Transmission 8: Our Bonds
Rachel arrives home and goes to her room. After finishing her report about Lee and Sonia, she falls face first onto her bed and sighs loudly. While she was prepared for her meeting with Nigel to turn sour, she did not expect him to act so cordially, especially their heated duel just 24 hours ago. "I was sure he was going to attack me the moment he opened that door...but this is a good sign." As she lies on her bed, the L.U.N.C.H.B.O.C.K.S., a 2x4 computer she has in her drawer starts to beep. She takes it to her lap and puts on the accompanying headset. "This is Numbuh 362, who is calling?"
"Numbuh 81 here. The Supreme Leader wishes to get a report directly from you."
"Why does she want a direct report?"
"I am not at liberty to say. Numbuh 78 will explain the reasons herself." The liaison officer presses a button and the video call moves to Supreme Leader Numbuh 78, Angeline, prompting Rachel to salute her immediatly.
"Teen Hunter Operative 362 reporting, Supreme Leader."
"At ease. Now, I want to get straight to the point: I have not received any reports or communications from Numbuh 86."
"What!?" Rachel jumps up and slams her hands against her desk as she remembers how Fanny acted earlier.
"That's right; she hasn't been in contact with Global Command since yesterday evening's briefing. We have also lost contact with the other Teen Hunters as well as the two Decommissioning Squads that were assigned to you and 86. Do you know anything about this, Numbuh 362?"
"No, I only met Numbuh 86 this morning. You probably already received my report regarding that incident."
"Yes, I did take a look. I had initially planned to overlook the fact that she had attacked Matador without authorization. I guess we'll have to look in to it a bit more."
"Understood Supreme Leader. Now, I would like to give you a bit of an update, I'll send the written version to you now. Though I think Global Surveillance has already informed you about it, Ma'am."
"That's affirmative Numbuh 362, I have been made aware about the presence of Teen Ninjas in your sector and the fact that Matador and Witch were attacked by a team of three Ninjas. Also, another group had attacked Dread Pirate and Shogun, is that right?"
"Positive, but I'm not sure you've heard about the catch yet?"
"The catch?"
"Two of the Ninjas that attacked Targets M and E where commissioned KND operatives, namely Numbuhs 84 and 83." Upon hearing this, the Supreme Leader becomes silent. "Uhm, Numbuh 78?" Rachel asks but then, she hears a thud as Angeline hits her desk.
"How…how did they end up on the side of the Teen Ninjas?" Rachel can sense anger and shock in the Supreme Leader's voice.
"Apparently they were mind controlled. They are currently in a hospital in my sector because of the aftershock. It seems they were kidnapped by Father during Operation: Father's Day."
"I see…That explains why Father has been inactive for 2 months. Thank you for this information Numbuh 362. This could be the breakthrough we've been waiting for. Continue with your mission, Numbuh 78 out." The Supreme Leader salutes and Rachel salutes back. After ending the call, Angeline calls her liaison officer to her room.
"You called Ma'am?"
"Numbuh 81, I want you to transfer these orders to Global Command. Tell them to pass the orders on to every KND Treehouse and active special operative around the world. And find out why Numbuh 1000 hasn't responded to our hails, understood?"
"Yes Ma'am." As the liaison officer leaves, Numbuh 78 slumps down on her chair.
"I don't like this, not at all…"
…
Down at Sector V's Treehouse, the teens continue their work on their upgrades. Abby and Wally have given their Battle-Ready Armors to Hoagie, who activates them remotely for inspection. "Okay, let's see here…" He carefully studies both armors and glances at the blueprints from time to time. Wally and Abby can only watch as the tech wizard does his job.
"So, what exactly are ya doin' Numbuh 2?"
"I'm examining your armors. I need to learn everything about them so I can upgrade them later." He says, completely absorbed in his work while Abby rolls her eyes and turns towards Wally.
"Well, while he's busy workin' on that, Numbuh 5's got a question for ya."
"What kinda question?"
"What did Kuki want from ya? She called you on the intercom, right?"
"Oh that. She just wanted me to help move 83 and 84 down to Numbuh 1's house."
"Oh, just that…" Abby says feeling slightly disappointed.
"Yeah, what did ya think?" Wally is not amused by Abby's tone and glares at her.
"Well ya know, we thought it was somethin' else."
"What 'else'?"
"Come on, ya know what Numbuh 5's talkin' about."
"No, I don't. Since yer so smart, why don't ya explain?"
Abby lets out a sigh and nudges Hoagie. "She means that maybe Numbuh 3 called you because she wanted to confess something to you. You did protect her dad and saved her from certain death." Hoagie says with his face buried in the blueprints.
"Confess? What the heck do ya…" Suddenly Wally realizes what they meant and his face goes through many colors of red. Abby starts laughing and Hoagie tries to hold his own laughter. "Oi! Stop laughing ya cruddy dingos!"
"Man, you are so dense! Numbuh 4, you always fall for that!" Abby holds her stomach and takes a hold of Hoagie's shoulder so as to not fall from the table. Hoagie himself is pounding the table with his fist, now laughing as well.
"Come on! This ain't funny!"
"Damn right it is!"
"Why would Numbuh 3 want to confess to me?! She's got no good reason! Especially not after what happened to her…" Their laughing stops abruptly and Abby adjusts her hat.
"What do ya mean by that?"
"She can say it herself." Now Abby crosses her arms and looks sternly at Wally.
"Now you ain't makin' any sense, boy."
"I'm serious. I can't break a promise, not again anyway." Wally refuses disguss the matter further, prompting Abby to give him a glare but she drops the subject.
The armory falls silent with only the sound of tapping as Hoagie types on his 2x4 computer. Abby is still sitting on the table and Wally leans against the wall. "Hey, how about you two do something useful instead of sitting around. Numbuh 5, you can use the D.E.F.E.N.S.E.-G.R.I.D.: s computer to work on that data disc and Numbuh 4, you can start looking for parts I need for the upgrades. I'll print you a detailed list so you can find them."
"Leave it to me, baby." Abby nods and sits down in front of the D.E.F.E.N.S.E.-G.R.I.D.S.'s main monitor while Wally takes the printed list and inspects it.
"Uhm…are ya sure I can find all these? You know I'm not a tech geek like you."
"I prefer the term "technician". I included pictures on the list so you can recognize them better. Just find a piece that matches and put it in to the box over there. If the text says fragile, bring it straight to me, got it?"
"Yeah yeah…" Wally shrugs as he goes to the main room and starts digging through the trash as Abby claps lightly.
"Well done Numbuh 2, you just successfully saved that situation."
"Thanks, but do I sense some sarcasm in your voice?"
"Maybe…" She smiles at Hoagie and turns around as Hoagie stares at her back for a moment before turning his focus back his work.
After about an hour or so, Wally returns from the main room and slumps down on to the floor. "Oh man, it's like trying to find a cruddy needle in a cruddy haystack."
"You didn't do that bad, all we need now are just a few smaller pieces. You got most of them though."
"Heh, okay." Wally spreads his arms and legs wide on the floor and takes a deep breath. Abby meanwhile is still working on the disc.
"Any luck on your end Numbuh 5?"
"Nuh uh, nothin'. This thing's so protected; you'd need a genius to break it. Argh, Numbuh 5's gonna break at this rate!" She throws her hands in the air and leans back on her chair.
"That's a good idea Numbuh 5. A break sounds good."
"Count me in." Wally stands up swiftly, as if wasn't tired at a moment ago.
"Well obviously you'd want a break don't ya?"
"Hey, are ya sayin' I'm lazy or somethin'?"
"Nope."
"Okay let's go see what the others are doing." Everyone stands up and head out of the armory. Hoagie again tries to push the door to close it but, in the end, Wally still has to close it instead.
As they head to the briefing room, they are joined by Kuki, who is carrying Bradley in her arms. "Hellooo everyone!" She yells cheerfully.
"Hi Numbuh 3. Where were ya?"
"We just went to check on the ghost hamsters. They've been working non-stop you know."
"Oh yeah, I kinda forgot that this place is run by those ghosts…" Hoagie shutters at the thought as Kuki let's go of Bradley and gestures to Abby and Hoagie.
"Did you guys hear? Numbuh 1 had Rachel help us carry Sonia and Lee to the ambulance." Hoagie and Abby stop on their tracks and stare at the Japanese girl as Wally covers his face. "What?!"
"Why the crud do ya have to be so blunt Numbuh 3?" Wally mutters as Abby shakes her head.
"Hollup, let me get this straight, Rachel, as in Numbuh 362, HELPED you guys carry those two to the ambulance? Why that heck didn't ya tell this to us earlier Numbuh 4!?" Abby glares at Wally, who becomes defensive.
"Hey don't blame me! I was gonna tell ya but then you started talkin' about stupid things."
"Oh, so ya think THAT was stupid?" Before neither can continue the argument, Hoagie goes between them.
"Hey, stop it, you two! Anyway, why would she help us?"
"I dunno. Ask Numbuh 1." Kuki shrugs as an agitated Abby adjusts her hat and walks past her.
"Well let's go ask him then."
Abby starts walking faster and Hoagie tries to follow. "Wait up, Numbuh 5!" Hoagie runs after her, leaving Kuki, Bradley and Wally behind in the hallway. Kuki then kneels and pets the skunk while Wally puts his hands in to his pockets and slowly walks on her side.
"What's wrong Numbuh 4?" Kuki can clearly tell he's troubled and stand up.
"It's nothin'…" Kuki leans forward and looks at him the eyes.
"Don't start with that again Wally. I know you always say that when you're troubled." Her piercing gaze does it's magic no matter how hard Wally tries to avoid it and he sighs.
"It's about what you told me yesterday evening. Numbuh 5 and the others need to know about it. You know that, right?"
Kuki's smile fades away and she turns her back to Wally. "…" Refusing to say a word, she silently stares at the floor, causing her medallion to blink red.
"Kuki, I know it's hard for ya, but they need to know."
"Why are you so worried about it? It's not like you had anything to do with it…" Kuki tries to avoid looking at Wally but he grabs her by the shoulders and swiftly turns her around.
"Of course, I'm worried! I feel guilty about this whole thing too! If we all hadn't split up, you wouldn't have hurt yourself!" But Kuki refuses to answer and stares the floor, covering her brown eyes under her hair. Then, she clenches her fist and looks at Wally.
"Yeah…you're right…I can't just…pretend like it didn't happen…Okay, I'll do it…" Kuki tries to smile a bit as Wally let's go and takes a step back. "Thanks for being there for me, Wally." She leans over and kisses him on the cheek. Before Wally can respond in any way, Kuki starts running towards the elevators with Bradley in tow, leaving a redfaced and stunned Wally stading in the hallway.
"...why the crud did she do that again...?" Wally mutters as he comes to his senses and runs after Kuki.
Once they reach the briefing room, they see Abby and Hoagie interrogating Nigel. Abby has her hands on her hips and stares intensely at Nigel. "So, what's the big idea lettin' one our ENEMIES inside the Treehouse, huh?"
"What are you talking about? I did not let her into the Treehouse proper, only up to my real room. I had Numbuh 3 bring 83 and 84 there beforehand."
Abby lifts an eyebrow and continues. "That so? What was she doin' here in the first place?"
"Believe me; I was as shocked as you are now. When I came down to call the ambulance, my dad told me that she was on the door. Apparently, she just wanted to talk to me."
"And lead ya in to a trap. Come on Nigel, you know we're wanted criminals! The KND won't waste a chance to get us if they're given it on a plate."
"Who do you think you're talking to? I can tell bad intentions easily and she didn't have any. She said they were ordered to not to attack unprovoked."
"Then why did Fanny attack Numbuh 4 in the mornin'. Explain that."
"*sigh* Look, Rachel didn't do anything else except help us carry them to the ambulance. She is well aware that she can't even touch me because of my Silhouette Suit."
"Unless she puts that collar on ya."
Their argument continues until Wally and Kuki walk in. "Hey guys, can ya stop fightin'? Numbuh 3's got somethin' to say!" Wally says with a loud voice, ending the quarrel. Abby however eyes Nigel one more time before they turn their attention towards Wally and Kuki.
"We'll talk about this later, Numbuh 1." Abby says coldly and starts walking towards Kuki, followed by the boys while Wally steps aside. "So what'cha wanna talk about Numbuh 3?"
Kuki looks back at Wally who nods at her. Taking a deep breath, Kuki gathers her courage and opens her mouth. "I uhm…I want to tell you guys something. Something that happened after we separated…" She has trouble getting the words to come out as she is already in tears. Hoagie, Abby and Nigel become concerned and go closer to her.
"What is it Kuki?" Abby puts her hand on Kuki's shoulder. She looks at them with tear filled eyes and starts to explain what happened to her after the others left. How she had no friends, how she started getting bullied in school, which included her classmates cutting her hair short with scissors and how it all led to her attempting suicide. The others are horrified by this revelation as Kuki pulls up her sleeves and takes off her long gloves, showing all the scars. She then collapses on her knees and cries loudly, prompting Abby to immediately hug her friend. "It's okay Kuki. We're all here for ya. We're not goin' anywhere."
"When did you learn of this Numbuh 4?" Nigel ask as Wally joins them but the sound of Kuki's sobbing and crying is making everyone's hearts ache.
"Yesterday evenin'…" They look down at Kuki, who cries in Abby's , Nigel clenches his fist as his Silhouette Suit appears for an instant.
"It's all that mole's fault…" Both Hoagie and Wally are surprised by Nigel's sudden burst of anger.
"Yeah, but just blaming whoever framed us won't change anything." Hoagie says as the boys stand behind Abby. She continues to hug Kuki, who is still crying and even Bradley seems rather sad. After a few more minutes, Kuki calms down and Abby helps her up.
"You feelin' better now?"
"A little…I'm glad I was able to say it. I was afraid you all would think that I'd blame you for all this…"
"Ah now that ain't ever gonna happen. Friends don't do that."
"Numbuh 5's right. We're all in this together." Hoagie says with a smile, causing Kuki to smile back weakly.
"Thank you. You guys are the best friends I could ever ask for."
"Alright, I believe it's best if we take a break. How about we all go downstairs and eat something."
Nigel's suggestion makes Hoagie grin. "Food? Heck yeah, I'm starving?!"
"What kind of grub do ya got Numbuh 1?" Wally asks but Nigel becomes hesitant.
"Uhm…" Nigel can't say that it's his father's turn to cook and he only knows how to make one dish: Fish Soup, from the fish he brings from his fishing trips. "Ehm…why don't we just order some pizza?"
"Fine by me, but who's payin'?" Abby says.
"Everyone pays for themselves, but if you let me do the order, I could get us a nice bargain." Hoagie says proudly since one of his many "skills" was his good business eye. He would always try to get things in the cheapest price possible and it usually worked.
"Okay then, we'll leave the ordering to you Numbuh 2."
"But the Treehouse's kitchen is so dusty. We need to clean it first." Kuki says with a slightly raspy voice.
"We can go dust the kitchen and you two can get some plates and stuff from your own kitchen, Numbuh 1." Abby points at Wally and Nigel, who nod back.
"Can I use your house phone to make the call? My forgot my cell to my place."
"Of course." Nigel says and goes to the podium in-front of the circular sofa. He then takes the clipboard he keeps on the podium and hands it to Hoagie, along with a pen.
"Thanks, buddy. Okay, so what do ya guys want?" After taking the orders, the boys head down to Nigel's house while the girls go the Treehouse's kitchen.
"Aw man, this is gonna be rough." Abby laments as they enter the disused kitchen, that use to be filled to brim with snacks and drinks, but now its nothing but a dusty mess.
"Leave the dusting to Bradley." Kuki says and gestures Bradley to start swinging its cybernetic tail, that's made of a small mop. The skunk efficiently gets rid of the dust as the girls open some of the windows and clean the small surfaces.
Soon enough the pizza delivery arrives and the boys bring the utensils, plates and the food up to the Treehouse. Once everything is laid on the table, they start to eat. Despite his thin physique, Hoagie eats his stuffed crust, extra-large pizza with extra cheese faster than anyone else which Abby finds revolting. "Boy, if ya don't stop eatin' like a pig, Numbuh 5's gonna puke!"
"What?" Hoagie simply doesn't register the complaint and continues to chow down and much to the girls disgust, Wally is also eating his own pizza rather quickly.
"Come on Numbuh 4, you don't have to eat so fast…You're not in a prison." Kuki tries to get through to him but like Hoagie, he ignores and gobbles down his pizza, as if he's competing with Hoagie.
Abby turns towards Nigel, who unlike the other two is eating his pizza in a normal pace. "What the heck is wrong with these two? Did somethin' happen down there?"
"*sigh* Well, they made a bet who could eat their pizza quicker. The winner could choose what video game they would play afterwards." Kuki's eyes light and she peeks behind Abby.
"Video games?!" she asks enthusiastically. Kuki had always been an avid gamer, much to Wally's shock because whenever the two would face off in any video game, she would always win regardless of what Wally tried.
"Oh, so they wanna play video games ey'?" Abby smirks and turns back towards Kuki before whispering something to her ear, which makes her giggle. Abby then stands up and leaves the table. "Numbuh 5's gonna eat the rest later. Be right back." she winks at Kuki and heads to her room, without neither Wally nor Hoagie noticing. Once there, she goes to her old bed and pulls out a steel box that has a coded lock. She opens it and pulls out her karaoke machine, that she had put it there for a rainy day and now was a good chance to use it. As she makes her way back upstairs, Wally and Hoagie are both finished.
"I win…" Hoagie burps as he struggles to lift his arm.
"No! I win! Urgh.." Wally is equally full from the food and they both are holding their stomachs.
"That's what you get for eating too fast." Kuki says with her hands crossed.
"So, you two fools done already?" Abby arrives to the kitchen with the karaoke machine but Nigel recognizes it and fears spreads on his face.
"Uhm…Numbuh 5, what are you planning with that?"
"We're gonna have some fun, ain't that right Numbuh 3?" Kuki replies with a happy nod. "Come on, let's set this thing up." Kuki cheerfully follows her to the common room as Nigel tries to slip away. "And where do ya think yer goin'!?" Abby shouts, having noticed his escape attempt.
"Numbuh 5, you know I can't sing!" Nigel pleads but Abby disregards his complaint.
"That don't matter, we're just doin' this for fun. No one's gonna judge ya. Now bring those two slobs over here and we'll start." Nigel, realizing that there's no way out, goes back to the kitchen and drags the two boys in to the common room.
"Hey, what's the big idea!? We haven't decided the winner yet!" Hoagie insists while Wally has already noticed what's going on and freezes in terror.
"You guys can't be serious…?"
"Yes, we are." Abby says sharply as Wally starts frowning while Hoagie feels slightly dissapointed.
"Aw, but we were gonna play video games…"
"You can have your video game tournament later. Now we're gonna have a karaoke night.
Wally's face suddenly turns red."No way! There's no way I'm gonna sing in front of you guys!" he protests loudly.
"Oh yes you are, and since you're so eager to say no, you're gonna sing first." Abby throws him the microphone but Wally is having none of it.
"LIKE HECK I WILL!"
"Stop bein' a baby Numbuh 4. This was Numbuh 3's idea." Suddenly Wally stops his ranting and glances at Kuki. His eyes hide under his hair and he looks down at the ground. "…Fine." he grumbles as Kuki looks at him expectantly.
"Oh man, this is gonna be good." An excited Hoagie rubs his hands together while Abby glares at him in response.
"Don't think yer getting out of this mister, you're gonna sing after him."
"Hey, I got no problem with this. Singing is part of my soul." Hoagie shrugs and sits down on the couch. Nigel sits on the armchair next to the sofa, while Kuki sits on the floor in front of Hoagie. Lastly, Abby sits next to Hoagie as Wally goes through the songs list.
"This cruddy thing doesn't have any good songs in it."
"Hey, don't insult my karaoke machine. It's my favorite!"
"Just pick one Numbuh 4. Numbuh 5 said we won't judge you."
Nigel tries to calm them down, but Wally remains unhappy about being forced to sing. "Stupid cruddy…" Wally mutters under his breath, annoying Abby even further.
"Will ya stop stallin' and just pick something." Abby rolls her eyes and Wally glares back. He goes through the song list one more time and finally chooses one.
"Don't blame if your ears start bleedin'." He says dejectedly and takes a deep breath as the song starts and he puts the mic close to his mouth. The song he starts singing is Smells like Teen Spirit by Nirvana.
"Man, that boy's got some pipes…" Abby whispers to Hoagie, who is already alternating between playing an air guitar and air drums while Kuki simply stares at Wally in awe, who keeps his eyes glued on the monitor. Once the song ends, Wally turns and is greeted by applause as his teammates clap loudly and Hoagie whistles. "Wohoo, encore!"
"In your dreams." Wally says and slumps down on the armchair next to Hoagie.
"Boy, when did ya learn how to sing like that?"
"My mom forced me to take singing classes back in elementary..." Wally mutters as Kuki stands up and sits on the armrest on Wally's chair.
"Wally, that was incredible! I didn't know you could sing so well!" He is almost consumed by her wide smile and brown eyes, forcing him to look away, while Hoagie takes a glance at Abby and smirks.
"Oh, there's no way I'm losing to Numbuh 4." He grabs the mic and starts going through the song list. "Let's see…"
"So what are you going to sing?" Nigel asks as Hoagie goes through the song list.
"Something…smooth." Hoagie replies with a smirk but Abby rolls her eyes.
"Just don't make a clown out of yo'self."
"Don't sweat it. I'm gonna blow your ears off with my skills." He grins as he chooses his song and takes off his brown beanie as the song starts. His song is Stand Out by Tevin Cambell. The song holds bad memories for him, as the last the time he sang anywhere was 4 years ago. Back then, he participated in the talent show held in their elementary school and Hoagie reached the finals, but a jealous rival bribed some people with lunch tickets to boo at him during his performance. He tried to bravely sing the song completely but, in the end, he was booed off the stage.
Abby recognizes the song but can't help feeling sad as she too remembers the events 4 years ago. Hoagie sings the song flawlessly, even using some dance moves, including a moonwalk while Abby pretends to ignore him. However, she is impressed by his singing. Then, Wally starts clapping along with the beat with Kuki and Nigel joining as well.
Once the song ends, Hoagie winks at Abby, who is still ignoring him while the others give him a round of applause. He then bows to the audience and goes back to the sofa. "So, what did ya think? Am I a good singer or what?" He nudges Abby, who has her arms crossed.
"I've seen better…"
"Aww come on, don't be like that. I've been practicing and this time I had a great audience."
Abby glares at him."Don't remind Numbuh 5. You know I hated what those fools did."
"Yeah well, they simply didn't have great musical taste." Hoagie smiles confidently and offers out the microphone. "Who wants to go next?"
"Oh, oh, I wanna sing, I wanna sing!" Kuki stands up and grabs the mic and runs back to Wally. "Can I see what you have Wally?" She gestures him to give her his MP3 Player.
"Well you're not gonna find any Rainbow Monkey songs in there, only music." he says bluntly.
"Rainbow Monkey songs ARE music!" Kuki forcibly takes the MP3 from his hand and plugs it to the karaoke machine. She then goes through Wally's own song list and suddenly squeals loudly. "OHMIGOSH! I love this song, Numbuh 4!"
Hoagie grins at Wally and nudges him. "What song is she talking about, huh?"
"How should I know?" He nervously scratches his head and Hoagie continues grinning.
"Ok, I'll sing this one!" Kuki proclaims and the music starts. Her song is A Chance to Shine by AKINO.
Hoagie looks at Wally again slyly."Soo, you like this kind of music then?"
He nudges Wally again who crosses his arms and looks away. "I…it just got there by accident." He tries to hide the fact that he does indeed listen to this song, but mainly because it reminded him of Kuki.
"Ok…" Kuki unsurprisingly sings very well, and since the songs is mostly in Japanese, the words come out naturally.
Halfway through the song however, Abby's cell-phone starts ringing and she gestures to everyone that she's going to answer. Without making a sound, she sneaks out of the common room and answers the unknown number. "Abigail Lincoln speakin'"
"Hi Abby." She's stunned by the familiar voice speaking to ear.
Upstairs, Kuki finishes her song and the boys give her a loud round of applause. Though she is grateful, deep inside she only wants to know what Wally thinks. "You're still as good of a singer as you were 3 years ago. Am I right Numbuh 4?"
Hoagie nudges Wally again who tries to look away from Kuki. "Yeah…I guess." He mumbles.
"What? I didn't catch that. Speak louder!" Hoagie continues to nudge Wally as Kuki stares at him expectantly.
"Will ya knock it off?!" Wally shouts and catches a glimpse of Kuki's intense stare. "Uhm…"
"Come on man, you know what you gotta say."
"You're a…pretty good singer…"
Right as he finishes, Kuki dives on him with such force that the armchair falls on its back and she hugs him tightly. "OH THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU!" She shouts as Wally struggles to get out of her bone-breaking grip. Hoagie and Nigel laugh maniacally at the hapless Aussie squirming on the floor. Once they calm down, Hoagie shuts down the karaoke machine.
"Why don't we play some video games while we wait for Numbuh 5?"
"Heh, you're gonna get beat by me again."
"Nuh-uh, if you want to fight him, you've gotta beat me first!" Kuki says loudly, as Hoagie wires an old console into the TV.
"Why do I have to play against you first?"
"Cuz she's better than me." Hoagie says over his shoulder, causing Wally to huff reluctantly.
"That doesn't make any cruddy sense."
...
"Maurice…?"
"Yup. How long has it been? Wasn't it 4 years ago since the last time we spoke?" Maurice says calmly.
Special Teen Operative Numbuh 9 a.k.a. Maurice, was a former member of Sector V when Abby had just joined the same sector. He was considered one the best KND operatives in the organization's history, who was liked by both Abby and her sister Cree due to his charismatic and cool personality and his selfless way of thinking. He had been officially decommissioned 5 years ago but in reality, he became one of the pioneering members of the Teen Spies Organization. His job was to spy on the Teen Ninjas from the inside and sabotage any plans they had. The easiest way to do that was that he started dating Cree soon after he was decommissioned. She however never realized the he was simply using her. Abby had held a long-time crush on him and was initially devastated when he began dating Cree.
"What are ya doin' callin' me like this? Don't ya know I'm a fugitive?" She hisses at him.
"Yeah, I know, but I'm not your enemy. I never believed for a second that you guys had betrayed the KND back then. You can trust me."
"But what if this conversation's bein' monitored?"
"Don't worry; I'm using a special line. No one's gonna hear us."
"So, what do ya want?"
"Have you seen Cree anywhere?"
"Why are ya askin'? Didn't you two break-up?"
"I finished my spying mission on her but I'm still keepin' an eye on her. I heard that she had tricked ya earlier today?"
"Yeah, that idiot almost got both me an' Hoagie killed. I actually fell for all that sweet talk."
"Figures. Anyway, apparently, she's left the house and hasn't been there since. Your mom's goin' nuts right about now."
"Aw dats just great."
"Tell, me about it. My superiors are gonna have my head if I can't find her soon. I've got this nasty feelin' she went back to the Ninjas."
"Why would she do that? She quit after I went rogue."
"That's just it; she probably rejoined them cuz you're back in the picture."
"You've got a good point Maurice…"
"Anyway, that's just half of why I called ya. The other reason is that I thought you guys would want someone on the inside to keep ya informed. I know you guys want to clear your names and all, so you could use the help."
"Thanks Maurice, at least you're on our side."
"Trust me, I'm kinda alone on that front. For some reason, the Decommissioning Squad has been getting' really suspicious lately. Those guys are speakin' about an upcomin' war with the adults."
"War? Is this Numbuh 1000's doin'?"
"I can't say for sure yet but I gotta go now, I'll keep in touch."
"Be careful Maurice."
"Don't worry Abby, I'm the best." Maurice hangs up and Abby takes a deep breath.
"I know ya are the best, Maurice…" She heads back upstairs and arrives at the common room, where the others are eerily quiet. "Hey, what's going…on?" she stops mid-sentence as her jaw drops.
Everyone is staring at the TV screen with the words "Player 1 Wins!" written on it. "No cruddy way…" a stunned Wally mutters as Nigel rubs his eyes in disbelief.
"How…what happened…?"
"Dude, Am I dreaming or…YOU ACTUALLY BEAT NUMBUH 3 IN A VIDEOGAME!" Hoagie starts shouting and Wally snaps out of his trance.
"HECK YEAH I DID! YEAAAHHH!" Both Hoagie and Wally start cheering and running around the common room while Kuki just stares blankly at the screen.
"This isn't possible…THIS ISN'T POSSIBLE!" Her face resembles an oni as she darts up and runs to Wally. "NUMBUH 4! I WANT A REMATCH, NOW!"
"No way! Yer not gonna take this moment away from me!"
"I WANT A REMATCH! I REFUSE TO LOSE TO YOU!"
"Not gonna happen!"
"I WILL HAVE MY REMATCH, EVEN IF I HAVE TO FORCE YOU!" Her medallion starts glowing as her hands start emitting electric pulses.
Wally takes a few steps back and positions himself in front of the door that leads to the staircase. "Not if you can't catch me!" he says defiantly as he turns tail and shoots out of the room.
"COME BACK HERE WALLABEE BEETLES!" kUKI starts hovering and gives chase while the others are left dumbfounded in the common room.
"I hope they won't destroy anything…" Nigel says woefully.
"Don't worry about that. More importantly, Numbuh 5, can you take a picture of the TV screen? This historic moment needs to be recorded for future generations!" Abby smiles and takes out her cell phone.
"Oh, heck yeah I will, baby."
…
Meanwhile, in a large mansion, a shadowy figure walks through the halls and arrives in front of a large red door. As if by command, the doors are thrown open, and the person walks in. Inside the room are multiple fire places and a large TV screen. In front of the screen is a large black chair. The shadowy person kneels down in front of the chair and as it rotates, a pitch black figure with orange eyes is revealed sitting in it. "Hello, Father." The knelt down person says calmly.
"Well, well, well, I never thought YOU of all people would come here, kneeling down in front me. What brought you here, Cree Lincoln?" Father says with an eerie voice.
"Let's just say I've got one final job to do." Cree lifts her head with an evil smile.
"Is that so? Well, I never refuse former allies. You've come at a great time. My plan is almost at fruition."
"Tell me more." Cree replies as she smirks.
End of Transmission 8.
Note: This chapter was really problematic, since I had a hard time figuring out the dialog and how to make the chapter work. There's also the karaoke scene, which in the original version was much more...cringy to be blunt. It was longer and had all kinds of things I had to get rid of, thankfully. I was actually very close to cutting it off completely but then decided to keep it as a nice change of pace for the story.
Lastly, if you recognize the songs sung by Hoagie and Kuki, your childhood was awesome.