Disclaimer: I don't own KND
Chapter 9: The Missing Pieces
"Rachel? ... You mean Numbuh 362?" Nigel blushed slightly
"Yeah, the one and only, Abby and I just recently got in touch with her after a few years. If I didn't know any better I'd say you two planned this." Hoagie laughed
"Wha…what do you mean by that?" Nigel asked
"What flyboy is trying to say is that Rachel also came back into our lives within the last few months."
"Why is that? I thought you guys would always stay friends and keep in touch."
"Well honey, after you left… well, she did too…" Sighing she states "The reason being is, because of you…"
"Me!? Why me? Why would she do that? The whole organization is more important than one missing operative is. Why would she leave just for me?"
Abby looked at him with disbelief
"Because sugah… There was only one operative who won her heart…"
Nigel looked surprised, opening his mouth to speak but no words came out. He looked to Hoagie, just to see him holding back his laughter.
"Exactly, she went searching for you Nigel. Rach took a leave of absence and never came back, thus putting me in charge of the KND. Obviously, I couldn't tell the girl that the love of her life went off to space on a top secret mission. That would open a whole nother mess of trouble. If you think about it, if she hadn't of left we wouldn't be standing here talking to you today." Abby smirked
"What do you mean by that?"
Abby shook her head, "Child did that brain of yours get rattled on da way here? Did you stop to think about why Hoagie and I still member ya?
Again, Nigel was stunned, "Wha… how… you mean…"
Hoagie burst into a fit of laughter "Yeah man, we were never decommissioned. Well technically, we were but we've retained our memories. Thanks to our former supreme leader over here" he points his thumb at Abby
"When… how did that happen? Then tell me, what happened with teen/adult tyranny thing, the secrecy of the organization, or the classified information. Wouldn't that be leaked?"
"Honey, none of that really ever mattered. The reason for all the conflicts between the KND and adults was just irrelevant. Abby figured that the teens and adults were bitter because they forget the fun they had as kids. Without that they become old rule lawyers, bitter crusty old people." Hoagie laughs in the background
Contemplating Nigel responds "What about the theory about kids ruling over adults? Doesn't that tie in somewhere?"
"Buddy look in not sure if all that is true or not. Whether kids ruled the world at some point in time would have been cool; but you have to think of it this way, why do kids grow up into adults? A continuous cycle never ends. It is bound to happen eventually, but it's up to us to make sure we are fun, good natured adults that kids like and look up to."
"Hmmm… that does make sense, although the G:KND does have a theory about the adults…"
"Which would be what sugah?"
"Eh… well… they think being an adult is some sort of disease… with that thinking, they see Earth as being corrupted by this growing epidemic.
Hoagie shouts, "What! You can't be serious… that's the dumbest…" Cutting him off…
"Yes I know it's a bit farfetched but that's how they see it. I'm not entirely convinced it isn't, personally."
"Alright, alright! Boys calm down now. Now Hoagie, you should know that idea is not that strange. The KND scientists have actually been looking into that for years. Of course nobody else knows, but I'm sure being up at the moon base you heard something about it."
"Hmm… maybe… I probably brushed it off as a stupid idea." He shrugged
"Abby wouldn't count it out just yet; it seems like less of a possibility. It has been years and they haven't found anything on the subject. Would it really be so bad if it were true?"
"I… I don't know. Though it's the same with my command, all I know is speculation. The only thing they have is the increase of the adult population, with even less kids but of course, those numbers fluctuates. They've been monitoring the Earth more so then the other KND Bases. It makes you wonder, doesn't it?"
"Only thing I'm wondering about is food, when are we gonna grab some food? We've been here for hours!" Hoagie wines as his stomach grumbles
Nigel laughs, "I guess Hoagie's right; I could use a touch of food. Guess I was too excited to come here I forgot to grab a bite."
"Let's bust a move the sugah. Maybe Rachel…" Realizing Rachel didn't know Nigel and Nile where the same person. Face palming she turns to Nigel. "You know you're in trouble right?"
Standing in a dark room that seemed to be a study, stood a towing figure surrounded by books everywhere. Standing next to and facing a fireplace, clad in black the looming figure seemed forlorn. The boss heard a knock on the door. "Enter…" The boss's voice resonates with a slight echo.
"Sir… Mr. Fizz…" Jenkins announces, slightly bowing and leaving the room at once
"You better pray whatever comes out of your mouth is good news Mr. Fizz."
Mr. Fizz walked through the high double doors into the dimly let study. As a seasoned villain, he wasn't afraid of his employer though he knew not his face. Even though he was nervous to find out what would happened if he failed. Wearing a dark suit and red tie, his features changed very little in the past twelve years. With the addition of mostly grey hair and a walking cane with a soda bottle hilt, he proceeded forward.
"Sir, I have the information you have requested. Mr. Uno has indeed returned. It would seem as he is back in his old stomping grounds. Should we prepare for an attack sir?"
"Excellent… that is good news indeed. No, no, Mr. Fizz not yet. We have a few things we need to prepare first. I doubt Mr. Uno will be going anywhere anytime soon. That will be all Mr. Fizz you are dismissed. Jenkins! He seemingly materializes out of thin air Show Mr. Fizz the way out, prepare the car, we are going on a little rendezvous…" Laughing evilly
Still standing around the old tree house, the trio still conversed. Abby began informing Nigel of his impending doom.
"Huh? Why would I be in trouble?"
"Yeah Abs, what gives? He's just reconnecting with Rach. It's no big deal she'll be just as surprised as us."
Shaking her head, "No, no, no… Rachel will be surprised all right, but for another reason entirely. Hoags don't you know who dis is?" Abby gestures to Nigel
Looking confused, "Uhh, Nigel… Uno...?"
Sighing she states, "Yes brain boy, but he is also the infamous Nile…"
Shocked that she knew his alias, "How… how did you know my nickname? I don't recall telling you anything."
"ohhh… crap"
"Exactly… and no you didn't say a word honey, but Rachel… mmm mmm mmm."
"Wait you mean… My Rachel is… Rachel McKenzie!
"You got it baby!"
The group grew silent. The significance of Nigel's problem finally sinking in, "Man… I'm so fucked."
"Maybe it won't be that bad, Rachel is nothing like Lizzie…"
Nigel and Abby both glared at Hoagie
"What? I'm just saying…"
"I get where you're going babe, but some things don't need to be said… Like Abby said, let's get out of here, it's already getting late"
"Alright, but you guys don't mind if we go to Lime Ricky's place do ya? I wouldn't mind a cold one and some chili cheese fries. Man those are the bomb!"
"Rick still has his bar?"
"You betcha, he opened his place a couple years ago. The original is still around, but that is run by his little brother for the current KND guys. Plus, for us he gives a sweet discount!"
Abby laughs, "Yeah this fool" she points to Hoagie "Use to go all the time with Wally, pretty much every Friday night."
The trio walked out of the tree house, shutting down everything as they went. As they reach the car while Hoagie starts the engine, Nigel asks, "So how is Wally? I completely forgot to ask about the ol bugger."
"He's doing quite well for himself, in a good school, staying out of fights, dating Kuki… we keep in touch, actually you just missed him." Abby informs
"So they finally got together eh? I wish I could have seen that. I assume Kuki is doing alright then."
"Yeah, the girl went back to Japan to study, she was here too, though that was unexpected. You know how she is, though she will be home soon. Everyone will be back by the time graduation hits."
"So, I'm guessing you two go to the same school?"
"Absolutely… it definitely has its perks." Hoagie smiled looking at Abby from his peripherals. Keeping his left hand on the wheel, his right finds Abby's hand, placing it into his own. Nigel smiles as he watches from his place in the back seat of The Duchess.
'Seems as if they finally found each other too, this has been one a hella'va day. Very good indeed.'
'Ah… that felt nice… A nice hot shower was all I needed' Rachel sighed as she stepped out of the shower. Toweling herself off and placing the towel around her hair, she grabbed her robe and headed into the kitchen. Looking at the clock as she dries her hair, she notices the time
"Geez I didn't think that I slept so late." The clock read 21:00 'Well I guess that is what a coffee binge will do to ya. I wonder how the gang is doing. I gave them very specific instructions to follow. They should be done by now.' Seeing a note on the fridge, she reads it.
"Hmm, I guess Patton and Fanny didn't have much luck today. Abby and Hoagie must still be working." Placing the note on the table, she opens the fridge and starts rummaging through it.
'Well, what did I expect, been gone for two weeks not much here to choose from. I might as well order something… hmm, not really feeling Chinese; I guess I will go with pizza. It's been a while since I've had some stuffed crust. Maybe… maybe meat lovers, I'm sure Abby would enjoy it, even as leftovers. Picking up her cell, she proceeds to order making sure to get extra bread sticks.' She orders two large meat lovers pizzas. Having the time to herself, she begins to ponder on the events of the past few months.
'Wow I can't believe everything that's been going on. I met my old friends, went to a couple of parties and I have even met the sweetest man alive. Many good things have happened since I came back here. I'm very grateful for a new start that is all anyone every needs. Yet, there is always someone waiting to ruin everything.' Her smile turns into a frown. 'Why can't I even enjoy one moment of happiness, without the world crashing around me? Well…once we figure, out what's going on we can put this whole mess behind us. I hope that whatever is going on isn't too traumatizing. What's the worst thing that could happen?'
Rachel's phone chirps, picking it up, she reads the message from Abby. Hey Rach, be back soon, bringing a friend. Hope you're ready for dis…"'Ready… ready for what?' Rachel wondered
The group left from their childhood hangout on to their next destination. Lurking, watching from across the way was a black olds mobile. The figure in the car watched with disgust as they left.
"Looks like Mr. Uno found some friends. No matter, we shall pay them a visit as well, the more the merrier as father always said." With a demonic laugh, the car window rolls up.
"Step on it Jenkins!" The car pulls away following Nigel and friends at a distance.
Standing in front of his door, he did not know whether to knock or use his key. He stood there contemplating, fumbling with the key in his hand. He sighed, running his hand through his hair. Chad grew his hair out to medium length, which partially covered his eye along with the ruggedness of his face. Still he was the stunning young man he had always been. Though his face was tired, his eyes still held a youthful gleam, daring to be defiant. Standing full length of 6'2 with a slightly muscular physique, he donned grey slacks and a black silk dress shirt with a red under shirt peeking through. He put one hand in his pocket and knocked on the door of the home that belonged to his parents.
'Shit, it's now or never; hopefully they won't be too upset…. Who am I kidding! I bet their livid. Their only son ran off without a word. So many wasted scholarships, the honor society, society, I bet the last thing they would want to do is see me.'
The door snapped him out of his trance. Startled he looked at the person standing at the door.
He stutters, "I… is…is this the Dickson residence?"
"Yeah, who's askin?" replied a young boy no more than 12 years old
Chad looked at the kid, who looked vaguely familiar. 'Wonder if he is a cousin or something. The family must be visiting.'
"Its Chadrick squirt, if you would be so kind as to let Mr. and Mrs. Dickson know I'm here."
The young boy scoffs, "Whatever… old dude, just come in before I get scolded for not showing hospitality."
Chad's eye twitched… 'Old… old… I am barely 27 years old. This little brat…'
"Thanks, I'd appreciate it."
"The names Cedric, most people call me Ced or Ceddy."
Instead of going to get the couple, the young man calls out…
"Mom…! Dad…! Some old dude named Chadrick is here for you!"
As Chad was taking a seat, he nearly fell. His eyes went wide.'Di…D…Did he just…? Is he my…? I must have the wrong house...'
Heavy footsteps descended the stairs and Chad hears an unmistakable voice.
"Now, now son, what did I tell you about yelling in the house?"
As Mr. Dickson rounded the corner, Chad looked up. Still standing and half way off the couch he
squeaked. "Dad…?!"
"Nice seeing ya again Ricky, thanks for the chow."
"No prob Nigel, come back soon would ya. Nice havin ya back."
"Man, I wish I could get free grub form Rick, his chili is the bomb!"
"Boy chill, you pretty much do. He hasn't seen Nigel in years so it's the least he could have done. Anyway let's go, Abby is ready to chillax."
"Yeah, yeah… the drive isn't long anyway. Nigel you can crash at my place if you want, I have an extra room since Wally transferred schools."
"Thanks, it'd be like old times in the tree house. I'm looking forward to it."
After a short drive, they arrived to the campus. Being that is was late and the middle of the week, not too many students were out and about. The group walked across the quad, the main parking lot was on the other side of campus, towards Abby's room. Abby stopped in front of her door and pulled out her key.
"Here goes nothing baby, you sure you're ready for this?"
"Uh, no but might as well get it over with."
"Oh man, this is going to be epic. Hey, Abs do you have any popcorn?" Hoagie laughed
Giving him a stern glare, she shook her head and opened the door. They made their way over the threshold, surveying the common area. By the looks of it, Rachel was still up; the lights were on, with pizza on the counter. A cup of tea that looked half touched beside an open book.
"Rach, we're back. Are you here?"
"Yeah, one second, I'll be out soon. There is some pizza on the counter."
Rachel walked out of her room, minus her robe and towel. She had a on a teal Camseil and some comfortable pajama pants.
"So, did you guys finish the tasks I assigned? From what I go from Pat… Nile? What are you doing here?"
"He…Hello Rachel."
"I knew you were in the area but…" She gives him a hug
"Well…I…There seemed to have been another change to my plans. Quiet unexpected really."
Hoagie and Abby made their way to the kitchen counter. Trying their best to give them enough privacy and ease drop at the same time.
Rachel scoffs "Abby did say she was bringing someone over. I should have known. Anyway I'm happy to see you, how'd you run into these two?" She turned to look around; noticing Hoagie and Abby were no longer in the living room.
"I think… I think its best you took a seat. I have a whirlwind of a tale."
Noticing his serious half-nervous state, as she took her seat she became worried.
"Is… is everything all right Nile?" She asked
"Yes, everything is splendid. The problem is with me. It seems that I have deceived you. I am very sorry; I am not the man you think I am."
~Author's Notes: I apologize for the short chapter but I hope you enjoyed it. Sorry i haven't been updating in a while. I've been very busy.