.

It seemed as if in no time at all, they were giving their report to Dragon- and Koala, who had joined them before they entered his office. Dru had been right that he was interested in Crocodile's exploits, although he surprised her with how interested he was in the Straw Hat pirate crew. Dru even shared what Vivi had mentioned about Kia, and her strange knowledge, though Sabo gave Dru an odd look when she did.

In the very beginning, Dru had shared her entire story with both Dragon and Koala, because she knew she needed to trust somebody. While she did trust Sabo, it was something that she hadn't shared with him, mostly because it sounded crazy, but also because she didn't think he was ready to hear it.

So now, he was confused as to why she would share seemingly non-important details with their leader, but none of them explained. To change the subject Dru pulled out the letter she had gotten from Kia. She had known she should have left it, in case one of the others came to Alabasta, but instead, she simply wrote another note, and left that.

"Is there something in there you wanted to share?" Dragon asked Dru.

"It's more that what she said has left me with questions," Dru answered, looking sheepish. She was certain any day now, one of them would tell her to stop asking questions, since she always had more.

"Go ahead," he stated, leaning back in his chair.

"Thank you sir," she replied, and opened the letter. "She mentions a couple people who are currently hosting my other two sisters, and worded it as if I should know them. Vice Admiral Garp, and Dracule Mihawk… and my question is… are they safe with them?"

Dragon contemplated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, though I cannot say with certainty. Both men have a high code of honor, just differing views of right and wrong," he answered with a smirk. It was obviously a private joke, but Dru wished she was privy to it.

"That's good to hear, thank you. Then she says… here I'll just read it." Dru found the spot and started reading.

Be careful who you trust. There are of course, honorable people on both sides, but there are also those, especially those loyal to the World Government that destroy what they don't understand. People are not innocent until proven guilty here. Guilt is decided by those in power. Pick your battles, though it may be hard to do so, and be certain you can win or escape before you start. Most of all, avoid contact with any Celestial Dragons- at all cost.

Eventually, the crew I sail with will have large bounties, I am certain. Learn who they are, so that when you cross paths, we'll be able to be reunited. This crew is determined to always return to each other.

Something big is coming. The government will not stand idly by while pirates and revolutionaries escape its reach. They will find a way to start a fight, one that will have everyone choosing sides.

I wish I could say more, tell you who to trust and who to avoid, but I can't be certain this won't be intercepted. With everything that is coming, my only advice is… learn haki.

Dru stopped reading, and looked up.

"How could your sister possibly know what the government is planning? Or who to trust?" Sabo asked dismissively. "Is this what Vivi was talking about? Vague comments that make it seem as if she knows much more than she says?"

"I couldn't tell you," Dru replied. "But I have two requests," she said as she looked over to Dragon. "can I be informed of any wanted posters for the Straw Hat crew?"

"I am certain that that can be arranged," he answered, with a nod.

"Thank you. The second… well, you've told me about the Celestial Dragons," she said as she stood. "But, what is haki, and will you teach it to me?"