Title: The Bruises On My Heart: The Return
By: Cerulean Shadow
Summary: The sequel to "The Bruises On My Heart"! Numbuh Five and Numbuh One decide to return to the island. Only to find out more...


They all knew just what to do at the island. Hard, but worthwhile, they took Alia into the deep woods. Numbuh Two still couldn't believe that they had to survive in these woods. But he put that thought aside. As they walked behind Numbuh Five, who was holding Alia, Numbuh Three started crying, since she lost one of her friends.

"Oh, come on Numbuh Three. It was just a wolf pup. Besides, she also betrayed us-" Numbuh Four began.

"That's not true! Alia has always trusted us, but she never knew! Because of those Delightful Children, she's been thinking that it was right to betray us. But we loved her, and she loved us. She saved our lives, Numbuh Four!" Numbuh Five exclaimed as she stopped.

"Abby is right. But we have to do what is to be done." Takei said.

They continued to walk. Numbuh Two, Numbuh Three, and Numbuh Four had no idea where she was going, but Numbuh One did. Along the way, Takei was a little scared. He hasn't been in this island in a long time, and he felt like it was going to be another horror. But he was with his friends now. So he was safe.

"Where are you taking Alia to, Numbuh Five?" Numbuh Three asked.
"Somewhere sacred, Numbuh Three. Somewhere sacred." Numbuh Five answered.

After five minutes of walking, they finally reached the river. It was flowing quite softly. There, right beside it, was the grave of Maverick. Numbuh Two, Numbuh Three, and Numbuh Four were quite surprised. Their friends found the body of Maverick, and buried it. Now it was time to bury his daughter. Slowly, they all crossed the river. Numbuh Four was really nervous that he would fall in, judging the fact that he could not swim. Right beside Maverick, they dug a hole like about twice the size of Alia's body. Slowly and softly, Numbuh Five placed Alia's body on the smooth surface of the Earth.

"... Alia? I'll never forget you. You were a special friend to us all. We couldn't have destroyed the Delightful Children's experiments without you. Thank you, with all my heart, for saving us, and helping us. We all hope that you will rest in peace with your mom and dad. But if you hadn't met us, none of this would have happened." Numbuh Five said as tears came into her eyes.

"No... it was good that you met me. And I am proud."

A voice whispered through the trees. They recognized that voice. It was Alia's! But only, her spirit's voice. She was speaking to them through the trees, up above.

"Look!" Numbuh Three exclaimed as she pointed to the sky.

They all looked up, and saw a bright pink and blue aurora up in the dark sky. It was Alia's soul and spirit. Numbuh Five's tears disappeared as she saw the aurora.

"Abby, you don't need to feel sorry for me. I am proud of you. I am proud of you all. I would rather die than just to see you kids suffer." Alia said.

"... I understand." Numbuh Five said as she smiled.

"You guys are the Kids Next Door. You can fight all of this without me. You kids are powerful, strong, and unstoppable. I know that you can defeat all adults around. Including the Delightful Children. The worst part is, them and their Father are still alive. And are waiting for their revenge, once again. So tell me. Are you ready to take action, once again to those Delightful Children?" Alia asked.

"... We're ready anytime!" Numbuh One exclaimed.

"Excellent. I know you will do a great job. Just have faith in each other. Your faith was what made those experiments be destroyed. What you find in your heart matters. Just like it did to me." Alia said.

Numbuh One put his hand on Numbuh Five's shoulder. She turned her head and smiled at him again.

"And Takei? You did an excellent job by destroying that mansion. I've got to admit, it was good bravery." Alia said to Takei.

"Well, um... thanks, Alia." Takei said as he blushed.
"And I think that they couldn't have destroyed the experiments without you." Alia said.

"At least I think. Listen, I'm sorry that my family killed your mom and dad. I really feel guilty." Takei said.

"Takei, it's all right. You didn't do anything wrong, so it wasn't your fault. You're a true friend, and I don't think we'll ever forget that." Alia spoke.

Takei blushed, and accepted it.

"I think I must be going. My mother and father is waiting for me. But before I go, I have to say... Abby and Nigel, you two worked together to make this all end. I am so proud of you. You two, all of you, give my family the true strength to believe we can defeat Theron. Thank you." Alia said.

Numbuh One took Numbuh Five's hand in his.

"Thank you, too. We'll never forget you. But again, Alia. Thank you so much, for everything." Numbuh Five said.

"... Good-bye, Abby. I hope to see you again..."

Then, in a slow haze, the aurora disappeared. Numbuh Five had strong tears in her eyes. In her head, she started remembering sad flashbacks of her and Alia.

"Bark! Bark!"
"Awww. A wolf pup. It's kinda cute."

"You see, I've heard a lot about you... Abby and Nigel."

"Alia. Her name is Alia."

"Abby... I'm sorry. But I can't trust you... anymore."

"Well, she's a feisty little one."

"But, thank you... for having faith... in... me..."
"No, no! You need to live! You hear me? You need to live!"

"So, what I'm saying is... I need your help."

"That's also why you came here, Alia. To free the wild animals here."

"Alia? Alia! Oh, no! Alia! Wake up! Wake up!"


Numbuh Five fell in Numbuh One's arms, and cried. Not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy. To know that Alia is okay, and with her mother and father now.

"It's okay, Numbuh Five. It's okay." Numbuh One said as he patted her back.

Numbuh Three started crying as well. She missed little Alia too. Even Numbuh One and Numbuh Two cried. Numbuh Four didn't want to admit it, but he was crying, too! Takei couldn't stop the sobs in his eyes. After long moments of crying, Takei finally spoke.

"I think we should do this right now."

They all slowly covered Alia's body with soft Earth. Letting her rest in peace. Numbuh Five wiped the tears from her eyes.

"... She was a good pup. And she still is. Now I think it's time for you guys to go as well." Takei said.

"But what about you?" Numbuh Four asked.
"I'll stay here, and keep guard of more animals that are sent to come here. Don't worry. I will be fine. I'll also make sure that nobody disturbs Alia's grave." Takei said.

"You're really brave, Takei. You really are." Numbuh Five said as she scratched Takei behind the ears.
"Thank you." Takei said.

Takei went up the steep cliff ahead of the river. As he went up the first step, he called to them,

"Good-bye, my friends."

And he disappeared into the trees.

That was it. Alia and Takei were both in peace once again. No longer than they ever knew. Not looking back, the Kids Next Door walked back to their ship. But as soon as Numbuh Five was about to get on the ship, she asked Numbuh One something.

"Numbuh One? This island has been one of Alia's true home. But her true home is in my heart... Do you think she wont forget us?" Numbuh Five asked.

"No. She'll never forget us. And we'll never forget her." Numbuh One said.
"... I'm so glad that I've got you." Numbuh Five said.
"I'm so glad that I've got you." Numbuh One said as he hugged her.

Then, hand in hand, they both got on the ship, and took off. After the last sight of the island, Numbuh Five and Numbuh One looked out at the window. Numbuh One took her hand into his again.

"We'll always remember that island, like we'll always remember Alia." Numbuh One said.

Numbuh Five put her head on his shoulder. He put his arm around her shoulders.

"We will. We'll call that island... Alia Island." Numbuh Five said.

With that thought still in mind, Numbuh One and Numbuh Five shared their great kiss again. It felt good, as if it was their first time. It seemed like an eternity until they broke the kiss. Then, they both again stared out at the window. Numbuh Three and Numbuh Four joined them. Numbuh Two did too, as the auto pilot was still on. They could never forget Alia or Takei. But they all hope to go back one day, to stand by the grave of Alia and speak to her once again. After this timeless story... of the return.

THE END