Authors Note: Finally Chapter 10, the Mission Chapter :) But still, reviews are much appreciated. Btw, this is seriously the last chapter for a while. At least one month, I have to study for my exams and stuff, so writing isn't doing much good. A nice thank you for every reviewer (yes you, you know who :D). So this the tenth chapter, the last one for a while, I am repeating myself and I am posting this at 1:30 am my time. Thumbs up for the NightWriter :) Enjoy! R&R.

Some discalimery stuff: yadayada, I don't own cherub... all right belong to Muchamore... Blah blah (you get it).

Chapter 10: Back to the streets

* *CLASSIFIED* *

MISSION BRIEFING FOR PAUL ANDREW WINTERS

DO NOT REMOVE FROM ROOM 260

DO NOT COPY OR MAKE NOTES

1. Flamesword

In the year 2010 a group emerged into the criminal underworld of London. Flamesword started as a gang of religious extremists who attacked the police, other gangs and several institutions. Under the leadership of John Vine and Kazim Al-Hassan, the gang gained more and more support and expanded its activities to almost every aspect of crime available. In the summer of 2011, rumours about a large -scale attack against the government started to spread amongst the Intelligence Agencies. The rumours haven't given any concrete information, but have been resurfacing and are becoming more violent. The threat has therefore been flagged as highly potential by MI5 and MI6. Since the arrival of Black Dragon (see below), the group has had several setbacks in their plans, as they are under constant threat of Black Dragon. As of now the numbers of Flamesword are estimated at 100 people, of which 25 as the core.

2. Operation Black Dragon

In 2012 six CHERUB agents were dropped in London as a part of Operation Black Dragon. OBD is a plan involving a massive amount of people of several parts of the Intelligence Department. The goal of this group was to gain information on the greatest plan of Flamesword and also try to oppose them as much as possible. Several actions by the Black Dragons have had this effect. Flamesword and BD have now reached a fragile truce in the sense of gang territory. Their mission is still to gain more concrete information on the possible attack. The members have also drafted Paul Andrew Winters into CHERUB, almost completing the Delta Project.

3. Role of Team Delta

a) Team Delta will join the Black Dragons in their mission. They will provide mostly back-up assistance when gathering the crucial information. The team shall have to use their skills to help out the Dragons as good as possible.

b) A special role has been prepared for Paul Andrew Winters. The agent in question shall return to his true identity during the mission. Paul Winters shall (unofficially) join his team mates with the Dragons. As agent Winters has had previous experience with both groups, his role could be crucial for the success of this mission. He will also try to collect as many leads and information as possible while returning to the streets as the infamous Grizzly. The rapports by the Dragons and the reputation of this individual give reason to this action.

THE CHERUB ETHICS COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED THIS MISSION BRIEFING. ALL MISSION CANDIDATES SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:

(1) This mission has been classified MEDIUM-HIGH RISK. The members of Flamesword are known for using violence against non-members or others. Agents are to be cautious at all times.

(2) Agents should wait for confirmation from either Ming or Matt before they act.

'Mad, you're bloody mad,' said Paul. 'Fighting alongside the Black Dragons? Mad I tell you.'

'We aren't that bad,' said Matt while fake pouting.

'Especially you, there's a reason why people are afraid of the Butcher.'

'Says Grizzly, the man whose name already makes people nervous,' he replied smiling.

'Well, are you accepting the mission?' asked Zara. 'You can always decline.'

'Hell yes, I can't wait to return to Pissstain ally.'

'Cadet Winters,' said Zara in a stern tone. 'Are you accepting the mission or not?'

'Yes, Chairwoman Asker, I accept the conditions of this mission and shall join my crew.'

'Then get packing, you're leaving in two hours.'

'Ming, be nice to my team or else...' said Paul before leaving the room.

'Sheesh, a little "how have you been Ming?" is too much to ask?' sighed Ming Lee.

'I'll go talk to him,' said Kerry. 'Talk to you later Ming, but I agree with Paul. Keep an eye on them will you?'

'Always Kerry, you have my word. Our word,' she said while gesturing at herself and Matt.

Kerry came in and saw Paul stuffing his clothes into his bag. The worn-out one that he came into CHERUB with. The green colour had almost faded away.

'We could give another one if you like,' she said calmly.

Paul sighed and turned around. 'Its my dad's. You know, the bags the military recruits get? I'll carry it around with me until it is too busted up to use.'

'Oh ok. Paul can I ask you something?'

He hung his headphones around his neck and closed the bag. 'Sure.'

'Why is it that Grizzly should scare people when mentioned?'

'I'll give you the short version. Grizzly is a kid who walked around gang-turf for six months. To keep yourself safe on the street, you have to do things. Things that scare people. That scare the notorious gang members.'

'And?'

'Nothing. That's it. i just wish to forget that part of my life. The one that I'm being dragged back into that is.'

Kerry looked at him with the no-nonsense look she gave Cherubs sometimes.

'Ain't gonna work. My lips are sealed. Now, if you please I'm going to eat dinner with the others.'

'Bear, you don't have to keep up the tough act. You can always talk to someone.'

'I don't talk, I act. That is the law of the street. Now if you would move out of the way.'

'Fine.'

Kerry let Paul pass and watched as he vanished from her sight.

Two hours later the team was sitting in a van that was waiting out front. Paul was wearing his brace that he had received at the medical bay. The straps tightly held the frame in place. It wasn't the most comfortable thing to wear.

'Hey Bear!' shouted a familiar voice.

Paul saw Anna walking towards the window. He lowered it.

'Mission or not, you're still going to train. I want you to be able to pull a stronger bow by the time you get back. And no, I don't take a no for an answer. If you can't you're in serious trouble. Hi, other Delta's.'

'Haha. You're so doomed,' said John.

'Not. Cool. John.'

'So what is it that you wanted to ask me?' said Ming to Kerry. They were standing next to the van. They could hear the music coming from inside the vehicle.

'Why is Grizzly feared by Flamesword?'

'You mean you don't already know?'

'No.'

'Paul stabbed four members of Flamesword.'

'What!?'

'That isn't even the scary part. He did it without causing lethal harm. The four of them survived with ease. And the ultimate detail is the following: We asked those members to tell us what happened. They replied that they were harassing some girl and that Paul simply walked over, disarmed one of them and then stabbed them. It wasn't even that what scared them, it was the look in his eyes. The look that spoke of pure carelessness and wickedness. After that he was placed on the 'do not bother list. I saw the same look the day I drugged him before he came to CHERUB.'

'Oh shit. Is this bad? I mean for the mission?'

'Nope. He will be able to defend himself and the others. Don't worry. In two maybe three weeks time tops they're back safe and sound on campus.'

And with that the Delta's drove off towards London.

The door opened and the Delta's walked in. Before they could react a voice shouted:

'Luke, Diane, Rick, get over here and say hi! Don't make me come and get you!'

Paul removed his headphones and stood next to his mates as a woman's head appeared from behind a wall. She had brown hair and a big smile.

'Hi, you must be the Delta's? I am Willow.'

'We all call her Goose,' said Matt.

'Why?' asked Julia.

'Wait exactly ten seconds,' said Ming with a faint smile.

Ten seconds slowly crept by as a lot of noise came from the kitchen. Willow or Goose appeared in the flesh and stared at the Butcher and Ming.

'You two, don't just stand there, get those bags into their rooms. Boys in the small room, girls in big room. Now, since you're all here let's have dinner shall we? It's spaghetti with tomato sauce. Looks like you haven't had food for the entire journey up here. You two call that taking care of those children? Tss.'

'Yes, Mother Goose,' replied Matt with a chuckle before grabbing the bags and heading off towards the stairs that went to the upper floor.

From some rooms on the ground floor three other people appeared. The first one was a boy with black hair and a slim build. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a green shirt. Looked not older than 16. Secondly a fifteen-year old girl appeared. She was wearing PJ's with big tiger paws as indoor shoes. Finally there was the second guy, seventeen years old and the tallest one in the room. He had blue eyes and was only wearing sweatpants. His bare chest had a six-pack.

'Guys -and girl- meet the latest Cherubs, Team Delta,' said Willow as she gestured at them.

'So this is the mission team? Nice to meet you. Rick,' said the first one.

'Yeey, they're here! Grizzly's back too. I'm Diane,' said Diane cheerfully.

'Please forgive my younger sister for her behaviour. Pleased to meet you. Luke,' said the last one.

'Wiz, Lynx, Train,' said Paul while sitting down.

'Welcome back to the urban jungle, Grizzly,' said Diane. 'Missed you.'

After that the team had introduced themselves properly, the meal was put on the tables, as twelve people was too much for the dining table - they used the living room table as well.

'Nice place you got here,' said Paul.

'Why thank you Paul,' said Ming. 'On this floor we have our rooms, the living room, kitchen and the first bathroom. Upper floor has the data center, your rooms and two small bathrooms. On the level below there is a gym and sparring room. Plus free wireless internet throughout the entire building.'

'Your rooms? Don't you mean their rooms?'

'Nope, you're sleeping two nights a week indoors. Boss' orders. Got to have a room to be able to do that.'

'That's nice. Suppose I can't stay tonight?'

'That's right! We're kicking you out the moment you finish your meal,' said Diane.

'That's irony right?' asked Francis who hadn't said a single word since they had arrived.

Silence.

Everyone bursted into laughter while trying not to choke on food or drinks.

'Here are some sandwiches and cash,' said Willow. 'Take care of yourself. We expect you back here on Sunday, four pm sharp, don't be late.'

'Thanks,' said Paul.

He grabbed the money and stuffed it in his pocket. The sandwiches went into his backpack. Paul placed his headphones on his head and took a last look at his team. The jungle was waiting. He walked over to Mia and they kissed.

'Stay safe,' she mumbled.

'Always. Ming, you can send the message, but wait fifteen minutes.'

Paul nodded at his teammates and walked out. The sky was clear for once and the sun just started rising.

'And so the lost Bear returns, but first to settle some debts.'

Paul walked in as the sound echoed through the small pub. The dark room was lit by three lamps and a couple of small windows. Shiny hardwood was everywhere. The benches, chairs, tables and bar. On the wall was the dartboard and the 'list of shame'. Grizzly's name was on it. The old man behind the bar looked from his newspaper and his eyes grew big.

'You! Why have you returned?'

'To settle an old score,' Paul replied as he took a seat. In the mirror behind the bar he saw a kid with torn up pants, hoodie that was too big and a black eye (courtesy of Ming). Paul reached for the money in his pocket and took out thirty pounds. 'I hope that covers it? And for a fresh breakfast?'

The man hesitated for a second, then took the money and walked into the kitchen. Paul heard a little shierk. A moment later a old lady walked in with a fresh plate of toast. Paul smiled as she came from behind the bar and gave him a hug.

'So you have returned Paul? We thought you left the city for ever.'

'Nah, the city called and I came, that's the way it goes.'

'James will come any minute with the eggs and bacon.'

'Thanks Nelly, I owe you guys.'

'I will have none of that talk in my house,' said Nelly. 'It is an honour to be able to help a young man like you. We should thank you for bringing back some sparks in our lives.'

'Like you, a fifty year old beauty, would ever need that.'

'Sixtyseven honey, I can't pretend to be young anymore.'

'Would you please stop trying to steal my wife from me, you rascal? Here are some eggs.'

'Thanks.'

Paul started eating the breakfast while Nelly wiped off his name. The news would only spread faster now. He finished up and grabbed his bag.

'Before you go, you have to know that our door is always open to you,' said Nelly.

'I already know that.'

Paul left.

'They get younger with every generation don't they?'

'Yes they do. Takes me back down memory lane.'

The boy across the street looked at the door being opened. Out came the Grizzly. The news was true, he had returned. He took out his phone and dialed the number.

'I am sorry to call you this early, Blessed One. The Grizzly has been spotted at O'Neills.'

'Good. Don't follow him, we'll find him later. Come back to HQ.'

Paul walked towards the park and searched for the old apple tree. After a minute or two he found it. He immediately dunked his pack in the bushes and made himself comfortable. The music in his ears sounded even better. There he was back in the city, on the streets. He was actually enjoying himself.

Sunday at noon. Two girls took a seat at an outside table. They ordered two cokes as they seemingly enjoyed the sunlight. One was dressed in a pretty old fashioned way, she even wore a cross with some holy water in it.

'When we get back, I'm going to melt this,' hissed Mia.

'I'll help,' smiled Chloë.

'Okay girls, heads up. Kazim and John are arriving now,' said Rick through their earpieces.

The Delta's saw the two men walking up in white shirts and black ties. John Vine was wearing men took their seats at the table next to them.

Chloë placed her cellphone on the table and pointed the antenna towards the leaders.

'Signal and sound are good,' said Rick. 'You may record.'

Mia and Chloë waited that the two men were done talking before playing out act two. They drank their cokes and got up. They walked past the table, when Mia fell down. (Chloë had tripped her as planned.) Immediately John assisted getting her back up. Mia felt his eyes burning into the cross and her own chest.

'Thank you sir,' she said softly. In a quick movement she placed a tracking device on his sleeve, just below the wrist fold.

'You're welcome my lamb,' he answered with a soothing voice.

The girls continued to walk away as Francis informed them the tracker was moving in the opposite direction.

Paul made his way back to the house. He deliberately made several detours and used some sneaky roads to make sure he was not followed. Eventually he reached the door. He rang the bell.

The door opened and Willow appeared. She didn't say anything but pulled him in. She took his bag and walked him up the stairs where everybody was listening to a recording.

'This is bad Kazim. With the Grizzly back in town our time-window has become even tighter. That kid is a serious problem. You do remember what happened last time right?'

'You do not have to remind me John. But I have found a way to dispose of the Grizzly.'

'How?'

'I will tell you back at HQ. There are too many people here.'

'Was that recorded today?' asked Paul.

'Yes, thanks to Mia and Chloë.'

'That's cool. So we go out tonight to take'em out?'

'That might be a good idea,' said Francis and Rick. 'We hacked into the camera network and have a live feed at the location.'

'No we are not,' said Ming and Matt. 'They just told us that they found a way of taking out Paul. That's dangerous.'

'If I go to them, we've got the element of surprise. They won't have thought about that,' said Paul. 'Besides my triggerfinger's itching.'

The leaders of the Black Dragons stared at the Grizzly for a couple of seconds. 'We said no. That's final.'

'Fine.'

That night the dinner was eaten in complete silence.

At the start of the second week the Cherubs were all sitting in the living room watching the Graham Norton Show. Norton made a snappy comment and they laughed. Suddenly phones started ringing. Ming answered.

'Yes, what's up?'

...

'Yes I get it, we're coming.'

She hung up. 'Flamesword has attacked downtown. O'Neills.'

Paul never heard her objections, he was already running down the street.

The Cherubs arrived in the van and another car. Besides the police and the paramedics there was a crowd gathering. They also saw Paul being held back by some cops. He desperately wanted to get in. Ming advanced and let him enter. Matt and Diane followed.

Paul entered the pub and saw the destruction that had been done. Broken bottles and shards of glass and mirror laid spread over the floor. The dartboard was pierced with bullet holes. In the middle of the rubble two forms were covered by bloodstained, white sheets. Paul didn't have to guess. The Flamesword that was branded into the bar mocked him. He felt the anger and sadness building up. Before words or tears came out he left the room and walked away, ignoring the crowd of regulars of the pub. Not even twenty feet away the first wave came out. Paul threw up as the first tears started streaming.

'Paul,' said Julia.

He turned around and saw his mates looking at him.

'They're dead,' he snickered. 'Gone. They helped me and now they're dead.'

'It's not your fault,' said John reassuringly.

'The hell it is!' Paul shouted. 'Don't give me that bullshit. They are dead because Flamesword wanted me out of town!'

'Paul, calm down,' said Willow.

'Flamesword is going to pay for this,' he growled. 'They fucked with the wrong person. I swear I'll make them pay.'

'I can't let you do that. We are not allowed to take matters in our own hands,' said Ming.

'Fuck matters, this is pure payback,' said Paul.

Ming saw the look in his eyes and shivered. The Grizzly had spoken.

The Delta's were gearing up as were the Black Dragons. The final stage of their mission had begun. The threat posed by Flamesword had become reality with the attack on O'Neills yesterday, but not much later the message by Kazim and John had spread on the internet. They spoke of 'A deed in the name of the Lord in order to overthrow the oppressors of the Holy Word. London will burn in the holy fire of the flaming country shall be blinded by the Light.' The intelligence agencies had analysed every conversation and rumour of Flamesword and came up with the Parliament as the most likely place to be attacked. The London Eye was second on the list. An alarm had been raised and the entire city of London had come to a grinding halt. Even the Underground had been closed off. The cherubs however still had their tracker that pointed in a complete other direction. They had informed the agencies and got permission to go ahead with a possible counterattack. The cherubs would receive the help of ten highly trained commando's.

'Delta's get in position. Grizzly, Wiz, Pooh, on the roof,' said Ming.

'Why did I get nicknamed Pooh?' asked Francis poutingly.

'Cause, you are the youngest member and you always get to the honey,' said Matt with a light chuckle.

'Enough fooling around,' hissed Ming. 'Train, Butcher, Panda and Kuma, you are the first entrance team. Polar, Black, you're with me and the others. Everybody clear?'

Affirmative answers.

'Then, let's crash this party.'

Paul looked through his scope as he watched the small courtyard behind the first part of the building where Flamesword HQ was located. The nightvision showed him several people that were running around. Suddenly a large crate was rolled out and was slowly driven to a waiting van.

'Grizzly here, I've got visual contact.'

'Stand down, Grizzly,' said Ming.

'Affirmative Rose. How's it going?'

'The rest is in position. Okay got the green light. Fire at will in three seconds. One... Two...Three.'

Paul shot two tires of the van with his silenced sniper-rifle.

'The van has been neutralized. Go.'

'Got it.'

Paul changed his live ammunition into the non lethal rubber bullets and re-aimed at the Flameswords that were running around the courtyard as they suddenly got attacked by agents from two directions. He took out four more targets with shots to the knees.

The sound of the explosions echoed in her ears. Julia followed Ming, John and the others into the action on the courtyard. The commando's easily took out several suspects while the cherubs advanced towards the crate with contained presumably the bomb.

'Polar, you're up,'she said smilingly as two commando's pressed the driver of the forklift against the concrete and dragged him off the premises. She hopped in and lowered the crate. Julia saw Goose staying behind while the others entered the main building.

'Aren't you going?'

'No. I'll cover, while Polar does his job,' Goose answered while gripping her rifle.

Jules nodded as she jumped out and helped John gently opening the crate. The bomb looked huge as the wires were numerous as well as the lights. The screen that was mounted on it was black.

'That's one hell of a bomb,' she said.

John glanced at her and smiled. 'Yes it is. Okay let's see. We've got a screen, wires and about enough explosives in order to destroy the Old City. My favourite.'

'Please don't say that,' Jules said with a smile.

'Too bad,' John replied while getting out his gear.

The Flameswords charged at full speed with knives and decorated swords, screaming : 'Death to the unworthy!' They were quickly taken out by the commando's. Suddenly a small canister appeared and bounced off the floor.

'Grenade,' yelled a commando.

The Cherubs took cover as the explosive took out the commando's. Moments later the rattling of automatic gunfire screeched through the air.

'You'll never take us alive, you filthy dogs!' screamed the man who was holding an AK-47.

Mia and Chloë took a look from behind their wall and saw the man with his back towards them. They sighed with relief as they both thanked Matt for sending them on a different path. The quickly dashed towards the man and struck him both with everything they had. He let out a sound and then collapsed. The other Cherubs joined them. Mia was surprised to see Paul.

'The commando's have retreated the wounded to the courtyard. They are providing cover,' he explained.

'Okay, less chatting, more getting the baddies,' said Chloë. 'Pooh, Wiz, got any idea where they are?'

'Two floors up, we have got John and Kazim heavily armed in the last room on the left. On the floor above you we have two dozen of armed Flames. We can see automatic-rifles. Probably some stronger things as well. If you take the main stairs you'll get ambushed, the smaller stairs are the perfect route,' said Francis.

'We shall cover you in the shade,' said Wiz. 'Nightvision on the next floor in five. You've got ten minutes.'

'Roger that,' said Ming. 'Gear up! Panda, Kuma, Butcher, we go in at first. Grizzly, Train, you cover us.'

They all nodded as they put the goggles on.

Slowly he cut the final wire and removed the screen. John sighed as he placed the screen on the floor. He wiped off the sweat that had formed on his forehead. He sat down and laughed. 'That's it, it's disarmed.'

'Thank God,' sighed Julia. 'For a moment I thought it was gonna go blow.'

'Not anymore. This screen is a tablet with wireless tech. The signal can't blow up the bomb anymore, but the blasting caps are still on there. If these get hit they might trigger the bomb, but since the area is clear I don't think we have to worry about that.'

'Nice job,' said Willow.

'Thanks.'

They waited until the Flames had stopped to reload before they swiftly and stealthy advanced armed with their weapons. Paul and Luke rested their weapons and took aim. Silenced weapons were aiming at a few heads. Rubber bullets were waiting for their release. Ming sliced the first one. In that fraction of a second a short lived Hell broke loose. Screams of agony filled the space as one by one the Flames got neutralized by a bullet or blade. Mia broke several bones and stabbed two guys in the arm. Chloë forced six guys into submission before tying them up with plastic handcuffs.

'Light is back on in ten seconds take off the night vision,' advised Wiz.

They did as told and saw each others handy work. The remaining suspects were also handcuffed.

'Now for the final part,' said Francis. 'At the end of that corridor you'll find the room with the main prize.'

'My turn to shine,' said Paul in grim tone.

Before any objections could be raised he advanced and stood before the door. He turned around and motioned the others to take cover. Paul pressed himself in the corner and quickly knocked. Roaring noise and a shower of shotgun shells and rifle rounds were the answer. The door was blown to splinters. Paul waited for the familiar click of an empty magazine before acting in a fast way. He smiled and jumped in. In a fluent way he grabbed two semi-automatic pistols and aimed them at the shocked leaders. Before they could even reach for another gun, Paul shot them both in the knee with live ammunition. The blast rang in his ears. The rest of the team walked in and stared in shock.

'Grizzly, don't,' said Mia. 'They are harmless.'

'They killed my family,' he answered while crying. He took aim at their heads. The guns were shaking.

John Vine laughed hysterically. 'Is this the infamous Grizzly? The kid who has no fear, who doesn't care. Ha, you're pathetic. The Grizzly is pathetic. He's nothing.'

'Shut up, you idiot,' Kazim hissed.

'Come on Grizzly, take the shot, show them that you're a killer...'

Paul squeezed the triggers. The rounds popped out.

The leaders stared in horror, the fear on their faces had been real. Kazim laughed in relief. They were alive.

'The Grizzly died with my family,' Paul said while the magazines dropped on the floor. 'The legend is dead.'

He turned and looked at his fellow cherubs. They all gave him positive looks.

John laughed again. 'Haha you're too late. The City shall burn! Our plan has been set in motion.'

Paul stared at Ming and the Butcher. They got it. The Underground.

Kazim cleared his throat; 'The bomb that sets of the chain reaction is already in the train. It leaves in fifteen minutes. Monument Station. I'll tell someone about the other bombs, if you can stop this one, you save the entire city.'

'How can we trust you?' asked Mia.

'I swear to God that I shall do as I just told you,' he said while his face twisted in pain.

'You traitor,' spat John.

Paul and Ming dashed out and started running towards the exit. They moved across the courtyard. The entrance to the station, was a block away.

'Polar, let's go, we've got a bomb to diffuse!' Paul yelled.

John stood up and joined the other two while he grabbed his tools. Together they sprinted towards the station. They got in after knocking out two guards and tackling a third. All three jumped over the gates and made a dash for the tracks. There the train was all set to go.

'Hey, what are you doing here?' asked a man. He was wearing a flaming sword on his T-shirt.

Ming grabbed the man and smacked him against the wall. 'Where is the bomb? Tell me or I start cutting off fingers and limbs with a blunt knife.'

'In there, second cart,' he stammered. 'Please don't hurt me. The train is rigged to drive when the countdown reaches the ten minute mark.'

Ming knocked him out as well and then cuffed him. 'Let go.'

They found the bomb. It was a three part bomb, consisting of three blocks of plastic explosives, connected by several feet of wire, standing on small platforms. The countdown had already started on the screen. Twelve minutes left.

'From here to Westminster it takes about ten minutes so we have two minutes before this thing starts,' said Paul.

Ming smashed some glass and pulled the emergency break. 'One problem solved. One to go.'

'A big one. If this thing blows it takes out the entire part of London, perhaps even a part of London Bridge. And there's the other bomb. Together they take out a lot of London.'

'You better start then,' Ming smiled nervously.

'Aye aye cap.'

John stared at the clock. Four minutes to go and he still hadn't made a single cut. He walked over to the wires and checked them again. No secondary wiring. John wiped his hands. The sweat ran from his arms. Three minutes. He made a decision and slashed the first cords. Nothing happened. Then...a bleep.

'John,' asked Paul nervously. 'The timer just jumped a minute, is that normal?'

'Not really,' he said while cutting the other wires. Another minute down. One minute left.

'John!'

'Shit,' John cursed. 'I have to disconnect the main wire that leads to the blasting caps. It hasn't got any secondary wiring. Impossible.'

'Then do it, will you.'

'It runs underneath the bomb. I can't reach it. My tools are too short.'

'Then you'll have to use this.' Ming handed him one of her swords. They were flat enough to fit underneath.

'I've only got one shot. Give some light will you.'

'You've got twenty seconds left.'

John pressed himself onto the floor and slowly slid the sword underneath the bomb. The light was bright. He touched the wire.

'Ten Nine Eight...'

John slashed it. His heart stopped. Time froze for a split second, as a cheer brought him back.

'You've done it!' exclaimed Paul.

'Thank God it's over.'

Later that night the cherubs returned to their house and sat down at the table. They all were exhausted.

'You six did a great job. Not bad for a first mission,' said Matt.

'What do you mean "not bad"? We just saved the entire city from doom and anarchy,' said Francis.

'Well...'

'Well what. Oh wait now you're going to say:'You only hacked the electric circuit from the HQ and a CCTV camera. That no biggie. Even I could do that.".

Everybody's jaw dropped as they stared at Francis. He looked puzzled at their expressions.

'What? It true you know. Hacking's really hard. Not everybody can do that.'

They bursted into laughs and didn't stop for quite some time.

'Come on, what's so funny? I don't get it.'

'He doesn't get it,' said Chloë before laughing even harder.

Willow stopped laughing and motioned everybody to do the same. 'Do you know what you just did? Before the question, and the I don't get it?'

'Said something funny suppose.'

'That was irony, Winnie,' said Mia while rolling her eyes. 'You've said something ironic.'

'So that's irony!'

'Give the man a cake,' said Diane before giving him a hug.

Suddenly a phone rang. It was Ming's. She answered it while every got silent.

'Hi Zara, yes they're sitting here with us right now... Okay just a sec.'

Ming pressed a button and placed the phone in the middle of the table.

'Go ahead Zara it's on speaker.'

'Goodnight Dragons and Delta's.'

'Night ma'am.'

'First of all I and the head of MI5 would like to congratulate all of you with the successful mission. You've all done well. Secondly: for the Dragons I have the news that you can finally return to the campus after a long time. Sadly this also means that agent Willow shall receive her white shirt as she has now reached the age-limit. For the Delta's I have some better news. The six of you have again proven your skills and capabilities and for that I wish to promote you to navy shirt agents. And finally I would like to give the Delta's a final token of my appreciation. They are allowed to take the next three days off, before returning to campus. The Dragons that wish to join, may do so. But I expect twelve agents back Friday evening at the very last. Goodnight.'

Ming ended the phone call and put the phone away. She grinned wickedly.

'This calls for a celebration,' said Matt.

'I'll get the Chinese menu,' said Diane.

'If I may interrupt,' said Paul. 'There's something I need to do first.'

'What's that?' asked Julia.

'Well it's kind of personal, but if you want you can come with me.'

'Nah, it's something you got to do for yourself.'

'I'll be back in an hour or so.'

'Just don't do anything stupid,' said Mia. 'You'll be missed.'

'I know, so will you.'

They kissed for a moment before Paul let go and left.

The gate was already closed but it didn't stop Paul. He climbed over the pointy ends and landed on some gravel path. Paul turned on his small torchlight and slowly walked towards the right row of graves. After he had found it, row 24, he turned to left and walked seventeen graves down the corridor. He shined his light on the graves. Two headstones with the names: William Trant and Eve Trant. Beloved father, brother and son. Beloved mother and daughter.

'Hi mom, hi dad. I'm sorry it took this long for me to get back and say hi, but I've been busy. You might have seen me from where you are now. I've joined CHERUB, you already know that don't you? You were both members. I just wanted to say that everything is fine and that I finally can move on I guess. I have made some new friends and I even have a girlfriend, or at least I think I have. Anyway, I have to get back to the others. I got promoted to a navy shirt and saved the city today. I miss you and I hope that you are proud of me. You're always with me. I miss you two so much. I'll be back. Please say hi to Nelly and James if you see them and that I would like to thank them for everything they've done. I really have to go now. I'll never forget you and I miss you.'

Paul placed his hand on each stone and slid across the carved letter before walking off with a sigh of relief. He returned to the gate and climbed back over. He was surprised to see his friends. They all looked at him.

'They would be proud,' said Mia.

'I know, thanks guys.'

'We are Delta and we have each others back,' said John.

'Come on, let's get back. The Dragons are waiting.'

'Yeah let's.'