The cold wind prickled against his bare skin and rain seeped into his scant clothes. He suppressed the urge to shiver, eyeing his target with full hatred. The figure had not yet noticed him and it stood there, eerily silent. He still had the element of surprise on his side and he planned to use it to his best advantage. Nobody threatened his friends without paying. With a roaring battle cry, Numbuh 4 took a flying leap at the mysterious form.

"Be careful Numbuh 4!" Numbuh 3 shouted from the sanctuary of the tree house.

The kids could only watch through the small windows leading outside as their friend risked his life in pouring rain. The two forms swung past the glass crashing with a loud thump. The mystery form remained standing after knocking Four out of their field of vision. They ran to the window peering through the glass, making sure their friend had landed safely.

He quickly sat up, his back drenched from landing in a puddle. Glaring up at his opponent whom loomed there solid, silently mocking him. Numbuh 4 snarled and charged once again, throwing his fist out to assault. Contact with this shadowy foe was painful, like punching a brick wall. What kind of inhuman monster had flesh unyielding to the force of another? In response to the attack the figure teetered backwards slightly then swung its thin long arm towards Four's head. The boy maneuvered back bending into a flip that repelled off the wooden catwalk into a full bodied double kick. The shadow lurched to the side but came back with driving force. Numbuh 4 had to jump away to avoid the full body slam. The wet phantom came swinging back; apparently in another attempt to body check the boy. Four took the blow with a full frontal block, his stance sliding slightly but not knocking over.

His friends cheered him from the safety of the tree house urging him to continue his good streak of battle savvy. Numbuh 2 hollered happily as Numbuh 4 jump kicked their inky intruder. Numbuh 3 waved her arms excitedly, filling the room with her pep and glee.

"Go Numbuh 4! Kick his butt!"

"Yeah! You show that slasher who's boss!"

Lightning backlit the battle, illuminating the otherwise pitch war-zone. Numbuh 5 looked on, mute. There was something odd about this fight. Something off in the way the shadowy opponent of Numbuh 4 acted. It continued to move in a swaying fashion, remaining in a single spot before the second window. A bizarre behavior considering how much Numbuh 4 was jumping, running and leaping around utilizing ass much of the catwalk space as possible. It was as if the slasher was hanging off of something, dangling there moving only to the will of the wind, rain and Newton's law. She watched more closely as a strobe of lightning cracked the dark hued sky in the distance. With this lighted backdrop she saw her answer. She cocked her brow in disbelief and walked over to the open window.

Rain weighted hair hung in his eyes, but it only hid the narrow glare focused on his opponent. Between the bloated strands he carefully sized up the creature housed in the darkness of the night storm. So far he had been unable to knock this guy over, But Numbuh 4 was never the one to give up easily. He was going to take this freak down no matter what. His friends were depending on it. With a strong running leap Numbuh 4 latched himself onto the phantom's upper half in an attempt to pull it down. The figure flailed about in circles as the boy manipulated his weight against it. He heaved mightily and with a loud cracking sound his foe plummeted forward landing with a hollow cluck on the ground.

"Ha! Gotcha now!" He hollered triumphantly, pummeling the fallen form. "Take this! And that! And Whammo!" he didn't care how stiff and hard the body was, he was too busy brimming in victory to notice.

Numbuh 5 stuck her head out the window, rain pattering down on her hat. She didn't want to ruin Numbuh 4's moment but he had to find out eventually.

"Numbuh 4, you do realize yo beatin' the tar out of a fallen tree branch right?"

Four stopped in mid punch, his heart sank in disbelief. Did she just say he was beating up a *what*? He stood, clearing his sodden hair from his eyes looking over the prone figure on the catwalk. Numbuh 5 shone her flashlight on the unmoving form revealing the wood grain and bark that encased it. Leaf clusters glistening with rain that in darkness had resembled a coat of some kind. Numbuh 4 could feel a disappointed embarrassment well up inside him, only equaled by the cold on his skin. His friends had stopped cheering. There was a moment of silence save for the rain and thunder. He held his lower lip between his teeth, inhaling slowly, mentally cursing. Raindrops running down his arms, dripping off his raw knuckles. In a matter of seconds he had dropped from savior to fool.

"Well, I ---umm---" He stammered, looking the broken log over. He kicked it and replied with an odd calmness. "Ah, crud."

Five shook her head, shaking off beads of water stuck to her hat. She called to him.

"Get yo butt in here befo' you get sick."

She pulled her head back into the dry enclosure and waited for him with an outstretched hand that he didn't take. He climbed slowly back in, quieter then normal. Looking smaller then he usually did. His clothing sopping wet, dripping with steady flow. Hair hanging low over his eyes like a golden mop. He rubbed his arms, gritting teeth that threatened to chatter, unaware that his lips were starting to turn blue. He glanced to the ground letting out a stuttering whimper, feeling as pathetic as he looked.

"Look at the bright side," Numbuh 2 smiled optimistically, "It wasn't the slasher."

Numbuh 4 made a drawn out grunt, dangling his lean arms at his sides, emotions readable on his silent face. Numbuh 3 took the balled up blanket from Numbuh 2 and gently draped it over the shivering boy's shoulders. Smiling sweetly she took him into her embrace, laying her cheek upon his soggy head. He moaned softly, wrapping the comforter tighter around him.

"Don't be sad Numbuh 4," She cooed, "You were very brave fighting that branch."

He wanted so much to remain in her arms, the wonderful warmth spreading through him. But he was too disappointed with himself to start feeling soft now. His heart thumped away in his chest pleading with him to stay like this just a little longer. But he knew it wasn't right. He mentally steeled himself, urging his pity-lust to wane. He pulled his body away from hers, gently pushing her so she wouldn't follow. A chill washed through him as he deprived himself of her comfort and warmth.

"Ey, none a that mushy stuff."

Numbuh 5 stared out the now closed window at the waving tree branches outside. The pervious events, as interesting as they were, could not stop her from feeling blasé.

"Numbuh 5 told ya'll it was branches."

"Stupid cruddy branches. Lookin' like the slasha'." Numbuh 4 grumbled moodily.

Numbuh 2 chortled as the companions started again down the hall.

"Yeah, but when you think about it, it was kind of funny."

Numbuh 4 kicked Numbuh 2 in the ankle. It was one of those impulses caused by the alchemy of his emotions. He felt no remorse, stalking past the rotund boy. From his stiff demeanor Numbuh 2 got the hint that Numbuh 4 did not share in his ideas of humor.

+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+

A darkened fist paused inches from the closed door. Numbuh 5 wondered if it was right to disturb Numbuh 1 if he was still sleeping. Perhaps it would be better if they just opened the door and peeked in to see if he was all right.

"How should we wake him up?" She asked the others.

The boys shrugged and murmured uncertainly. Numbuh 3 put her hand to her chin, thinking. A blissful smile spread on her lips before calling out playfully.

"Hey Numbuh 1!"

Her companions cringed at her sudden lack of tact. They rushed to shush her up before she could make more noise. The creak of hinges cut through the air, absorbing all attention. Four heads turned to the door that has freshly opened and the young figure standing within.

Numbuh 1 stood before his teammates clad in red silk pajamas and brown slippers. He held his sunglasses at his side in one hand while rubbing his sleepy eyes with the other. He yawned before slipping on his shades and glared at his cohorts.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked thickly.

"Don't look at me." Numbuh 5 endorsed "Ask Scooby, Shaggy and Velma over there." She pointed to the three behind her.

Numbuh 2 gave her a confused look.

"Which one of us is Scooby?"

Numbuh 1 cocked his elliptical head marching over to his crewmates.

"All right, what is going on around here?" He eyed them awaiting an answer. He found himself assaulted by a pandemonium of merging voice as the trio recounted the past events individually, all at once.

"Well there was this scratching noise---and Numbuh 5 said it was nothing but--- went ta investigate--- in the kitchen anyway---snuck up on me---this big shadow---then Numbuh 4---it wasn't my fault---all flashy---we thought you---but it was really a tree branch---someone could a told me--- really funny but---"

"HOLD IT!"

The loud British accent severed the chain of clamor. The trio stopped their raucous chattering and directed their attention respectfully to their leader.

"Let's try this again shall we?" He stared them down, "Now, why are you all up at this hour? Why are you all here? And---why is Numbuh 4 dripping?"

"Oh, sorry." Noticing the puddle he was making, Numbuh 4 shook his head, splattering everyone with wet like a sheepdog fresh from a bath. Numbuh 3 giggled blocking the spray.

"You see we heard some noises and got kind of scared," Numbuh 2 sheepishly explained, "When we went to see what it was I guess we all jumped to a lot conclusions."

Numbuh 1 crossed his arms.

"And those would be?"

Goggled eyes were downcast in shame.

"We thought the slasher from the movie was in the tree house."

Thin eyebrows poked up over the dark glasses. Numbuh 1 shook his head and sighed.

"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard." He began to pace back and forth before the row. "I'd like to think that you all would have more common sense then to believe in the poppycock you see in movies. As members of the Kids Next Door I should be able to rely on your bravery and rationality in even the smallest of situations.

"But what about the spooky shadows?" Numbuh 3 questioned.

"And the scraping noise?" Furthered Numbuh 2.

Numbuh 1 rolled his eyes.

"Hello! This IS a tree house we're living in. You can expect branches to make noises and shadows during a storm. If someone where trying to break in for an attack don't you think the defense array would have notified us?"

The others nodded in agreement. Numbuh 1 faced his friends with a satisfied grin.

"Now, why don't you all go back to bed? Some of us were sleeping through all this nonsense before you came here."

He stood there, waiting for them to leave. The group glanced at one another with hesitation, fidgeting and averting their eyes from their leader, who was now getting frustrated by their baffling lack of movement.

"Well, what are you still standing around for?"

Numbuh 2 stepped forward, playing with his hands, glancing periodically back at his friends as he spoke to the bald boy before him.

"Uh, well, we were kinda wondering---since we're all here anyway, and we'd feel safer staying together---what we're trying to ask is---well, could---could we sleep with you?"

Behind the dark lenses Numbuh 1's eyes widened. He leaned forward lifting his brow.

"You're kidding right?"

"Please Numbuh 1" Numbuh 3 pleaded.

The Englishman folded his arms authoritatively.

"Out of the question. You should be able to handle sleeping by yourselves." His sardonic tone was caustic to their already fragile prides.

Numbuh 1 turned and headed back to his room, his teammates regretting having woken him up.

"If you happen to see the slasher or the boogieman or whomever, go tell him to bother the other figments of your imagination. Now good night."

He gave one last glare to his embarrassed teammates and was about to slam the door when Numbuh 5 stuck her head in.

"Hey, what's that?"

Numbuh 1 snapped his attention to her.

"What's what?"

A wry smile curved on the capped girl's face, a bemused twinkle in her eye.

"Is that what Numbuh 5 thinks it is?"

Surprise washed over One's face. He was about to speak but Five had already weaseled her way into his dormitory. Swiftly he ran after her, but found he may have been too late. She was already crouched by the wall smiling at the glowing apparatus affixed to it. The remaining trio gathered behind their commander.

"Numbuh 5, just what do you think you're doing?"

She chuckled softly, unable to contain herself. She knew it was inappropriate, but everyone could use a good laugh about now. Even if it was at Numbuh 1's expense.

"Look at this. Numbuh 1's got his self a nightlight!"

"N, no I don't." He stated, his voice stammering with a squeak. His companions ran past him to Numbuh 5's side to see the little bulb illuminating the room.

"That looks like a nightlight to me." Numbuh 2 mused.

A pink tint came to an otherwise pale face.

"That's not a nightlight. --- It's a surveillance beacon."

Numbuhs 2, 3 and 5 looked at his unsure expression then to each other with cocky grins.

"Nightlight."

Numbuh 1 gazed downward, avoiding eye contact with the others. This was terribly embarrassing. Here he was, the supposed leader of the Kids Next Door, falling prey to his boyhood insecurities and getting caught in the act no less.

"It's just that---well I was---"

Numbuh 4 jumped up from the floor, his own spirits lifting.

"You were just as scared as us!"

One gave the Aussie a defensive glare.

"At least I had the decency to cower in fear in the privacy of my own room."

"You didn't have to be alone if you were scared Numbuh 1." Numbuh 3 pitied.

Numbuh 1 shook his head.

"That's just crazy," He explained thrusting out his arms, "I can't go soliciting around for you guys just because I got a bit frightened. What would that say about my role of leader around here?"

"Numbuh 5 say it's less embarrassing then gettin' caught with one a these." Five commented, plucking the light from its socket. The room plunged into darkness for the moment. The team heard their leader yelp amid the blackness as some thunder assaulted. Obliging him Numbuh 5 plugged the nightlight back in, letting its glow fill the room once more. But to their surprise, their leader was gone.

"Where'd Numbuh 1 go?" Numbuh 2 asked nervously.

The foursome looked around the vacant room, the level of worry starting to rise. Then Numbuh 3 spotted a quivering lump under the blanket sitting in the bulldozer scoop of a bed.

"I found him!" She called out pulling off the top part of the covers revealing the bald and mortified young man.

"This is ridiculous." He moaned, sinking low in his bed.

It was that movie that was to blame for all this. Their constitutions had been weakened and their nerves shot all because of one scary movie. What made things worse was that going to see said movie was all his idea. He looked up at his teammates. Surprisingly they all looked down at him with sympathy and respect.

"It's ok," Numbuh 5 smiled, "We all in the same boat here."

"Yeah, I mean, we're all scared. At least we're all scared together." Numbuh 2 amended.

Numbuh 1 sighed and sat up, fixing his glasses and addressing his crew.

"Yes, but what do we do about it?"

They all stopped to think. As always, Numbuh 5 was first to speak.

"Numbuh 5 got an idea."

_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+

The storm was dying down in the time suspended between late night and early morning. Five youngsters had congregated in the main rec. room with blankets and pillows, the skylight above them letting in the comforting moonlight. Snuggling onto the floor and couches the group was finally ready for a peaceful nights sleep.

"Goodnight everyone." Numbuh 1 quipped cheerfully. His teammates choired back various versions of the sendoff as he settled in on the long sofa next to Numbuh 5 who had already fallen asleep, draped limp like a rag doll over the cushions. Below them on the floor Numbuh 3 was all curled up, comfy cozy, happy they were having a slumber party together. She squeezed her teddy bear for the first time that night out of playful love rather then fear. Numbuh 4 was close to her lying prone, his scruffy hair hiding his features save his impassive lips. She watched him laying there, not sure of what to make of him. It always seemed like he had something to prove, like he was looking for something but he didn't know how to get it or what it even was. He confused her sometimes. One moment he could be violent, crude and selfish, uncaring about the feelings or well being of others. But then again he could also be respectful, commanding, intelligent, friendly and dedicated. He was like two different people; one only looking out for his own interests, apathetic to anyone else, and the other willing to sacrifice his own life to save you from a one- way trip to Pluto. Two such drastically different personalities trapped inside the small blond boy; it baffled her but for some reason she always felt comfortable around him, as if even in his darkest moments he would never harm her.

He grunted gently, turning over onto his side, his face pointed away from hers. His clothing now somewhat dry, still he huddled under his blanket for warmth, feeling exposed in more then the physical sense. Hopefully he wasn't the only one in the room wanted to forget this night ever happened.

He was just starting to doze off when something soft brushed against his leg.

"Numbuh 3, stop kicking me." He murmured.

The raven-haired girl opened her eyes and answered drowsily.

"I'm not."

"Yes you are." He insisted, sounding whiny. "Quit it."

"No I'm not." She whined back.

Their little argument now had audience, as Numbuhs 1, 2 and 5 could not sleep with this tirade going on below them.

Numbuh 4 reversed position to look Numbuh 3 in the eye. He was in no mood to be playing games with her. He glared at her for a moment, her eyes just as serious and intense as his own. Maybe she wasn't the culprit.

"Numbuh 2?" He questioned another suspect.

The pilot was curled up on a recliner next to the couch. He glanced at Four before nestling his head back onto his pillow.

"I'm not even near you Numbuh 4."

Four sat up, a look of confusion evident on his face.

"Well, if ya not doin' it---"

The group looked down nervously. Numbuh 4 gripped a corner of the blanket and flung it off his body.

The room filled with screams.

"Hamsters!" Numbuh 3 exclaimed delightedly, scooping up the rodents and snuggling them close to her face.

The other four watched on dumbfounded, slack-jawed, and the smallest bit embarrassed to have been caught off guard by the harmless pets. Numbuh 4 crossed his arms and glowered at the hamster sitting in his lap, looking at him, chittering. He shooed it away before it could get comfortable. It scampered over to Numbuh 3 who greeted it with a happy embrace.

"Numbuh 3, did you leave the hamster power generator door open again?" Numbuh 1 asked dryly.

Numbuh 3 looked to him, then at the hamsters sitting in her hands. It was a delayed reaction but she realized what she did wrong.

"Oopsy."

"So dat's why the power wasn't on in Numbuh 5's sector." The dark girl observed.

"And they must have been what was making those scratching noises in the walls." Numbuh 2 concluded.

"Aww, poor things must have been scared by the storm too." Numbuh 3 gave the fluffy creatures another big hug.

"Man," Numbuh 4 grouched, "We went through all that thinkin' the slasha' was 'ere an' it was cruddy hamsters the whole time!" He groaned openly and slouched back, leaning against the couch frowning.

"Well, we have that mystery solved." Numbuh 1 sighed, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Now can we go to bed?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, except for Numbuh 3 who remained sitting up watching the hamsters curl up in her lap. She started to giggle, once again rousing her friends from their slumber.

"What is it now Numbuh 3?" Numbuh 1 groused.

She looked up at her friends' annoyed faces with her innocent twinkling eyes.

"You guys were so silly, being afraid of hamsters."

Her companions all let out a collective groan; pulling their blankets over their heads, ready to ignore her for the rest of the night. She looked around, confused, and shrugged.

"What? What did I say?"

[END TRANSMISSION]