DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN CODENAME: KIDS NEXT DOOR


NOTE: THIS PARTICULAR VERSION OF THIS STORY HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED., AND IS NO LONGER CONSIDERED CANON FOR MY "TRENT UNIVERSE." THE REDUX IS IN THE WORKS. FOR ANY DIFFERENCES, THE REDUX WILL BE CONSIDERED CANON;

THIS VERSION REMAINS AS AN ARCHIVE OF THE ORIGINAL.


A/N: Heyy guys, just a quick note for you before you get started. To be completely honest, this story serves two main purposes: 1) so I could get used to writing in the KND universe, and 2) to introduce several OCs so I won't have to when you meet them later. So, this is more or less a test dummy for me. BUT, with that said, I'm still putting a lot of effort into making this an entertaining read. The first few chapters may be kinda sluggish, but it gets better, I promise!


CHAPTER 1: GRADUATION


"My fellow operatives and comrades in kiddom, as Supreme Kids Next Door Leader, I, Numbuh 362, am honored to welcome you to the Cadets Next Door graduation!"

Numbuh 362 had hardly finished her sentence before the massive crowd before her, consisting of almost every KND operative in the world, burst out in deafening applause and cheers for the dozen graduating cadets lined up onstage behind her. Each cadet was positively beaming, a proud, excited smile plastered on their faces, unable to contain their joy even if they tried.

Every graduation played out very similarly, being mostly the same up until each cadet chose their codename and got their assignment. Nonetheless, they never failed to raise everyone's spirits, representing the bravery of the ever-growing number of kids around the globe willing to join the fight against adult tyranny and aid kids everywhere. No one missed a graduation if they could help it.

Numbuh 362 waited a moment for the noise to die down, though not stop completely, before continuing.

"Inducting each new group of cadets into the Kids Next Door is..."

Everyone in the room was listening intently, with the exception of one cadet: Trent Edison. He was trying to pay attention, but his excitement was overwhelming his attention span. He was finally becoming a KND operative. Sure, they were all excited for it, but he had been waiting for this day for years.

Trent didn't think he was anything special. He had white skin, with no tan whatsoever, and was average height for his age. His dark brown hair was kinda long and was usually pretty messy, though he kept it combed off his face. He wore a navy blue zip-up hoodie with sleeves coming down just short of his fingertips, blue jeans and black & white shoes. A pretty average appearance, if you asked him.

However, Trent was undeniably different from the others: not only was he older, he had been working with the KND for years before even becoming a cadet.

Since early preschool, he had taken it upon himself to help kids in need, before he had even heard of the Kids Next Door. His actions quickly gained him the attention of the nearby KND Sector NC, who mentioned him to their superiors. Impressed, they wanted to recruit him, but Numbuh 274 wouldn't allow it, saying Trent was a self-reliant vigilante who couldn't be trust. However, they did make an arrangement with him: he would forward potential recruits to them, and they'd allow him access to certain 2x4 technology. Even after that, his interaction with the KND was limited to occasionally providing intel and lending a hand (or a weapon, rather) to Sector NC when they needed it. But, he was still regarded as a valuable ally by the operatives who supported him, including a certain specialist named Rachel.

After the unprecedented betrayal of Numbuh 274, Rachel stepped up to the position of Supreme Leader. Soon after, she personally asked him to join. The offer was a more difficult choice than he'd expected it to be. At that point, he was no longer a "self-reliant vigilante" as Numbuh 274 had put it.

Ever since his first liberation of a box of crayons from the class bully, he not only garnered the support of the innocents he defended, but others who heard the tales of his heroism. He soon learned his first big lesson in human nature: just because no one else started a fight, doesn't mean they won't fight it. When he first decided to act for the greater good, he didn't expect the others to help. But after a while, one girl, Lily, eagerly joined his cause. The two became best friends, and were commonly referred to as the Defenders of the Playground. They weren't a duo for long before becoming a trio, then a foursome, and onwards.

By the time Rachel had extended the invitation, he was the leader of a small faction of kids who were inspired by his selflessness enough to volunteer their services. His title as leader was mostly a formality, as his followers typically acted independently. But in spite of their local fame, they were still just a small band of freedom fighters with minimal connection to the KND. Their conflicts were small scale at best, so they maintained their independence without difficulty.

While their KND supporters wanted to endorse them as an official part of the KND, Numbuh 274's distrust only grew, ultimately disallowing any member to join the KND. This was met with an outcry from both sides, but his word was final. Trent was deeply disappointed by this news, but he accepted the circumstances, and stuck to his self-given duties. So come the day Trent answered the door and found Numbuh 362 with an invitation, he was totally taken by surprise.

He had taken a few hours to think things over. Finally, he accepted the offer, leaving his operation in the capable hands of his second in command and first friend, Lily. He departed soon after for training. And now, months later, here he was, standing on the stage at KND Moonbase. Graduating.

"And now, it's time for our graduates to become the official newest Kids Next Door!"

The resulting roar from the audience snapped Trent back to reality. His smile broadened as the moment drew nearer.

"I'd like to begin with a boy who's been standing up for kids since preschool, who I'm proud to finally have up here with us today!"

She spun around to face the cadets, and her eyes met with Trent's. His smile was as big as it had ever been.

"Trent Edison."

He had to consciously force himself to walk up to the podium next to her, struggling to keep his excitement in check.

"Trent, do you swear to battle adult tyranny, without pause, without fail, and without rest, except for cookie breaks?"

His mouth hung open for just a second while he almost forgot what to say.

"Cross my heart... and hope to die!"

"Good!" She replied in a cheerful tone, and raised her hand in the direction of the stand next to her. "You may now insert your genetic material into the code module, and register with the Super-Incredibly-Big-Computermabob."

Trent almost let out a squeal of anticipation. This was it. He straightened his posture as much as he could, raised his left hand to eye level, and then sent his pointer finger enthusiastically into his nose. He didn't have to fish for long until he removed it, revealing the finest booger her had ever picked.

Now, it was time for his acceptance speech. Each new member was encouraged, though not required, to give one. He wasn't one for public speaking, but this was a very special occasion, so he figured he should. He stepped forward, looking over the crowd. In the next few years, he hoped he'd meet every single one. If it were possible for him to smile any bigger, he would have. He raised his booger finger high into the air.

"With this booger," He announced, surprising himself with the firmness of his own voice, "I proudly join the super awesome treehouse of the Kids Next Door! I will gladly risk all I have, and all I am, to defend my fellow kid from adult tyranny, and anything else that may threaten our freedom! If I fail in my promise, may I be removed from the honorable position I hold, and replaced by a kid who will keep us all free of brussel sprouts and bedtimes without desert!"

He took a step back. The code module was now within reach.

"And now, I accept these responsibilities, and choose the codename... Numbuh 81!"

He jammed his finger into the module, and the process began.

"Genetic material accepted," said the female computerized voice, and large beam of colors burst from the module and shot into the Super-Incredibly-Big-Computermabob. "Commencing upload into Super-Incredibly-Big-Computermabob."

Everyone in the room watched the lightshow above, except for Trent and Rachel, who were smiling at each other. She nodded in approval, and he nodded in appreciation.

"Welcome to the Kids Next Door, Operative Numbuh 81!" boomed the male computerized voice, except for the number, which was said in the usual female computer voice. "You shall serve kids everywhere, from your treehouse headquarters on..."

He tensed, almost feeling sick in anticipation. He wasn't totally sure why, though, since he already knew where he was going.

"Kids Next Door Moonbase."

He exhaled in relief. The room filled with applause as Numbuh 362 saluted him and proclaimed the final words of his acceptance.

"Welcome to the Kids Next Door, Numbuh 81!"

Numbuh 81 enthusiastically returned her salute, his stomach feeling as if it was about to burst from being so full of butterflies. This was the happiest moment of his life. He was finally a KND Operative. He had given up hope on this day ever happening, but maybe it was meant to be after all.

Turning and walking to the side of the stage, Trent allowed the next cadet to take the spotlight. He stopped just next to wall. Numbuh 362 continued on with the next cadet while he scanned the crowd, his eyes hopeful and his mind racing.

So I really went through with it, huh? This is gonna be the best! Hopefully someone will tell me what to do soon, though... I have NO idea what I'm supposed to do now... aw, I hope I don't get lost on my graduation day! That'd just be embarrassing...


"Welcome, Numbuh 747, to the Kids Next Door!"

The ovation following the last inductee was the loudest and longest yet, complimented by flying confetti. By then, Trent had given up trying to figure things out and was finally able to enjoy the ceremony. He hastily clapped for his fellow newbie, and shot him an avid thumbs up when their eyes met. Numbuh 747 had impressed Trent with his piloting skills, and he sincerely hoped to work with him in the future.

After what seemed like minutes, when the blaring din began to wane, the Supreme Leader brought the ceremony to its conclusion.

"Well, that's all of the cadets! I think we've all sat through enough speeches, so I'll just remind you that the lobby is full of snacks and drinks for everyone in honor of our graduates! Good luck out there, everyone. Kids Next Door rules!"

Every kid in the room raised their fists in the air.

"KIDS NEXT DOOR RULES!"

With that, the room emptied out, the humming of a hundred individual conversations growing dimmer as they departed from the auditorium. Some of the graduates remained on stage, and were soon greeted by their new teams. Trent was eyeing the door eagerly when he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned to see Rachel. He quickly came to attention and rendered a salute.

"What can I do for you, Miss Supreme Leader Sir Ma'am... Sir?"

She giggled as she waved her hand side to side.

"It's okay, Trent. We can be informal when it's just us."

He nodded, smirking.

"So I'm not totally sure what I'm supposed to do from here. No one really told me what I'm supposed to do after the ceremony."

Her smile faded slightly.

"Normally, my Chief of Security would have already been up here to give you orders. Unfortunately, Numbuh 921 recently turned 13... and I haven't found a replacement yet. But, as far as your orders go, I already have your first task: until further notice, you are assigned to Sector V. They've been seeing a lot of combat lately, so we're sending a commando in the interest of keeping them from getting too worn out. My best Sector, if you ask me. Their leader is a close friend of mine as well. But you'll have to wait to meet them; they were called away five minutes ago to investigate a suspicious transmission, possibly from the Delightful Children From Down The Lane."

Trent's expression was now one of concern. Rachel noticed, and put on a friendly smile.

"Don't worry, it's nothing to be worried about. But, there's no use expecting them to come all the way back here, so I've arranged Numbuh 522 here to take you to the Sector V treehouse. You'll wait for them there."

She motioned toward a soldier-looking boy off to the side, who waved pleasantly in return. Comforted by her reassurance, Trent nodded.

"Thank you, Rachel."

He wanted to say something more, but nothing was coming to mind. She again eased his mind by extending her hand and speaking the right words.

"I have full faith in you, Trent. I know you'll make them proud to have you on the team, just like I am."

He grasped her hand tightly, and they shook hands with a single up and down motion, pausing for a moment before letting go. He smirked, and offered one last sentiment before following the pilot to the hangar.

"Hopefully I'll get to go on one of those huge dangerous missions I've heard about soon. I mean, I'm here for the thrills, right? I'd hate for this to be boring."


A/N: Yes, I watched the first part of Operation: G.R.A.D.U.A.T.E.S. a few times while writing this. Anywho, I know this one was pretty short; the rest of the chapters are significantly longer. So please review and lemme know what you think! I'm always open to ideas, suggestions, requests, etc...

EDIT: *Fixed the episode name. Thanks, catspats31, I can't believe I never noticed. XD

- Marty