The Kids Next Door Daily Life Series

by Prettywitchiusaka

A collection of four one-shots concerning the lives of nine specific individuals and their daily adventures in the Kids Next Door. One-shot #4; Patton; Faith

1. Chapter 1

The Kids Next Door Daily Life Series

Entry: Sector V

Trust

Today, a bright, radiant and inviting sun shaun itself over the small, yet eventful town of Gallagher. Today seemed peaceful, almost tranquil in its elegance, almost as if nothing was surely amiss today. And yet, it seemed as though the said could not be said for the great Sector V of the Kids next Door as they road off in their SCAMPER, nearing their destination of the Gallagher Badminton club. Their mission; to locate and rescue of string of kidnapped child members of the club. Their strategy; to get in and out as quickly as possible. Or at least that seemed to be the plan dictated by their suave yet serious British leader Nigel Uno, or Numbuh 1 as he glanced around the ship, his navy eyes filled with determination and intent as he eyed his team.

"Alright then, Kids Next Door status report, Numbuh 2", he barked in a commanding tone.

"Engine's all filled, and we should be reaching our destination soon. We're scheduled to arrive in five minutes", replied the team's geeky but loveable scientist and pilot Hoagie Gilligan, or Numbuh 2.

"Good", the British bald boy calmly stated in response. "Numbuh 3!"

"Medicine cabinet's all checked and ready to go! Oh, and my Expedition Rainbow Monkey's all better now", happily chirped the team's cute but sassy Asian distractionist Kuki Sanban, or Numbuh 3 as she cuddled with her plushie.

"Right...", her leader replied in a tone of mild awkwardness, one he immediately shrugged off. "Numbuh 4!"

" 2x4 weaponry's operational, missiles are online, and our cheese bombs are all set and ready ta' go", cockily replied the team's short tempered yet impulsive Wallabee Beatles, or Numbuh 4.

"Perfect", replied in his leader in a suave yet pleased tone. "Two-Seventy-Three!"

"Communication's online, our security's breached, and I swear to god this panel is off model", angrily replied the team's newest (by and year and a half) arrogant yet hyperactive mutant member Alex Dawson, or Numbuh 273. And yet even then, her performance was not enough to downplay her leader's annoyance to her last response.

"Anyway, it won't be long before we reach our destination team, so just hang tight", the young Brit replied in suave, relaxed tone, one which garnered a great response from his teammates save one.

"Hold up Numbuh 1. Are you really sure about this mission", asked the team's calm yet spunky African-American spy and second in command Abigail Lincoln, or Numbuh 5, her question catching her leader's attention.

" What do you mean Numbuh 5", he asked, his tone and expression exhibiting great curiosity from the young boy.

"You know what I mean; the fact that we don't know anythin' about this mission", the black girl sternly replied. "Yeah, we know where the missin' kids are, but what do we know about this villain, of if he really has the kids with him? "

"Relax Numbuh 5, we're one of the best teams in the Kids Next Door. Even if our opponent is strong, he'll be no match for our combined effort", he replied in a tone of calm reassurance.

"Yeah, that's true. No matta' the struggle, we always come out on top baby", she replied in a tone of reassurance, almost as if her leader's confidence had reassured her own. She even laughed a little.

"Exactly. Besides...it's his motives which worry me", Nigel replied in serious observation, one which caught his black friend's attention.

"Motives? But we don't even...", the spunky girl replied before cutting herself off in realization. "Let me guess, there's some type of conspiracy you think's goin' on, isn't there?"

"Oh come on Numbuh 5, it's o obvious plan is a threat to kid Badminton player everywhere", the British boy replied in a much more dramatic and heroic tone, a tone which could only mean one thing for his sector.

"Oh boy, here we go again", the spunky black girl bluntly replied, rolling her hazel eyes in regret to what she knew was about to come.

"Indeed, our villain's plan is simple, yet subtle in it's diabolic proportions", the young Brit replied, a tone of dramatic heroism clear in his voice, and in his navy eyes as he did so. " Who ever this villain he, he's made his motives of abducting Badminton children clear. By capturing the strongest in Gallagher, they will have no choice but to be transformed into his Super Badminton Soldiers, forced into oppression and slavery as they are sold to a Badminton Training Facility to be train unruly adults."

"Wait a minute", cried the spunky African American, a stern look glistened he face, almost as if to say she couldn't take another second of his rambling. "Are you actually trying' ta' convince me that what you just said is fo' real?"

"Of course I am", he replied in a slightly forceful, yet still dramatic tone. "But from the look on your face, I assume that you aren't taking me seriously."

"Well, normally I would boss, but let's face it, in nine cases out of ten, yo' usually wrong about this kind a thang'", the spunky girl replied in a tone of calm integrity, one which seemed to only further her leader's disbelief.

"Well perhaps this is that tenth case", the suave boy calmly explained, attempting to defend himself.

"Yeah, well, I highly doubt that", the spunky African American replied, her tone filled with disbelief that seemed reflected in her hazel eyes.

It was a look which would signify her answer, yet also set off her bald leader as a deep look of anger began to graze his face and reflect in his navy blue eyes.

"Are you trying to get at something", Nigel asked, attempting to keep his anger at bay as his tone caught his friend's attention.

"I didn't say anythin'", Abigail replied in a tone of defence, anger beginning to seep inside her as well as she did so.

"No, but you're questioning my methods", he replied, allowing anger to seep into his voice as he stared at his friend.

"The only thing Numbuh 5's questonin' is whether yo' head's screwed on right", she replied in a deep tone of anger, one which further set her bald friend off as they began to banter back and forth.

The sound of their angered bickering; it was a unanimous sound which served some dire purposes. On one hand, it brought an inglorious harmony which lit up the silent ship. Yet it served a grave negative purpose for its inhabitants as their remaining friends sat in awkward silence, frightened, yet also angered at the very though of heir arguing friends. And yet, it seemed as though Hoagie had found an escape from such bickering, their location was now among them. The problem now was getting their leader's attention as he nervously turned to face them.

"Um...Numbuh 1", Hoagie asked in a slightly nervous tone.

"What", asked the bickering friends in unison, their harmonious angered tones doing nothing to calm his nerves.

"Well...um...we've pretty much reached our destination", he replied in a genuinely nervous tone, one which seemed to bring their bickering friends back to Earth and reality upon hearing such a tone.

"Very well then...take us down Numbuh 2", Nigel replied in a much calmer tone than he'd delivered less than a minute ago, a tone which delighted his plump friend.

"Roger that", happily replied the geeky pilot as he set their course for land.

"Oh, and put her inta' stealth mode while yo' at it", the spunky girl replied in a similarly calm tone, the chubby pilot following her command as he threw the stealth switch on.

Her words; it almost seemed a death threat to his authority as she sent him a glare. Her words; they seemed poisoned with animosity, animosity the British bald boy could not help but feel challenged by as he sent a glare her way. His stern glare however, did nothing of affect to the spunky black girl as she continued to send a glare his way, a glare which fuelled both his animosity, and her own.

...

Today felt as though it were a dream in Gallagher; the radiant sun shone bright, illuminating the bird's glorious chirping as a gentle breeze fluttered its way through such mighty trees. In truth, it seemed as though nothing could be amiss, what with such a warm and inviting atmosphere. Yet, such a statement could be further from the truth as the six

friends leaped out of their transportation, armed gracefully cartwheeling towards their destination; Gallagher Badminton club.

Their stealthy moves proved to pay-off as they quietly threw their bodies up against the building walls, three to each side. As the bald boy gave his Australian friend the signal, he slowly began to open the door as both himself, and his friends armed themselves, preparing for what lay on the other side. Their surprise however, seemed less than impressive; it proved to be none other than a rather unimpressive, dimly lit courtroom.

"Wow...talk about budget cuts", Hoagie said, his tone reeking of unimpressive disappointment.

"I'll say, how the hell are we suppose ta' find any kids in this puny place", Wally asked, his tone filled growing exasperation at their situation.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but for once I actually agree with Wallabee-kun; how are we suppose to look for our mission objective here", Alex asked, her tone immersed with blunt yet observational curiosity.

"Simple; we just widen our search a little", Nigel replied, his tone stern and his intent clear in his mind.

"Oh, look at that, sounds like yo' sayin' that with confidence. Or are you just tryin' ta' cover up fo' yo' recklessness", Abigail asked in a tone of spunky yet malicious intent, one which further angered her bald friend as he opened his mouth to speak.

"Enough chitchat already! Kids Next Door, spread out and search", he commanded with stern, yet angered authority. An order so direct, it practically garnered an immediate response from the team.

And yet, a nervous and concerned Kuki stayed in her spot, hugging herself in deep concern as she felt uncertain as to what she should do. It was a sight which did not however, go unnoticed by a concerned Alex and Hoagie, walking over towards their concerned friend in comfort.

"Ah, don't worry about it Kuki-chan", the mutant brunette replied as she caressed her little Asian friend into a hug, a hug which she accepted wholeheartedly.

"Yeah. Besides, knowing how stubborn those two are, they'll probably make-up in the middle of the mission", the pump pilot happily replied, a tone which seemed to brighten the little Asian girl's face for a moment or so.

"I sure hope so, I don't think my nerves will be able to take it"Kuki finally spoke up, her voice filled with uncertainty, and unassurance.

"Trust me, they'll make up soon. You're just going to have to grin and bear it for awhile", he said in a reassuring tone.

"Yeah, and if that don't work, just resort to a little distraction. You're good at that, right", Alex replied in a sassy tone, winking at her friend in reassurance as she giggled in delight.

"Okay, thanks guys", the innocent Asian girl replied, her tone beginning to sound similar to her usual chipper tone.

A reassuring fit for these two friends as they delivered smiles to one another, knowing that their mission was now complete. All that seemed left now was to locate their true mission objective, a feet they knew would be no small task as they entered into the small gymnasium.

...

A team as skilled as Sector V is both wise and strong, a team as skilled as Sector V is both united and quick on their feet for a mission of this calibre. That being said, it seemed so unfortunate then that no clues towards the missing children had not proved successful for the team, having now shaved off ten or fifteen minutes with minimal results. Indeed, today seemed to start off simple enough for Nigel, only show its true colours as his frustration grew to new peaks. Yet ever the stubborn leader he continued search, his duty to his mission clear in his complex mind as he opened his mouth to speak.

"Have you found anything Numbuh 2", Nigel shouted out to his friend, awaiting his reply.

"Nope, still looking", Hoagie cried out in return, his answer doing nothing to calm the young Brit's nerves as he continued to shine the flashlight on his weapon throughout the dimly lit area.

"Have you found anything Numbuh 3", he asked with a masked tone of authority, only to feel his temper teetering as

he shawn the light on his little friend, happily singing to herself as she played with a pink ribbon baton. "What on Earth! This is no time to be playing games Numbuh 3!

"Well with you and Numbuh 5 arguing, I've got to have something to calm my nerves" Kuki replied, her sassy yet blunt tone being soon replaced by her innocent singing tone as she grazed the floors once more.

"Right", the young boy replied with a roll of his eyes, shrugging his annoyance off as he continued to search his bearings, his frustration continually growing with every step he took.

"What about you Two-Seventy-Three, have you found anything up there", he shouted to the ceiling, shining the flashlight on his weapon to reveal a floating Alex.

"Right, cause I wouldn't have told you if I'd found anything up here about now, would I", she asked, her tone filled with arrogant yet sarcastic repore, one which did not sit well with her bald friend.

"I don't want your snide comments, I want results", the bald brit angrily retorted.

"Well, Numbuh 5's gotta' give ya' some credit; least ya' got ya' priorities strait...most of the time", Abigail replied in tone of well intent mochary, one which only further the anger buried inside of her usually calm leader.

And yet, he knew better than to let his anger overtake him. Instead, he let it go, at least for now as his priorities overtook his composure once more.

"Keep on searching guys", the fearless boy demanded with stern authority, authority the team could not refuse as they continued to follow their leaders wishes.

And yet even they grew tired of walking circles and places they'd searched before. The problem was that no one truly had the heart to oppose their leader's authority about said location, none but their shortest, yet impulsive member Wally. His eyes read of deep impatience, and his body began to shake as if it were the earth itself, a fitting analogy considering what he would have to say.

"I can't take it anymore", screamed the angered Wally, his re verb echoing thorough the room as his teammates shawn their flashlights in his direction, further concluding his angered state. "We've been stuck in here for over half and hour, we're walkin' around in circles, and we haven't found a single kid! This is the worst mission eva'!

"Oh would you relax, we've only been in here fo' ten minutes, fifteen tops", the spunky black girl replied with mild annoyance.

"Yeah. And besides Numbuh 4, all of the coordinates for the missing children lead here", the geeky pilot pointed out on his TRACEM radar.

"Yes, which is precisely why we're not leaving here until we find those kids Numbuh 4", Nigel sternly replied as he crossed his arms, but his stern demeanour could do nothing to unsettle that impatient, angered look of disbelief on the short Aussie's face.

"Well I hate ta' break it to ya' Numbuh 1, but unless I pull down on this monkey bar, and a wall opens up, we have searched every inch of this cruddy gym", replied the impulsive blonde fighter, his anger and annoyance now ever visible as he literally pulled down on the monkey bar behind him.

Yet fate seemed to kind to the stubborn Aussie, for indeed a sturdy yet firm door opened behind him as he walked away in a huff, revealing an old, dimly lit brick staircase. It proved to be a sight which not only shocked the small Aussie himself, but also his friends as they stood there for a moment, lost in stunned silence.

"Huh, makes you wonder why none of us thought of that fifteen minutes ago", the mutant brunette bluntly replied as she gently floated to the floor, in truth just as stunned as the rest of her teammates.

"Wow, talk about a great find Numbuh 4", the plump pilot said with great delight as he patted his short friend on the back.

"Yeah, you're really smart Wally", the little Asian girl happily chirped, causing her friend to turn and face her.

"I am?...I mean, of course I am", the short blonde replied in great confidence and cockiness. 'I mean after all, it was

pretty easy to figure out once I used my-"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, save it fo' the campfire baby, we got a long way ahead of us yet", the the braided beauty replied in a blunt tone.

A tone which rightfully annoyed her small friend, yet only for a mere second or so as his mind came down from the clouds and back to Earth once more.

And so, the six friends made their way down into the catacombs, a light to shine upon their weapons to lead the way. Yet never removing their hands from said weapons for a second, attempting to remain poised and armed at all times necessary. And yet, it seemed such a quiet, dreary place. At least, it seemed that way to the normally cheerful Kuki, whose face stated her feeling of unsettlement, and discomfort.

"This place is so dark, it's kind of scary", the little Asian girl replied, her tone ringing of clear discomfort.

"Well of course it's scary Numbuh 3, the guy's a mad scientist", the plump pilot replied in his usually optimistic tone. " And as we all know, if there's one thing a mad scientists love, it's a deep, dark dungeon hideout."

"So, what's that got to do with kidnappin' kids", asked the short Aussie in great confusion.

"Well isn't it obvious? It's a great way to hide in their "Lab" rinyth", the geeky pilot replied with great glee, howling at his own joke in great delight.

Though joy only came to him as the rest of his team were boiling at annoyance point, attempting to keep themselves from hitting him. Abigail especially as she tried to resist the urge to whack him silly with her signature baseball hat.

Her resistance though, found itself slowly dwindling into shock, a shock which seemed to resonate amongst her friends as they stood to face something peculiar; a set of three long hallways side by side. In truth, no one seemed to know what to do. Although, that did not stop Wally fro speaking up in curiosity.

"So what do we do now Numbuh 1", the short blonde asked in clear curiosity, his not turning but rather speaking once given a moment to reply.

"We split up and cover more ground, that's what", the fearless leader replied, his tone ever so blunt.

"Gee, I don't know boss. With yo' judgement, we might end up dead or somethin'", the spunky African American replied in a tone of blunt sarcasm, one which furthered the annoyance of her leader.

He had just about enough of her snide comments, and if she felt to criticize him as if she were more perfect than him, than she about to be in for a taste of her own medicine as he turned to face her, his navy blue eyes now in ablaze.

"You know, you're pretty quick to judge, and yet you're just as quick to make reckless decisions as I am", he replied in an angered, spite filled tone, a tone venomous enough it darkened the already careless look on the black girl's face.

"Name one", she said, her tone defensive yet blunt, and her hazel eyes ablaze with erupting anger.

"Alright then; how about that time you ran off to Chicken Pox Island to save Maurice, sick enough to be bed ridden, with limited weaponry and no way to contact us", he reminded her with angered spite in his tone, one which he did not let go of even as her face remained intent and unchanged.

"Oh please, Numbuh 5 would rather have Maurice lead a normal life than work with her sister, and you know it", she replied in an oddly calm yet defensive tone.

" Still, wouldn't you consider that reckless behaviour", he asked in a stern yet angered tone, his face stating his stern authority as the young black girl's face continued to darken in silent anger.

"Yeah, but at least I had my priorities straight", she calmly yet angrily replied, her tone further angering her leader as he opened his mouth to speak once more.

"Oh, and I don't", he asked, his tone filled with deep seeded anger as she continued to stare at him in blunt anger.

"I don't know, do you", she asked, her calm tone now raising an octave to anger.

"Do you", he asked, his anger reaching its peak as he did so.

As of for a moment, the flame in their eyes met; their dance ranged of budding anger and intense displeasement. And yet it all seemed to be over in a millisecond as Nigel walked off down the right corridor, Abigail taking the left. In truth, it was a sight which revived the team's unease from before. Yet even so, opportunity seemed to knock as Hoagie and Alex looked at one another; in each others eyes, they saw the same idea. This allowed them to nod their heads in agreement, attempting to set their plan into motion.

"Hey, wait for me Numbuh 1", yelled a desperate Hoagie as he ran down the right corridor.

"Chotto matte kudasai, Abby-sama" yelled a concerned Alex as she ran down the left corridor, all the while mutter the Japanese phrase for "Wait up."

Once they had vanished, all seemed quiet throughout the hallway, or at least until Kuki finally had the courage to end this silence and speak up.

"Well, I guess it's just you and me then", she cheerfully stated to her short friend.

"Looks like it", he bluntly replied as they made their path down the middle corridor.

...

In truth, not much can be said of these dingy, dimly lit corridors that lay ahead of our heroes eyes. Yet if there were something which could be spoken, it would be that at least in hindsight, these caverns weren't as creepy an atmosphere as the dimly lit corridors of Global Command. Or at least, that's how they seemed to an impatient Nigel as him and his plump friend continued their search through this corridor, his impatience growing more vivid with every step he took.

"Any progress Numbuh 2", Nigel asked in stern authority, attempting to mask his growing impatience.

"Sorry Numbuh 1, it just doesn't seem like there's any good connection down here", Hoagie said in a somber tone, sadly looking at his TRACEM as he did so.

"Wonderful", the bald leader replied in tinted sarcasm, his navy eyes rolling once more as they walked further into the corridor.

Though focused on his work, the geeky pilot knew he saw an opportunity when he saw one. With that in mind, he felt more determined than every to start speaking to his old friend, hoping that perhaps his words could do something.

"Look Numbuh 1, I know Numbuh 5 can be a little overbearing at times, but I think you're forgetting that she's just looking out for you", the optimistic geek explained as best he could, happy his scheme was working as his friend turned his head to stare at him in angered disbelief.

"Somehow, I find that hard to believe", the young Brit replied in firm disbelief, leaving Hoagie upset but not discouraged as Nigel turned his head away from him.

" Aw come on Numbuh 1, even you have to admit that sometimes your imagination can get out of hand, she's just trying to make sure that you don't endanger yourself, and by extension us", the plump pilot explained, his tone optimistic as ever. It was however, not enough to convince his stubborn friend as they pressed forward.

"So that gives her the right to question my methods", he angrily asked his friend, silencing him with food for though, if only for a brief moment.

"Well...maybe not...But it gives Numbuh 5 be the kind of person she is; a loyal friend who always shows up at your beck and call", he replied though with more optimism than hesitance, a notion which still did not budge his stern friend.

"And besides, think of all the times Numbuh 5 has helped you; that time with the Ankle Biters, that time when you got your brain removed, that time she let you escape and sacrificed herself to Cree", the optimistic geek explained, jogging his memory as he counted on his fingers.

"I remember that vividly, and for the record and umpteenth time; I was NOT having my brain removed", the young Brit replied as he turned to face his friend in angered rage, turning back soon afterwards.

And yet in his rage, he could not see the frustrated, angered yet pouty look which had grazed his old friend's face.

"Well excuse me for trying to help", he said to himself in a quiet yet angered tone, his goggles detailing an ever present angered expression as he crossed his arms, a state which persisted even as his stern friend stopped in his tracks.

"I'm sorry Hoagie...", the young Brit replied, his tone a mixture of regret and quilt, a tone which erased that scowl off of his good friend with surprise. "I'm just...very frustrated right now, what with the mission and Numbuh 5 and all..."

"But even if that doesn't justify my behaviour, I do appreciate your efforts", the suave leader expressed with calm acceptance as he turned to smile at his friend, allowing for him to return one in favour.

"Don't mention it", the geeky boy delivered with similar acceptance in his tone. "I mean, after all-"

"Say it, and I'll give Numbuh 3 the authority to pick for movie night instead of you this week", he replied as he turned himself back to their path, his stern tone and authority present as ever as his friend's happy face suddenly inflated into nothing.

"Oh, come on, it would have funny", he replied, his tone a clam yet determined sound as he followed his friend.

"Somehow, I doubt it", the young leader replied with blunt expression.

So in essence, it seemed as though Hoagie had failed in mission, or at least his true objective. Although to be fair, Alex wasn't doing much better either.

" Come on Abby-sama, don't you think you're being a little too hard on him", Alex asked with great curiosity, one which annoyed her much sterner friend as they continued their search. "I mean sure he's got an overactive imagination, but so do most kids nowadays. And besides, you never know, he just might be right."

"Somehow, I doubt that", Abigail replied with blunt integrity, her mind ever focused on her mission objective.

"Well I guess I can't blame you for thinking that. After all, he did think that Mr. Boss was building an Atomic Bomb in his basement for awhile", the young mutant replied, honesty and sass in her tone as she said so.

"That was you", the black girl said in great exasperation, one which made her honest friend reflect for a moment.

"Oh yeah...I still say it was an Atomic Bomb", she replied with great pride in her voice, or at least until she found herself coming back down to earth once more. "Anyway, my point is that maybe you should lighten up on him a little."

"Let me put it to ye' this way girl", the spunky girl stated as she turned to face her friend, allowing her to yelp in surprise before she continued. "Numbuh 5 will believe it when she sees it."

Her tone made her intent clear in precise, and yet it did nothing to erase the sour pus look forming on her friend's face as it formed into a pouty look of displeasement.

"Well you didn't have to say it like that", the mutant girl replied, her pouty face and irritated tone only fuelling her black friend's guilt. After all, she wasn't the target of her anger and frustration.

"Would it help if I said I'm sorry", she asked, forgiveness in her tone as her friend's face began to soften.

"I don't know, maybe if you danced for me it would", she replied, and air of sarcasm in her as her friend released a small giggle in response.

"Come on, let's go girl", the young African American girl replied as she walked further into the corridor.

"Hai", the mutant brunette cheerfully replied as she ran after her best friend, all the while muttering the Japanese word for "yes".

Much like her plump friend, the mutant brunette had failed in her mission objective. Though at least her complaints had been kept to a minimum, unlike a certain Asian female walked the floors of the centre corridor, a long face present as she strolled the hallways with her short yet armed friend.

"Wally, can we please take a break, my feet are killing me", Kuki cried in an whiny tone, much to her friend's

annoyance.

"No way, if we stop to rest, then there's no tellin' how much time we'll loose", Wally explained, determination clear his tone as her roamed the corridor floors, poised and armed at all times.

"But I can't take it anymore, everywhere I look there's just walls, walls, walls", she complained, her tone becoming even whiner as it brought her to the short Aussie's attention. "I'm sick of the walking, I'm sick of the yelling, I'm sick of the fight, and I'm sick of you making fun of me!"

"What are you talkin' about? We've only been in here for ten minutes", he replied in great disbelief.

"Oh, has it only been that long", she asked, her tone reforming to a much more innocent sounding one as her annoyance settled.

"Yeah, you can look at my watch if ye' don't believe me", the short blonde replied with great confidence as he pulled out his wristwatch for her to see, only to get sweet giggles in reply.

"That's funny; your watch says it's 3:50, but we came down here at 3:30", the little Asian girl innocently explained, immediately wiping the confidence from her short friend's face.

"What! But that's impossible! My watch is always 100% accurate", he cried in exasperation, unable to comprehend his huge mistake.

"Aww, I think you change it to 90%, that makes it cuter", she replied as she giggled in flirty delight, one which did nothing but further his annoyance as he stared at her in great animosity.

"Oh shut up! Just go and relax, ye' can catch up te' me when you're ready", the short Aussie replied, his tone still filled with budding irritation as he furthered his way into the corridor.

"Okay, thanks Wally", the little Asian girl happily chirped as she leaned herself up against the wall in relaxation, realizing just how much it was worth the wait.

She felt calm and serene, or at least she she did until she felt the wall spin, yelping in surprise as it took her with it. And yet, her yelp was all it took to get the impulsive blonde to turn around, suspicion growing deep inside of him as he noticed one peculiar thing; Kuki had vanished.

"Kuki...", he asked in mild concern, at least at first.

"Kuki?...Kuki answer me...Answer me damnit", he screamed in growing aggravation, and yet he received no answer.

It was only then that the young Aussie began to feel anxiety consume him. Anxiety so high, the only thing could think to do was sound off the emergency button on his communicator, alerting his remaining teammates as they rushed over to his corridor as quickly as possible.

"What's going on Numbuh 4", asked a concerned yet stern sounding Nigel.

"It's Numbuh 3, she's gone missing", Wally explained in great distress.

"Are you sure", Alex asked in concern, answer question doing nothing but furthering his aggravation as he answered.

"Of course I'm sure! She was just there a minute ago, and then she just vanished", he explained.

"Don't worry buddy. I'm on the case", Hoagie replied, optimistic as ever as he walked over to the wall to begin location analysis.

"Oh, it's all my fault that Kuki's gone...If anything happen to her, I'll-"

"Yeah, yeah, we know lova' boy, just try and keep yo' cool fo' now", the spunky black girl replied in blunt sarcasm, one which only furthered his annoyance as he turned to speak.

"It's not like that, okay", Wally explained in great annoyance, not that it him much good as the girls smirked in disbelief.

"Anything yet Numbuh 2", the British bald boy asked in stern curiosity.

"Sorry Numbuh 1, it looks like the TRACEM's reception isn't so good in them dar hills", Hoagie replied, his tone a mix of concern yet jokey, not that it sat well with the small Aussie.

"Oh great! So while Kuki's trapped somewhere, cold and alone, you're sittin' here makin' jokes", he replied, anger clear in his voice as he did so.

"Okay, before you go and have a spaz attack, let me try and locate her with my aura perception", replied the mildly annoyed Alex as she stared at her leader, his stern nod giving her all the freedom she could desire.

"Go for it", the young Brit sternly replied, allowing her to smile as she made her way towards the wall. "Get ready Numbuh 4."

Within an instant, the impulsive boy was armed, a small smile of confidence grazed his face as he did so. In the mean time, the mutant brunette took to her work as she held her hand up towards the wall, her hand glowing a gentle pink as she floated across the wall. Though minutes had gone by since her initial take off, eventually she came across a powerful aura not too far off from her team's location.

"Kochi", she stated in a low tone, slowly moving away form the spot as she muttered that Japanese word for "here".

"Numbuh 4", Nigel screamed to his friend, and no sooner had he done did Wally punch the wall down with his weapon. It revealed to them yet another staircase, as well as a happy, unharmed looking Kuki.

"Hi guys", the little Asian girl happily chirped, sending a wave of relive to the impulsive blonde as he ran down the steps.

"Kuki", he cried out in relief. Yet his face seemed to twist from relief into anger as he eventually approached her, opening his mouth to speak as he did. "What the hell! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"God, what a tsundere", the mutant brunette muttered to herself, rolling her eyes in disbelief.

"Well it's not my fault! How was I suppose to know that the door would flips over, she defended, angered that he would react in such a manner.

"Argument aside, a re you alright Numbuh 3", the young Brit calmly asked, managing to break up the argument.

"Oh, I'm okay. But we've got to get them out of here", she replied in a tone of genuine concern.

"Them", her teammates asked, curiosity intent in their voices as they did so.

Their answer soon came to them as their innocent friend led them to the place she mentioned, yet nothing could hold back the shock and surprise entering their systems as she showed them her findings. In the passage existed a boxed room, cold, tired and frightened children in caged as far as the eye could see, and did their eyes ever see.

"My god, it's like godwins aw", the plump pilot expressed in sheer surprise.

"No I'd even go as far as to say it's like-"

"We don't have much time! Kids Next Door, tag team stations", Nigel fiercely commanded, his team in agreement.

As if on cue, the six friends took off like little bunnies, working their way towards the cells. The tag teams would work as such; the boys worked the lower set of cages while the girls worked every even cage row, shooting the locks off the doors with their respective 2x4 weaponry ( or in Alex's case, ripping the locks off the door via telekinesis). A small group now remained on the floor a few seconds, confused yet delighted in escaping. And in truth, that escape was in the works as Sector V ushered them out of their prison, Hoagie leading the charge with his TRACEM.

...

Tension; an emotion of frustration and impulsive thinking. A moment in which stress overtakes the body, and settles in the mind. And if such emotion hadn't taken affect, it would eventually as Sector V continued their run through the corridors with their rescuies, attempting to keep their tension (especially Nigel) at bay as they continued to look for their way out.

"Would you hurry up Numbuh 2", Nigel asked, frustration clear in his tone as he watched his friend fumble around with his TRACEM.

"I'm doing the best I can here", Hoagie replied, frustration clear in his tone as well as his fumbling continued.

"Well you need to work faster. If you don't, then we're sure to get spotted eventually", his leader frustratingly replied.

"Oh would you relax? Better he do his job right than have you rushin' him", Abigail replied in deep annoyance, her tone only festering the frustration her leader felt as he opened his mouth to talk back.

" Oh right, because you would really do that", he replied in a mocking tone, furthering her annoyance with him.

"At least I'd be givin' him some time", she replied.

"I'm sure you would", he replied.

"Will somebody please make them stop before I get sick" Wally asked in clear annoyance, unable to take this bickering any longer as Alex felt herself be surprised by the fact that she was agreeing with him for a second time.

"Hey guys look, I see a light up ahead", the geeky pilot shouted with glee, allowing relief to graze his teammates.

"Go fo' it baby", the spunky black girl replied with great confidence.

"Are you certain", Nigel asked, his tone filled with mockery which deepened her annoyance with him once more.

" Just do it", she barked towards Hoagie, allowing for him to get the message.

Like moths to a flame, they fled towards the light. Yet it did not lead to glorious victory, it merely lead them into an ordinary, yet somehow creepy looking caged Badminton court.

"Where are we", Kuki asked in deep puzzlement.

"Well, we're definitely outside; the TRACEM's working again", the plump pilot replied in mild optimism.

"This must be the Badminton court where our villain enacts his evil plans", the young Brit sternly examined.

"Yeah, but what kind of Badminton court has a cage over it", the short Aussie asked in great confusion.

"Well ya' know somethin' brother, if I allowed you to escape with my little Badminaniacs, that just wouldn't be any fun for me now, would it", asked a sudden voice which shook the surprised team as they searched the field for said voice.

Sure enough, their answer came to them in the form of a young man wearing probably the most flamboyant costume possible; we wore a light green shirt with a capital B embroidered into it with blue shorts, touched up with flared sleeves and short legs as a brown belt held the anssamble. Blue and red gloves grazed his arms, and a long blue cape complimented his attire, their shape undeniably birdie like in appearance. He wore regular black and white sneakers, and atop his head rested tennis shaped helmet, the blue mask unable to hide the cocky grin plastered on his face. But even as Sector V found it hard not to laugh at their villain's appearance, their leader could do no more than approach with stern caution.

"So, you're the man in charge of this operation", Nigel asked with stern caution.

"The one and only man", his opponent replied, a cocky air in his tone as he continually posed himself. "After all, what other powerful entry could be trusted to put the light of Badminania into the All Star Badminton Championship at age 12? Who else would have the strength to crush his puny opponents, and bury them six feet under? Why none other than the Great Badmintini!"

And yet his speech was greeted not by applause, but by unfathomable laughter as he angrily turned o face his foes, they could contain themselves no longer.

"More like the Great Dorkatini", the impulsive blonde said, continuing to laugh as his foes temper grew ever so.

"It's not funny brother", the cocky man replied, his tone leaking of frustration and budding anger.

"Oh god, and I though the Nostalgia Critic's "Hogan Month" was too much", the mutant brunette replied, on the verge of tears as laughter continued to pour out of both her, and her friends. Little did they know though that their opponents anger, seemed to have reached his limit as he opened his mouth to speak.

"Enough", he screeched, halting the abrupt laughter and focusing his opponents attention back to him. Yet though a cocky grin lay plastered on his face, this did not stop Nigel from attempting to at least try to take him seriously.

"Don't count on it Badmintini, the Kids Next are already onto your little plan", the bald leader announced with great determination.

"Or at least some of us think we do", the spunky black girl replied, fuelling her friend's annoyance once more.

"Oh, so then you little dudes know about my Grand Master Plan; to kidnap the brightest, shining stars of the Gallagher Badminton Club, train them and toughen them until they are reborn as my Super Badminton soldiers. Giving life to my new Badminton Training facility, and spreading Badminania worldwide", he gleefully replied, pride dripping from every word he spoke.

"Yeah, yeah...WHAT! You mean ta' tell Numbuh 5 that that was yo' plan", the black braided beauty asked in great surprise, continually in disbelief as his words sunk in.

" Well of course man. I mean after all, what other plan would satisfy the Great Badmintini", the Badminton freak replied in a cocky tone, one which vindicated Nigel as his own cockiness rose with the notion of knowing that he was correct.

Yet ease did not come so easily to Abigail as if had for her friend. She felt guilty, unpleasant, and above all disgusting for having spoken such cruel words to her dear friend. And yet, now was not the time for apologizes as she watched her leader, a cocky grin on his face as he stood to face their newly discovered foe.

"Very well then, with that aside, I doubt that you won't be letting us go so easily", he calmly asked.

"You'd be correct in that assumption little dude", Badmintini replied as cockiness remained in his voice. "Nobody escapes Badminania and lives to tell the tale."

"Then perhaps a wager; my team and I shall challenge you to Badminton on this court. And if we win, you exchange your freedom for the freedom of the kids you've captured", the young Brit replied, his tone filled with absolute confidence; this plan was full proof.

Yet that confidence did not go unnoticed by Badmintini as his own cocky grin sharpened, maybe this plan might be beneficial to him as well.

"Fine, but if I win, I get to keep my little Badminaniacs...With one condition", he explained. As he did, Nigel's confidence never budged an inch, always staying in that same cocky grin.

"Whatever you want, the Kids next Door can handle anything you throw at us", the bald boy replied with great confidence, unaware of what a reckless mistake he had just made.

"Well ya' see brother, I could use some skilled brats like you...so if I win, I get to keep you six as official Badminaniacs", he replied, his cocky grin continuing to sharpen as the one on Nigel's began to fade almost instantly.

"You what", he screamed in shock, unable to comprehend what he'd just agreed to. In all fairness though, he knew his tam couldn't comprehend it either as their watched him, their anger incomparable to any calamity possible, and he knew it.

"Nice goin' genius", replied a stern Abigail. Though ready to forgive him a minute ago, her anger had resurfaced now, adding to her leader's rising tension as he felt uncertain as to what to do.

"So little bald dude, what do you say", the Badminton freak asked, knowing his answer would not take long as his small opponent raised his face to reveal a determined storm brewing in those navy eyes of his.

"We accept...best two out of three", Nigel sternly complied.

"With a bonus round, ten points each", the motherly black girl sternly replied, yet she did not anger her friend once more, for he understood what she was attempting to do.

"With what she said", the British bald boy calmly replied, further sharpening the grin on their opponents face.

"Very well...", Badmintini replied as he went to pace. "But ya' know somethin' brother? It just doesn't seem right ta' let you pick your own team on my court man. So from now on; the green dudette with the curly dudette, the short dude with the geeky dude, and the black dudette with the British dude."

"What", the two angered friends asked in unison.

"Forget it baby", Abigail angrily replied.

"Agreed, there's no way I'm play on the same team as her", Nigel angrily replied.

"Well that's too bad, because sometimes brother ya' gotta pit yourself with terror in order ta' fight the forces of darkness", he replied, the angered yet solemn look suggesting to him that they got his message.

"Good...Now, I assume that each of you has had some experience with the sport", he asked.

And from there, came a collection of stories overlapping one another from the team members; some had played it professionally, others had only played in gym, Kuki even asked in Rainbow Monkey Sports Wii counts. Yet only one ceased to speak up; Nigel himself. Or at least, that's what Abigail noticed as she went to speak.

"Say boss, you didn't say anythin', does that mean you don't have any experience with the sport", she asked, her tone cocky yet playful as her leader attempted to keep his stern composure.

"Oh don't be silly, I've played Badminton...sometimes when my dad asks me to...", he explained, though not very well as the black girl never bought it for one second.

"Oh really, then why are ye' sayin' that with hesitation", the spunky black girl asked with a big grin on her face. Yet she was not the only one who so; the rest of the group seemed to be caught up a giggling frenzie, one which only angered their leader further.

"Enough already", he eventually screamed, unable to take anymore mockery for one day.

"Well then, now that your little bout's settled...let's begin, shall we man...", their opponent asked in devious fun, his cocky grin doing nothing more than pump the six friends with determination, for they were going to need it.

...

The afternoon sun held itself high as the remainder of Sector V stood on the sidelines, watching in deep concern as they witnessed their Asian and Canadian friends step up to the playing field. A straight look of stern authority adorned their faces, almost as if to say that neither of them was afraid to face the Badminton freak. Not that this sent a shiver down their cocky opponent spine as he threw their rachets (Green and Pink ones respectively) towards his opponents, allowing for the girls to gracefully catch them as they struck their own poses.

"Ooh, they're colour coded", Kuki happily remarked, gazing in awe at the detailed lime green which coded her rachet.

"Stay focused", Alex calmly replied in sing-song tone, one which awakened the small Asian girl to reality once more as she stood to sternly face her opponent.

"Well ladies, I can't you'll be guaranteed a victory. But I have to ask...Whattya' gonna do when Badmintini runs wild on you", the cocky man asked, great pride in his voice as he posed himself, not that it did much to deteriorate the girls already stern looks of integrity.

" We're going to kick your sorry ass, that's what", the mutant brunette replied, her tone filled with blunt toughness.

"Yeah", kick it", the little Asian girl screamed, almost as if she'd been refuelled by adrenaline.

"Well then dudettes, let's begin", Badmintini replied, a cocky tone lay obvious in his voice as he whacked the birdie with all his might, allowing for it to sprint across the playing field as he scored his first point.

"Hey that wasn't very nice", the little Asian girl angrily chirped.

"Well, at least we know he's fast. Ekimasho, Kuki-chan", the curly brunette replied as she led the way, all the while muttering the Japanese word for "let's go" as Kuki agreed with her.

Within an instant, the two girls were circling one another. A mere warm up for these two friends as they sprinted towards the net, Kuki scoring a point for their side as their sprinting continued. And so, a likely tag team was formed between these two friends as the battle commenced; a series of jumps, cartwheels, sharing , and even shounen styled moves were prevalent among these two girls. All the while sharing their wins as they caught the birdie, and passed to the one who could become the scorer. Their graceful style however, proved only mildly successful against the skilled Badmintini, whose quick speed and abrasive style of of Badminton proved futile. It was a style which both tensed and frustrated the mutant girl, and one which only furthered her frustration as she watched her Asian friend a few, yet clumsily miss a few. And as she witnessed, it seemed as though nervousness and arrogance got the better of her psyche as she began to swing at every shot, annoying the small Asian girl as she opened her mouth to speak.

"Excuse me, but what do you think you're doing", Kuki asked, her tone a mix of budding yet suppressed anger.

"What does it look like I'm doing, I'm winning us points here", the mutant girl bluntly replied.

" Hyeah, but we're suppose to be doing that as a team", the Asian girl replied in a tone of frustration.

"Oh come on, I let you play", her friend replied in an exasperated tone, further angering her small friend.

"Yeah, for five minutes", she bluntly replied, not buying her friend's words for a second as she went to speak once more.

"Well it's not my fault you have a shotty back hand", the mutant girl angrily replied, only to cover her mouth in surprise upon hearing her own words. But it was too late to take it back, those words had been the final nail in the coffin for her cheerful friend as she stood there, anger clear in her eyes as she stared back the curly haired girl.

"Oh, so my back hand is shotty compared to yours", the sassy Asian girl replied, swinging her rachet and hitting the birdie at full force as she did so.

What the girls hadn't noticed though, was that the birdie had been strong enough to sock a surprised Badmintini in the face, collapsing him to the ground as if he were a toppled building. Once this came to their attention though, all they could do was stare in shock. And in essence, it was all their teammates could do, or at least until Kuki finally spoke up.

"Yay! We win", the little Asian cheerfully replied, delighted by her results.

"Wa, Nice shot Kuki-chan", the mutant girl replied, her tone filled with pure delight yet admiration as she praised her friend.

"Ahh, it was nothing", the cheerful Asian girl replied, blushing as bright as Cherry Blossom as her tone creeped of embarrassment.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Kuki's got a great Back Hand, let's bag this dork and get out of here", Wally replied, his tone filled with cocky excitement as he did so.

To their surprise however, it seemed as though their Badminton "friend" may not have been out of the running. In deed, he surprised the six friends as he rose from his spot on the court, yet something seemed much different about him; he seemed wimpier, almost angered. No longer did the cocky man from minutes ago stand before them, but rather a sad, pitiful, wailing crybaby of a man. It was only then that not only Abigail and Nigel, but also Hoagie and Alex could muster what had become of him.

"He's got Bi-Polar Disorder", the four screamed, bringing nothing but confusion to both Wally and Kuki.

"I don't get it, what's Bi-Polar Disorder", Kuki innocently asked the seemingly frightened Alex.

"You know how some people describe me as a living mood ring", she asked in a somewhat frightful tone, inclining her friend's attention. "Well imagine that, except me going back and forth between happy and sad every five seconds", she explained, doing nothing more than confusion her chipper friend even more than she had been prior.

"Numbuh 3, do ya' remember that crazy nurse lady from Misery", Abigail shouted out, hoping their young friend would understand.

"Yeah, but what does that have to do with-Oh...OH! Oh", the chipper Asian girl replied, now able to comprehend the idea of a Bi-Polar stricken person. Though whether this may be a hindrance for the two girls or not they were unaware of as Badmintini stood to face them, much more enraged and psychotic looking than he had appeared prior.

"So ladies, you think that just because you're so cute and filled with "Girl Power" that you can best me! Well let me tell ya' somethin' brother, by the end of this fight, you'll be so puny you won't know what hit ya'", he replied with psychotic laughter, laughter followed by sombered tears and wailing as his birdies now came at lightning speed, something the girls had not expected.

"When did he get so strong", Kuki loudly asked, her tone filled with concern as she attempted to hide her face from the onslaught.

"His power must increase whenever he goes into Bi-Polar mode! He must have gotten psychotic rage tips from Shinji", Alex loudly replied, attempting to at least hypothesize their villains powers as she too hid herself from the onslaught.

"This isn't the time to be making references", the sassy Asian girl replied, her annoyed tone not lasting long however as she found herself yelping from the impact of a birdie hitting her square in the face.

"Kuki-chan", the mutant brunette screamed in concerned as she witnessed her friend collapse to the ground.

"Numbuh 3", the short Aussie screamed in concern as he witnessed her sit herself up.

And yet indeed, Kuki seemed a goner as the birdie came towards her brakeneck's speed, the team unable to do anything save for watch in horror. Ye fate seemed kind to the little Asian girl, for from high yonder came a figure, smashing the small object across the field and gaining a point simultaneously. The person in question proved to be her friend and partner Alex, a sight which not only shocked her friends, but also their emotionally disturbed opponent as she stood there, rachet in hand. Her eyes glowed a menacing pink, and her face read of serious yet stern authority;, she meant business. This however, did not sit well with Badmintini as he went to speak, his peaked anger to be clearly prevalent.

"Hey man, that's not fair! You can't cheat using powers", he angrily replied, staring at his opponent spitefully though it did nothing to decimate her serious face.

"Yeah well, Hulk Hogan was a terrible movie actor, so we're even", the curly haired girl remarked in a relaxed yet arrogant tone, a cocky grin on her face as she hit a nerve with their powerful opponent, or so she'd thought.

"Well you know somethin' brother? I guess you missed the boat on cool hair styles because curls haven't been in since the sixties man", the Badminton freak cockily replied, following up with psychotic laughter as he continually sniffled.

And yet it seemed he too had hit a nerve with the young girl as her face darkened once more; no one insulted her hair style and got away with it.

"Oh, it's on", the young mutant replied in deep seeded anger, powerfully smashing the birdie once more as she did so.

And with that, Alex moved on with her smashing techniques towards the birdie. In the minutes that followed came a series of flashy twirls and acrobatic as she smashed the birdie with ridiculous attack names, an opponent truly befitting the Bi-Polar stricken Badmintini as they continued their quite literal foreplay. From the sidelines, the remainder of the team could do nothing but sit in awe, amazed at their friend's cocky attitude and speed. Yet it sat not so well with one person; Kuki. Her eyes lit of intense flame and her feet had sharpened considerably; she was angered, and deeply so by this display. Things only got worse though as she interrupted her friend's little display with her own smash to the birdie, scoring another point as she stood to face her somewhat frightened looking friend now.

"So, having fun showing off", the angered Asian girl asked, her anger more prevalent than it had been before.

"Sorry about that, I guess I got a little carried away", the mutant girl replied, a genuine tone of embarrassment in her voice as she felt genuine guilt arise inside of her. Not that it would matter.

"A little huh, so I guess you didn't see your little dance routine out there", she asked, her tone reeving of anger and mockery, mockery which only fuelled anger from the mutant girl herself.

"Oh come on, you know how I get when I get cocky", Alex said in a defensive attempt, not that it did much to conceal her budding anger.

"Yeah, you act like a big, showoffy jerk", the small Asian girl replied in deep seeded anger, her innocence somehow managing to reemerge through her words. Not that it would help much.

"Right, because if I was completely heartless, I wouldn't have saved your hide a few minutes ago", the mutant brunette screamed, her anger becoming ever more prevalent.

And thus, their bickering continued hence forth. It proved befitting for the spiteful Badmintini as he raised his two rachets, a psychotic grin clear on his face as he swung his weapons in harmonious synch. Like speeding bullets, his birdies flew, swirling in parallel motion to one another before synchronizing into Badmintini's greatest attack, and too sad for the girls to notice all too soon. Alex attempted to prevent impact with a guard shield, yet all proved hopeless for the girls as the impact forced them to the floor, aching in expected pain.

In truth, it proved a terrifying, horrific sight for the remaining members of Sector V Nigel especially as he watched in horror the result of his bet with the nefarious villain. And yet, they could nothing more than watch helplessly on the sidelines as Badmintini had them locked away in see-through glass cards, a psychotic yet whimpering tangent to his laugh as he did so. At least for them, the girls did not look too out of shape, just more angered than anything as their faces clearly stated.

"I can't believe we lost", Alex bluntly replied, attempting to keep her anger.

"Well I'm not, considering who's fault this is", Kuki replied in a sassy, almost snooty tone as her friend's face lit up with deep seeded anger.

"What", she screamed in an enraged tone. "You think I wanted this to happen!"

"Well maybe if you didn't act like an arrogant showoff, we wouldn't be in this mess", the small girl replied, her tone with anger and obvious sass.

"Fine, go ahead", the mutant girl replied, her tone much calmer than it had previously been. "But considering who found the kids, I'm blaming their loss of freedom on you."

"What", the little Asian girl loudly replied, her tone a mix of both shock and anger.

"Well what, you blamed me first", her taller friend angrily replied back as their verbal cat fight ensued, a string of cat noises prevalent as their verbal animosity towards one another began to bear witness.

"Wow, I never though a cat fight would be so awesome to watch", Hoagie replied, a dreamy, almost flirtatious look prevalent on his face as he watched the ensuing animosity from above.

"I know", Wally replied, a grand look of excitement in his eyes and on his face as he eagerly watched as well. And yet this cat fight and their friends reactions could only do one thing for the other arguing duo; slap their forehead's in disgrace at such stupidity.

...

A wave of fresh air seemed to glisten amongst the shining sun as Wally and Hoagie stepped up to bat, an breath of air seemed to wave over in their confidence as they stood to face the Bi-Polar educed Badmintini, their confident grins presently saying that no fear reigned over either of them. Too bad that message didn't seem prevalent in their leader's eyes as he watched them, a nervous look clouded his eyes as he sat in deep worry.

" I sure hope they can beat him this time", Nigel said, his tone quiet and befitting the nervous look in his navy eyes.

" Well of course you would, considerin' who's fault it is they're fightin' fo' their hides out there", Abigail replied, her tone as concerned yet venomous as it had ever been as it angered her British leader once more.

"Oh goodie, we've got nothing to worry about if Wally's up to bat", Kuki cheerfully chirped, not that it did much for her eye rolling mutant friend.

"Oh please, ten to one says he pulls a stupid ass stunt and costs them the game", Alex replied, her tone a cocky disbelief which angered the pouty Asian girl.

"Nu-uh, ten to one says him and Hoagie play fairly and win the game", she replied, her tone filled with clear annoyance.

"Alright then...Care to make it interesting", the mutant brunette cockily asked.

"No thanks, I'm naive not stupid", the little Asian girl replied with sass in her tone, her tone making the mutant brunette pout, and also frustrate her dear Wallabee from the courtyard.

"Well that's nice ta' know, why does nobody ever have any confidence in me", Wally asked in an exasperated tone.

"Well that's probably because you never listen", Hoagie gleefully stated, his sheer delight allowing him to burst into deep laughter as he he witness the saddened face which grazed his small friend's face.

"Just kidding, you'll do great Numbuh 4", his pump friend confidently replied as he stuck his fist out in reply, a gesture which could only help to diffuse the short blonde's frustrated face as he noticed his friend's kindness peering through.

"Yeah...you too", the cocky blonde softly replied as he punched his friends fist, the cocky looks they flashed one another only further insisting their eminent bond.

"Come on man, can't be beating losers all day now, can I", the Bi-Polar infused Badmintini cockily stated, a psychotic laugh endured his ego as it was quickly replaced by sobs and tears, not that it didn't catch the attention of his now determined looking opponents.

"Bring it, Dorkatini", Wally replied, his tone fierce and his eyes lit ablaze with determination as the the court went silent.

But with just one swing of his wrist, the birdie made its way across the vast playing field. Yet a grimace of cockiness grazed the faces of these two friends as the object flew towards them, acting as if the tiny object did not intimidate them in the least. For with one quick swing, the boys were off to a smashing start as Hoagie would say. Moving in perfect unison, their timing seemed impeccable as they ran in the same direction, swung their rachets in unison, and occasionally provided a flashy stunt such as throwing one or the other teammate in midair to spin and score a point. In truth, it proved an impressive sight; both for Badmintini, and for their squabbling teammates as they lead themselves to glorious victory with a score of eight to nine. And yet that score came at a vainful cost as the plump pilot preformed a midair twirl smash, determined to prove a budding hypothesis dancing in his head. And sure enough, his theory seemed to provide its own answer as it smacked the Badminton obsessed freak clean in the face, it seemed to make him somewhat wobbly yet only wobbly.

"Aw, dude, I feel like I just road the Tilter World about a thousand times man", Badmintini replied, groaning in pain as he rubbed his face in soreness. In truth, he seemed the way he was when they first met him; cocky, sneaky and oddly like a particular wrestling champion.

"Yes, I knew it", the geeky pilot announced, his tone filled with great glee and achievement. "Oh, right. Numbuh 4, whatever you do, don't sock him in the face again."

"Did you say sock him in the face again? Done", Wally replied with great delight in his voice.

"NOOOOOO", the plump pilot replied. But it was too late, as soon as his short friend smashed that birdie, it went sailing across the playing field so fast, no one could notice it.

Not even Badmintini as he felt himself being socked in the face by an unseen object once more, reverting him to his whimpering, spiteful state of mind.

It was a sight which exasperated the bald leader into shock and disbelief, not that the same couldn't be said of his black an d Asian female friends.

"AHO", Alex screamed, her tone a mix of anger, scorn, and disbelief as she uttered the Japanese word for "idiot". And yet, no one was more upset than the plump pilot himself as walked over towards his small friend.

"Numbuh 4, what the hell", he asked, his tone a mix of deep seeded anger and disbelief.

"What? You said hit him the face", the impulsive Aussie replied, not truly understanding why his usually optimistic friend seemed so angry with him.

"Well obviously you didn't listen, because now we're back to square one with this guy", the angered pilot replied in an exasperated tone, a tun which deepened the anger clearly visible in the small Aussie's emerald eyes.

"Hey, I thought you said you were joking when you said that", he asked in deepened tone of clear anger.

"Well I was until you proved me correct", the plump pilot replied, his tone filled with anger not normally heard of from this usually optimistic geek.

And thus, their united resonance seemed to dwindle as their bickering commenced, giving their Bi-Polar opponent enough time to score his winning point and put them out of commission. Once more, all Nigel and Abigail could do was stare in morbid horror as they witnessed their teammates, sore and aching, yet grumpy and deeply angered as they too were given a glass prison of their own to be placed and displayed in. Yet even as their displacement seemed inevitable, all the two boys could do was stare in angered silence, at least until Wally opened his mouth to speak.

"Crud, I knew I should have never listened to you", Wally calmly yet angrily stated, his words catching the attention of his usually patient friend.

"What are you talking about, you should have listened to me", Hoagie angrily replied back.

"Well maybe I would have if you had given me the proper go", the short Aussie angrily yet ignorantly replied.

"That doesn't even make sense", the plump pilot replied, his tone read of anger, yet his face of deep seeded confusion to his friends wording. Yet even though their squabbling continued, it seemed as though they were almost unaware of the nervous, almost awkward faces which grazed their two lady friends as they forcibly listened to this bickering.

"Well...at least they played fairly...", the little Asian girl nervously replied, almost uncertain of what else to say.

"Yeap...", the mutant brunette replied, she too uncertain of what else to say. It all seemed to come to a head though, for silence could not hold back their feelings any longer.

"I'm sorry", the two girls cried out to one another, their apologies sincere and their hearts in deep regret as they poured out their anguish and regret to one another.

In truth, things seemed pretty peachy keen for the two girls. Though the said could not be said of their bald leader as he sat there, terror and horror carved into his face as he witnessed the effects this battle was leaving not only his friends, but also the hopeless looking captives begging to be given their freedom once more. In truth, he felt guilty. And more importantly, uncertain as to what he could do.

"Well... looks like you really are gonna' be the death of us all", Abigail keenly yet coldly observed, her comment do nothing more than to anger her British friend as he stared at her in spite for a few gleaming moments.

"I don't need to be reminded of that, thank you", he angrily replied, seeming more frustrated now than when he first entered this area. Just what could he do?

...

For what seemed to be the third time that day, the late afternoon sun seemed to shine down upon the caged court of a prison. Yet things still seemed amiss amongst the British leader and his black friend as they stared at one another, taking their given rachets and posing as they did so. From the sidelines, all their friends could do was watch their friends continually stare down the Bi-Polar stricken Badmintini. Yet even as they watched in deep impatience, only one question seemed to resonate across their minds. The problem was that no one had the heart to ask, or at least not until the group's impulsive Australian member finally had the gull to do so.

"You guys think Numbuh 1's gonna' be okay", Wally asked, catching his friend's unidentified attention.

"I sure hope so; I really don't want those poor kids to suffer", Kuki replied, her tone laced with sorrow an deep concern.

"I know what you mean", Alex calmly yet concernedly replied.

"Ah, don't worry guys. This is Numbuh 1 we're talking about here, I'm sure he's not as bad as he thinks he is", Hoagie replied, his tone optimistic as ever as the group watched their stern leader pick up the tiny object laying in front of him on the field.

You know somethin' brother, how's about I let you take the first shot. Word on the street is you swing like a girl", Badmintini cockily replied as his psychotic yet whimpering laughter echoed in the sky once more, not that it much to shake the stern boy's nerves anymore than they previously were.

"Gladly", Nigel calmly replied, his stern tone matching with the determined fire in his eyes as he threw the birdie up and went to swing.

And yet like clockwork, it seemed as though fate was not kind to the young boy. His usually cool vibrato was now replaced by a clumsy, almost idiotic presence as his rachet missed the birdie, allowing him to scream as he collapsed to the ground in a heap. In truth, it did not do much to reassure his already dead pan looking partner. But to be fair, it didn't seemed to do much for his team either as they sat there, stone faced and blunt as ever.

"We're doomed", the four friends stated, their unanimous tones as blunt and deadpan as could be as they fell silent, or at least three of them did as the plump pilot opened his mouth once more.

"DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-"

"No, no, we're not doing that joke", the short Aussie replied, cutting his friend off in mild annoyance.

"Oh fine...", the geeky pilot replied, his tone filled with mild yet sheer disappointment.

And yet, it only seemed a precursor towards this round as it continued on. Things went smoothly for the graceful black girl, her skillful moves and technique enough to score some major points, as well as draw praise from her fellow teammates (specifically from a starry eyed mutant girl). Yet one look at Nigel, at it almost seemed appropriate to name him "clown" for a round. His ungraceful timing and terrible technique, it was so odd and abnormal for such a skilled operative that it almost seemed hard not to laugh at. Though strapped down by his lack of skill, it wasn't enough to contain the boy's fiery determination as he ran in front of his now flabbergasted female friend.

"What the hell are you doin' boy", Abigail asked, her tone filled with shock and exasperation.

"I don't know; it couldn't be that I'm trying to score a point now, does it", he asked in an angered tone almost as venomous as the one she had directed towards him earlier in the day.

"I'm sorry, but did you see yo' little performance back there. You ain't got a shot", the braided beauty replied, her tone filled with deep disbelief, not that it did much to scar his already bruising ego.

"Yeah well, considering how well you would do without your coolness, I have just as good a chance as you do", the British bald boy angrily replied, his words fuelling a deep seeded anger inside the usually spunky girl as the birdie came towards them.

In truth, Abigail did all she could to move him out of her way as the birdie came to make its impact. Yet unfortunately, that impact was intercepted by the British leader himself. And though his hardest he may have tried, it was not enough to keep him from losing another point for their side, or for the angered black girl to stare at him in suppressed anger.

"God yo' so reckless, no wonder Numbuh 362's havin' ta' always call you out on yo' bullshit", Abigail angrily stated.

"Well at least when she does it, she knows not to assume I've done something wrong", Nigel angrily replied back.

"Oh, so I ain't allowed ta' question yo' judgement from time te' time", the angered braided girl asked as she intercepted another birdie, scoring them their eighth point.

"Well it's not the most encouraging thing to hear as a leader now, is it", the angered bald boy asked as he went to swing another failed attempt at a back hand, only for his graceful female friend to intercept it once more.

"Yeah, because god forbid you end up lookin' like an idiot fo' once in yo' life", she angrily retorted.

Though her tone could do nothing to calm the nerves of their remaining teammates (specifically Kuki who now sung loudly to herself), it only served to anger the British bald boy even further as he opened his mouth once more.

"Oh, and I suppose you're god compared to me", the British leader angrily asked.

"No, but at least Numbuh 5 checks the proceedings befo' she jumps into a stupid bet", she angrily replied.

"Well maybe if you hadn't been egging me on the whole day, I probably couldn't have gotten so cocky", he angrily replied.

"Oh typical Nigel, blame it on anyone but yo'self. Too bad the burden's on yo' ass if we lose", she angrily replied..

"Well then why don't you just take over as leader, you're obviously much more qualified than I am", he angrily replied, allowing for his stern friend to stare at him in mild disbelief.

"Numbuh 5 neva' said that", she angrily retorted, yet as she did, the only sight both squabbling friends could notice in their sight as a fiery birdie heading straight for them.

"Well, you might as well be implying it", the angered Brit replied as he went to intercept the small object.

Too bad for him though that he not only missed the birdie, but that it could possibly hit him square in the right arm joint, knocking him to the ground in heavy panting. In truth, it was a sight which filled the Bi-Polar stricken Badmintini with great glee as he watched the birdie fall to the ground, gaining him his ninth point. Yet in truth, it also served as a form of deep seeded anger for Abigail as she stared at her stubborn friend, anger ever so apparent in her face and eyes as she opened her mouth to speak once more. The message was now clear; she was officially fed up.

"Why can't you just admit ta' being a flawed leader", the spunky black girl asked, her angered tone at its peak.

"Why can't you just admit that you were wrong for once", the young Brit asked, his angered tone too at its peak. What he didn't seem to notice though was that Badmintini had sent them another present. Fortunately though, Abigail seemed to have noticed.

"Fine, I was wrong", Abigail shouted, her tone not as venomous, nor fierce as it had been a few moments ago.

Though Nigel indeed questioned this, his answer came to him as he saw his brave friend step in front of him to intercept a fast birdie as it squared her in the knee. Fortunately though, she managed to catch the birdie in time to throw it over the net, enabling them to score their second to last point. But that now was not the concern for the remaining teammates, what was a concern for them was the clear injury their dear friend had sustained nearly seconds ago. Yet even as she shrugged it off and limped towards the centre of the playing field, the four friends could not help but stare in deep concern (Alex more than the rest) as they watched their dear friend continue on with the round. Yet if anyone seemed more as confused as they were concerned, it was their bald leader.

Why he wonder; why would she risk her ability to play? Why would she risk an injury for him? Especially if she had no confidence in him whatsoever? And yet, it was only through this bout of questioning could he realize something; it's just who Abigail is. She is loyal, she is dutiful, and she will perform heroic sacrifice if necessary for her friends sake, just as his geeky friend earlier described. It was only then that the bald boy could feel guilt cursing through his veins, enough that he leaped to his feet as he saw his friend in danger, running towards the birdie as he stepped in front of his friend. And to her shock and surprise; not only could he actually make a shot that time, but he could also send that birdie flying across the playing field, winning them the game much to Badmintini's shock. Although to be fair, the black braided beauty was just as shocked as him as her friend turned to face her straight on.

"But I...I don't understand...Why would you-"

"Because you would do the same for me", Nigel calmly explained, a tiny smirk grazing his face as he did so. Though stunned, the black girl could do nothing more than smile at him for the first time on this mission, he finally understood.

"Hey lovebirds", replied a jerky sounding make voice which caught the two friend's attention, knowing that voice indeed belonged to Badmintini. "You think that just because you wimps saved yourself a scoring point that you've won man? Well I hate to squish your pea-sized brains, but you've only won one game."

"True, but yo' forgettin' somethin' baby", the spunky black girl replied, her spunk back with an ever fierce tone.

"We bested you two out of three, meaning that you owe us another game", the British leader replied, his tone a much calmer yet still cocky sounding tone the Badminton obsessed freak scaughed at.

"Fine then, winner takes all. I just hope you dorks can withstand that awesome might that is Badminania as it crushes you six feet under", the Bi-Polar induced Badmintini replied, a psychotic yet whimpering laugh to compliment his actions as he swung yet another birdie.

Yet even as that birdie made its way across the vast playing field, never once did it invoke fright from that hearts of either who made up this duo as they swung their rachets at the small object, starting up the game. In truth, it proved a miraculous sight for their teammates as they watched their friends working together once more, having actually put their differences aside like they had hoped. What surprised them even more, was their friend's uncanny tribute of channelling their respective friends styles. Their unanimous synch payed tribute to Hoagie and Wally, their passing of the birdie payed tribute to Alex and Kuki, they even threw their own set of trick in there as well. And true, the British bald boy was as clumsy as ever when it came to this game, the braided beauty was there to get him out of a quick bind, angering the already spiteful Badmintini.

Yet things only seemed to get worse for the angered Badmintini as he smashed another birdie towards hi opponents, only for him to discover another secret move they had devised; as the bald boy cool moved away, his black friend spunkily smashed the birdie towards the glass cards encasing their remaining teammates. Smiles coated their faces as their freedom became inevitable, and cocky grin grazed their faces as they gracefully made their way to the ground, allowing for the mutant brunette to telekinetically hand them their rachets.

It was now the official extra round Abigail had asked for as the team ran out onto the field, squaring off into their respective teams as they felt prepared to get revenge on the Bi-Polar induced villain. Yet even as he prepared to make their demise, he found it shockingly frustrating as the three teams made their impact on him; they shared and smashed, attacked and swung, performed and scored. It was a sight for sore yet unbelievably surprised eyes, these children were besting him. Yet even as that fuelled his spiteful determination, it didn't stop the young Brit from observing his eventful demise.

"Finally! We got him where we want him boss", the spunky African American replied. "We just need one more point, and the game's ours."

"Then in that case, maybe we should give Badmintini a teamwork performance he'll never forget", the bald leader replied, a cocky expression clear on his face and in his eyes as his collected friend stared at him in realization of what he meant.

"The Quadroople Buster", she asked, her tone calm yet confused. "But we've barely practised that move, you sure we can pull it off?"

"Of course...just trust me", the young boy replied, a calm tone slipped through in his voice as he gave a small grin, giving her enough reason to trust in his judgement.

"Kids Next Door...Quadroople Buster Battle Stations", he immediately cried out soon afterwards, alerting the attention of his team as they nodded in unanimous agreement.

And like clockwork, the six friends made their way towards vast places of the playing field. Although aware of their positions, the distraught Badmintini couldn't have been more confused than he was now as he watched them positions themselves, uncertain as to what they were planning. He would soon find out though as Alex proceeded to take the birdie in her hands and run towards her small Asian friend, stopping only to place her mary janes on her friends hands.

"Six", the mutant brunette cried out as Kuki helped her jump high into the air, her eyes a menacing pink as she twirled briefly, smashing the tiny object to towards her spunky black friend soon after.

"Five", the spunky black girl cried out as her mutant friend levitated her into the air, doing a series of somersaults as she was carried in midair, or at least until she gracefully landed to earth and smashed the object towards her Australian friend.

"Four", the impulsive Aussie cried out as Hoagie flung him across the playing field, giving him a hard landing as he smashed the birdie high into the air.

"Three", the little Asian girl cheerfully replied as her British friend flung her high into the air, giving her enough time to smash the birdie back to earth where her plump friend was waiting.

"Two", the geeky pilot replied as caught the tiny object, hitting it against his own rachet for a brief period until he smashed the birdie high into the air once more.

"One",the British bald boy sternly cried out as he ran towards his spunky black friend, allowing for her to hoist him up high into the air, his meeting with object brief as he felt himself in a Matrix style turn around as he smashed the birdie rather harshly towards their odd opponent.

In a flash, it seemed as though the Badminton obsessed freak was seeing his life flash before his eyes. Everything he'd ever worked for, everything he'd ever achieved, everything he'd ever dreamed of, seemed to die in an instant as he felt the birdie impact with his face. Silence seemed appropriate for defeat as the tiny object impacted with his face, taking him to the ground with a harsh thud as it did so. Sure enough, Badmintini felt his ever normal self. Though that didn't stop him from feeling fearful as he opened his eyes to see his six opponents staring at him, anger seemed present in their eyes and their stances said that they meant business and payback; not the best thing for him.

"So...uh...no hard feelings about this incident...right brothers", he asked, nervousness clear in his tone as a small chuckle escaped his throat.

"Book him", replied the spunky African American, her tone a harsh whisper as her small blonde gleefully pulled a pair of hands cuffs to sign off the mission.

...

Sunsets are often quiet, sunsets are often peaceful, sunsets are often stated to relieve tension and deliver the mind from stress and transport it into serene relaxation and paradise with its elegant beauty. Though to be fair, Nigel's mind was never one for ordinary circumstances. And in truth, not even a sunset could calm the raging sea in his mind as he took a gander at the lovely view of Gallagher from the tree house deck, a storm of sorrowful regret clear in his navy eyes, evident even with his sunglasses covering most of his handsome face.

"Thought I'd find you out here", replied a familiar spunky voice which startled him away from self-conscious and into

reality. And even then, his surprise was met with a smile as he saw his good friend Abigail standing out on the porch, a a small but evident smile clear on her hat hidden face.

"Numbuh 5...what are you doing out here", Nigel asked, his tone calm yet clearly curious.

"Numbuh5 just wanted te' talk to ye', that's all", Abigail coolly replied as walked over to her good friend, slouching herself against the railing as her arms stretched out into a laid back position on the deck railing.

"Let me guess, you had a suspicion I'd be out here, didn't you", he asked, his tone calm yet filled with suave teasing as it made her chuckle.

"Yeah well, yo' mind ain't so hard ta' figure out, even with all of that mysterious stuff you try and pull off", the cool girl calmly yet spunkily replied as her British friend laughed at her words.

"I suppose", he calmly replied. Yet as he did, all seemed to dim into silence, or at least until Abigail went to speak again, guilt clear in both her hazel eyes and on her face as she went to do so.

"Look Boss...I just wanted ta' apologize fo'...well...not trustin' yo' judgement on that mission today", she sincerely stated, her words doing nothing more than to let her bald friend turn to face her in deep surprise. "I know I shouldn't have said all those nasty thangs and stuff, but...you just made me so mad I-"

"It's okay Numbuh 5", the young Brit calmly stated, his words only bringing confusion rather than relief to his usually cool friend.

"What? You're goin' te' forgive me, just like that", she asked, her tone filled with clear suspicion.

"Yes", he calmly replied, his gaze never once left the glorious sunset as he said so, furthering her suspicion.

"Even though I pretty much implied that-"

"Yes, alright", the young boy replied, his tone now filled with clear annoyance as he turned to face his friend. And yet, the angered look in his eyes only furthered her suspicions as he turned his gaze from hers once more.

"I'm assumin' you've got a reason fo' doin' so", she asked, her tone filled with more suspicion than ever.

"I screwed up again", he quietly replied, only able to further confuse his good friend. "True, you may have been wrong to question my judgement about today's mission. But to be honest, you were right about one thing; I put my own values before the team's again."

"I acted too reckless again when I shouldn't have...I know it was wrong to become to cocky, but I thought we had such a good shot at defeating him that it wouldn't really matter whether we lost or not. And it's because of me that I almost put not only our own safety on the line...but also the lives of others who needed our help...", the young Brit calmly explained his gaze never meeting with his good friend's as his tone seemed filled with guilt and regret.

And yet understanding of his situation, in truth, the spunky black felt he was being just a tad bit too hard on himself as she turned to face his guilt ridden face.

"Yeah...But boss you were the one who got us out of trouble, and ya' did good there", she calmly replied, her tone that of a gentle mother smiling as she watched her child learning a valuable lesson, not that it did much to calm her friends nerves.

"It doesn't matter", the young boy replied in a guilt ridden tone. "It's my fault we're always getting in trouble because I'm always overestimating our odds...just like I did with Grandfather..."

"I've been trying to improve...trying to make myself a more competent leader...but I guess old habits are hard to break", the bald boy calmly replied, a touch guilt haunting his tone as he continued to stare out into the vast space.

Or at least he felt that way until he felt a warm hand caress his shoulder, a hand which turned him to face his old friend, a warm yet motherly smile ever so apparent on her face.

"They're not that hard ta' break...once ya' set yo' mind to it...", the motherly black girl sweetly replied, allowing for her friend's surprise expression to transform into a small smile of acceptance.

"I'll try to keep that in mind", he calmly replied, the guilt ridden tone replaced by genuine happiness as he delivered a smile back.

"I know you will...Well anyways, thanks fo' savin' Numbuh 5 again", the spunky black girl calmly replied, returning to her usual tone as she released his shoulder from her grip.

"Don't worry about it. Besides, it's like I told you before; you would do the same for me", Nigel calmly replied as he flashed her a small smile. Though it allowed her to smile at him in turn, it could not be helped but be followed by a moment of silence, one only interrupted as the coll girl spoke up once more.

"Well, Numbuh 5's gonna head in, she's gettin' hungry", Abigail coolly replied as stretched herself, placing her hands in her pockets as he proceeded to walk into the tree house.

"Abby...", the young boy calmly asked, striking her attention as she turned to face a smiling Nigel.

"I want to thank you for...well...looking out for me today...and always", he calmly replied, his words only able to surprise yet somehow bring a smile to the young girl's face.

"Don't mention it", she calmly stated as they became locked in a moment of silent acceptance, or at least until that moment was interrupted by another force.

"Kochi ne", replied a familiar voice which caused the two friends to turn and face Alex, her face fierce with determination as she had muttered the Japanese word for 'here".

"There you are Numbuh 5", Kuki chirped in a concerned tone as she ran over to her friend, stopping only to speak once more. "I thought we told you; you're not suppose to be up an running when your knee's all sore."

"Oh would you two relax, Numbuh 5 is fine", the spunky black girl replied in mild annoyance, pointing to her knee as she did so. And though concerned, the mutant brunette could not help but feel that maybe she and her Asian friend were overreacting somewhat.

"Well, if that's how you feel about it", she calmly replied, bringing a small smile to her black friend yet a pouty look to her usually chipper Asian friend. Though, it didn't take too long for the little Asian girl to find someone else to talk to as she turned to face Nigel.

"Oh, hi Numbuh 1", she happily stated. "You certainly look a lot better."

"Yeah, I guess I am feeling better", Nigel calmly replied as he laughed at his friend's little observation, a allowing for a small smile to graze Abigail's face once more.

"Hey, so you guys are all out here", replied a familiar Australian accent, allowing for the four friends to turn and face Wally and Hoagie.

"Hey guys", the cool black girl calmly replied as they came to join the remainder of the group.

"Well, you two seemed to have made up", the British bald boy suavely observed.

"Ah you know us, we can't stay mad at each for long. Besides, all that fighting made us kind of hungry", Hoagie happily replied, though his stomach didn't seem to happy to agree with him.

"Well then I propose we celebrate with Alfredo", the mutant girl happily announced.

"No way, Buffalo Wings", Wally chirped up, allowing for animosity to build between these two friends.

"Oh please, what's so great about Buffalo Wings", the curly brunette smugly asked.

"I don't know, what's so great about Alfredo", the short Aussie asked, his tone just as smug as hers as a silent animosity built between them.

"Now, now if we're going to argue over what to eat, then I'll just make us a nice dinner and surprise you all", the little Asian girl sweetly chirped as she skipped her merry way off to the kitchen.

Yet though her little skipping song showed great sincerity and delight, in truth, the remaining five friends could only stare in stunned silence, the horror of just what she might concoct unimaginable for any of them.

"Um...Yeah, I just got to go hide all of the cooking utensils", the plump pilot stated, a nervous tone clear in his voice as he disappeared into the tree house once more.

"Right, and um...I'm going to go and uh...barricade the food cabinet...", the short Aussie replied, a nervous tone clear throughout his voice as well as he too disappeared into the tree house.

"Yeah, and uh...I got to go make sure Sandra Lee's not on", the mutant girl replied, her tone one of nervousness as well as she followed her two friends into the tree house.

Laughter; it was all that could be mustered. Laughter; it was all either of the two stern friends could do was they looked over this small episodes between their four dear teammates, deciding unanimously that now would be the best time to join them and make they decision together. Their trust in each other restored, and their faithful bond with one another intact as it had always been.

End Transmission