Chapter Seven
Authors Note: Alright I know we're not aloud to have asongfic but this is only one song in my entire fanfic and therefore it is NOT a songfic. By the way I don't own Saying Goodbye.
Day Fourteen: Training
Time: 0700hrs
It was finally the end of the training and four trainees where eagerly waiting the return of their memories while one of them was now extremely nervous about her friends return. The group had gone through a lot during the last fourteen days. They had, had a in depth history of K.N.D and A.T.H.S.W the group could also now run 50 laps together in under five minutes. The entire group now knew fencing, karate, tai-kwan-do and self defense, they could balance a beam with ease and dodge almost anything with the help of their team mates. They managed to save an fellow agent in ten minutes- a new record for the trainees in A.T.H.S.W and now they where waiting in the meeting room for Agent RA to say they could have their memories back.
Agent RA walked into the meeting room with a welcoming smile on his face. Sector V had passed everything and he knew that meant they would actually have a chance against The Delightfuls.
"Congratulations on passing all your tests in the last fourteen days. Today you will be regaining your memories of K.N.D and also you will be re-taking your IQ test tomorrow. You also will be receiving your new code names and joining A.T.H.S.W." All the five trainees smiled happily at each other even though Kuki's was forced. She was now rethinking going in with the other four. What if it didn't work?
"We will be doing your recommisioning separately and Kuki has been granted permission to be in the room with you as go through it. As long as that is okay with all of you." The four nodded instantly, glad that they wouldn't be going through it alone, "Nigel will be going first at 0800hrs, then Hoagie at 0900hrs, Wally at 1000hrs and finally Abby at 1100hrs."
Kuki couldn't help but notice the irony of that statement. All the timings had been the exact same time that the four had been decommissioned with K.N.D.
Time: 0800hrs
Kuki stood by Nigel as they waited to go in for Nigel to get his memories back. She noticed that he was nervous and couldn't help but smile at him.
"Don't worry it will be fine" She encouraged.
"Are you sure?"
"Defiantly, they've done it before haven't they? They wouldn't be doing this to you if they didn't know what they where doing" Nigel nodded.
"Enter" Agent DM called out and they both entered at the same time and DM started barking out orders, "Alright Kuki you'll be sitting in that chair over there. You're not to touch anything or interrupt anything that is going on. Nigel I want you to sit down in that chair and again don't touch anything and don't worry. We know what where doing"
Kuki sat down on the chair and watched as they buckled Nigel up in the other chair. She couldn't help but feel slightly relieved that her friends where going to remember her from today. It had been difficult the last couple of days answering questions about what they where like.
"Alright are you ready Nigel?" Nigel nodded and Agent DM pushed a button. While he did Kuki remembered Nigel's final moments before his decommissioning.
Flashback
Saying goodbye, going away
Seems like goodbye's such a hard thing to say
Touching a hand, wondering why
It's time for saying goodbye
Kuki was crying none stop. She hadn't felt this way since Numbeh One had involuntary been made to quit K.N.D by the D.C.F.D.L only this time it was for good. It was Numbeh One's thirteenth birthday that day and her twelfth birthday was the next day.
"Some birthday present" Kuki couldn't help but mutter and Numbeh Four looked at her strangely.
"Kooks don't worry about it. Numbeh One will be okay."
"It's Nigel now" Nigel said coming up to them, "There will be a new Numbeh One coming tomorrow" Kuki looked up at him with watery eyes, "Numbeh Three we all knew this would happen one day. It's going to happen to all of you at some point, for me it happens to be today." He wiped tears away from his own eyes, "you guys will always be my friends even if I don't remember it." He turned to walk up to the ship that was waiting for him.
"Numbeh Five thinks Nigel's right Numbeh Three. It's time for him to go. You never know we may meet up with him someday" Numbeh Four put a hand on her shoulder but Kuki couldn't help but notice Numbeh Five's tears . Numbeh Two nodded in agreement.
"Why'd we have to get a replacement on MY birthday?" Kuki angrily asked storming into the tree-house.
"Oh man its Kooks birthday tomorrow" Numbeh Four smacked his head, "I completely forgot"
"It's understandable Numbeh Four. With Numbeh One's decommissioning and all" Numbeh Two told him, "I guess you're our new leader Numbeh Five" She sighed.
"I'll check with Numbeh Eighty-Six"
End Flashback
The buzzing noise stopped and Kuki wiped some tears away from her eyes. Nigel's decommissioning had been the hardest for her to go through being that it was the first one that she had gone through with someone that she knew. She looked up to see Nigel standing in front of her.
"Do you remember?" She whispered out. Agent DM interrupted them before he could answer.
"It's going to take a few minutes for Nigel's memory to return Kuki, give him a little time. She nodded.
Nigel wondered why Kuki was crying then he started to remember.
Flashback
"If you don't quit we'll put this photo in the yearbook" Numbeh One looked shocked at the picture of his butt.
"How did you" He stuttered out.
"Remember this morning at the beach?" The DCFDL asked and he gasped.
"We'll give you until lunchtime."
Flashback
"I quit" Numbeh One couldn't look at his team, otherwise he wouldn't be able to do this. The K.N.D was his life.
"What? Numbeh One" Numbeh Two started to protest.
"Numbeh Five doesn't understand"
"It's simple. I quit. Numbeh Five you're the new leader good luck" And with that Numbeh One left the tree-house. A few seconds later he could hear Kuki's tears. He smiled slightly as he pictured Numbeh Four trying to comfort her. He was probably the one that informed her as well.
Flashback
"and Numbeh One who do you suggest as Numbeh Five's new second in command?" Numbeh Eighty-Six asked.
"Numbeh Three" Numbeh One said with ease and he smiled slightly at Numbeh Eighty-Six's look of shock. He had been thinking about Numbeh Five's new second in command the minute he had turned twelve and had finally decided that Numbeh Three would be the best person for second in command and eventually a replacement as leader. He had faith she would be good for the team.
Flashback
"Numbeh Three we all knew this would happen one day. For me it happens to be today." He wiped tears away from his own eyes, "you guys are my best friends even if I won't remember it."
Flashback Ends
"Kuki what are you crying for?" Nigel asked with a small smile, "I'm back" Kuki looked up at him from her seat.
"You are?" She whispered.
"I am." She smiled and gave Nigel a hug.
"I'm glad your back Numbeh One" She couldn't help but tell him.
Time: 0900hrs
Nigel had been sent on his own to another room as he tried to process through his new memories. He was glad that he now remembered his memories and his team was going to be together again. He couldn't wait to get back to fighting. It was like he was a kid again.
Kuki now was thinking about Hoagie's decommissioning process. She knew she would be going through each of them but she couldn't help it.
Flashback
Saying goodbye, why is it sad?
Makes us remember the good times we've had
Much more to say, foolish to try
It's time for saying goodbye
"I guess this is it…" Numbeh Two said to Kuki with a sad smile, "you've been a great leader Numbeh Three"
"I've been glad to have you on the team Numbeh Two. Both sets" She said trying to hold back her tears. This was it; after Numbeh Two was gone she would be the last member of the original Sector V.
"Numbeh Three, you've been a great friend through out my time here. We've grown together and I'm glad about that and you know if there was someway I could keep my memories I would. Keep being yourself that's all you can be."
"It's time to go Numbeh Two" Numbeh Twenty-Three informed him.
"Give me a minute," Numbeh Two yelled over to her "If I could ever have a little sister I would have wanted it to be you Kooks. Keep doing what you're doing and your go far" Numbeh Three sniffled slightly.
"Don't cry Numbeh Three. Keep smiling" Where the last words Hoagie Gilligan as Numbeh Two told her as he walked up to the ship.
Flashback Ends
Hoagie smiled slightly as the machine stopped. He was slightly disappointed that he couldn't remember but Agent DM had warned him that it would take a few minutes for his mind to process it all and once he had he was bombarded with memories.
Flashback
"Numbeh Three is now my second in command" Numbeh Five informed the group and everyone looked at her surprised.
"Why Me?" Numbeh Three managed to get out.
"I'm going to be thirteen in four months Numbeh Three. It made more sense for Numbeh Eighty-Six to make you my second in command than Numbeh Two or Numbeh Four because of the fact you're the youngest of the group and you'll have more time being the leader"
"Then why not the new Numbeh One?" Numbeh Two inquired and Numbeh One looked up, "she will be the youngest wont she?"
"Because she'll be Numbeh Three's second in command when I get decommissioned. Don't question it you guys it does make sense" The four nodded.
"I guess it does now that you mention it" Numbeh Four agreed.
Flashback
"I guess it's just us two out of the original group huh Numbeh Three?" Numbeh Two asked as they watched Numbeh Four go off to get decommissioned.
"I wonder what it's like on the outside" Numbeh Three spoke, Numbeh Two shrugged his shoulders.
"I'll find out soon enough"
"Guess you will"
Flashback
"Kids Next Door Battle Stations!" Numbeh Three yelled out and Numbeh Two couldn't help but be amazed at how much Numbeh Three had changed in the last year since Numbeh One had first been decommissioned. She was ordering people about. Planning attacks on The Delightful Children From Down The Lane. It was amazing.
Flashback Ends
"Hey Kooks guess we're finally related now huh?" Hoagie asked her and she gave him a hug.
"Sorry I didn't find out about the loop hole before you got decommissioned" Kuki apologized.
"No problemo. I'm glad you managed to keep your memories" They hugged again.
Time: 1000hrs
If it was any member of Sector V's recommisioning that was making Kuki nervous it was Wally's. He gave her a wink before he got into the chair and they buckled him up. It was standard process for Kuki to watch now and once again she thought about Wally's decommissioning.
Flashback
Don't want to leave, but we both know
Sometimes it's better to go
Somehow I know we'll meet again
Not sure quite where, and I don't know just when
Kuki stood steadily at the entrance of the tree-house, she had to be strong for the team. The stonewall she had put up on the last couple of days and it had to work. She wasn't letting herself get close to the two replacements that K.N.D had brought in for Numbeh One and Five. She couldn't let her get emotionally involved like she had previously.
"Numbeh Four, it's been a pleasure having you on the team. I know you don't feel that it's time for you to go but unfortunately you must. I hope you have a good remaining life on the outside and don't become one of our enemies, however if you do I apologize in advance." Kuki told Wally, not quiet looking him in the eye.
"Numbeh Three don't put up this charade now. I can't let you do this to yourself. I won't let you do this to yourself." Wally interrupted, "you may not be the sweet innocent Numbeh Three that I originally fell in love with but your, you and I need you to stay that way for me"
"I don't understand" Numbeh Three could feel the stonewall she had built around herself cracking. Had Wally just said what she had thought she said?
"I love you Kuki Sanban. I have done since you first joined K.N.D" Wally admitted staring at his shoes, "I may only be admitting it now but I have to, because if I don't now I don't know when I will ever again."
"Numbeh Four…" Kuki trailed off unsure what to say. Numbeh Two stood there, shocked as did the other new members of Sector V.
"Don't say anything Numbeh Three. I won't be able to leave if you do" Wally looked at her sadly and turned around, "I'll see you around Kuki"
Flashback Ends
She knew she was crying this time and she didn't bother to hold it back. Wally never had found out how she felt about him and she couldn't tell him. It was too difficult. The only one had known about it was Hoagie and now she wasn't even sure if he remembered what they had talked about it.
"Why are you crying Kuki?" Wally asked curiously once the recommisioning process had been completed, while he waited for his memories to return.
"Just remembering" She replied wiping away her tears.
"Remembering what?"
"Hopefully you'll soon know" She informed him and a few seconds later he started to.
Flashback
"Why are we getting another cruddy girl on the team?" Wally asked Numbeh One angrily. He was Eleven years old and Numbeh Three had previously been decommissioned, Numbeh Three had started to become a mentor for Wally and Wally was angry that Numbeh Three was being replaced by a girl.
"We need to replace Numbeh Three, Numbeh Four you know that as well as I do. Numbeh Three had been a great leader but now I would like to introduce you to Kuki Sanban our new Numbeh Three" Numbeh One the newly appointed leader of Sector V told him.
"Hi my names Kuki I hope we can be friends!" Numbeh Three said hopefully to him and held out her hand. He looked up at her and was amazed at the beauty of her eyes.
"Why would I be friends with a cruddy girl?" Wally asked and he turned away heading out of the meeting room.
"Don't worry Numbeh Three, he's like that with Numbeh Five too" Wally heard Numbeh Five tell Numbeh Three.
Flashback
"Don't you understand?" Wally yelled at Numbeh Three, "Numbeh One just QUIT. Left with no reason what so ever" Numbeh Three looked at Wally with tearful eyes and burst into tears, "Oh no Numbeh Three I didn't mean it like that. I didn't…"
Flashback
"Numbeh Four I need you to take Numbeh Five around to the other-side of The DCFDL and try to find a way to get Numbeh One out that side, Numbeh Two will be coming with me and we'll see what The DCFDL really want" Wally looked at Numbeh Three in amazement. She had changed so much, but still was the sweet Numbeh Three that he had fallen in love with.
Flashback
On the night before his thirteenth birthday Wally paced in his packed up bedroom. He was going to tell her tomorrow. He had to. It was his last chance before he could even remember his feelings.
Flashback Ends
Wally smiled got out of his chair and bent down so he was the same level as Kuki. She looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"I meant every word that day you know that don't you Kooks?" She nodded her head slightly, "I don't know about now but then I meant it."
"I understand. You haven't seen me in ten years. What are you supposed to think?" She asked with a light laugh."
"I'm glad you do, you cruddy girl you" With that they both laughed.
Time: 1100hrs
It was the final trainee's turn to remember all her memories from K.N.D and she was slightly nervous. She could see Kuki's tear stained cheeks and wondered if Kuki was going to be alright.
"Abigail are you ready?" She nodded with another quick glance in Kuki's direction. Kuki gave Abby a slight smile and she turned her head back to the process.
Kuki watched as her final team-mate was getting her memories back. She knew it wasn't going to be as hard watching Abby's as it had been watching the boys. She thought back to Abby's decommission.
Flashback
You're in my heart, so until then
Wanna smile, wanna cry
Saying Goodbye
Kuki's tears weren't as bad as when Numbeh One had got decommissioned but they where coming close. Numbeh Five walked over to Numbeh Three.
"Numbeh Five wants Numbeh Three to know she's been one of her best friends during the K.N.D" Numbeh Five said with watery eyes.
"You're my best friend too Numbeh Five" Kuki managed to say. Numbeh Four put his arm around her shoulder.
"You'll make a great leader Numbeh Three. You've grown while being second in command." Numbeh Three nodded through her tears and gave Numbeh Five a big hug.
"I'm going to miss you Numbeh Five"
"Numbeh Five's going to miss you too"
Flashback ends
Abby got bombarded with memories almost as soon as she closed her eyes for the first time after getting them back, she managed to sift through a few of them while doing so.
Flashback
"Numbeh Five I need to talk to you" Numbeh Five looked surprised as Numbeh One came out of his room. He hadn't really come out of his room unless it was for a mission in the last two weeks and he hadn't spoken to anyone unless it was a command.
"Alright" Numbeh Five followed Numbeh One back into his room and she was amazed at the difference in it. He had started to pack up most of his stuff and was starting to clear it back to his house.
"Numbeh Five please take a seat" She moved to one of the two seats still in his room from before.
"Numbeh Five would like to know what all this is about Numbeh One" Numbeh Five told him. He sighed and sat down in front of her.
"Alright, Numbeh Five, you realize when I leave Sector V will need a new leader right?" Numbeh Five nodded, "Well Numbeh Eighty-Six and I have agreed that you will make the best leader for the group. You will officially start on 5th June 1995 congratulations Numbeh Five" Numbeh One said sadly.
"Numbeh Five doesn't know what to say…"
Flashback
"Happy Birthday Numbeh Three" Numbeh Five said with a small smile, Numbeh Three gave a sad smile back.
"It doesn't seem very happy with Numbeh One here does it?" She asked Numbeh Five. That was true but Numbeh Five had to introduce Numbeh One to the group and they had to move on. They had done with previous members although this was the first one that Numbeh Three had gone through it was the third one for Numbeh Five… even if it was the first one of a true friend.
"Numbeh Five would like you to meet Numbeh One"
Flashback
"Numbeh Five, I would like a report on Numbeh Three's progress as second in command" Numbeh Eighty-six said over the screen.
"Numbeh Three is learning quite quickly and Numbeh Five is extremely surprised at how fast that girl has managed to pick up on the leadership tactics. The few missions Numbeh Three has lead on her own she has ordered the other three members with ease. She will be a good replacement for Numbeh Five" Numbeh Five said sadly.
"Nigel said the exact same thing as you have when he recommended Numbeh Three before he left Numbeh Five" Numbeh Eighty six informed Numbeh Five.
"Nigel recommended Numbeh Three?" Numbeh Eighty-six nodded.
"He seemed quiet insistent that she was the replacement even though we tried suggesting both Numbeh Two and Numbeh Four" Numbeh Five was surprised. She hadn't thought that Nigel had been the one who had suggested Numbeh Three.
"Why didn't he tell us?"
"He didn't want you to know until it was near your decommissioning day and after he had gone. It was a leader's decision, Numbeh Five. I'm sure you know about that" Numbeh Five nodded. She had to admit it had been a good one
Flashback Ends
Abby grinned at Kuki who grinned back.
"Abby thinks it's time for a big group catch up"
"I was thinking the excatsame thing"
To Be Continued…
Authors Notes: Hmmm long chapter. I didn't actually expect this chapter to be this long and I'm also thinking about doing a pre-sequel to Operation: Recommision which will focus on the last two years before Kuki left. This would include Numbeh One to Numbeh Five's decommissions to Kuki finding the loop-hole to Kuki as a leader. What do you think?