Meet Me in My Teenage Years

Prologue:

Missiles exploded everywhere, rocking the ship, and providing a kaleidoscope of colors. If the occupants of the ship weren't so keen on saving their own lives, and escaping said missiles, they probably would have enjoyed the spectacle of colors against the darkness. As it was they were too busy trying to dodge the projectiles to notice any of the beauty.

"We've been HIT!"

"The engines are burning!"

"What do we do! What do we do!"

"We're losing altitude 86!"

"Number Three! Use the PHOENIX!" 86 yelled.

Number Three closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath. This was supposed to be a simple scouting mission to Mars. The Teens Next Door Top Secret Organization (TNDTSO or simply TND) had received a tip that the red planet had been wired with explosives by the Teen Ninjas, and was set to detonate within the week.

The mission itself was supposed to go to Sector V, but due to unforeseen circumstances, a dirty double crossing agent, and some fast talking by Number 5, Headquarters decided to choose five of the best operatives throughout the organization to go on this mission instead.

It was moments such as this that made Number Three question if she really was one of the better operatives.

"Number THREE!" Screeched the commander, "The PHOENIX! NOW! The agent didn't say anything as she pushed the escape hatch releasing her straight into the pilot seat of the PHOENIX.

The PHOENIX was Number Three's personal assault vehicle. Number Three had extremely mixed feelings about this plane, as it was an unwanted gift from 'Ace, the Kid' just trying to win her affections. Everyone in the Moon-Base East Headquarters knew that Number Three would only operate vehicles built by the legendary Number Two. Ace had gone personally to Number Two and commissioned the plane, then presented it to Number Three in front of the TND commander, the head general of operations, and Number Three's best friend and sense of reason, Number 86. He had basically trapped her into excepting the gift.

Usually she overlooked that it was a gift from Ace and focused on the fact that one of her oldest friends had built it, even if he didn't remember her, let alone know that the ship had gone to her.

The PHOENIX was an Aerial Assault Plane in the shape of the mythical bird. Though none of the other sectors had actually seen the ship in battle, it was a legend among the entirety of the KND and TND. Sleek in design, it shot flames of fire 100 times hotter than normal fire out of the mouth. The missiles that shot from her claws were said to be as deadly as an atomic bomb. (Number Three always thought that was rather funny.) Deadly – Yes. Atomic bomb deadly – No.

Even though the PHOENIX was designed for stealth, she was a rather colorful plane. She started out silver on top and faded through to gold with shades of white, yellow, red, orange, and bronze in the middle.

Number Three could turn the ship invisible if she desired, however, due to the bright colors, it was used primarily for diversionary tactics. It did it's job well in getting enemy attention away from whatever team she happened to be working with that day, so they could do their job and get on with the mission.

Number Three pushed the invisibility button as the PHOENIX was released from the DRAGON RUNNER. The missiles being shot at the Runner were coming from every direction. The agent called Number 86 to give the information gathered and got a reply of "WELL, GO FOR THE BIGGEST SHIP YOU SEE OUT THERE!" It was stated in such a condescending tone, that the operative seriously considered hitting her commander when they got out of this mess.

There was only one ship besides the Runner showing up on the radar. It was in the classic UFO shape, round and saucer like. As she pushed the thrusters in, the PHOENIX shot off in an upward spiral towards the offensive UFO. The agent opened the mouth of the bird and released a 10 second flame of fire, and two deadly missiles followed directly after.

Just as the operative was about to release another volley, a distress cry was heard from the DRAGON RUNNER.

"WE NEED MORE BACK UP, 86!" Number Three recognized 647's voice. "WHAT DO WE DO! WE"RE GOIN' DOWN!"

Number Three turned all visibility of the PHOENIX back on, hoping to bring attention to it, instead of the RUNNER. It was a valiant effort, but a lost cause none the less. The RUNNER was crashing to Mars and there wasn't a thing that Number Three could do about it.

The UFO caught sight of the PHOENIX and fired a direct hit at the wing, but Number Three had learned how to fly from the best and she wasn't known as the best diversionary tech for nothing. She always had a surprise up her sleeve. Hitting a special switch that narrowed the wing-span and made the PHOENIX even more aerodynamic, the operative angled the bird towards Mars, dodging heat blasts and missiles, all the while keeping a lookout for the fallen RUNNER.

As she made her way to the ground, she saw the wreckage of the RUNNER just behind some massive boulders. It was laying on it's side, and she was unsure if it was steam or smoke that was coming from the engines. She was willing to bet it was smoke though.

The operative landed the PHOENIX flawlessly, as close as she could get to the other ship, knowing full well that it was probably going to blow up. She had to get her fellow comrades out as quickly as possible, and she knew she didn't have much time. Sprinting as fast as she could, Number Three ran to the panel of the ship and punched in the emergency code to open the door.

It was probably one of the dumbest things she had ever done, but she refused to lose her team mates. She was greeted with smoke. It was hazy, and not very thick yet, but once again, it was only a matter of time. "Number 86!" She yelled. "73? Double 0-7, 706? 647! Come on guys, WHERE ARE YOU!"

The ship was in shambles. Control panels had been smashed, chairs toppled over, drawers knocked out, and instruments busted. Looking at the mess in front of her, she was amazed that the door had even opened when she put in the pass code.

The smoke coming from the engines was getting thicker as she continued looking for her friends. She noticed some flames started popping up, and having no idea where the fire extinguishers had gone to, she hurried her search and prayed she would find her friends quickly.

She heard a groan from her right and looking over she saw Number 706. He had a cut in the middle of his forehead oozing out blood. His blonde hair was covered in a mixture of sweat and blood, and he had numerous other injuries all over his body, including a broken leg.

"706!" Number Three exclaimed.

He winced at the loudness, but smiled slightly. He had hoped that she would come, if only to save Number 86.

"What happened?" Number Three asked, rushing over to him. "Where's everyone else? HOLY!" She stopped short, noticing for the first time the blood all over his face. The operative reached for her medic pack that she always had on her hip, but 706 grabbed her arm first.

"Don't.... Don't worry... 'bout me – right now." He wheezed. "Traitor. There was..... a trai-tor." He took another breath and got out, "One of us."

Number Three wasn't exactly sure what to think about this. These operatives were hand picked by headquarters specifically for this mission. Aside from the illustrious Sector V, these people were supposed to be the best of the best. "Who?" She asked tremulously. "Who is it?"

But 706 didn't have it in him to answer her, and before anything else could be said there was an explosion from the engine.

"WE GOTTA GET OUTTA HERE!" Three yelled.

"No!" he answered. "You get the others, if you – if you can find them." He took another deep gasping breath. "Leave me Three," he said quietly. "I can't – I'm not.... I'm not gonna make it."

Tears started to well up in Number Three's eyes as he said this to her. She started shaking her head, trying to deny him. "86 – Fanny, she fell under the..... under the chair over there. - Get 'er outta there Number Three." He whispered. She followed his finger to her friend lying under a chair and cabinet.

706 gripped hold of her arm tightly when he saw her tears. He knew this had to be hard for Number Three. A sweeter person he had never met, and for her to be in the situation where she had to choose between who she was going to save was breaking his heart. He knew that he was dying. He had lost a lot of blood due to his numerous injuries. It was a miracle that he was conscious enough to speak. He also knew that Number 86 was Three's best friend.

A stranger friendship, he had never seen. But the girls balanced each other out perfectly. He knew that as hard as it was going to be for Three to forgive herself for leaving him behind, she would NEVER forgive herself, if Fanny died and there had been something that she could have done to prevent it.

He took another deep breath – time was short, after all. The engines were about to blow completely. "Listen to me, Number Three. I don't know where the others are, but get...." here he had to take another deep gasping, wheezing breath, "get 86 'outta here!"

Number Three nodded her head in understanding. He was losing consciousness quickly and things were starting to get blurry. As his eyes slowly shut – he heard Three pushing the cabinet and chair off 86, along with a crash on the floor. Then he heard her grunting as he assumed she was picking up her best friend, and a groan from said best friend. The next thing he knew, he heard the door kicked open, and just before unconsciousness took him, he heard her say, "I'm so sorry 706, you really were one of the very best."

A/N: For the record, I don't own KND, Mr. Warburton does. On another note, this chapter was going to have more to it, but I realized that this was a good place to stop. Plus, I don't have very much else wrote. Do me a favor and please review, as I'm very nervous about this story, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.