While walking to the band room, Mr. Hogan wouldn't stop talking about Wally's accent. Kuki was giggling and Mr. Hogan noticed.

"What's so funny Sanban?"

She pointed her flute at the teacher and grinned. "You!"

Mr. Hogan jokingly looked offended. "My dear girl. You're laughing at me? My heart is broken. My pride. I'm so embarrassed."

Wally looked blankly at him.

"Aww, ignore him Wally," said Kuki who playfully nudged him on the shoulder. "Mr. Hogan is always like this."

"What do you have fourth period Wally?"

The boy looked over to the band instructor. "Art."

"Ah that's easy to get out of. You can join our fourth period band class."

Wally perked his head. "Really? Cool!"

"Yep," he said. "No problem. So what part of Australia are you from?"

As they walked through the empty school, the only thing that could be heard was feet trampling against the floor and the sound of Mr. Hogan's voice.

"He's lucky," said a tuba player whispering to Kuki. "Mr. Hogan is normally nasty. I wonder why he likes that blonde kid so much. Hogan treats me like trash."

"Really?" asked Kuki. "He's nice to me. He likes Wally cause of his accent."

"He likes foreign kids. From my theory of having him for two years, I say that he's interested in other ethnic kids more than people like me."

"You're a junior?"

"Yeah. It's no big deal."

"How come you're so nice to me? Don't others pick on freshman?"

"Nah, I don't. I respect freshman. I was treated like trash when I was in ninth grade. I don't want others to be treated the way I was."

"You're nice. My name is Kuki!" She put out her hand.

"I'm Josh. Sorry I can't shake your hand. It's heavy enough carrying this tuba."

They both laughed.

The band arrived to the classroom. Everyone slowly packed up his or her instruments while making conversation. Mr. Hogan was giving a speech to the band about a game coming up Friday. Everyone groaned and said they'll be there.

"Ok son," said Mr. Hogan as soon as everyone but Kuki left the classroom. "Let me get out the saxophone. You'll be playing alto."

Kuki sat in her seat. Her flute was in her case. She was looking at Wally. He looked extremely uneasy. He had no clue how to play the saxophone.

"Here you go. I'll set it up for you. There's a reed already in here."

"All right. Thanks."

"No problem." He opened up the case and began setting up. "Now. You just need to play a song I have. You know how to read notes, do you?"

"What?"

"You know. A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Those are all of the notes."

"Oh Yeh', those. Yeh', I know those."

The teacher looked at Wally in the eyes. "You're lying."

"No I'm not!"

"I can tell by the look in your eyes. It's the best way to tell," he said putting in the mouthpiece.

The phone rang.

"I have to get that. Here Wally. Take this and play while I answer that," he said dashing through the room, giving Wally the saxophone.

As soon as Hogan went in his private room, Wally was holding the sax with confusion.

"Put that holder over your neck. It'll help you hold the saxophone."

Wally did as commanded.

"Here," said Kuki patting the seat next to her. "Sit here and try to play."

He sat down.

"Now blow!"

Nothing came out.

"Aw, this is stupid!"

"It's your first try. Try again!"

Wally blew into the sax. There was little sound heard with some cracking noise. He kept on trying until he got a smooth noise.

"I did it! I made a noise!"

"That's a C sharp," said Mr. Hogan who left his private room. "You haven't played any instrument before. You are too much of a beginner for the band. Why do you want to join band anyway?"

Silence. He didn't have a respond.

"I like you kid. I don't want you to leave. I bet we can find some good use with you. But why do you want to join band?"

"I uh," he stalled. "I, uh, eh,-"

"Because he wanted to spend more time wit me," said Kuki. "I told him I wouldn't be seeing him as much anymore, so he wanted to join da band."

"I like your honesty Sanban. I like you. I like you too kid," he said to Wally. "I'll put you in charge of being my personal assistant. You will be the first Freshman drum major. I'll teach you how to read notes, conduct music, take charge of the marching band, and do my errands."

Wally slumped his shoulders and gulped. "That's a lot more responsibility than everyone else."

"Of course. Since you don't know how to play an instrument, you'll do the hard work around here. First of all, can you read and understand this?"

He handed Wally a sheet of music. Wally looked at it and grinned.

"Hah! That's easy! My mum made me play the piano when I was small. I don't know how to play the piano, but I learned how ta' read the notes."

Hogan laughed with excitement. "I can't believe this! Why didn't you tell me before?"

Wally grinned with embarrassment. "I didn't know what you meant by notes."

Kuki giggled.

"This is great! You'll do all my dirty wor- I mean take on loads of responsibility."

He growled.

"I'll pack up the saxophone for you. You get on home and have a nice rest. I'll fix your schedule so you'll have band fourth period."

"Thanks Mr. Hogan."

"No problem. What's your last name?"

"Beetles."

"Gotcha. You two have a nice evening."

"You too!" they said as they were heading out the classroom.

Wally and Kuki were walking at the deserted front lawn of the school. A few students were waiting for their parents to pick them up.

"You're going to be our leader Wally. You've only been leader once when we were in da Kids Next Door. When Numbuh One- I mean Nigel took a vacation."

"I remember that. I guess I got way too outa' hand."

"Yeah. I just hope you don't go way too crazy when you're our band leader."

"Don't worry Kuki. I'll be a great leader. You'll see," he said with confidence. "If anyone'll disobey me, I'm going to beat them up!"

Kuki put her hands on his shoulders. "Wally, no! Don't resort to violence. I thought you changed."

"Don't worry. I've changed."

They reached the front of the carpool section of the school. This is where all of the parents pick up their children. Of course there is a lot of traffic here in the mornings and afternoons.

"Hey my mom is going to pick me up. Do you want a lift?"

"I don't live far from here."

"You silly head! I didn't ask where you live. I asked if you wanted a ride."

"Nah, it's ok."

"Well too bad. My mom is coming anyway."

Kuki grabbed Wally's hand and they ran to the gray SUV.

"Hi mom! Can we give Wally a ride?"

"Where does he live?" she asked with a strong Asian accent.

"Not far."

"Sure, come in."

Kuki opened the backdoor seat. She went in first and then Wally. The door closed and Kuki's mom started the car.

"So what did you two do aftah' school?"

"We talked to Mr. Hogan," said Kuki. "Wally wants to join the band!"

"Oh!" she said interested. "What instrument do you play?"

"I actually don't," he said shyly. "Make a right after that stop sign."

"What?!" she exclaimed. "Then how did you join band?"

"I'm the drum major."

"Oh wow! That very good job. Yes very good job. You know Kuki plays flute because she get into very good college. Drum major look better than flute player. Kuki should become drum major."

"Mom!" shouted Kuki. "Please stop!"

"But you need good grades. You need to get in good college. Become doctor to get lots of money."

"I know mom, but please-"

"And you make grandchildren for me."

"Mom!"

The whole time this argument was going on, Wally sank to the floor of the backseat. He was blushing and felt embarrassed for being in the car and embarrassed for Kuki.

"My stop is two houses away," said Wally, nervous about speaking out.

"Oh Wally. I forgot you were in car. Sorry. Here your stop."

Kuki's mom rammed on the brakes, sending Kuki and Wally's head dashing forward then backs.

Wally opened the car door and whispered, "Call me tonight."

She girl nodded.

"Have good evening Wally."

"You too. Thanks for giving me a lift."

"Your welcome."

With that, the SUV drove off and Wally went in his house.

"Thanks for dinner mum!" shouted Wally as he was climbing the stairs after spending an evening eating dinner with his parents.

"No problem Wally," she shouted back from the kitchen. She had her husband were still eating at the dinner table. Wally rushed so he could call Kuki.

"I love how much better our son has become," said his mom. "He's going to become a band major, and he has so many new friends. His anger problem has vanished. It's amazing!"

"Yeh," said the dad. "I think it's because of that anger management class. It's like he became better over night. He hasn't been this way ever since he was with those friends of his back when he was twelve years old. We have nothin' to worry about when it comes to Wally."

"For now."

Wally ran to the telephone, which was upstairs. He memorized Kuki's number after he called her that night. The blonde dialed the number with quick fingers.

Ringing.

"Hello?" said a young voice.

"Is Kuki there?"

"Who's this?"

"It's Wally. Is this Mushi?"

"Yes! You remember me? How sweet. Hold on."

"Ok."

"KUKI!" Mushi shouted from across the house. "IT'S YOUR BOYFRIEND!"

Wally blushed over the receiver.

A faint voice was heard that said, "Coming!"

He waited a minute.

"Hello?"

"Hi Kuki."

"Oh hi Wally! What's up?"

"Um," he said. "Actually what's up with yeh' mom?"

Kuki sighed. "Oh yeah, that. I'm really sorry about that." She began to whisper. "My mom wants da best for me. Mom always wants me to do what she wants. It's never what I want. Have you ever heard of Asian people talking about der parents?"

Wally thought for a bit. "Yeh' actually. In middle school, there was an Asian kid named Hahn. One time I was talkin' to him and he wouldn't shut up about his parents."

"Mhmm. It's really common. I'm in the band because of my mom. Otherwise, I would drop the flute and get on with my life."

Wally chuckled. "Well, with me as your drum major everything will be fine."

"We'll see…"

All throughout English, Wally couldn't stop staring at his girlfriend. He was so mesmerized by her. Every time he would glance at the girl, memories from the Kids Next Door formed throughout his head. He remembered how stubborn he was about admitting his feelings for Kuki back when he was just a pre-teen.

"Mister Beetles!"

Wally's head perked up. "What?"

"Can you stop being all lovey-dovey to Sanban?" Mr. Harvey asked.

Wally covered his head with his hood and blushed a deep shade of red. The whole class was snickering.

"I knew they were going out," whispered one girl to her friend.

"Yeah, it seemed so obvious," the other girl whispered back.

The bell rang and everyone got out of the class. Wallabee in particular was rushing out as fast as he could. He waited infront of the door for Kuki. Girls passed by Wally and gave loud sighs.

"He's so cute!" one girl whispered so loud that Wally heard. The boy blushed from all of the flattery but still kept a frown.

"Were you really staring at me all lovey-dovey?" asked Kuki who was right behind him.

"Don't flatter yourself," he joked.

"Let's get to band. It's your first day!"

"Yeh' Whateva'," he said pretending not to care.

Kuki and Wally walked to the band room. They received so many snarling looks from the girls. Kuki made herself oblivious to the other girls. Wally just nervously grinned to himself.

As they walked in the classroom, so many band members were putting together their instruments. The room was pact.

"I have to put my flute together. Go talk to Hogan," said Kuki.

Wally walked into Hogan's private room. Hogan was on the phone, but when he saw Wally, he said "Here, take role for me." He gave the boy his role sheet.

Wally walked out of the classroom and went by the piano.

'Ugh,' he thought. 'I HATE pianos.'

He looked at Kuki. She looked at Wally and smiled.

"All right people!" Wally shouted. "I'm taking role!"

No one listened. The sounds of trumpets began to linger the room.

"This is hopeless," he said to himself. Wally climbed on the piano and shouted as loud as he could.

"SHUT UP AND STOP PLAYING!"

Silence.

"Who are you?" asked a tall husky trombone player.

"I'm Wallabee Beetles!"

The females began to sigh and blush at Wally. Kuki glared at them.

"And I am going to take role. If you don't respond, I'll mark you absent."

"Whatever," muttered a random person.

"Rodney Adler!"

"Here."

"Leona Birch!"

"Here!"

By the time role ended, the band teacher came out.

"So you took role. Good job Beetles! Class," he said directly to the whole room. "This is your new drum major Wally Beetles."

People gasped while girls were sighing and blushing. Kuki growled at the girls.

"What?!" exclaimed Rodney Adler. "Mr. Hogan. For four years I have been rehearsing and asking to be your drum major. Why the hell would you choose this freshman? He hasn't even tried!"

Rodney Adler was the most popular guy in the band. It was mostly because everyone was scared of him. Rodney is 6'3". He has brown hair and eyes, and has a muscular body. Once Rodney became a senior, he thought he had the power to do anything to the other grades. With the power of his intimidation, Rodney did just that.

"Well, uh, you."

"Rodney."

"Right! Rodney. I see potential in Beetles. You stick to your trumpet."

Rodney growled. "Well I ain't listening to this stupid freshman. I'm a senior. I deserve to be drum major. I worked hard and I still didn't get to be drum major."

Mr. Hogan merely ignored the senior and said, "All right class, its time for the warm-up scales. Let's do the C concert scale. Get ready everyone!"

Everyone in the band raised his or her instruments. Mr. Hogan raised his arms to conduct the scale.

"One, two, three!"

The instruments were booming as loud as they could. Wally covered his ears, considering how noisy it was. The blonde was watching all of the instruments. He saw Kuki playing her flute with the other flutist. Before he knew it, the concert scale ended.

"Good job everyone!"

The phone rang.

"Oh shoot! I have to answer that. Beetles, you take the stand and to a B flat concert scale. Be right back!" He rushed into his private room.

Wally went up to the podium and stood there. "All right! You heard what the man said."

"Why the hell should we listen to you?" said Rodney.

"Yeah!" said Toby who was a clarinet player. "You're just a stupid freshman. We seniors give you shit. We aren't going to listen!"

A quarter of the class began to laugh.

Toby is Rodney's friend. His ethnicity is Asian. Rodney is 5'11" and is very scrawny. He has black hair and dark brown eyes. Toby and Rodney are a team. They enjoy picking on others from different grades because it makes them feel powerful.

Wally began fuming with rage. His fist and teeth were clenched. His shoulders were stiff. "Oh yeh'? You wanna fight? I can beat ya' with my right hand only."

"I would be glad to!" said Rodney who stood up from his seat. "You're on. Today after school in the deserted alley."

"Why after school? We can do it right now!" exclaimed Wally.

The whole class was gasping. Kuki was nervously looking at the two rivals.

"I ain't gonna take any shit from you little freshie!"

"Shop it!" exclaimed Josh the tuba player.

Everyone looked at him. "Will you guys stop fighting? This is pointless. Let's just play the stupid concert scale, all right?"

Kuki smiled at Josh. She remembered their friendly conversation the other day.

"What did you say you stupid junior?" exclaimed Toby.

"I am not stupid! At least I am more mature than you."

The whole class said their "Oooooh!"

"Is Josh asking for a fight?" said Julie who was a saxophone player. Julie was the type of girl to start trouble without being the one in trouble.

The whole band began to chant. "FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!"

"All right you stupid freshman. We fight after school today in the deserted alley. Josh is fighting too."

"What!?" shouted Morgan, who was a flute player who has a secret crush on Josh. "Why are you making Josh involved? He hasn't done anything. Josh isn't a fighter!"

Toby said, "Fine, fine. It'll be Toby and me versus the freshman."

"Yer' on!" shouted Wally. He looked down at Kuki who was frowning at her boyfriend.

Wally gave her an apologetic look.

"Why don't I hear any concert scales?!" exclaimed Hogan who was getting out of his room.

"I, uh," stammered Wally.

"We were just getting to know each other," grinned Rodney.

"Yeah," Wally nervously agreed.

"Is this true class?" asked Hogan.

"Yeah!" exclaimed almost everyone.

Just as Julie was about to tattle, the girl next to her stepped on Julie's foot.

"All right. Let's get playing. Beetles, conduct the concert scale in whole notes!"

Wally nodded. "Eh, one, two, three!"

The whole class was obeying Wally. Occasionally Rodney played some different notes on his trumpet, trying to throw Wally off. It didn't work.

The whole class was finished playing music and was packing up their instruments.

"Class! We meet today at lunch to march. Don't forget."

Everyone groaned.

"Do you want to play well at this Friday's game?!"

"Yes," everyone mumbled.

"Beetles, you're conducting the march today so be ready."

"Right."

The bell rang and people were rushing out the room.

Rodney and Toby were walking up to Wally.

Rodney whispered in his ear, "Don't forget after school."

"Don't worry. I won't," the Australian whispered back.

Kuki went up to Wally. "I'm disappointed in you. I tought after da Kids Next Door you wouldn't fight anymore."

"Who said that?" grinned Wally.

Kuki bonked him on the head. "I don't like it when you fight. Rodney and Toby are tough."

"Are you kiddin'?! You think they're a challenge after fightin' the Delightful Teenagers and Father?"

Kuki shrugged, "You got a point."

Josh went up to the couple.

"Hi Josh!" said Kuki.

"Hey guys, let's get to the next class."

With that, they walked out the door.

"Thanks for standing up for us Josh," said Kuki as they were walking down the crowded hallway.

"Ah, it's no problem. You guys are nice."

Wally didn't say a word. He knew something was up with Josh. He may have an interest in Kuki. Inside the pit of his stomach, Wally despised Josh. He kept it to himself though just to not make Kuki mad.

"Well," said Josh before he went to his next class. "Congratulations on the Drum Major job!" He shook Wally's hand.

"Yeh, thanks," Wally shook his hand. For a split second, Wally thought about changing his mind regarding Josh, but didn't.

"See you guys at lunch!" Josh ran to his English class.

"Nice guy," said Kuki.

"Yeh, whateva'."

It was lunchtime. Abby, Nigel, Scott, and Willy were sitting in the secret hallway. The secret hallway was still as empty as ever. It was dark and gloomy as well. Perfect.

"I'm bored," said Scott.

"Yeah," agreed Nigel. "After everything with the Delightful Teenagers got solved, everything seems boring now."

Abby sighed. "Weren't we supposed to have some sort of party?"

"The moon base party," sighed Nigel.

Willy looked at them questioningly.

"Remember back three days ago or so, we defeated the bad guys that are on television?"

Willy nodded.

"You know Willy," said Abigail. "Abby doesn't know a thing about you."

Willy wiped away his bangs and grinned.

"He likes it that way," sighed Scott who was still bored.

"Do you know anything about Willy, Scott?"

"Not much."

Everyone sighed.

"Where's Kuki and Wally?" asked Abby in an unenthusiastic tone.

"Band," sighed Scott.

Willy widened his eyes while Nigel just sat there.

"Wally is in the band?"

"Yeah. He told me last period. He's um…"

"What instrument does he play?"

"He doesn't play an instrument. He's ah…"

"Then why is he in the band?"

"Give me a minute and I will think of what he does in the band."

"Wow. Wally in the band," said Abby.

"Scott told me after class. The only reason why he joined was to be around Kuki."

"Figures," she smirked.

"He's drum major," said Willy.

Abby and Nigel gasped. "He speaks!" they said in unison.

"That's it! Drum major! I remember!"

"Speak again!" shouted Abby to Willy.

"Chill Abby," said Scott. "Willy only says one line a day. He only speaks if it's important."

"Aw, so we have to wait to hear him tomorrow. Why do you do this Willy?"

"He doesn't speak unless it's necessary."

"But why?" asked Nigel.

Scott shrugged. "Oh yeah, and I forgot to tell you."

"What?" said Nigel and Abby.

"Wally's goning to be in a fight after school."

"How typical," said Abby.

"Yeah. It's going to be in the deserted alley with two seniors."

"This'll be a hoot," smirked Abby. "Any of us can beat up two seniors. Wally sure picked an easy fight."

"I hope they are putting up bets. I heard that the rumor about the fight is going around the whole school."

Abby laughed. "Well for one thing, Abby's gonna put her money for Wally."

Scott grinned. "Anyone who wouldn't is just plain stupid!"

The bell rang for lunch to end. Everyone walked to his or her own class, anticipating for the fight after school.

Well, that's about it for this chapter. Sorry about all of the OC's. I actually don't mind them in this story, considering in real life, we all meet new people. Please review!