Sorry for the wait. Welcome to chapter 25. Enjoy.

With Hoagie and Wally injured the only team still at 100% was Nigel and Rachel. Thankfully all three teams had remained undetected after their most recent battles. With only five contestants left, they hoped they could meet up with each other. They would be strongest working together, now that they outnumbered the remaining contestants. Unfortunately, they had been unable to come up with a decent rendezvous plan, as the unpredictability of the competition made it impossible to know where they would all be. Both fortunately and unfortunately, the chance would present itself soon. Robin Food made another announcement.

"Contestants of the Games Next Door, it has come to our attention that some of you are running low on supplies and require special attention. We would like to inform you that the centre of the arena contains a bag with supplies that each contestant is currently in need of. If you dare, go back to where this all began."

Nigel and Rachel did not really need anything. Both were uninjured and had plenty of ammunition left. The only thing they really needed was food.

"Should we go? Going back to the centre of the arena could leave us vulnerable. Not only that this could be a trap to lure us out of hiding," stated Rachel.

As it concerned his friends the decision was easy for Nigel.

"I say we go. If it was just the two of us, I'd say we stay hidden, but for all we know the others are injured and will take any help they can get," said Nigel.

"Good point," said Rachel. "So what's the plan?"

"We continue moving like before, quick but safe," said Nigel.

Rachel nodded and the two started heading back to where it all began.

Upon hearing the announcement, Kuki and Wally were determined to get the supplies, especially if they contained something that would fix Wally's foot.

"So how should we do this?" asked Wally.

"You're not doing anything. I'll handle this myself," said Kuki.

"But Kuki…" said Wally.

"Wally you can barley move. It'll be safer if I go on my own," said Kuki.

As much as he hated to admit it Kuki was right. They'd be a lot more vulnerable if they went together.

"Alright, just be careful Kuki," said Wally.

"What do you think I am, a complete airhead?" asked Kuki.

Wally didn't want to answer that question. Kuki set off for the supplies, she took Wally's G.U.M.Z.O.O.K.A, as it would be the best weapon to defend herself. All Wally could do was stay there and be quiet, while Kuki risked her freedom for both of them. Should she make it back, he was going to tell her something he'd wanted to say for years.

Abigail and Hoagie's predicament was the direst. Hoagie injuries were serious and he needed supplies more than anyone else. Abigail was more than willing to get them, but Hoagie was hesitant about her leaving.

"Alright, I'm going. I won't be long, just stay here and keep your head down," said Abigail.

Hoagie grabbed her arm.

"Abby please don't leave me," cried Hoagie.

"I'll only be gone a few hours. I'll be back, I promise," said Abigail.

"You can't know that for sure," said Hoagie.

"Hoagie it's the only chance we got to get you back to full strength," said Abigail.

"Abby please don't leave. Please, I I just can't be alone right now. If you're gone someone might find me, and I have to get home for Mum and Tommy," said Hoagie, on the verge of breaking. "I just have to."

Abigail knew why Hoagie was feeling like this, but she felt it might be good if he expressed why.

"Hoagie baby, what's wrong?" asked Abigail.

Hoagie was about to tell Abigail something he'd never told anyone.

"Remember how after the adults took over, the military tried to fight against them," said Hoagie.

"Yeah," said Abigail who knew where this was going.

"As you know, my Dad was in the air force, which is what also got me interested in flying. When the villains tried to take over, he went to face them without a second thought. He died, along with the rest of the military and my Mum, she just couldn't handle it. She broke down, couldn't work and was just filled with depression. Because of this, responsibility fell on me to take care of the family when I was only eleven. I had to cook for Tommy and Granma. Get Tommy to school, help him with his homework. I even had to help my Granma with all her needs," stated Hoagie.

"Oh Hoagie," said Abigail who was feeling Hoagie's pain.

"It took a while, but my Mum got a little better, she even started working again, but after I volunteered to save Tommy, she just broke down again," said Hoagie. "So I have to win. Not for glory or money but because I don't even want to think about what might happen if can't go home. Mum needs me. Granma needs me. Tommy needs me."

Abigail kneeled down and hugged Hoagie, she couldn't imagine the pain he was feeling right now. Despite being one of the biggest jokers in the Kids Next Door he had been forced to grow up extremely quickly when responsibility fell on him to look after his family. He had done so much to help those he cared about, and it was time someone did something for him. Abigail pulled away and looked Hoagie in the eye.

"Hoagie, you're gonna go home, and to ensure that happens I need to go and get the supplies. I know you're scared, not just for yourself but for your family but you need to trust me. You've spent the last five years having people rely on you, so now it's time for you to rely on someone else. I need you to rely on me. I'm coming back Hoagie, and we're going home. Understand?" asked Abigail.

Hoagie didn't like it, but he knew she was right. This would be their best chance.

"OK, but promise me you'll be careful," said Hoagie.

"I promise. Now stay down and be quiet and I'll be back soon," said Abigail.

Abigail took as much as she could to help defend herself and set off to get the supplies. She knew it was risky, but she had to do it to ensure victory for her team. She also hoped she'd meet up with everyone else along the way. She was not going to let her guard down, the remaining contestants were pretty tough and anyone of them could take her out if they caught her by surprise.

Well, that was an emotional moment for Hoagie. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please let me know what you think in the reviews, especially if you think there are ways this story can be improved. More is to come. See you then.