Sorry I haven't been updating. The events in my life have gone in this order: writer's block, then my grandfather dying, then the funeral, then being assaulted by my 8-year old cousin (that chick has too much energy), then starting on other stories, then a lot of homework, then my Internet stopped working.

So, basically...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Chapter 9: Friend or Foe?

The cave was collasping all around Johnson as he ran. His heart was pounding so hard, he thought it was going to explode. He was barely able to dodge the stalactites that were falling all around him. Suddenly, he stopped. The cave went pitch black and transitioned into an elegant setting that Johnson didn't recognize.

It appeared to be a regal bedroom. The walls were dark purple with cream-colored vine designs. A bed with black sheets sat at the side of the room, and a black vanity was at the opposite end of the room. A blood-red wardrobe was next to it.

Looks like some goth's room, Johnson thought.

He turned around and saw the door open a crack. Instinctively, Johnson jumped into a fighting stance. He was rather surprised to see a penguin walk poke his head through the door, nervously looking from side to side.

"Manfredi?" he said. "What are you doing here?" Manfredi didn't answer. Instead, he bellyslid into the room-passing right through Johnson.

Johnson shivered. "W-w-what...what just...?" He turned in Manfredi's direction. "How did you do that!?"

Still no answer. Johnson edged closer to the Sizone, who was opening the bottom drawer of the vanity. Manfredi placed his back pack on the floor, still looking wary.

He pulled three small, glowing, white spheres out of the drawer and stuffed them in his bag. Johnson's eyes widened-Manfredi had taken two orbs! Then he pulled something else out-a golden X with an orange star in the center.

Manfredi pulled out three orbs, and Skipper just stood there staring. He didn't know what to make of this. Then, Manfredi pulled out a golden X with an orange star in the center and handed it to Skipper. Skipper hesitantly grabbed it and examined it.

My Symbol of Aunka...? he thought, flabbergasted. Manfredi was one of the ones who stole it! Why would he return it?

He was about to say something, but Manfredi cut him off, "I'll explain everything-" Johnson groaned and shakily stood up, "-when Johnson wakes up."

Johnson gasped. "Manfredi!?" He looked at the Symbol in Skipper's flippers, jaw dropping. Then, the orbs spun quickly around him and melted into him. He blinked, his expression bathed in confusion. "Uh...what's going on...?"

"Ask him," Skipper ordered, pointing to Manfredi.

Johnson looked at the scientist. "Well?"

Manfredi took a deep breath. "It started not long after we'd met Annelise..."

"I had heard Hans discussing something about a 'Dionte' and how to get it. They were holding those purple X-thingies and saying something about 'Symbols' and 'Sizone.' This seemed suspicious, but I didn't understand what they were talking about-I needed to find out. I had forged a Symbol of Sizone to get close. Once they accepted me, they told me their plans. They had mentioned a special kind of census taker, called a Tyniki-that I later found out was a guy who could sense the presence of a clan member-confirming that Skipper was the last remaining 'Aunka.'

I decided that I should retrieve the orbs myself, and then join up with you guys when it was safe. I was only pretending to be on their side, so that I could find out was going on."

Skipper and Johnson took a moment to let this new information sink in. Skipper broke the silence. "So, you're saying you're a double agent?" he asked skeptically.

Manfredi nodded. "Affirmative."

"Nope, don't believe you."

Manfredi looked disappointed, but not too surprised. "I'm telling the truth!"

"How did we know that, for sure?"

Johnson looked at his leader. "Skipper, why would he give us this stuff if he was bad?"

Skipper was taken aback to hear his lieutenant's question, but he thought about it. Johnson had a point-the enemy wouldn't do anything to help them-but...

"Fine," Skipper regretfully began, "we'll believe you...for now." Manfredi sighed in relief, but Skipper shoved his face into the other's. "But I've got my eye on you, soldier..."

Interesting... It might take me a while to update, so be patient. Also, keep calm and cherries! And review, too.