Well, my computer has finally started working properly again. Hurray! Here's the new chapter. Thanks to all of my reviewers, you're the ones that make this worthwhile, and sorry this took so long. Enjoy!

Chapter 4: "Even Ghosts Are Worth Something"

One hour earlier

An uncomfortable silence had fallen over the ship WarTalon, Crow's own personal ship, even since he "inherited" it from Father. Crow was in his room nursing his wounds, Chad was flying the ship, and Cree was typing a report to the teens back on Mars. When she finished, she turned to Chad and said, "I'm going to go check on Crow." She got up to leave when Chad replied,"Going to check on your precious lover, huh?"

"What's your problem, Chad?" asked Cree. "So far, Crow has done nothing but good for us. He freed us from Father, led us brilliantly, and his prediction has come true, the Delightful Children have already made their move. So why do you hate him so much?"

She already knew the answer, of course. Chad had had a crush on Cree for a while now, and was jealous of Crow. He was also jealous that Crow was the leader of the teenagers and not him. But she knew Chad's jealously would pass in time. But in the meantime, would Chad sacrifice his pride and admit what he felt?

Apparently not. "It's none of your business, Cree. Do what you want, love the bastard with all your heart. Just remember that you're nothing more than a tool to him, just like everyone else."

"Oh, grow up, Chad!" She left him and went over to Crow's room. But she couldn't help but wonder if his word's had some truth to them. Was Crow really just using her? Crow was smart and resourceful, but was he ruthless as well? Crow had killed to gain power. Yes, the person he killed was pure evil, but it was murder nonetheless. Would he murder her too, if she stood in his way?

If she really did think about it, Crow was a dangerous person to love. He was a backstabber. But he was also a savior, a leader, a lover. Cree had been drawn to him the moment they met, back when Father had introduced them, claiming Crow was the very best there was. You were right, Father, thought Cree. He's the best, but he didn't need you to tell him that. He realized it himself. So he decided the best should rule. And why shouldn't he? The world has had enough of being ruled by the worst.

"Crow, can I come in?" she asked softly. There was a moment's pause. Finally, Crow gave a small grunt, which she took as a yes. She opened the door and stepped inside. The room was small, cramped, and rather bland. Crow had never been much for decoration. He was sitting on his bed cross legged, his back turned to her.

"How's your jaw?" she asked.

"Broken." He gave a small laugh. "Damn, he's gotten good. He took me by surprise; now I know not to underestimate him. I heard you and Chad arguing. I trust he's still not fond of me?"

"He's just jealous, Crow. Right now, you're everything he wants to be."

"Then he's a fool, because only an idiot would want to become me," scowled Crow. Cree wasn't really sure what to say to that. Crow never talked much about his past, but from what he had let slip on occasion, it didn't't sound too pleasant.

"Is your jaw really broken? I wouldn't think a kid could do that to a guy like you."

"Yes, well, he's not a normal kid, by any means." What does he mean by that? she wondered. She sat down on his bed and put her arms around him, stroking his jaw. It didn't feel quite right, but it didn't feel broken either.

"Did you already fix this?" she asked.

"Yeah, a half hour ago. It's feeling a little better." Cree turned him around so he faced her. His jaw was indeed bruised, but the swelling seemed to have already gone down. She leaned in and kissed him. He kissed back, and they had a few passionate moments before he pulled away. He got up out of the bed and moved to the door.

"Crow, I love you," said Cree.

He stopped, but he didn't turn back. "I love you too," he said softly. Then he continued walking and left the room. This was the first time he had ever told Cree he loved her. Every other time he would say something like, "You shouldn't, I'm evil," or some other joking thing. Cree wondered if he really meant what he said. Was he just saying that so he could use her? She gave a small smile. I guess only time will tell.

One hour later

"So what's the plan?" asked Numbuh 1.

"Why should we follow any plan he's got?" asked Numbuh 4.

"Because we're trying to save the world, and this is our only hope. For the moment, the Delightful Children haven't claimed allegiance to any country. But once they do, it's World War 3. Let's avoid that, if we can," answered Numbuh 1.

"My plan is pretty simple. The Delightful Children want me, right? So I'll pretend to surrender. As they move in to capture me, you guys sneak in to shut off the reactor and rescue the hostages. There are only about twenty of them, from what I remember. Then they'll capture me, take me into the power plant, and go on about how they're going to make my death really painful before they actually do the dirty deed. That's when you guys rush in to rescue me. So don't take too long with the hostages and reactor, all right?"

"Numbuh 5 thinks that's the craziest plan she's ever heard," said Numbuh 5. A smile came across her face. "Let's do it."

"I was hoping you'd agree, Abby," said Cree. Crow had moved aside so Cree could speak to her sister. "It's been a while since we've worked together, hasn't it?"

"Don't get any ideas, Cree. As far as I'm concerned, you're still a good for nothing teen."

"Still as spunky as usual. Anyway, you were saying, Crow?" She moved over and Crow took her place.

"I think this is the time for us to put everything on the line, including our own lives. I'm willing to die, but I'd rather not. Are you with me?"

"Willing to die, my ass," snorted Wally. "The only reason you're bothering to stop them is because you want to rule this planet, and you don't a want a scrap heap torn apart by nuclear war."

"Subtle as a sledgehammer, Wally," laughed Crow. "So, are you with me, or not?"

"Yeah, I'm with you. Anything that puts your butt on the line is fine with me." Everyone else agreed with Crow, though not in the same fashion as Wally.

"Then it's settled," announced Numbuh 1. "Let's give 'em a fight to remember!"

Wally ignored the bravado around the airship and trudged to his room. Kuki waited a moment and followed him, thinking that now would be the perfect time to convince him to come back to America. She found the door wide open, to her surprise.

"Wally?" she asked tentatively. She stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. Wally was sitting on his bed, facing the opposite direction, much like Crow had earlier. The walls of Wally's room were barren, desolate. There wasn't a trace of his personality in it. None of the spunk or tenacity or rebellion that made him what we was. So unlike his room in the treehouse, the room that Kuki had slept in every day since he left, to remind her of him.

"Wally, I wanted to ask you something. After this fight, after we stop the Delightful Children...would you come back to America with us? Haven't you...done what you had to do for Dizzy?" She held her breath, wondering how he would respond.

He turned around slowly, and stood on the floor. His face was emotionless, blank. What's wrong with him? wondered Kuki. He looks...dead.

"Have you ever seen one of your friend's die, Kuki?" he asked softly.

She was taken aback by the question. "N-no, I haven't," she responded, worried.

"I didn't really see much of Dizzy's death. Just a tiny pod being engulfed in flames." He moved closer to Kuki, and she took a step back, worried. "But I swear I heard him scream. I never heard him scream before, but lately that's all I hear."

"Wally?" asked Kuki, frightful.

"And at night, when I try to sleep, when I try to get just a moment's rest, do you know what I hear?" She shook her head, a terrified look on her face.

He continued. "I hear him screaming at me. His voice is so loud and strong. He keeps asking me why I couldn't save him, why I left him there to die.

"I see him being burned alive and I can smell the stench. I keep beggin' him to forgive me, but he acts like he can't hear. The dream just keeps going on, I can't wake myself out of it. I'm afraid to fall asleep now, Kuki."

"Wally, you can't keep living like this, get help!" she pleaded. "Let me help you."

Wally gave a short, toneless laugh. "You want to help me, Kooks? Kill me. Kill me right now, because that's the only thing that will help me. Are you going to help me?"

"Wally, I can't do that to you!" cried Kuki, absolutely mortified now.

"Then get the hell away from me," ordered Wally. Why am I doing this to her? How can I say this to the only girl I love, the only girl I'll ever love?

"You're an idiot, Wally," said Kuki. He voice was calm, but there were tears flowing down her cheeks and onto Wally's bland carpet. "Look at you. Just a shell of what you used to be. It's pathetic." She stormed out of his room, furious and miserable.

No wonder he won't come back. With the guilt he feels now, I'm surprised he hasn't killed himself. How could I say that to him?

Wally sighed. "You're right, Kooks," he murmured. "I'm just a ghost of my former self.
But even ghosts are worth something. Let's see if I can't do something worthwhile before I die."