THE DUEL

(Teenagers armed with blowtorches and jackhammers set to work on the hatch doors. Though progressing slowly, holes are being opened in the doors, and bits of metal and glass are starting to break away.)

(On the opposite side of the hatch, several operatives struggle to barricade the door with random pieces of junk from the corridors while Numbuh 362 tries her hardest to rally the remaining Kids Next Door and give them the courage for one last fight.)

Numbuh 362: We've been beaten back but this battle is not over yet. As long as there is a single unchained kid in this base we still have hope. This darkness will pass and tonight when we go home to our toys and video games, to rest in our beds, we will wake up just as we go home: FREE OF ADULT TYRANNY!

(Numbuh 362 however carries a note of helplessness and hopelessness in her voice. Though the kids respond with cheering it's much lacking in the volume and enthusiasm that echoed through the Hangar less than an hour previously.)

(Just to side of the main body of KND Operatives, Numbuhs 2, 3 and 4 are holding private council. Numbuh 2 is taking stock of their remaining weapons and looks gloomy.)

Numbuh 2: I don't think we have enough equipment to take down that Dark Grinder guy. We had to leave all the good stuff behind in the retreat.
Numbuh 4, he was your master. He taught you everything he knew. You can beat him hand-to-hand right?

Numbuh 3: Yeah, you did it once before remember? Just do it again.

Numbuh 4: (sulking) What's the point?

(Numbuhs 2 and 3 are aghast.)

Numbuh 2: WHAT'S THE POINT! Moonbase is counting on us. The whole Kids Next Door is counting on us… and you heard Numbuh 1, he left you in charge. We need you Numbuh 4.

Numbuh 4: Master 4 taught me more than just how to fight, he taught me what to fight for. He was more than a teacher, he was like an older brother. How do you expect me to fight my own brother? My own shadow?
We fought each other before sure, but only to train, make ourselves stronger, never to really hurt one another.
And you saw him out there. You saw what he did to Numbuh 5. He's not pulling any punches. He really wants to put us down.

Numbuh 2: So you gotta take him down first!

Numbuh 4: I can't…(turns away from his friends)… I'm not strong enough.

(Numbuh 2 starts pacing back and forth trying to think of a plan.)
(Numbuh 3 walks up behind Numbuh 4, her eyes lowered in contemplation.)

Numbuh 3: (in a sage like voice) True strength will come from within. Seek it and you shall find it.
(As Numbuh 3 speaks, she places her hand in Numbuh 4s hood. Then she reverts back to her normal voice as she leaves something inside.)

Numbuh 3: And do it fast! Those teenagers are gonna break that door soon and we could use some help!

(Numbuh 4 furrows his brow, trying to think of a plan to disarm Master 4, but nothing comes to mind. How does a student defeat his own master? His role model?)

(As Numbuh 4 paces back and forth thinking, the hatch doors start to rattle more violently. Numbuhs 2 and 3 take up positions with the other Kids Next Door, ready to give one last ditch effort to protect themselves.)

(Most of the operatives are fighting without weapons.)

(First the doors glow red as the blowtorches work through, then holes open to the grinding of saw-teeth. Finally, when the door seems to be pulsing with a life of its own, the whole slab of metal falls to pieces, leaving a great hole. The silhouette of Dark Grinder can be seen through the smoke and dust.)

Numbuh 362: KIDS NEXT DOOR! ATTACK!

(Operatives race forward to attack the apparition, but instead are met with a swarm of teenagers, cascading like a tidal wave through the fissure in the wall.)

(In moments, the antechamber to the hangar and the adjacent corridors are swamped with opposing teenagers and operatives. A mêlée of teenage armor, 2x4 technology and shouting.)

(Amidst the roaring storm of battle, Dark Grinder stands motionless at the broken hatch doors. Ahead and facing him stands his once and greatest apprentice, Numbuh 4. All other combatants seem to spread before them, leaving a path between the two; like the sea divided by a mountain range that rises up from the depths.)

(Dark Grinder stands firm and tall like a statue, while Numbuh 4 looks upon his once mentor with tears forming in his eyes. Even through the din of the massive conflict waged about them, the two seem to hold within their small window a measure of calm and quiet. A suspension of the all else around them.)

Numbuh 4: (though he speaks with the mildest shout it comes loud and clear to his adversary) Master 4, please don't do this. It doesn't have to end this way.

Dark Grinder: (with a measure of humor) (Grinding) An inspired plea for mercy young one, (grinding) but I know no mercy, and pleas will not sway me (grinding) or save you.

Numbuh 4: Master 4 you were my mentor, you taught me Justice and Honor… how can what you're doing be right?

Dark Grinder: (Grinding) I also taught you Loyalty above all else. (Grinding) I am your master Numbuh 4 (grinding) and where is your loyalty now? (Grinding)

Numbuh 4: (furrowing his brow and putting resolve in his voice) Where it's always been: with the Kids Next Door! Where is yours, master?

Dark Grinder: (Grinding) Where it will never again be betrayed (grinding) with me. You think me foolish Numbuh 4? (Grinding) Look upon your fighting comrades…

(Together the two warriors look around the room. Numbuh 4 can see Numbuhs 2 and 3 trying desperately to defend themselves against a gang of teenagers that have them surrounded. They aren't holding very well.)

Dark Grinder: (Grinding) If you should endure this fight then what? (Grinding) How old are you Numbuh 4? (Grinding) Almost eleven if I'm not mistaken. (Grinding) What do you think will happen when you turn thirteen? (Grinding) This little 'club' will think you as much a threat (grinding) as any of the teenagers in these halls. (Grinding) You'll be decommissioned like all your friends (grinding) and thrown out the door, without so much as a second thought.
(Grinding) So tell me Numbuh 4, who is more of a fool? (Grinding) Me because I chose to be loyal to myself? (Grinding) Or you because you are loyal to that (grinding) which will only show only you contempt in the end? (Grinding)

(Numbuh 4 hangs his head in sorrow, the smallest tear trailing from his left eye.)

Numbuh 4: Master 4 you're my brother-in-arms, and you're like an older brother to me. Please don't…

(But before Numbuh 4 could finish, Dark Grinder flew down the corridor of fighters between him and his little opponent.)

(The duel had begun.)