The Kids Next Door Daily Life Series

Entry: Fanny

Choice

A tinge of nervous feeling swept over the young nurse operative Fanny, or Numbuh 86. Though in all fairness, how could nervousness not over sweep her as as she gently opened the door leading to her pristine Supreme Leader Numbuh 100's office. He seemed to stern, so commanding and certain of himself just sitting within his chair reading reports. His presence seemed so assuring, so assertive, so confident, it frightened her in truth. "What could he possibly want from me" she thought to herself as she slowly crept through his doorway and into his office

"Umm...Numbuh 100, Sir", Fanny asked, her high yet somewhat trembling tone enough to grab his attention.

"Ah yes, Numbuh 86, come have a seat", the stern operative said in a commanding tone, watching ever so closely as the little Irish nurse took her seat in front of his desk.

A tinge of nervousness still clear upon her face he noticed, even as she opened her mouth to speak.

"Uh...you wanted te' see me Sir", she asked, her tone rang clear with the possibility of nervous uncertainty, uncertainty she need not to be afraid of as he gave her a warm smile.

"Yes, I did. I've been looking over the last credential work of our former Head of Decommissioning. As yo know, we haven't found his successor yet, but it seems as though he had already selected for you to take his place...And quite frankly, I feel his choice and judgement are correct", the authoritative operative replied as he watched his young operative stare at him with great surprise and disbelief (especially concerning his last words).

"Ye' want me ta' take over as Head of Decommissioning", she asked, her tone rather exasperated yet full of disbelief by this point.

"Why not? You've got the gull, the intelligence, the no nonsense attitude, plus you're a touch rouge to begin with; you'd make a perfect head. So...what do you say", he asked rather precariously, surprising the young girl.

Though in all fairness, it seemed as though the young redhead did not need to analyze her possible response for very long. For mere minutes after, she finally opened her mouth to speak.

"Sure...I guess...I might as well try it out and see if I like it...", she replied, her tone a tad bit nervous if uncertain even as she spoke those words.

It's amazing the choices we make, even those we feel uncertain of, often lead us down the path to a much more fulfilling life than expected. Though that idealism seemed to allude the much older Fanny, her emerald eyes a storm of lost insight as she stared at the picture of her promotion ceremony atop the Moon Base's achievement wall. She seemed so happy, so content and sure of herself then. And yet it all seemed as though it could be glistened away with

an irritated groan as she made her way towards the base's main bridge, her emerald eyes a storm of irritation and uncertainty now as opposed to insight. Though her reasoning seemed arguably justified even as she entered the giant room; it was her last day as Head of Decommissioning after all.

"Good Morning Fanny", chirped a gentle voice which startled the young redhead, though a quick glance revealed a smiling Supreme Leader Rachel, or Numbuh 362 to the dazed girl.

"Oh, Mornin' Rachel", Fanny lazily replied, her irritated tone obvious, even as she sat herself atop her leader and friend's comfy armchair arm.

"Well, you seem somewhat jumpy today. But to be fair, it's so rare to see you in such deep thought", Rachel playfully replied, her comment seeming to irritate the Irish redhead more than usual despite knowing of her friend's joking manner.

"Oh really? Funny ye' say that considerin' yer' off days lass; starin' into space, yer' eyes and mouth fixated on one thing", she playfully teased through her thick Irish accent, a small smile of accomplishment beaming upon her freckled face as she watched her friend cringe in irritate realization.

"Alright, I'll take that as my legitimate jab for the day", the young girl calmly replied, attempting to keep her mild irritation at bay. "Now since you're here, we'll need to discuss the issues involving your last fugitive."

"Oh", the Irish redhead replied, seeming surprisingly uninterested in the issue at hand.

"Yes. As you know, Numbuh 497 has been giving our last four Decommissioning teams more of a hassle than we initially believed; none of our technology seems to be up to par with his, and his position keeps changing every few days. Although I suppose that was to be expected, he was always rather skilled in Projectile Camouflage,", the young girl explained.

"Ye' mean like you lass", Fanny asked rather dully, her tone capturing the brief yet suspicious attention of her blonde friend.

"Yes, but he's always been much better at deception than I've ever been or was", the young blonde replied with a air of sophistication in her gentle voice.

Despite her initial uninterested, it seemed as though curiosity killed the stubborn cat as the Irish girl continually eyed the pictures sent back with the reports. They were pictures of exploding DOH-DOHs and frightened operatives, pictures of freshly laid tracks of misfortune laid by the fugitive in question, pictures which made her scoff at the incompetence laying before her.

"Bah, what a bunch of rookie mistakes. Well, I guess me and the three stooges will have to apprehend him ourselves", she replied with a mild stretch of the arms, the dull uninterest still clear within her voice enough to give the seemingly irritated Rachel a chance to speak.

"Alright Fanny, what's going on", the young girl sternly asked, her tone garnered a surprised reaction from her Irish friend, though not a long lasting one as her perpetual scowl resurfaced upon her freckled face.

"What? Oh please Rachel, what could possibly make you think somethin' wrong", she bluntly asked.

"Well you seem uninterested in the task at hand, your enthusiasm leaves a lot to be desired, and regardless of your mood, a Decommissioning Assignment is one of the few things that garners a genuine smile from you", the young girl sternly counted upon her fingers, fazing her friend more merely a moment.

"So what's yer' point, "mother" ",she asked rather be musingly, garnering a deep sigh from her gentler friend.

"While in theory, a Supreme Leader is to act almost as a surrogate mother towards her subordinates, I'm coming at this from the angle of your friend", she sternly yet calmly replied, surprising her rather bemused friend in the process.

"Y-yeah well...don't hold yer' breath for a response lass", the Irish girl stubbornly stated, a refusal almost final.

"Fanny", her blonde friend stern;y replied. The stern yet intent look in her chocolate eyes demanding an explanation.

Those eyes, they spoke of intent and honesty. Those damn eyes, it was always enough to bring the Irish redhead to her knees, to crack the brick wall festering around her opinions and confess to them. Though she resisted, it proved futile as her stubborn expression cracked under the weight of her deep sigh, relieving her blonde friend only momentarily.

"Oh alright...", Fanny replied, defeat seeping into her apparent grouchy tone as she took a moment of silence before she spoke. "Tell me Rachel...when you became Supreme Leader...how hard was the transition between jobs for ye'?"

"Well, it was difficult at first. But in the end, it's much like I told Nigel after I awoke from the bro-", Rachel calmly began, uncertain as to where her friend was going in asking this until the answer dawned upon her. "Oh no, don't tell me you're having second thoughts about your promotion?"

"Well I wouldn't exactly be askin' if I wasn't now, would I", she asked, her tone rather bitchy sounding as she watched her friend's face evolve from disbelief to mild annoyance.

"Well if you were having second thoughts, why would you wait a week after we announced both your inauguration ceremony and replacement as of last week", the young blonde asked, irritation now clear in her tone.

" Because I was sure of how I felt about it then!...But now...I just don't know what I want anymore...", the redhead explained, her fierce yet melancholy tone enough to garner mild but genuine sympathy from her usually stern friend.

"I don't understand Fanny...you were so happy when I gave you the promotion...Though how you handled your happiness leaves a lot to be desired", the young blonde replied with stern yet genuine concern.

"Well of course I was happy, but...I started thinkin' about what I'd be leavin' behind if I took it...I mean yeah, I don't have te' put up with a bunch of stupid boys on a regular basis, and yeah I get te' boss people around, and yeah I can get more time te' relax when I'm not busy, but...I think I'd just miss me old job too much if I did...", she explained.

Her melancholy tone could merely eyes what her emerald eyes depicted; regret, sorrow, even uncertainty, enough to make her feel as though she could garner any type of sympathy with her mere expression.

"Then don't take it", replied the soft voice of her blonde friend, her words able to produce shock from hr Irish friend as she stood to face the stern girl, though disbelief quickly found its way to settle in.

"You're jokin', right lass", she asked, disbelief rampant throughout her tone.

"I wouldn't joke about something like this. If you don't feel willing to take up this job, then don't do it", she sternly stated, surprising her usually confident friend.

"What! But Sir, I can't just-"

"No buts Fanny; it's merely a suggestion. In the end, it all boils down to what you feel is most comfortable for you. If you feel more comfortable taking this position, then fine; it's all yours. But if you feel more comfortable in your old position, then don't take it, especially if it's not what satisfies your needs as an operative", she explained, her stern composure only strengthening yet never wavering.

Those words, they were all but necessary for the Irish girl;s ears to hear. Those words, they were enough to for her eyes, even her face to widen with shock as it entered her system. Though strong, refusal seemed final as she attempted to shrug the feeling off, her face now lit with seemingly angered disbelief.

"D-Don't be stupid lass; I can't just turn down a promotion like this. You and even everyone else up on Moon Base is countin' on me", she explained, her tone of angered disbelief clear though not enough to face her friend's stern composure.

"I see, so then you're doing this to appease me", the young girl sternly replied, though seemingly angered her already tense looking friend in the process.

"Of course not", the Irish redhead angrily replied.

"Well you must be if you feel entitled to take the job", the young blonde sternly stated.

"Well maybe fo' benefits sake, but-"

"Oh I see, it's to ensure your own pride as an operative",she sternly replied, hr frustration growing alongside her friend's.

"Oh please, like I really need anymore pride to ensure me' ego", she angrily retorted, her voice growing louder with every word she spoke.

"So then you'd rather stay the Head of Decommissioning then, is that it", the young girl asked in deep frustration, frustration which seemed mirrored upon her Irish friend's clenching face.

"How should I know lass! If yer' so perceptive, then why don't you try tellin' me what te' do! Besides, you've had yer' fair share of confliction", she angrily replied, though still unable to penetrate her friend's stern composure.

"True, but my heart's not the one in disarray now, is it", the young girl asked, anger seeming to slowly creep into her usually stern tone.

Though her composure seemed impenetrable, her words had certainly delivered impact to the shocked redhead, shock which seemed to fade soon enough as her face twitched with budding anger. She felt as though she could explode, even forget herself while consumed with rage. Though all it took was a mere sound to bring her back into reality, a sound all too familiar to both Fanny and her superior; her Decommissioning pager, the perfect route for a getaway as she turned away from her stern friend.

"Well, I better get goin'. Wouldn't be the professional thing te' keep a fugitive waitin' now, would it", the Irish redhead replied, her tone laced with mockery and venom, even as she adorned her signature helmet.

With no sign for warning, the stubborn redhead made her way towards the room's exit. Though in truth, her delicate heart seemed desperate for reconciliation with her blonde friend, a stubborn integrity seemed dominate upon her presence as she ignored such an urge. Yet even stern integrity could not last long either, for merely sorrow and regret seemed to cloud the young blonde's face as she watched her stubborn friend round the corner, curious if she would be alright.

...

Today, it seemed as though this moment could truly exist; crowds cheered with utmost glee, flakes of sparkling confetti rained down from the tall ceiling, even hoots and hollers were present admisted the cheering. It seemed as though it formed a beaming smile upon the young redhead's face as she stood atop the podium. And why shouldn't it? Today seemed as though the happiest in her young life; the day she was to graduate, the day she was to swear herself in, the day she could start anew as she gleefully went to shake her male superiors hand. Though confusion seemed apparent now upon her young face as Numbuh 100, no, the room even seemed lost in time.

"Are you happy", asked a familiar voice, one which surprised the young girl as she searched in desperation for such a small voice. Though the shock of her current age was a mere shock compared to what stood before her; herself as a young nurse.

"What?...Who are ye'...", Fanny asked, confusion as clear upon her freckled face as the shock had been.

"I am you...Now please, tell me...What's so great about this job", the young nurse quietly asked, surprising her older counterpart in the process.

"What?...What are ye' talkin' about", the older Fanny asked, feeling herself plunge deeper into confusion.

"Well, it's just that ye' had no qualms about leavin' yer' old job", she innocently replied, though such an innocent comment was all it took to send Fanny into shocking realization. "So tell me, why is this job so different?"

Yet even as she asked, only silence became her answer at first as her shocked self attempted an answer, desperate to prove her younger self wrong. Though all that appeared to escape her mouth were a few "yes"s and "because"s.

"You can't answer...can ye'", she asked rather innocently, sending her older self into a desperate frenzy to minimize the panic she felt emerging.

"But I...But I..."

"Tell me...why is it this job means so much to ye'...I want to know..."she asked rather sweetly.

Yet that simple question seemed as though it were a sharp blade piercing her older self; her body was clenched, her hands were held tight towards her chest, and emerald eyes read of anxiety. Anxiety high enough to emit a sense of genuine fear as she begged, even pleaded for someone to save her. Yet all she could hear were the sounds of a desperate voice, begging, even pleading for her to awaken.

She seemed to have answered the plea, for Fanny now found herself jolted awake, exhausted and even somewhat dazed by such a bizarre nightmare, though not enough for her to quickly regain her usually stubborn composure. It's just too bad that the vision which clouded her emerald eyes was not a sight of enjoyment; the vision of a boy, a valiant and humble boy. The boy who was her second in command, the who was to replace her; Pablo, or Numbuh 686.

"Oh...it's you", Fanny remarked in a rather bitchy tone, her eyes and scowl read of sheer animosity towards her smiling cohort.

"Oh come on now Eighty-Six, that's no way to treat a concerned cohort, is it", he asked rather nonchalantly, as if to try and joke with her, not that it did much to wipe the scowl off her freckled face.

"Don't hold yer' breath Numbuh 686", she said rather arrogantly, sitting up and making her way towards the on board automatic door.

"Being humble and soft neva' gets ye' nowhere. I'd say suck it up and be a man, but you're a little too dense fo' that", she replied, uppity and arrogant as ever, almost as if her problems seemed to disappear within a flash.

Though too bad for her that her usually humble friend merely stared at her, seemingly unamused by such a retort despite being used to such jabs.

"So, what business do ye' have fo' disturbin' me catnap", she asked rather sternly, allowing for Pablo to regain his usually relaxed composure.

"Well you see, Numbuh 886 wants to discuss the fugitive's coordinates with you Sir. He said it was urgent", he valiantly explained as his response garnered a eye-roll from his redheaded superior.

"Fine", she replied in a calm yet bitchy manner as she turned her head away from his gaze once more.

Yet unbeknownst to her, a tense yet unusual stare seemed to graze the face of her usually humble cohort once more. Though chivalry seemed to last only temporarily as he followed his superior into the cockpit of the giant vessel. Upon entering, the two souls were greeted by two other inhabitants of the ship; a cocky yet excited looking boy named Emmett, or Numbuh 786. And the other was a serious looking boy with glasses covered violet eyes and girl fashioned black hair named Ilyssa, or Numbuh 886.

"Hey, what's up Sir", asked the rather cocky sounding Emmett.

"Greetings Sir", answered the blunt sounding Ilyssa, their tones generating a bemused look from their stubborn leader.

"Well, you two seem as blunt and stupid as ever I see", the Irish redhead replied, bemusement clear in her mildly arrogant tone.

"Ooh, sounds like you're itching for a fight", the cocky boy replied with great fines and excitement, despite the irritated eye rolling it generated from Fanny.

"Not today", she replied rather bluntly, generating a disappointed face from her usually energetic cohort.

"What? You mean to tell me you're just going to pass on-"

"Regarding more serious matters Sir, our ship has managed to finally track the coordinates of our target, estimates dictate that we should be able to locate him within half an hour or so", the violet eyed boy explained rather bluntly, though it only managed to ensure an eye brow raise from his female superior.

"That's what ye' woke me up fer'! Kind of redundant, isn't it", she asked, her tone a mix of bemused and bitchy.

"Perhaps, but as leader, you must be aware of our possible advantages for apprehending fugitives. Besides, we can't have a sleeping boss on the job, now can we", he asked rather blunt yet playfully, able to reduce the Irish girl to a pouty face of stubborn realization.

"Ah, lighten up girlie man. Besides, we should be lucky we got an assignment on such a boring day", the cocky boy replied with gleeful joy, patting his rational friend's back even.

It's just too bad for him that he seemed unaware of the budding anger forming upon the rational boy's face, his teeth gritting, his eyes set ablaze even as he turned to face the joyful Ace Gunman.

"How many times must I make this clear to you...NEVER REFER TO ME AS GIRLY MAN", Ilyssa screamed into Emmett's face, a stunned look present upon it as he watched the flames dance in his violet eyes momentarily.

"Ah dude, come on, I was only joking. There's no need to get all sensitive", he explained rather bluntly, not that this did much to calm his rational cohort.

"Oh, well then I guess the word "dunce" would have no affect no you now, would it", the rational boy asked, his venomous tone and insult enough to send his hard-headed friend into a state of anger even.

"Hey, them's fighting words", the cocky boy angrily replied, determined to deliver a punch square to the violet eyed boy before being stopped by an unexpected force.

"Alright, that's it you two; knock it off ", Pablo commanded, his voice booming while his eyes indicated great annoyance towards his friend actions.

"Well he started it", the rational boy screamed, fighting desperately against his taller cohort in an attempt to strangle the cocky operative in front o him who had no better luck himself.

Yet from outside the trio's vision, it appears as though their stubborn female leader was teetering on the verge of her boiling point. Her hands were now clenched, her eyes seemed red with impatience, even her face read of raw irritation as she opened her twitching mouth to speak.

"SHUT-UP AND SIT YE' DOLTS", she screamed, her banshee like voice enough to frightening the trio into obeying her commands, allowing for a small smile to graze her face. "Now, I guess I can't have much faith in a bunch of idiots who probably don't even know our main catch fer' the day, can I?"

"Of course we know who it is, what do you take us for", the trio of varied boys chimed simultaneously, a touch of irritation in their voices as their female superior cockily smiled at their unionized response.

"Now, I know that Numbuh 497's a tough little booger", she replied.

"I would assume so; he's already outsmarted the remainder of our Decommissioning fleets", the rational boy replied with a dead-pan tone.

"True, but that's what makes our jobs all the more enjoyable", she replied, her cocky yet enthusiastic voice enough to rally a form of determined smile from her lead trio. "So, think you mushy boys can handle the challenge?"

"Of Course", Ilyssa replied rather cold yet bluntly.

"You bet, Sir", Pablo replied rather enthusiastically.

"Does this mean I get a shot at taking him down myself" Emmett asked rather enthusiastically.

"Of course, it's the only reason I haven't fired ye' yet", the Irish girl cockily replied as a smile widened upon her cohort's face.

"Yes", he screamed with delight, happiness clear upon his face as he positioned himself in the shooting cockpit, all the while his superior took her seat behind them.

Yet relief seemed to corner her mind as she unleashed a great sigh, surprised she had as much energy to act as cocky as she did. Her emerald eyes seemed tinted now with melancholy and frustration, and her face even read of distress. Yet unfortunately for her a concerned witness lay baring to her saddened face; a concerned Pablo.

...

That stern grimace often worn by the temperamental Irish girl; it seemed impossible to erase, impossible to comprehend, even impossible to know what lye stirring inside her usually goal-oriented mind. Even as they approached their destination nearly thirty minutes after her motivational conversation with her trio, her stern grimace seemed indecipherable in regards to the thought and emotions raging inside of her, even as her emerald green eyes stared menacingly yet observantly at the lush, vibrant greens which made-up Gallagher's national park.

"Hmm, looks like much hasn't changed since our last mission here", Fanny said aloud, her tone stern yet observant.

"Last time? What do you mean...Oh right, the END incident!...Oh man; Numbuh 1 sure creamed you good that time", Emmett happily replied as he laughed at such memories, angering the Irish girl as she walked over to him.

"Did I ask ye' ta' mention that Numbuh 786? No...so ZIP IT", she screeched, punching him square in the head as form of punishment.

"Ah, the END incident. I remember that like it was yesterday; the sun was high in the sky, the gentle breeze was warm, even the water was crystal clear. Why, if we hadn't had a mission that day, we could have probably gone swimming", Pablo replied, a great enthusiasm in his voice as he described in detail his memories of that day, much to the dismay of his cringing teammates, though especially our disgruntled redhead.

"God, I swear I'm surrounded by idiots", she stated aloud in her thick, yet frustrated sounding accent.

"You shouldn't fret over that Sir; once today's fugitive is apprehended, you'll never have to glance at our faces ever again", Ilyssa replied, his tone cold and blunt as ever as he kept his eyes focused ahead.

Though unbeknownst to him, it seemed as though his words had a devastating impact on the young redhead as her face read of unexpected realization, realization she dare not show as her face twitched into a standard arrogant scowl.

"Well, now you're speakin' me' language Ilyssa", the arrogant redhead proudly declared as she made herself comfortable upon her rational cohort's chair. "Hangin' around Numbuh 362 will be so much more interestin' than havin' te' deal with you three wimps. Although I admit, I might just miss ye' fer' yer' honesty."

"How charming", he replied rather sarcastically.

Though arrogance seemed not to last for long as her frustrated yet melancholy eyes seemed to return almost instantly, a look gone unnoticed to all save for a concerned Pablo once more. Though, intrigue seemed on the horizon as the ships tracking device began going off, alerting the head pilot.

"Oh, well what do you know; it appears we've reached our destination", the rational boy replied with slight surprise in his voice, catching the attention of his female commander.

"Perfect", she replied, a passion could be seen lighting her eyes as a cocky grin surfaced upon her freckled face.

"Alright, let's get ready to take this Son of a Bitch down", Emmett cockily replied as he tightened his hands around the shooting sticks, a crazed look beginning to emerge in his baby blue eyes.

"Hold on there Jethro; I'm afraid that this is a solo mission...for me that is", Fanny replied rather arrogantly, her response generating a shocked yet angered look upon the crazed gunmen's face.

"What! Well then what are we suppose to do", he asked rather frantically.

"Simple; you three will be on stand-by, while all of the credit for this operation goes directly te' me", she replied rather arrogantly, much to the dismay of her angered gunmen.

"Stand by! Well what's the point of having any of us here", he asked rather disappointingly.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Seven-Eighty-Six is right; what's the point of dragging us along if you're just going to take all of the credit", Pablo asked, his tone filled with anger as he stared at his disgruntled leader.

"Because the rules state that I need at least three teammates for a fugitive rundown, they just don't say the proceedin's of yer' usefulness", the Irish redhead replied, her arrogant tone enough to generate deep anger from her two teammates.

"True, or perhaps the female heart is truly fragile, especially concerning matters of cohortism", Ilyssa stated rather bluntly, resulting in an angered expression from his female commander.

"Really?...Well then sit back and watch Mr. Violet Eyes...unless ye' want te' be dropped te' probationary duties", she replied rather viciously, her response enough to strike mild fear into the usually rational boy's eyes.

"Good boy..."

"Hold on a second Numbuh 86, you really sure you can take this guy on by yourself", Pablo asked in genuine concern, though all it could do was produce a mere stare of disbelief from his female superior.

"Don't be stupid, of course I can", she arrogantly responded, pushing her way past him to reach the door, though that plan seemed dashed as he sternly grabbed her arm, surprising her as he turned her to face him.

"You really certain of that Fanny", he asked, stern concern prominent in his voice as surprise remained upon her face.

Though surprise was quick to melt to fear as she heard the voice of her past self asking questions once more, asking her a similar question. Yet not for long as the Irish girl felt fear rise within her fear, fear strong enough to allow her a safe passage to regain control of her arm as she turned to face Pablo once more.

"I already gave ye' my answer, didn't I? If so, then stop worryin' about me", she screeched towards him as she made her way towards the door. "Sheesh..."

And once the door opened itself automatically, she was gone. Her expression a mystery, but her mood and integrity all the more identifiable. It was mood strong enough to make a person worry regardless of their relationship with another, as it did for Pablo as he let out a disappointed sigh.

"Well...she seems bitchier than usual", the violet eyed boy said rather bluntly, adjusting his glasses as he did so.

"Yeah...", the humble boy agreed, a tinge of worry clear in his voice as he did. "Still...maybe we should-"

"I understand your concern, but there's much we can do for her. Any issues running through her stubborn head she has to deal with herself, all we can do is wait", he explained to his humble cohort, his words only generating a small but defined head nodding from Pablo.

"Oh, how would you even know", Emmett replied rather loudly, disbelief clear in his tone.

"When one lives with three elder sisters, deciphering the female mind becomes much simpler", Ilyssa explained in a blunt yet rational manner, not that it cleared the disbelief still clear on his cohort's face.

"Yeah, or you just got more of a feminine side that you'd-", the cocky boy began, though fear twisted his expression and cut his words off as the violet eyed boy's eyes seem to be lit with fire once more.

"Right...I think I'll just prepare my guns", he replied in a rather terrified manner, loading his guns as he promised.

It was a small gesture which seemed to lighten the mood surrounding the three boys, yet their words could only reach such an uncanny eavesdropper such as Fanny. Her emerald eyes seemed lit with furosity as their words echoed within her head, her hands clenched themselves even upon the metal door. And while she could hear the echos of apparitions past play within her head, they were merely sounds she seemingly shrugged off as she made her way towards the roof of the ship, her determination lit with burning residual.

...

A light breeze carrying itself across the sunny clear sky; it was the only pigment of sound present amidst the quiet yet solemn Fanny. Her cross-armed posture presented her a menacing force, yet even from high atop the giant aircraft her emerald eyes read of clear uncertainty, impatience even.

Though in her defence, she seemed not the only impatient one. For deep within the chasms of her ship, her male cohorts could feel impatience brewing within themselves. Truthfully, Emmett seemed most impatient as he stared at his control panel with clear boredom. Yet it would be unwise to say that Pablo and Ilyssa seemed unaffected, for they too began to feel impatience brewing within themselves; just when was this boy slated to show up? Though their answer came rather quickly as they heard a rustling noise from the bushes, a rustling which resulted in a cocky smile form the Irish redhead.

Slowly yet surely, a young yet tall boy creeped his head up from above the bush he lay hidden in. He took a glance to the left, then a glance to the right, a clear chance to confirm his safety as he quietly set his foot out onto the ground. Quietly, his body emerged, his footsteps ever so light as he walked across in his camouflage suit. Yet a flash of light blinded him from his possible escape, a light which he could easily adapt to as he opened his eyes, a light which struck fear in his heart as he looked up to witness a haunting figure; the Decomissioner herself.

"Well, looks like ye' decided te' show yer' face after all Edison", Fanny replied rather cockily, her arrogant expression enough to frighten yet enlighten her fugitive. "Too bad only yer' name will make it on me' resume."

"Oh, come on Fanny. Can't you find it in that big heart of yours to just leave me be. Besides, I could easily pass for eleven with this face", Edison replied rather smoothly, not that bemused girl was buying a word he said.

"That's what they all say Edison", she said rather cockily. "Now, why don't ye' be a good boy and take yer' walk of shame onto the ship and straight te; the chamber?"

"Well, I would, but I've never been the easy type. If you hadn't noticed", he replied as if he was toying with her.

"Always the hard way with ye'. Oh well...that just makes it all the more fun fer' me", the Irish girl replied, her arrogant yet prideful tone merely scuffed by her own fugitive.

"You say that, and yet your eyes don't convey it", he replied, hitting her hard as her arrogant expression became one of surprise, though quickly did it recede into deep seeded anger.

"Very well then...Numbuh 686; commence Alpha Strike", Fanny commanded, her tone brimming with power and integrity despite her thick accent.

"Rodger", Pablo yelled with stern integrity as he reached for a peculiar red lever.

Nearly seconds later did he pull the lever, allowing for the ship's powerful turbine engines to transform into powerful rocket boosters. Seeing his opponents having made the first move, Edison made it his move to confidently dive into the bushes, a move frivolous enough to invoke the anger stricken redhead. "Full throttle ahead", she commanded, her subordinates doing as they requested, though too bad for her that the ship just happened to take off before she could make her way back into the catacombs itself. Yet not too long after did her trio receive a rather out of the blue call.

"I meant after ye' let me in ye' dingbats", she screeched through the monitor as her trio scrambled to get to the ship ladder. Lucky for them though that Fanny had made her way into the cockpit, the angered look upon her face enough to send a rush of embarrassment circulating through the humble Pablo.

"Hehe...Sorry about that Sir", he said in an apologetic tone.

"Oh save yer' sorrys fer' later Super Dork", the Irish girl angrily replied, as she pushed him aside, his angered expression gone unnoticed by her as she leaned herself against the pilot's chair. "How are we doin'?"

"Not good, it seems that our opponent has the advantage over us", the rational boy explained, his superior's expression a look of embedded surprise.

For despite the swerving nature of the ship, their opponent seemed to be managing well; first he'd run, then perhaps dive into a bush, then reappear and run some more before diving behind a string of shady trees.

"Damn, he is good", she thought to herself, a stubborn yet serious look in her eye as she determined their next move. "Increase mobility Numbuh 886!"

"Can't do it, our risk of toppling over this forest would be too great", the violet eyed boy explained as he continued to swerve the ship in various directions, his comment angering the quick fused redhead.

"Oh, who care about the stupid forest", she screeched.

"Well unless you want our lives on your conscious, I suggest you sit down and give us a different order", he replied with subdued irritation, enough to bewilder the Irish redhead into stubborn surrender.

"Fine", she said in defeat. "Numbuh 786!"

"What's that? I thought you didn't need me", Emmett replied in a jokey yet cocky manner, angering his superior once more.

"Of course I need ye'; now blow shit up it's all ye know how te' do", she yelled as a bright, beaming smile emerged on his face.

"Yes! Thank you Sir", the cocky boy gleefully replied as he wrapped his hands tightly around the gun shooters, his cocky grin now permanent on his face even as a psychotic stare seemed to overtake his eyes. "Time to die now!"

A quick push of the buttons and off he was, shooting lasers in all forms of swerving directions, psychotic laughter the only sound present from his mouth as his quick thumbs pushed the trigger buttons, almost as if he were playing a video game. The waking destruction seemed evident, and even Edison himself wondered what was with such a wild gunmen. Though to be fair, he seemed not the only one questioning judgement as said gunman's three cohorts found themselves clinging to anything nailed to the ship floor, attempting a rather chance possibility of barfing.

"Okay, that guy seriously needs therapy", Pablo replied, concern evident in his voice as he did so.

"You think", his remaining cohorts angrily asked him, reverting him to a state of awkward nervousness.

Yet for all of Emmett's suicidal tactics, it seemed as though they were paying off. For no sooner had their words echoed had he made a shot; a shot which rendered a large bruise into their fugitive's right side as he winced in pain. A wound which rendered him at a disadvantage and decreased his speed, a wound which resulted in a cocky smile from the Irish redhead herself.

"Perfect", Fanny replied in a rather cocky, almost evil sounding tone. "Go in fer' the kill Numbuh 886."

"Sorry, but I refer you to my first answer", the rational boy replied, his answer merely angering the redhead even more so than before.

"Oh, come on, we've got him runnin' scared. Just do it", she ordered, much to the dismay of the angered boy.

"Why? So you can jeopardize our lives and then take all the credit for it", he asked rather loudly, though his answer only produced a much darker, more angered looking Fanny than she's been prior.

"I gave ye' an order Ilyssa, now I suggest ye' take it or else", she stated, her voice low yet venomous and threatening.

"Why don't you stand down and take his word for it", Pablo angrily replied, his voice indicating that he'd had quite enough of her bitchy attitude, not that it seemed to matter to the deeply angered redhead as she stared at him with great animosity.

"Why don't you mind yer' own business", she screeched as she grabbed a hold of Ilyssa, attempting to highjack the steering wheel. Too bad for her though that the usually humble boy toppled himself upon her, wrestling for the wheel as well.

It's rather unfortunate however that none of them could see what was fast approaching them, save for only their crazed gunmen himself as his eyes widened in terrified shock.

"Uh...guys...", Emmett nervously questioned.

"What", the trio asked, anger clear in their tones as they momentarily frightened their usually cocky cohort.

"Well...uh...that", he nervously replied as he pointed in his direction, a direction with only a mere yet mighty oak tree in its path.

A collective choir of screams from the four cohorts, a hard hitting yet less damaging crash resulting in merely an explosion of one booster, a glimmer of hope for the surprised fugitive as he spotted a chance of escape, a chance he took as he made his way into the shady forest. Back upon the ship, things seemed okay if not somewhat shooken up, or at least it appeared that way to the concerned looking Pablo.

"Hey, are you guys okay", he asked, only to hear a collective sound of unison noises reach his cohorts lips. "Oh good."

"Are you okay Numbuh 86", he asked, only to feel the soft yet gruff hand make its way across his face.

"Idiot! Why did ye' try and stop me", Fanny screamed, her angered expression enough to signal her mood, yet also change the mood of her usually humble cohort.

"Well someone had to take control of the situation", he replied, his voice raising with budding anger.

"Oh, how "noble" of ye' Pablo; playin' the role of a divine hero despite yer' lack of promotion", she replied with venom in her voice.

"What? Okay, this has nothing to do with my position", he replied, more confused and flabbergasted than angry at this point.

"Oh, and I assume you tryin' te' take over my position isn't reassurin' that statement", she asked rather angrily.

"Only when you disregard the safety of your own subordinates", he angrily retorted back.

"Oh, how discreet. It's just too bad that ye' seem te' keep forgettin' that I'm still in charge of this ship! Therefore, I can dispose of ye' whenever I please", she replied in her usual tone of angered yet arrogant disregard, remarks which seemed to only further the anger budding within the tall boy.

"Alright then tell me "Sir"; just what is it that you'd have me do", he asked, anger more clearly defined in his voice as he did so.

"It's a shame ye' ask that, considerin' that you and the stooges will be sittin' the rest of this one out", Fanny replied with resounding arrogance as she pushed a small button, a button designed to deploy her personalized DOH-DOH the angered boy noted.

"Oh no, you're not taking this guy down alone", the angered boy replied as the DOH-DOH began its way to ground.

"Sorry, but you know how I am once me mind is made up", she replied in a much calmer tone as she turned away form him, throwing his way a small device he caught in his hand; a small communication device to be exact.

"Yeah, but I can;t just-"

" I am givin' ye a direct order Numbuh 686, now I suggest ye' take it or else", the Irish girl demanded, her shaky yet more commanding voice enough to bring the conflicted boy to a halt, enough to bring a small smile to her face. "Good boy..."

"Now if ye' excuse me, I have a fugitive te' catch...See ye' around dorks."

A simple sentence was all she needed to conclude her relations and ties, a simple sentence was all she needed to ensure her primary motives in such a situation. A simple sentence was all it took as she leaped from the ship, landing safely into the cockpit of her personalized DOH-DOH, taking off without much time to pass as her stubborn expression remained ever so evident upon her freckled face, and anguish and defeat rest upon his.

"Man, she just totally crossed the boarder into jackassville, didn't she", Emmett asked rather loudly despite his own confusion..

"Perhaps...but then again, I wonder if I would behave in such a manner on my last day", the rational boy calmly asked himself, a question which even the usually humble Pablo could not help but ponder briefly.

"Well, I sure know I wouldn't", the cocky boy replied, great confidence as he sat back in his chair rather relaxed.

"You keep telling yourself that", his cohorts replied, their unison voices filled with blunt disbelief at such a statement.

...

Impatience; it could drive a man insane and pester him with relentless glee. Had seconds gone by? Minutes? Hours? One could never truly say, not even Fanny as she sat perched atop her impressive mecha, her target nowhere to be seen. It was now that a groan escaped her solemn mouth, her impatience was a very thin balancing act to keep now as her emerald eyes became lit with frustration. Yet oddly enough, that frustration already seemed dominant within her eyes even before she'd left the ship. Sadly though, recalling such thoughts did nothing for her as she shook her head in disgust. Yet spotting her target about a mile away gave her a sense of renewal, a boost of confidence, even cockiness for that matter. In fact, it gave her the chance to show-off one last toy as she pressed a special button, preparing for change as the DOH_DOH began is transformation into an Eva-shaped DOH-DOH MECHA (complete with Transformers transforming sound effects, and a Gunmen styled cockpit), her cocky grin ever so eminent upon her face as the large mecha continued its metamorphosis.

"Silence never seemed so peaceful" though Edison as he peaked his head out from outside the bushes. It seemed so calm, so peaceful, so secure as he took a step from outside his hiding place, a cocky grin eminent upon his face and within his eyes. Yet it were mere baby steps he could take before he felt himself collapse to the ground, yet one look from above could only induce a frightened look upon his face; a giant, multicoloured mech stood in front of him, it's pilot face's brimming with a smile even cockier in appearance than his could ever aspire to be.

"Well...look at what we have here", Fanny said, her voice as cocky as the look upon her freckled face. "Tell me Edison, do you know what today is?...A bad day ta' be a fugitive."

"Oh god", the frightened Edison replied as he pulled himself up to his feet, lucky enough to dodge a direct punch from the giant machine as he made his escape into the woods, angering the now unamused redhead.

"Don't think ye' hide from me ye' twit", she screeched aloud in her thick accent, dashing off to find him merely seconds later.

For Fanny, adrenaline had never felt so invigorating she tore through multiple trees to search for her target, the bulging movements of her DOH-DOH MECHA as swift and fluid as that of true flesh. "This is goin' te' be fun" was the thought that crossed her one track mind, her cocky smile still ever present upon her freckled face as she attempted to strike her target with a punch. Unfortunately for her, Edison proved a difficult opponent, able to somersault himself away from the large mechanical punch as it impact with ground. Bemusement was what stuck to the redhead's face, though quickly did it recede into anger as she jumped over the large crater.

Her second assault seemed more obvious as she pulled out a large riffle gun, the push of a small button being all it took to fire multicoloured chewie pellets at her fast moving target. Her cocky grin never once evaded her face as she continuously fired the gun, only to panic slightly upon the realization that she'd need to reload. Seeing an opportunity,

the fugitive unleashed his own grappling hook gun; able to knock the gun away from the mech hand, even damage its left side slightly as its pilot yelped with great surprise.

"Sir, are you okay", Pablo asked, his concerned voice muffled through the communicator's wonky connection. "Do you need back-up-"

"I'm fine", the Irish girl screamed into the communicator.

"Are you sure? You sound like you-"

"I'm fine! Now shut-up and mind yer' own business", she screeched as she started the DOH-DOH MECHA up once more.

"Why", asked a small, familiar voice which sent fear to Fanny's emerald eyes. "Why is this job-"

"No...Not now...not when I'm so close...", she thought to herself, her inner voice so weak yet fearful.

"But don't you like working with others", her younger self asked rather innocently, her question generating fond memories the shocked redhead had kept of her teammates.

"Who needs them! I can catch dozens around those three put together", she screeched to her young self.

"But if ye' can't work with others, then what's the point of being Head of Decommissioning", her young self innocently asked, an innocent question which seemed to further derail the surprised redhead as she stopped momentarily, confusing her target.

"N-No...ye' don't understand...I...I have te' do this alone...", she explained, frustration clear upon her freckled face as she started up her DOH-DOH mech once more.

"But why? To ensure yer' own pride", she innocently asked her her stubborn yet disillusioned self.

"No!...That's not it...That's not it...", the Irish redhead replied, her inner voice a mix of frustration and sorrow.

"Are you afraid of losin' what ye' love most in life", she was asked once more by her young self.

"Of course not!...I just...I just have te' move on", the stubborn redhead explained.

"Why? So you can achieve what yer' friend asked of ye'", she innocently asked her surprised older self as a flashback of Rachel from earlier asking her the very same question arose in her mind.

"No! That's not it", she screeched as she felt herself losing control of her mech, a subtle notice the young boy noticed. "I just...I just can't let her down..."

"But she wants you to do what makes you happy", her younger self innocently stated, the sorrow dripping from her young self now descending into budding anger, her grip upon the mech handles tightening with each passing second.

"Who cares about that", the Irish girl screeched as she attempted to chase her target once more.

"If you say that, then why act so hostile towards that boy", she innocently asked her older self, that single question enough to surprise her as f;ashes of Pablo encircled her mind very briefly.

"Well I can't...I can't just give it te' him willy nilly", she explained in mild frustration.

"But you surrendered yer' old job", her younger self innocently explained, sending her older counterpart into shock once more as flashes of her promotion encircled her head.

"But...But that was different...this job is...this job is...", the Irish redhead tried to answer, yet that answer seemed unreachable as her face became consumed by sorrowful frustration, losing control of her mech for a second time as Edison stopped to witness once more.

"What is this job to you", she was asked. Yet fear seemed to be all which consumed her as her life, her memories began flashing before her emerald eyes; frightening her, even confusing her.

"How should I know", Fanny screeched, unable to comprehend such confusion for much longer.

Yet as her grip upon reality seemed to slip even momentarily, so did the control she wielded over her mighty mech as it's fist collided with a tall oak tree. It was only shortly after that the oak tree made its way to the unforgiving ground, though while Edison found himself lucky enough to escape, the same could not be said for Fanny. Her eyes widen, her jaw dropped, she even screamed in terror as the tree took her mech with it, resulting in a harsh collapse to the ground.

It was only seconds later did the redhead open her eyes to see the dust particles dancing in mid-air, seconds later that she attempted to pull herself from the damaged DOH-DOH, only to find herself wincing in pain from a swelling right ankle. And indeed, it only took seconds for her to hear the static filled voice of her usually humble successor.

"Sir? Sir, can you hear me? Numbuh 86? Numbuh 86, do you read me", she heard the concerned Pablo ask as she began to reach for the DOH-DOH's hatchet.

"Yeah, I read ya'", she hastily replied as she began to bang on the hatchet with her bare fist.

"Oh, good. Are you alright", he asked rather curiously, reducing a round of eye rolling from his female superior.

"Oh sure, as long as ye' a consider a wrecked DOH-DOH and a sprained ankle equals alright", the Irish redhead replied rather bitchily as she finally managed to open the hatchet.

"True, but you've got no one to blame other than-"

"Yeah, yeah spare me yer' metaphors Ilyssa", she replied rather rudely as she crawled to the surface of the mech, beginning to view her surroundings rather hastily as she did so.

"So, what happened to Edison", Emmett asked rather curiously.

"He got away...or maybe not as we thought", she hastily replied upon spotting the injured fugitive running through the thick cloud of dust. "Listen up boys, I'm goin' after-"

"Oh no you don't Sir, not in your condition", the humble boy replied, his stern yet concerned tone enough to anger his female superior once more.

"Look; I appreciate yer' concern Pablo, but this is somethin' I have te' do on my own", Irish redhead explained as she removed the earpiece, her tone rather calm despite the budding anger she felt developing inside of her.

"What! But Sir, you can't just-"

Was all he could muster before his muffled voice met with her scornful boot, her look a mixture of anger and regret as she stared at the broken hardware momentarily.

"Sorry", Fanny replied in soft regret as she continued on her mission despite her injury. Determination ever present now in her emerald eyes as she slowly made her way to her destination; an old, abandoned power plant.

...

Cold, yet so oddly comforting. Darkening, yet so dimly lit. So narrow, yet so inviting. In short, the perfect hiding ground for the injured yet vital Edison. A clam yet serene attitude seemed to overtake, wash over him even as he proceeded to find a hiding spot.

"I wouldn't get so cozy if I were you, Tommy boy", said a thick, stern sounding Irish voice, the kind bold enough to frighten the young fugitive as he slowly turned to face his opponent.

Sure enough, his fears were reinstated by the sight of Fanny, her arms crossed as her body lay leaned up against the door frame, a stern yet threatening look upon her freckled face as she stared at him with intent.

"What?...But how did you know I was here", he asked, his voice a mix of fright and surprise.

"Don't flatter yer'self Edison; ye' may be an expert at stealth, but your actions are about as predictable as the Toilenator's", Fanny explained rather bluntly, no shame ever once proceeding her voice.

"Okay, fine. I admit it; you have bested me Numbuh 86", the fugitive charmingly stated, too unfortunate that the Irish redhead never bought into it.

"But I'd advise caution. After all, who's to say you won't end up in hot water with Numbuh 362, especially if you resort to brute force", he explained rather suavely, though never once did that stern look upon her face fade away.

"True, but let's be reasonable here. That's not her decision to make", she calmly explained, whipping out her MUSKET to aim at her opponent with threatening disposition in her eyes as her opponent smiled cockily at her. "Is it?"

The sound of old clutter, it was all which reverberated off the narrow walls as these two opponents stared, even lunged for one another menacingly, her trusty gun colliding with his ogmented block. The Irish girl was quick to take the first move, sending a back kick to his chest with a quick twirl to deliver a roundhouse kick his way. Though barely dodging the first kick, the slow reflex of her roundhouse gave him the advantage, grabbing hold of her booted foot rather confidently as he punched her square in the jaw. Fanny yelped in pain as she collapsed to the floor helmetless, her breath crisp with wincing noises as she felt fresh pain jab itself through her knee, though blessed it stop her as gave her opponent a menacing glare, even as he came at her with quick speed. Sliding her gun across the floor, the Irish redhead took her chance to somersault over her opponent, landing a hard hit to the ground before shooting him square in the arm joint with hot mustard, surprising the young fugitive though momentarily.

"Not bad. Though you don't seem on your A-Game today; did that boo-boo of yours shake you up a bit", he asked in an observant yet mocking manner.

"Spare me yer' smug observations ye' pansy", the Irish redhead stated as she twirled her gun in her fingers momentarily, her voice clear with annoyance.

"With gusto", he quickly remarked.

Though quick was he to move with great speed towards hi opponent, his speed proving an asset even as the redhead blocked his punch with her gun, flinging him halfway across the room as she proceeded to shoot hot mustard in his direction once more. Unfortunately, his quick reflexes resulted in a nifty back flip across the room. Yet even as Fanny flipped the gun over in his direction, her quick turn to catch the gun resulted in a misfire as he dodged once more. It was pattern that repeated itself for nearly several minutes, a pattern which only resulted in a frustrated Fanny.

"Damnit! His speed's too great te' make a direct hit", the frustrated redhead though to herself, her emerald eyes only further exposing such frustration as she missed another opportunity for victory.

"Still, I've got te' figure out a way te' beat him. If I don't, then-"

"Why", asked a familiar innocent tone, one which brought great fear to the redhead's emerald eyes. "Why do you-"

"No! Not now...not now of all times", she thought to herself, grabbing her head in frustration as her firing ceased, though not gone unnoticed.

"What's with her", Edison thought to himself, confusion clear upon his face as he watched the veins forming on his captor's head begin to tighten.

"Is it for glory", asked the innocent voice.

"No", her older self replied back.

"Fame", she asked.

"No", the redhead immediately retorted.

"Then why go through all of this for a single fugitive", her younger self asked. It proved a merely innocent question, yet the outcome of its existence merely tightening the veins already present upon the frustrated girl's head.

"Who cares what my reasonin' is", she screamed within the depths of her mind, her attention diverting towards her confused yet cocky target once more.

Her eyes screamed of desperation, of sheer yet threatening determination as she lunged for her opponent once more. It's just too bad that his cocky smile indicated an advantage as he grabbed a hold of her trusted gun, punching her square in the jaw without much effort. Despite the shock of such a move, Fanny's determination proved fierce as she shot at her opponent once more, though no such luck came to her as he gracefully dodged such an attack, sending a

powerful kick to his opponent's stomach as she yelped in pain. Yet her relentlessness proved ever futile as she sent her own knuckle sandwich his way, only for the cocky bastard to catch it in his hand, twisting her arm with ease as she screeched in pain. Yet only a kick to the back, even a knee jab to the stomach could only increase such pain tenfold. Though so, pain was all she could feel coursing through her muscles as she felt her body being thrown across the room, colliding with a cement wall as a howling scream escaped her throat. She seemed defeated a she slid to the floor; her body covered in bloody bruises, even her vision a tad wonky as they came to witness a cocky looking Edison standing over her, his smile an assurance of his victory.

"Well it's been fun but...well...have a nice day Fanny", he replied, his tone embracing such cocky reassurance even as he took his leave.

Yet unbeknownst to him did the fiery redhead was attempting to mercilessly pull herself to her feet, her injured eyes spoke of desperation as she reached her hand out in his direction.

"Why?...Why not let him go", asked such a familiar innocent voice, yet such innocence seemed to intensify the redhead's desire as oppose to distract from it.

"No...I have te'...I have te'", Fanny thought to herself, a weak yet determined tone clear within her voice.

"But why?...Is it really for self-"

"No...No, I...I-"

"Maybe it's because yer' a good person-"

"No...No...I've never been a good person...", she admitted. It was such a sentence which could merely bring a light of fire to her emerald eyes, such a sentence to merely bring all her thoughts full circle.

"That's why...that's exactly why...", she thought to herself as her body rose from the floor to the ground beneath her booted feet, bringing curiosity to her opponent as he turned around to face his risen opponent.

"Hey bozo...I never gave ye' permission te' leave now, did I", Fanny asked, her fierce yet breathless tone enough to send a mild yet contained shock to his usually cocky face.

"No, but I doubt you have the strength for it", he replied, his cocky tone never enough to despair the fierce grimace upon his Irish opponent's face.

"We'll just see about that", the Irish redhead screeched rather loudly as she ran straight for her male opponent, giving her MUSKET a quick twirl before commencing to shoot in his face.

Indeed the push of the gun's forceful impact, the raw determination unfolding in front of his eyes, even the hot mustard dripping down his face was enough to surprise him, though not enough to discourage his goals as he lunged for his opponent once more. Though a swift punch he threw towards her, it could only be blocked as she took it into her own hand, a powerful kick from her booted foot enough to send him a few feet back as she took her own chance to lung towards him. Her quick punches may have been apprehended by such quick rise and ogmented blocks, yet nothing could prepare the surprised fugitive as he felt himself wincing in pain at the prospect of his arm being bent backwards, the powerful burst of mustard to his back never once helping any further.

Quickly, he made a fast paced move towards the exit, yet Fanny's gun made the quicker stretch as she shot his left arm. His second attempt to speed towards the control panel proved futile once more, for the fiery redhead's gun proved quick as it spun towards his direction, allowing for her a direct hit to his knee-cap. Despite the pain such injuries caused him, he made his final attempt for escape as he back flipped across his superior, landing gracefully to his own booted feet. Yet only fright could be seen dancing in his eyes as he saw a familiar yellow gun slowly twirling near him, a familiar redheaded female descending into a crouched position in front of him. Her eyes spoke of ferocious determination as she stared at him, catching the gun as she shot point blank to his stomach.

The blast in question felt strong enough to blow him to the floor, and sure it was as he collapsed to the ground seconds later. His stomach quenched with pain, and his eyes displayed a clear sight of fright as he watched the Irish redhead slowly approach him. Her eyes read of determined intent, her gun fixed for sudden movement even as he opened his mouth to speak.

"No...No wait, think about what you're doing", Edison suddenly stated, desperation clear in his voice even as she

approached him. "It's your last day in this position, right? You don't want your promotion, right? You can let me escap, say I got away."

"It won't really be a lie, just a loophole; a ticket to an everlasting game of cat and mouse between you and me", he explained, his desperate tone never once seeming to faze that determined stare upon her freckled face.

"After all; you couldn't survive without this job, could you? You need people like me in order to survive...to ensure your own self worth", he proclaimed, his desperate yet cocky expression clear as day to her even as she now stood to face him.

"You're right about the first part...but self worth had nothin' te' do with it", Fanny explained rather calmly, her softened emerald eyes, even the slow dropping of her gun enough to resurface the surprised expression in his eyes.

"What...", he asked, his tone whispered yet filled with surprise simultaneously. "But then why-"

"Because...all my life I've never been or done anythin' fer' anyone else...I've always been me' number one priority...But the goal of the Kids next Door; it motivated me, touched me, even made me desperate te' help it reach its goal..."

"That's why I was so afraid te' leave this post...perhaps that's why I even forgot...but now I realize that helpin' others comes in all different forms as corny as that may sound...", she explained; her soft yet honest sincerity enough to soften even the look of her captive's expression.

"Besides", the young redhead said as an arrogant smile returned to her face, a shocked Edison surprised to see her MUSKET aimed clear towards his forehead as she now sat down beside him. "The fun is in the mission, and I'd like te' thank ye' fer' givin' me one last taste of it."

"You bitch-", he angrily stated, only cut off seconds later as her gun now aimed itself directly in the centre of his forehead.

"Ah, save it for someone who cares", the Irish redhead stated, her arrogant tone clear in her voice as her cocky smile resurfaced onto her freckled face once more.

"Well, what a questionable position", replied a familiar, aloof tone, a tone familiar enough to surprise the young redhead as she turned her head in the opposite direction.

What entrapped her vision came as but a shock to her; standing in the doorway was her trio of loyal operatives. While Pablo and Ilyssa seemed surprised by such a sight, Emmett seemed more than angry given his expression, an expression which never lingered even as his superior brought herself to her feet.

"Oh great! First you rip-us off on the mission, and now you caught the fugitive! Who died and-"

"Ah put a sock in it and cuff im' ye' dolt, that's all yer' good for", the Irish loudly proclaimed, her bitchy yet arrogant tone ever prevalent as she shoved a pair of hand-cuffs into the crazed gunmens hands. "When yer' done, ye' can bring the little trickster te' the ship so we can set a course fer' home."

"Hold it Fanny; you seem a little more chipper. Are you feeling any better", Pablo asked, his aloof yet concerned tone enough to fill her emerald eyes with surprise, though one which did not last for very long as they reverted to their usual angered glaze.

"Oh relax Pablo, ye' worry way too much about others. Just a pity ye' can't spare any of that concern fer' yerself'", she replied rather arrogantly, brushing past him as she did so.

Though in truth, Ilyssa and Emmett seemed more confused than ever, only Pablo himself could gradually form a smile onto his face as watched his female superior, a small yet evident smile upon her freckled face as she made her way back towards their impressive vessel.

...

Frustration, irritation, distraction; these were merely few of the words to describe the mental state of the young supreme leader Rachel as she sat slouched in her office chair. Her chocolate eyes spoke of unfocused attention, even her tilted head spoke of a wandering mind despite the pen in her hand and the document laying in plain sight. Though honestly, how could one not feel such distraction as their mind could only wander to places unknown. Yet only shortly after did her mind return from such wandering as the sound of her office door opening caught her attention, her eyes

fixed terror at the sight she witnessed within her door frame; her good friend Fanny, bruised and injured despite the small smile evident upon her freckled face.

"Fanny" Rachel yelped, her voice a tone of deep concern as she rushed towards her injured friend. "Oh my god, are you alright? You're wounds aren't-"

"Oh relax lass, if I was really injured, I'd probably be panicin' myself by now wouldn't I", Fanny asked, her cocky yet casual tone managing to catch the young blonde off guard in realization.

"Oh right, of course. How silly of me", she replied, a sweet yet mild tone of embarrassment clear in her voice as she spoke. "So, I presume that the former Numbuh 497 has been apprehended?"

"Are ye' kiddin? He's bein' hauled into the Decomissionin' chamber as we speak", the Irish girl replied with great confidence.

"Excellent. Now I know I shouldn't pry so soon, but...have you given some thought towards my earlier suggestion", the young girl asked her Irish friend in polite sincerity.

Though taken aback by such a direct question, the young redhead could only take a mere few seconds as she cleared her throat, only able to speak up seconds later.

"Better announce Numbuh 686's promotion along with mine, that is if ye' haven't changed it yet", she casually asked as her words brightened those chocolate orbs of her blonde friends.

"Oh Fanny, that's wonderful", Rachel responded with great joy as she encased her friend in a tight hug, a hug her usually stubborn friend came to accept despite her initial resistance. "I knew you'd make the right decision."

"Yeah...thanks lass...Wait a minute! Ye' mean te; tell me that you knew all along which choice I'd make", Fanny asked in great anger, breaking the hug momentarily as she came to spot the aloof look present upon her friend's face.

"Perhaps...The important thing is that you made the right decision on your own, without any influence", the young girl sweetly replied, pulling her friend back into their loving hug as she did so.

Truthfully, the Irish girl could only induce eye rolling to such a cover-up, and yet only a mere smile could escape her face as she embraced herself in such a loving hug once more.

...

A nervous tinge she felt course her veins as she heard the echo of her bulky boots, a nervous tinge she felt zip up her spine as she gulped back a slew of saliva. That nervousness could be seen in her eyes, even in her body language as she made her way towards a grand entrance hall; an entrance hall which opened towards a stadium harbouring thousands of familiar faces and voices.

Yet their chatter ceased the instant she made her presence aware within the stadium's boundaries; their eyes lay locked upon her, even when she moved their gaze never faltered. Yet only a mere grimace and a small sigh could cover the nervous tinge she felt coursing through her body. A nervous tinge not even curable by a walk up the small flight of stairs to the tiny stage upon the field, a tinge certainly not even curable by a warm smile from either her blonde friend Rachel or even her trio, only a nervous grin she could deliver to them as her friend turned to face the rather large crowd.

"Good afternoon fellow Kids Next Door", Rachel greeted, her voice loud yet calm and enthusiastic.

"As you know, today's inauguration consists of not one, but two promotions. Our first concerns our very own Numbuh 86 finally taking up the mantle of Global Tactical Officer, while our second concerns her very own subordinate and successor; Numbuh 686."

"The two who stand before you are representations of success; of long nights of hard and strenuous work, defending our future generations from possible threats and runners. And even a multitude of villains on a daily basis, and all without a cookie break no less."

"Now with that announcement, I would like to begin the inaugurations; Numbuh 86, would you be so kind as to administer the inauguration of your subordinate first", she politely asked her dazed looking friend.

"What! Oh, ah...Yes, Sir", the Irish redhead replied, her voice panicky, almost as if she were caught off guard.

Without a second thought or sound, the stubborn redhead made her way towards her humble cohort. His nervous stare, her threatening glare, even the tensed corrupted air lasted mere seconds as she opened her mouth to speak.

"So Numbuh 686, ye' intend te' take me job, do ye'", Fanny asked, her suspicious tone a perfect match for her aloof stare, and the perfect match even to startle the humble boy.

"Yes, Sir" Pablo replied, his serious tone unable to cover the nervousness clear in his tone as that aloof stare upon his superior's face never wavered.

"Very well then...Pablo Swintenzberg; do you swear te' honour the code of conduct, to eliminate all potential teenage threats to the Kids Next Door? Te' show no mercy te' those desperate for escape, and te' only take cookie breaks when it's necessary", she asked, her loud yet serious tone enough to waver a serious face upon her humble cohort.

"Cross my heart, and hope to die", he proudly proclaimed, loud enough for all to hear.

"Very well then, I hearby officially promote ye' te' Head of Decomissionin'", she calmly proclaimed with great pride, attaching to his suit an honorary badge of promotion, though not even a cheering crowd could cease her from shaking his hand in acceptance.

"Oh, and one last thing Pablo", she stated, catching the attention of the newly promoted leader.

"Yes, Sir", he asked, surprised by the sudden notion of her lips to his ear.

"Only go soft when ye' need te'", she whispered into his ear, yet such words could not induce any more shock for him as those words could. In fact, his shocked expression merely wavered seconds after she came to face him once more.

"Thank you Fanny", Pablo replied, his sincere smile enough to produce a smile upon his own superior's lips.

"Don't mention it", the Irish redhead casually replied, patting him on the back as she turned to face her own smiling superior.

"Now then Numbuh 86; over the years, you have proven yourself a loyal and dedicated operative, one who has earned her rightful promotion. With that said, do you swear allegiance to your job Numbuh 86? To govern your fellow operatives without fail, without unjust cause, and without rest, except for cookie breaks", Rachel asked, her calm yet authoritative tone one to never falter the stern looking redhead.

"Are you sure", asked a familiar, innocent tone. A tone which could only merely surprise the young redhead this time, even bringing her a calm smile of assurance upon her freckled face.

"Cross me' own heart, and hope te' die", Fanny replied, her humorous tone and gesture enough to signify her answer for the smiling blonde.

"Very well then, I hereby officially promote you to the official position of Global Tactical Officer", the young blonde proudly proclaimed, she herself providing a pin of promotion for her dear friend.

"Congratulations, Fanny", she sweetly proclaimed, her simple gesture of reaching out her hand enough to put a smile upon her Irish friend as she went to take it into her own.

A cheering crowd (well, save for a booing Wallabee), a collection of warm faces, even a shiny new badge of acceptance. It felt comforting for the Irish redhead, comforting enough for her to at least smile with sweet sincerity; in her heart, she felt that she had made the right decision.

End Transmission