Chapter 6

Lee was just barely, just slightly irritated that Numbuh 83 refused to tell him where she was going. You would think that after all he had done for her, she would be grateful enough to tell him this itty, bitty thing. But no.

"Numbuh 363, sir?"

"Yes, Numbuh 83?"

"I won't be here today, my family's going on vacation in an hour."

"Lucky! Where are you going, Numbuh 83?" Paddy cried.

"Just someplace." Sonya said vaguely. "Well, bye guys! I've got to pack, see you tomorrow!" She slammed the door on her way out.

"I guess Numbuh 83 was excited to leave." Paddy was disgruntled because he wanted to go on a vacation, but his dad, Mr. Boss, was caught up in villain work, and his sister, Numbuh 86 had things to do. "Do you know where she's going, Numbuh 84?"

"No." He ground out, and received a curious stare from Paddy.

"Hey, Numbuh 363!" Tommy got a brilliant idea. "What if we go on a vacation as a sector?"

"We have missions to carry out," Numbuh 363 muttered. However, his attitude didn't deter Tommy from trying to convince him.

"Come on, Numbuh 363, have some fun. Want to go the beach, you guys? Yeah, you see?" Tommy automatically assumed everyone on the team would want to go. "Numbuhs 84 and 85 want to go to the beach. I want to go to the beach! Everybody wants to go the beach except you, Numbuh 363. With the exception of an annoyed huff, his rambling was largely ignored. Tommy sighed a defeated sigh. "You know what, Numbuh 363? Never mind."

Paddy, however, really wanted to go on a vacation, and he knew Lee in a mood would not be doing anything to help the cause. He would have to bring out - the really, really big guns.

"Gosh, you're worse than Numbuh 1!" When he saw Numbuh 363's back stiffen, he knew he had said the right thing.

After donning their swimming trunks, the boys of Sector W took off in their S.C.O.O.T.E.R. to spend a day of fun at the beach.

--

"Yay!" Sonya cried with excitement. "We're here!" She threw off her sandals and chose to run barefoot across the sand, reveling in its cushiony feel. She waved hello to the seagulls that cawed overhead in the sky, and circled back to her family, who followed her clumsily, carrying towels and sunscreen.

"Where do you want us to put the towels, kiddo?"

"Riiiight here." Sonya waved her hand toward a general location. "Can I go make a sand castle now?"

"Go ahead, dear."

Sonya ran along happily toward the shore to find the perfect place to build a sandcastle for her rainbow monkey. She ran by the hot dog stand, and absentmindedly noted that Sector W was also here. Wait a second. In Sonya's mind, imaginary tires screeched loudly to a halt, and she stopped so suddenly, she almost fell over.

Calm down, calm down. Sonya frantically scrambled back, away from the hot dog stand, and hid herself among the hundreds of kids that ran around the beach. What are they doing here? She was bewildered. Calm down, calm down. Okay, if I stay away from them, I don't have to worry about it. She told herself. Just have fun. She glanced cautiously around before running farther down the beach, stationing herself behind the umbrellas of several families.

"Perfect!" She crowed delightedly. Without another thought, she happily set about making her sandcastle. When she finally finished…she clasped her hands as her eyes shined. It was so wonderful! That is, it was wonderful until it was stepped on. Rather, jumped on. Sonya's eyes popped out. "You can't do that - that's like, against the law!" She glared angrily at the castle destroyer.

"Totally sorry, but there is only one castle on this beach, and it's Queen Shelly's. Anyone who disobeys gets their castle destroyed, but becomes a gracious guest at her castle." The knight grabbed her arm. Sonya snatched it back. "You must come, fair maiden!"

"Um," Sonya tilted her head to one side. "It's okay…I don't really want to, you know -" She took off.

"No, wait! The Queen demands your presence!" Sonya tore down the beach as she heard the clanking metal-suited teenager chasing after her, but within a minute, he had caught up with her, and proceeded to forcibly carry her to Queen Shelly's castle. She saw Sector W splashing in the water. She thought of calling them for help, and then thought better of it. Queen Shelly couldn't be worse than Harvey figuring out that she was actually Numbuh 83.

Sonya was graciously led to a long dining table that was set for three. Three? While the knights stood guard over her, Sonya slipped into one of the hard-backed chairs, and swung her feet nervously as she waited for the queen.

One of the double wooden doors creaked open. Queen Shelly flounced in the room in a dress, or was it a swimsuit? Or was it both? She was followed by her younger brother who carried her pail of shells. They slid into the seats.

"Well, well, who are you?" Queen Shelly rested her head on her hands, as she curiously observed her guest. "By now, you have undoubtedly realized that you have been graced in the presence of the queen herself."

"Sonya." The queen couldn't help noticing the windmill-like motion created by Sonya's swinging feet. She must be nervous. Queen Shelly decided that the best way to help Sonya relax was to introduce her to her brother. They were about the same age…a light bulb shined above her head as she had a fabulous idea that would make the day very entertaining. Eagerly, she continued the introductions.

"Ah. Well, Sonya. This is my younger brother, Prince Sandy. He's going to be king next year because I'm turning thirteen, and I can't play make-believe when I'm a teenager. That's so babyish. Anyway, kings are always handsome and brave and strong and handsome and cool and handsome..."

"Anyway, he needs a suitable bride, preferably before he's a king…" Queen Shelly chattered on excitedly as Sonya nodded patiently and politely; there was no sense in infuriating royalty. "The bride should be beautiful and caring and sweet and beautiful and talented and beautiful..." Queen Shelly has a one-track mind. Sonya propped her head up on her arm, no longer nervous, but bored. "...and I'd like it if his bride has hair the color of sunshine, eyes like emeralds, and a cute sense of style." Blonde-haired, green-eyed Sonya in a pink swimsuit stared blankly at her.

"Okay," Queen Shelly realized that Sonya was not getting it, so she got to the point. "You're a suitable bride." Sonya paused as she turned over this new, unwanted piece of information in her mind. Me? She was confused. A suitable bride for Prince Sandy? Where did this come from?

"Me?"

"Yes, you." Queen Shelly told Sonya pleasantly.

"What if I don't want to marry him?" Sonya bit her lip, as her nervousness returned. However, the prince and queen ignored her question. They were having a conversation of their own.

"Do you like her, Prince Sandy?" asked the queen.

"She is very pretty. Yes." Prince Sandy turned to a horrified Sonya, and smirked as he waved at her.

"Then, I'll give you permission to marry her," said Queen Shelly, as if she was bestowing a great favor.

"Thank you, my queen."

Throughout their entire conversation, Sonya's face turned from horrified to disbelief to rage. They can't decide this on their own!

"Don't I get a say in this?" She stood up in anger. However, she was promptly pushed back into her chair by one of the knights. The queen simply smiled smugly.

"I'm Queen Shelly, I can do whatever I want." Sonya glanced at her face…judging by her expression, that was that. But still!

"You just can't do that!" Sonya said angrily. She gulped when the knights stepped forward with their spears. You really have no choice." She paused. "Did you actually think you had a choice?" Queen Shelly was genuinely surprised.

"Well, I can't marry him." Sonya said anyway.

"Why not?" she demanded. Queen Shelly's eyes blazed, as her idea of hosting a wedding party in her castle was about to be shattered. Sonya thought frantically of a good excuse.

"I am already…betrothed." Sonya swung her feet nervously. What a dumb excuse - she'll never believe that!

"You lie!"

"I don't!" Sonya tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Darn those fairytales that she had been reading lately!

"Then who is the boy?" The queen asked viciously, disbelief colored her tone. Sonya bit her lip; she didn't actually want to say a name. She definitely wouldn't say someone like, say for example, Numbuh 84. "Well?" Queen Shelly pressed the poor girl. There was no answer. "There is no boy, then," declared Queen Shelly triumphantly. "You're marrying my brother!"

"It's Billy Smith!" Sonya burst out quickly. She watched Queen Shelly's eyebrows furrow together in annoyance. After a short pause, she commanded her knights to find the boy and bring him to the castle. For torturing purposes. After ten minutes of being tickled by peacock feathers, any boy would gladly give up a betrothal.

Sonya bit her lip, and hoped that there wasn't a Billy Smith within a five-mile radius. She berated herself angrily. Should have gone with a name like Jonah Thurber.

"Wait, actually, I have a better idea." Sonya didn't trust the smile that lit up Queen Shelly's face.

--

The knights marched around the beach screaming the announcement.

"By royal decree, Prince Sandy and Sonya will be married this afternoon, unless Billy Smith will battle for his betrothed in the name of love. Otherwise, by royal decree, Prince Sandy, and soon-to-be Princess Sonya will hold their wedding party at Queen Shelly's castle as planned. Billy Smith!" The knights solemnly gazed around the beach. "Do as you will." They marched off again, repeating the announcement, ignoring the irritated glares they received.

Water sprayed as Lee swung toward the direction of the knights in disbelief.

"Did they say Sandy and Sonya?" Something inside Lee lurched, but he reassured himself. Numbuh 83's away on vacation. It couldn't possibly be her.

Harvey snickered. "Yeah. The lovey-dovey couple's getting married." He batted his eyes mockingly. Paddy laughed at his exaggerated imitations.

"Prince Sandy and Sonya sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g." Tommy made kissing noises gleefully. Lee unintentionally voiced his thoughts aloud.

"It couldn't possibly be -" Luckily, he was interrupted.

"Yeah, they are getting married this afternoon," Paddy grinned. "Unless her betrothed, Billy Smith fights for her." Harvey, Tommy, and Paddy fell over in the water as they laughed. Lee began to feel uncomfortable. Really, it would be better to make sure.

"Wouldn't it be funny to see them battle it out over a cruddy girl?" Lee asked casually.

His friends didn't really care either way, but Lee gave them no choice as he dragged them out of the water.

"What's the deal, Numbuh 84?"

--

"Ahhh," said Queen Shelly while looking through the binoculars. "Here they come."

Sector W burst through the castle entrance minutes later. "Where's the wedding?" Harvey demanded as the knights strode into view. "Actually, where's the battle between Prince Sandy and Billy Smith? That's what we came for." Numbuh 363 gestured toward his team arrogantly. "This is my team." He added, even more arrogantly.

"Billy Smith has not arrived," said the knight in orange.

"So the wedding shall soon commence!" said the knight in green.

"You are welcome to attend!" said the knight in blue.

"Pah." Harvey rolled his eyes. "Who wants to see that?"

"Welcome, welcome!" An older girl walked toward them. "I am Queen Shelly; welcome to the wedding of my brother and his fiancée!" She clapped her hands delightedly when Prince Sandy decided to greet the guests with his beloved on his arm. His beloved kicked him, making him cry out in pain. Sonya and Lee saw each other at the same time.

"Lee?" Sonya's eyes widened. Lee? Prince Sandy frowned. As in Bil-lee Smith?

"Sonya?" Lee said, bewildered. So, it was her. Tommy's eyes were like quarters. He nudged Paddy frantically.

"What?" Paddy snapped, irritated. Tommy whispered.

"S-She's Numbuh 83!! I can't, can't believe it!" Meanwhile, Numbuh 363 had marched up to Lee, fire in his eyes.

"You know her?" Harvey's scowl grew deeper and deeper. "You actually know a cruddy girl?

"She's a friend." Lee said defensively. Harvey looked betrayed. Friends with a girl? His face seemed to say. Suddenly, Prince Sandy's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange.

"Are you Billy Smith?"

"No," Lee said, irritated. "I'm Numbuh 84." Who was Billy Smith anyway? Prince Sandy's frown disappeared as he turned to Sonya.

"We will soon be married, my darling!" Lee clenched his fists as Prince Sandy continued. "It looks like Billy Smith isn't going to show up."

"Of course he will." Sonya retorted."I don't even want to marry you - so back off!"

Sandy growled in anger. "You're marrying me! Right now!" Queen Sandy watched with interest.

"But Billy isn't here yet!" Ignoring her protests, Prince Sandy grabbed her by the arm, and proceeded to drag her down the aisle. Lee felt unreasonably furious. He clenched his teeth.

"Uh, Numbuh 84?" Tommy asked nervously. "What are you doing?" The prince was forcibly stopped by the boy in the ushanka, who roughly yanked him around.

"I'm only doing this crud 'cause you can't make someone marry you!" Lee threateningly took out his yo-yo aiming it for Sandy's face. "That's just not cool." After Lee brought out his yo-yo, Sector W followed suit, and aimed their weapons at the knights and queen.

"Sister! Help!" Sandy screamed. Queen Shelly looked at him disgustedly."We're surrounded, brat. What am I supposed to do?" Sonya edged away from Sandy and toward Lee.

"We're leaving or at least, I am." Numbuh 363 threw his hands up in the air. "All of this to rescue a girl!" He stomped out of the castle, and the rest of his team quickly followed.

--

On the beach, Harvey scrutinized her. "Sonya, eh? You look familiar." Sonya cringed.

"I live in the neighborhood." She shifted her feet nervously. "I should get back…" Sonya ran off as quickly as she could. Paddy's eyes shifted to Lee.

"What," Lee said, instantly on guard.

"A friend that's a girl…" started Paddy with a grin. "Must be…" Oh no.

"Your girlfriend." snickered Harvey.

"No!" Lee turned beet-red as his friends hooted with laughter.

"Look at that! He's blushing!"

"Aw!" They mockingly made kissing noises.

"Impossible." Lee said stonily. "You guys are impossible." But ironically, an image of Sonya popped into his mind. He heard Prince Sandy's words. "We will soon be married, my darling!" He smirked. Sorry, Prince Sandy.

--

A desolate Prince Sandy stared out from his castle. He vowed to himself. When I become king next year, I will marry a be-yoot-iful girl! His eyes blazed ambitiously. No one will stop me, next time…

I absolutely loved Operation Beach - which is the inspiration for this chapter. This can also be used to explain why Sandy is so obsessed about marrying a girl in the actual series. Thanks for reading!