Exactly one month after the previous chapter, a brand new chapter arrives!
Songs featured:
-TND attacks V2: "Comona" by Tetsukazu Nakanishi
-Numbuh 3 vs Stealth Ninjas : "Aki Izayoi's theme" by Yutaka Minobe
-Numbuh 4 vs ACD Machines: "Rules of Nature" by Jamie Christopherson
Transmission 57: Old Enemies Reunited
While Patton's team infiltrate the Shipyards, the Wild Child has almost completed its circling maneuver around the Earth, despite being targeted by the .M.M.A.H. Array and Delightfulized KND stragglers that took off from Earth. "Chief, we're ready for Phase 3."
"Excellent, Numbuh Theta-9. Prepare for atmospheric re-entry. Our target is Sector V2 and then the Delightful Mansion." Herbie replies sternly as the Switchboard operators get to work.
"Roger. All hands, prepare for re-entry!" Theta-9 shouts over the intercom as the ship's crew brace themselves. In the Test Hangar, Numbuh Omicron, Numbuh Rho, Ted and Kimberley have finished distributing the EMP weapons and now gather around the Portal generator's control panel. "So, is everything ready?" Omicron asks with his Scottish accent.
"As ready as we'll ever be. Those Ninjas are gonna swarm this ship the moment we enter the atmosphere…" the brown-haired Numbuh Rho says as she crosses her arms.
"Do….does that mean we have to…f. ?" A visibly worried Ted asks, but Kimberley slaps him firmly in the back.
"Pull yourself together. If they do get in here, we'll just have to push them back."
"Heh…easier said than done…"
"Numbuh Eta-4!" Numbuh Rho snaps at Ted, who yelps.
"I can't help it! You guys saw what happened to Tau-6?! What if we…"
"Don't say that! We won't fail. Remember what Numbuh 274 always said?"
" 'As long as we have hope, we won't lose…'" Ted mutters, causing Kimberley to pat his shoulder.
"Exactly. There's no turning back now. Even if we're not fighters like Sector V or the Commander, we'll do our part."
"Well said, Numbuh Pi-2. Alright, move to your positions. We've gotta be ready for everything." Everyone salutes the Science Chief and then one-by-one, head to their assigned positions within the ship.
Despite it massive size, the Wild Child shakes and shutters as it enters the Earth's atmosphere and upon successfully breaking through, the ship stabilizes as it flies high above the thunderstorm that rages over Cleve. However, the crew aren't given a chance for a respite as the C.L.A.M.M.A.H. Array turns it's full attention on the ship. "Deploy the D.E.F.E.N.S.E.- G.R.I.D. and launch all ships!"
Down in the main hangar, Bartie Stork is standing on the bridge of the TND's K.O.L.O.S.S.A.L.I.N.E.R., Young Rebel. With him are Lee and Sonia, who are manning the weapons and radar respectively while former prisoner transport pilots, the brown-haired Numbuh 58 and light-brown-haired Numbuh 59, operating the communications station and the helm respectively. However, there is a new face on the bridge: Former Numbuh 23, Virginia Sims. She had insisted on joining the battle in any way she could and Bartie allowed her to take charge of the general operations station next to the captain's seat.
"Sir, we've been ordered to scramble." Numbuh 58 says to Bartie, who stands up and puts his hands behind his back.
"Alrighty, that's what we've been waiting for." Bartie presses a button his armrest and contacts the rest of the fleet. "Attention all craft, this is Numbuh Lambda. We've got the go-ahead to take off. Our job is to take out the C.L.A.M.M.A.H. Array once and for all. No matter what happens, I just wanna say I'm proud to have fought with you all. Let's give Father heck! Air units, take off!"
"Yes, Sir!" a unified shout is heard over the coms channel as the hangar doors open and the ships fly out, led by the Young Rebel. The ships form up behind the K.O.L.O.S.S.A.L.I.N.E.R. and dive through the dark thunder clouds, into Cleve, where they are met by the same anti-air fire Nigel's team encountered earlier, but every pilot's eyes are focus on only one thing, Sector V2's battered, but still functioning Treehouse, which immediately aims two of its C.L.A.M.M.A.H. cannons at the swarm of 2x4 ships and Battle-Ready Cycles.
"Punch it, Numbuh Xi-9! We're gonna break through their defenses!"
"Roger, loud and clear!" Numbuh 59 replies with his thick Texan accent while Lee takes aim with the ship's twin laser turret. Despite losing some ships, the TND armada manages to get within range and they unleash every single weapon they have in their arsenal as a huge air battle erups above the city. Despite lacking it's shields, V2's defense systems are still functioning and begin sweeping the skies with lasers and 2x4 projectiles while both Ninja operated Battle-Ready Cycles and KND's 2x4 clash with the TND's fleet.
Up on V2's repaired command bridge, the Delightfulized Supreme Leader of the KND, Angeline is merely amused by the incoming horde of ships. "I was wondering when they'd show up. Set cannons 2, 3 and 5 for direct, horizontal fire and aim the rest at their mothership. We won't let them disturb Father's new world order."
"As you command."
"Numbuh 34, once the mothership has fallen, lead your troops inside and Delightfulize everyone on-board." Angeline looks over her shoulder towards a Delightfulized Charles, who grins menacingly.
"Hah-hah, it'll be my pleasure, Numbuh 78." he chuckles and walks out of the bridge, followed by a group of Delightfulized teens and kids, including Hoagie's little brother, Tommy, who is wearing a white cape and white fedora over his white and blue B.R.A.
…
"So, you're saying they simply vanished?" Father's sinister voice echoes within the dark throne room of his mansion as he speaks with a Delightful Ninja.
"Yes Father. They appear to have fled into the maintenance shafts at Basement Floor 20. Also, we have reports of 5 other intruders inside the mansion."
"Hmm…is that so? Find them and Delightfulize on sight. I'll deal with Nigel Uno and his friends."
"As you command." The Ninja replies as Father types on the small console on his armrest.
"You're actually trying to hide from me, in my OWN home? Hmph, very clever…" Then, an alarm rings in the throne room and the same Ninja appears on the main monitor.
"Father! The TND's mothership has appeared over Cleve and their fleet is attacking the Array."
"We'll leave those flies to Miss Angeline." Father replies nonchalantly and starts going through CCTV footage, but he can't seem to find a trace of Sector V.
"Now where could you be hiding…" Suddenly, an even louder alarm is sounded throughout the Mansion, causing Father to lift an eyebrow.
"We've found them Father! Nigel Uno and his team have appeared at BF4." A female Ninja shouts over the intercom.
"BF4?! How is that possible?! Unless…they snuck through the old dungeon…Hah-hah, you never seize to amaze me!"
"What are your orders, Father?"
"They are obviously trying to reach the generator room. Slow them down. I'll have some…reinforcements prepared."
"Yes, Father."
"Now then, it's time for the final three actors to step up to the stage." Father chuckles as he contacts the lower levels. "Your prey has arrived. Run them down."
"Hah-hah-hah, with pleasure!" A gleeful Ernest replies while rubbing his hands together.
Father then calls the generator room. "I'm glad you accepted my offer, Ms. Lincoln. Now your patience will be rewarded. Your dear sister is on her way."
"Then I'll prepare a welcoming party." Cree says with cold, silent tone. Then, Father turns his throne around and puts his hands together.
"Omnius, wake up Eliza Solis and have her…prepare for her reunion with her cousin."
"Understood." the shadowy being replies and floats down from the ceiling before phasing through into a small lab in the basement's first floor, where a single gray and silver container is connected into the wall. Floating across the lab, the shapeless Omnius points his hand at the container, and it splits in half, filling the lab with thick steam and from inside the container, a white, armored hand reaches forward.
…
Under the mansion, Sector V and Agent Raven have put their plan into action and begin fighting their way through the Delightful Ninjas. "Don't stop, no matter what! Those doors might still close on us!" Nigel shouts while pushing aside a group a Delightful Ninjas blocking their path.
"Numbuh 1, heads up!" From the corner of his eye, Nigel sees three Ninjas appear from the tunnel's ceiling, each armed with the same chipping gauntlet the Splinter Cell's Teen Hunters used. But Abby has noticed them as well and booster jumps towards them. "HI YAAH!" she closes the distance and takes the Ninjas out one by one with well-aimed, EMP-charged chops before landing next to Nigel.
"Thanks, Numbuh 5."
"Is nothin'." Abby replies as Hoagie and Wally charge past them to meet another group of Ninjas head-on.
"Let's take these cruddy Ninjas back to pre-school!"
"Get on my back, buddy! We're gonna break through!" Hoagie gestures and Wally jumps on the Exo-suit's back, pointing his hands towards the incoming Ninjas while Hoagie's suit does the same. "Here we go! EMP Breaker!" As they approach the Ninjas, both boys release a combined burst of EMP, knocking out scores of Ninjas while they plow through the line, clearing a path for their teammates. "Woohoo! Man, that was so cool! I've always wanted to do a special move!" Hoagie shouts victoriously as Wally jumps off and draws his Accelerator Rifle.
"I forgot ya liked that corny stuff." he says while laying down covering fire for the others.
"Hey, admit it, you thought it was cool too!" But before Wally can reply, their teammates catch up.
"Wow, that was super awesome! Can we do a combination attack like that too, Numbuh 4?!" Kuki shouts excitedly, causing Hoagie to nudge Wally with the Exo-suit right sub-arm.
"See, Numbuh 3 liked it."
"Gah, whatever!" Wally scoffs as Nigel lands next to Agent Raven.
"We'll have to use the service elevator to get to BF3. That's where the generator room is."
"That's right and we'll need to blast through those doors to get there." Agent Raven points at the huge armored doors to their left.
"Oi, what are ya guys waitin' around for?! Those Ninjas are regrouping!" Wally shouts as he, Hoagie and The Kid rain lasers on the approaching Ninjas.
"Right, I'll deal with this door."
"Wait, Numbuh 1, I'll do it!" Kuki walks past Nigel and before he can protest, she presses her hands against the doors, releasing multiple telekinetic blasts at point blank range. Her attack causes the door bulge inwards until it breaks, creating a huge hole.
"*whistle* Damn girl, you've really got the hang of your magic." Abby says as Kuki turns back to face her friends and smiles.
"Excellent work, Numbuh 3. Numbuh Epsilon, we'll take point." Nigel gestures to Rachel and walks through the hole, followed by the others, with Wally and The Kid holding the rear.
"Right, don't fall behind, Numbuh 1." Rachel takes off with her jetboots and one-by-one, the teenagers begin flying up the wide service elevator shaft toward the 3rd basement floor. However, just like on the floor below, they'll have to get through another armored door.
"Let me handle this." Nigel hovers towards the door and covers his hands in his Silhouette Suit. Then, he fires two intense heat rays at the door, creating a perfectly round hole. He then lets Rachel go in first. Once on the other side, Nigel welds the hole shut.
"So, that generator room's somewhere there?" Abby points at the pitch-black tunnel before them.
"Yes, but I don't see any Ninjas." Rachel looks around cautiously as Agent Ravel takes point.
"They're either regrouping or waiting up ahead. Either way, we can't waste time." he says sternly and begins flying towards the darkness, followed by the others. As head further into the tunnel, Hoagie notices something on the ceiling: clearly visible blast doors, that are held open by huge metal pins.
"Uhm, Numbuh 1, why are the doors like that? They're not automated like the ones in the lower floors."
"This service tunnel used to be the lowest level of the Delightful Mansion 2 years ago. And I didn't see Father use them while I was here, so it's safe to assume they're out of commission."
"Then those pins are the only things holding them up?"
"Correct, Numbuh Epsilon. We'll have to keep that in mind from now on." Suddenly, Agent Raven sees something in the distance.
"Incoming!" he shouts as a barrage of laser fire flies at the team from the opposite end of the service tunnel, forcing everyone to evade or use their shields.
"Gah, where the crud are they shooting at us?!" Wally shouts while evading the lasers.
"Dammit, it's the internal defense system! Pick up the pace, we can't let this stop us now!" Nigel yells as Hoagie moves ahead of everyone else.
"I'll take the lead, Betsy's immune to lasers!" he says as they begin flying through the hail of lasers but even so, they don't see a single Ninja anywhere.
Meanwhile, far behind them, huge, armored doors slide open as three bipedal, reverse-kneed machines walk out of the massive service elevator. Their torso's are round and heavily armored with visible cockpit canopy's in the front. However, while the smaller machines have two arms, the bigger machine has four, with the other pair mounted in the back. Sitting in the cockpit of this machine, is none other than Ernest. "Geh-heh-heh, alright boys, let's go have some fun."
"Got it, Boss!" The scrawny Chuck replies from the other smaller machine as all three kneel down and begin rolling at high speed along the tunnel, using caterpillar treads that run from the machine's knees to the foot joint.
Up ahead, the team has made progress through the lasers, but the constant evading and parrying is beginning to slow them down. "Can't we do anythin' about these stupid lasers?!"
"Unless you want to destroy every single cannon in there, Numbuh 5, no."
"Ey, aren't ya forgetting that I'm here? Gimme some cover and I'll take care of those laser cannons no problem." The Kid activates his Stupefier/EMP rifle, while Wally points at his Accelerator Rifle.
"Then I'll take 'em down too!" Before Nigel can protest, Hoagie gestures to The Kid with his Exo-suit's right hand.
"I'll be your cover. We'll do it on the move."
"Fine by me Gilligan. This'll be over in no time!" The Kid smirks and places the barrel of his rifle over Betsy's shoulder and begins picking off the cannons at the end of the tunnel while Wally activates his left-hand shield as he empties his EM cartridge. However, unlike The Kid, who expertly snipes any cannon that gets in his sight, Wally fires blindly, relying on the explosive power of his rifle. Soon enough, their plan works, and the cannons fall silent.
"*whistle* Thanks for the assist, Gilligan."
"Any time." Hoagie replies as Wally reloads his rifle but before he can holster it, Rachel hears a faint rumble behind them.
"Hold on, we're not out of the woods yet!" she shouts as 6 spotlights shine through the darkness and then, three heavily armored mechs charge at the team.
"Wha…what are those things?!" a shocked Kuki screams as Nigel immediate recognizes their general appearance.
"Destructive Machines, but I've never seen this model before."
"Well, Numbuh 5 doesn't wanna stick around to find out. Let's get outta here!" The team immediately starts fleeing from the Destructive Machines, but this only amuses their pursuers.
"Alright, this is where the fun begins. Blast 'em full of holes!" Ernest pulls a lever, causing the secondary arms of his machine to move over the shoulders and six barrels protrude from the drum shaped arm gauntlets. Then, Ernest pulls the triggers on his control sticks and fires energy bullets at his prey while the smaller machines do the same.
"Oh great, now they're firin' at us!" The Kid complains loudly as Hoagie realizes what they're fighting against.
"Hey, those things look just like my Betsy! Father stole my designs!" he roars furiously and fires back at the machines, but neither his EMP, laser or Stupefier beams have any effect on them.
"Dammit, this was a trap all along…"
"Quit kickin' yoself, Numbuh 1."
"That's right, we'll find a way to deal with them!" Rachel and Abby say to Nigel, who clenches his fists and also turns around to throw flame spheres at Ernest's machine, but just like Hoagie's attacks, they're ineffective.
"Muah-hah-hah-hah! You punks ain't gonna get away this time! You owe me for ruinin' my Hideout!" Upon hearing Ernest's taunts echoing through the mech's loudspeakers, something in Wally's head snaps and he glances over his shoulder.
"…Ernie?" Ernest's voice has reminded Wally of not only what happened in the Ninja Hideout, but also everything that he has gone through before that, including the days he spent as a Bully Fighter. His mind races as a feeling he has long held inside him begins to lift its head. A feeling of unbridled hate towards Ernest that Wally thought he had left behind him when he defeated him but then, Wally is quickly reminded of his teammates and their mission. "…crud…sorry…" he thinks and remembers what Hoagie and Nigel discussed about the pins holding up the blast doors in the ceiling. Taking matters into his own hands, Wally aims at the pin of a door up ahead before pulling the trigger, causing the pin to shatter and the heavy door begins sliding down, accompanied by sparks and a loud screech.
"Good thinking Numbuh 4! We'll lose them here!"
"Hmph, you actually used your head this time, Beetles." The Kid chuckles but while everyone else speed to the other side of the almost closed blast door, Wally lands and turns his back on them.
"What the heck are ya doin' Numbuh 4?! Get over here!" Abby shouts as Kuki realizes what he's planning and runs back towards the door.
"No! Wally, you can't!" she screams but before she can use her jetboots or pull Wally back with telekinesis, Abby grabs her from behind.
"Numbuh 3, look out!" she barely manages to pull Kuki from under the door as it slams down, leaving Wally's teammates stunned. As a speechless Abby let's go of Kuki, she rushes against the door, pressing herself against it as her knees give away.
"Wally! You idiot! We were supposed to stay together!" she screams in despair and hits the door weakly as Rachel comes to Kuki's side and puts her hand on her shoulder to try and console her.
"No way…you gotta be kidding me!" Hoagie shakes his head while Abby kicks the ground.
"Dammit, ya let him get to your head!"
"Who?"
"Take a wild guess, Numbuh 1. That was Ernest piloting that thing and ya know those got history." Abby replies to Nigel, who let's out a frustrated sigh.
"Gah, of course…"
"So you're tellin' me he stayed behind to settle a vendetta or somethin'?" The Kid asks Abby, who nods back.
"Ya have no idea…"
"What do we do now? We can't just leave him there." Hoagie turns towards Nigel, who stares at the floor.
"Of course we can't…but these doors are much stronger than the ones we broke through earlier. It'll take us too long to break through it." he replies as Kuki gets up and shakes her head.
"NO! I am not leaving Wally behind!"
"Didn't you hear what I just said? This door is too strong, even for you!"
"No, it's not! Just watch me!"
"All of you, calm down!" Agent Raven shouts, silencing the others. "Don't you realize what he did? Even if he held a grudge against Ernest, by staying behind, he gave us a chance to keep going! If you waste your time arguing, his sacrifice would be pointless!"
"How…how can you say that! He's our friend! I…we can't just…leave him…" a distraught Kuki screams at Raven as Abby comes to her side.
"Numbuh 3, he's right. If Numbuh 4 hadn't blown up that pin, we'd still be runnin' away from those things."
"But…he promised he'd…"
"Hey, this is Beetles we're talking about here. If anyone can deal with those machines it's him, even though I don't like admitting it."
"That's right, Agent Halcón. This tunnel is the only place underground large enough for those Destructive Machines to move effectively and Numbuh 4's armor has the new upgrades, so frankly, he holds the advantage."
"He'll be fine in there, Numbuh 3. Just believe in him." Rachel say to Kuki, who looks away, biting her lip under her mask but then, she turns her gaze towards her teammates and nods.
"…okay…"
"That's the spirit, girl. Now let's get outta her before Farther catches onto us again." Abby pats Kuki in the back before everyone begin flying away from the door but Kuki still occasionally looks back.
"You liar…"
…
On the other side of the blast door, Wally has retracted his helmet and stands alone, his eyes fixated on the biggest machine's cockpit. "Hey Boss, they brought down the door!" Chuck shouts as they slow down.
"Grr, then we just gotta blast through and…huh?" Ernest notices the lone figure standing in-front of the door and orders his subordinates to stop. As the spotlights shine on Wally, Ernest's face contorts as he recognizes him. "Beetles! I shoulda known you'd stay behind." he hits his fists together and glares down at Wally, who glares back.
"Long time no see, Ernie. I was wonderin' when you'd show up."
"It's Ernest! You've got no idea how long I've waited for this! I spent weeks in Father's dungeon because of you!"
"Weeks? Hah, I was locked here longer." Wally replies coldly, his attitude angering Ernest even further.
"Grr, I'm gonna wipe that smug grin off yer face! Last time I underestimated you, but I ain't gonna do the same mistake again! You ain't leavin' here in one piece, I'll make sure of that." Ernest's Absolutely Completely Destructive Machine inches forward and points it's back-mounted arms at Wally, who only stares at them defiantly. "I'm gonna end this right here, Beetles. You're gonna pay back everything you've done to me."
"Funny, I was just about to say the same thing!" Wally pulls up his helmet and uses a new feature in his B.R.A., activating the High-Altitude Mode's V-shaped wings without transforming the armor's legs and flies between the legs of Ernest's mech, startling him. But before any of the three can respond, Wally turns around and fires multiple shots from his arm-mounted laser cannons, causing minor damage to the smaller machines.
"Gaargh! You coward!"
"Hah, you want me? Ya gotta catch me first!" Wally shouts as he flees towards the opposite end of the service tunnel while a furious Ernest orders Chuck and the other pilot to pursue.
"What are ya standin' around for?! After him!"
"But Father said we had to…"
"I don't care! We'll deal with the others once I've crushed Beetles!" Ernest pushes the other two machines aside and goes after Wally, forcing his subordinates to follow him.
...
Meanwhile, the rest of the team have run into more resistance in the form of Delightful Ninjas, who have reorganized and changed their approach. Instead of trying to take them head-on all at once, the Ninjas attempt to isolate them from one another by using hit and run tactics, frustrating their opponents. "What's up with these guys?! They're just jumping around everywhere!" Hoagie shouts as he fires both Stupefier and EMP shots at their foes, but they miss their mark as the Ninjas try to overwhelm his Exo-Suit from multiple sides.
"I guess they weren't as dumb as they let on. Don't give up, we're almost at the intersection!" Nigel yells as he presses two Ninjas against the tunnel wall and fires his EMP generators, frying their Delightfulization chips.
"Numbuh 5, Numbuh 2, on me! We need to break through and head for the generator room!" Agent Raven flies above everyone else and gestures to Abby and Hoagie.
"Ya heard him, let's go!" Abby shouts to Hoagie, who is still getting swarmed by the Ninjas.
"Tear apart the big one!" A Ninja shouts from the tunnel's ceiling rafters as another group attacks Hoagie, cornering him.
"Urgh, that's not fair!" he yells as the Ninjas force his Exo-suit against the tunnel wall.
"Numbuh 2!" Nigel tries to come to his friends aid, but three Ninjas get in his way and assault him. "Out of my way!" Nigel roars and fires his EMP generators at them, but the Ninjas dodge the short-range attack and come at him again, forcing Rachel to intervene with her energy lance.
"Hiyaah!" she spins the lance and knocks all three Ninjas to the floor before landing next to Nigel. "They're trying to tire us out, Numbuh 1." However, he does not reply and tries to reach Hoagie, who has effectively been cornered.
"There's no way I'm losing to you brainwashed freaks! Eat this!" he slams the Exo-suits four arms against the ground and fires a quadruple blast of EMP that covers the entire section of the tunnel they are fighting in.
"UAAARGH!" the Ninjas scream as the EMP fries their B.R.A.'s and Delightfulization chips instantly before knocking them unconscious.
"Hah, me and Betsy aren't going down that easily!" Hoagie shouts victoriously as he regroups with Abby and Raven.
"That was way too close."
"Tell me about it, Numbuh 5. Okay, let's split up here. Numbuh 1, we're gonna go ahead now! The fork in the tunnel is just nearby."
"Understood. Be careful."
"Don't beat Father without us, Numbuh 1." Hoagie salutes Nigel, who hesitantly nods back.
"And keep yer head straight. Remember, you ain't goin' in there alone, Nigel."
"Thanks, Numbuh 5. I'll keep that in mind."
"Follow me. We've wasted enough time already." Agent Raven says sternly and takes off, followed by Hoagie and Abby, who rides on the Exo-suit's back.
"We should go as well. Agent Halcón, you and I will take point. Numbuh Epsilon, Numbuh 3, Numbuh 6, you'll hold the rear."
"Roger that, Uno." The Kid nods and readies his rifle and rotary cannon while Rachel splits her lance to sword mode. However, Kuki keeps looking over her shoulder towards the pitch-black tunnel behind them, her thoughts focused on Wally.
"Numbuh 3, did you hear me?"
"Ah, uhm…yeah, I'm coming…" Nigel however can sense her the hesitation in her voice but makes no comment on it as he begins leading his half of the team towards the fork. As they begin flying towards their destination, they can see light flashes at the other end of the tunnel.
"Looks like they started a real party down there."
"Indeed, Agent Halcón and we don't want to join that party. Look, over there, that's the entrance to the upper floors." Nigel points at the tunnel's right-side wall, where another tunnel splits off and leads upwards. "There are only two floors between us and the Mansion's basement."
"And lots of Ninjas, am I right?"
"Yup. And I'm guessing other surprises as well. Hmm?" Rachel notices from the corner of her eye that Kuki has stopped and is staring at the floor intensely. "Numbuh 3?"
"I…I can't go there…" Kuki replies with a shaky voice as the others land around her.
"What do you mean?"
"I…"
"You're worried about Numbuh 4, right?" Nigel looks at Kuki sharply, causing her to clench her fists.
"I just…don't want him to fight by himself again…he's already done that enough…" Kuki lifts her head and looks at her teammates, but to their surprise, Kuki's eyes are filled with burning determination.
"But we need you here, Numbuh 3." Rachel's reply causes Kuki to stomp her foot against the concrete floor and her telekinesis makes it crack.
"NO! I am not leaving him there! That dummy is going to get himself killed and I can't let that happen!" A stubborn Kuki shouts, startling Nigel and Rachel, but The Kid starts smiling.
"So your sayin' you wanna back to that tunnel and drag Beetles outta there, is that right?"
"Of course! We made a promise and I'll force him to keep it if I have to!" Kuki's answer makes The Kid laugh and he puts his hand Nigel's shoulder.
"Hah-hah, you know she's not gonna back down now."
"*sigh*…Fine, I'll let you go, but take Numbuh 6 with you. Bring Numbuh 4 back." Kuki's face lights up and she gives Nigel a tight hug, much to The Kid's and Rachel's amusement.
"Thank you Numbuh 1! I'll bring that blockhead back, I swear!" she shrieks as Nigel tries to struggle out of her bone crushing grip.
"Alright, alright! Just take care of yourself in there."
"Okidoki!" Kuki replies and starts running back down the tunnel with Bradley while her friends look on.
"She really has changed." Nigel mutters as Rachel pats him
"We all have, Nigel. That's called growing up."
"*chuckle* Right. We better do our part as well. Follow me." Nigel says and flies towards the ascending tunnel, with The Kid and Rachel in tow.
As Kuki heads back along the tunnel, he comes across the Ninjas Hoagie had knocked out earlier, who are now slowly regaining consciousness. Despite knowing they are the enemy, her medic's training kicks in and she stops next to a male Ninja, who is holding his head. "Can you hear me?" Kuki asks cautiously.
"Urgh…wha…where…where am I?" the boy looks around in a daze as the other Ninjas also being opening their eyes. As Kuki looks around, she can recognize some of the Ninjas as students from Hendry Middle School while others are former KND operatives. Quickly hiding her face behind her helmet's Kitsune mask, Kuki kneels next to the boy.
"You have to get out of here. Take this." she transfers a copy of the Mansion's layout to the Ninja's wrist communicator and helps him up.
"Huh? Who are you?"
"It's not important. Help the others and use that map to escape, okay?" Kuki says to the boy firmly and takes off with her jetboots, leaving the dazed, but freed teenagers behind. Then, as Kuki approaches the blast door, Bradley senses something and starts growling furiously. "Hmm? What's wrong, Bradley?" but suddenly, a heat laser strikes Kuki in the left shoulder and while the petal-shaped shoulder guard protects her, the laser knocks her down hard against the floor. "Urgh…where did that come from?!" Kuki jumps and takes a combative stance while Bradley's laser eye lights up. However, Kuki can't see her attacker at all, not even with the mask's functions. Then, another laser flies out of the darkness and Kuki barely manages to dodge it in time. "Stop hiding! I'm not afraid of you!" Kuki arms her heat-laser guns and points them at the direction the laser was fired.
"You should be, weakling." an eerie voice replies as more lasers are fired at Kuki, who activates her powerful shield system to block the attack. "We were planning to ambush you all from behind, but you'll be a good appetizer." the voice says mockingly.
"Huh?! What did you call me?!" Kuki shouts but she still can't locate the attacker. "Guah!" Suddenly, she's hit in the back, sending her to the floor. Bradley immediately runs to her side, but the skunk is also hit and sent flying against the wall. "Bradley! You'll pay for that!" but before Kuki can get up, she can feel a boot stamping on her back. "Urgh…let…me…go!" she generates a telekinetic pulse, pushing the attacker away from her and allowing her to get to Bradley. "Are you okay?!" a worried Kuki tries to take hold of the skunk, but she is hit in the chest, knocking her backwards. Then, to her horror, something invisible takes hold of Bradley's arm and lifts the skunk in the air. "You let go him now!" but before Kuki can attack, two silver rings clamp into her wrists and she realizes they are Silhouette Braces, weapons designed originally to subdue Nigel's Silhouette Suit." YEAAAARRGH!" Kuki screams as a powerful electric shock runs through her body, turning off her B.R.A. in the process. "*cough*…urgh…"
"Hah-hah-hah, looks like you really are the weakest link of your team." Kuki's eyes fill with dread as six, Delightful Ninjas, wearing specialized gray and blue B.R.A.'s, de-cloak around her, with their leader, a 17-year-old boy, holding Bradley in his grip.
"Let…him…go…" Kuki tries to get up, but a girl Ninja stamps on her back again, pressing her hard against the floor.
"Hmph, you treat this thing like your own child, right? Well, don't worry, you'll get it back, once we've had our fun with you. Oh, and if you try to fight, I'll fry this little runt." the leader points his laser cannon at the unconscious Bradley as another Ninja pulls Kuki up by her hair. Despite the pain, Kuki wrestles herself free and tries to get to Bradley but the leader fires a laser at her knee. "Yaaah!" Kuki screams and collapses to the floor.
"This'll make dealing with the others much easier, now that we've got you, their healer. Oh yes, Father knows all about your special powers and he wants to study them too. Once we've taken care of the rest your team, you'll get to spend lots of time in his dungeon." Upon hearing the word "dungeon", something begins to swirl in Kuki's heart and her eyes become blank.
"…what…did you say?" Kuki mutters with a shaky voice as the Ninjas begin laughing at her.
"Hah-hah, what, you still wanna fight back? You don't stand a chance against us! We were chosen specifically to defeat your team and you're nothing without them! All you do is hide behind their backs and…uargh!" The Ninjas are thrown against the wall as a furious Kuki stands up, her eyes glowing pink and hair flowing wildly.
"That's it…I'm not listening to your crud anymore!" Kuki roars as she pulls Bradley into her arms and prepares to turn her fury towards the Ninjas.
"Ghh, this is just your last gasp! Cloak, now!" The Ninjas become invisible as Kuki stands still menacingly, surrounded by a telekinetic vortex that rips pieces off the tunnel. "Even if you use your powers, you'll never hit us! Our stealth cloaks can't be detected!" the leader taunts as the Ninjas open fire on Kuki, but she uses pieces of concrete to block them easily. "What the…?!"
"I'll show you who's really weak! I won't let anyone go through what Wally did ever again!" Kuki snarls and summons five, glowing pink ghost hamsters. "Get 'em." she says coldly as the hamsters hiss and fly all around the tunnel. Like heat-seeking missiles, they strike their invisible targets, freezing the Ninjas in mid-air.
"Uargh…I can't move!" Despite their Delightfulization, the Ninjas can't free themselves from the ghost hamster's grip. Kuki then has the hamsters bring them close before slamming the Ninjas hard against the floor.
"Impossible…she shouldn't be this powerful!" the leader shouts as Kuki rips off the Ninjas B.R.A.'s, freeing them from the chip's control, before turning her attention to him. "Grr…I've gotta retreat and…UARRRGH!" Kuki mercilessly grabs the leader and slams him against the wall. Fear starts creeping in as Kuki walks close to the Ninja leader and presses her hand against the boy's chest, her eyes filled with cold rage.
"Nobody...calls me weak! I'm Numbuh 3 of Sector V. And you just made me angry." her piercing gaze causes the Ninja to fear for his life, but Kuki fires a concentrated telekinetic pulse, shattering his B.R.A. and destroying the Delightfulization chip. As his unconscious body slumps to the floor, the adrenaline rush Kuki had fades away and she collapses on her knees.
"Ow…" she gasps in pain when, much to her relief, Bradley wakes up. "Bradley! Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?" the skunk shakes its head as Kuki lets go of him. "Hold on…I'll heal myself…" Kuki puts her hands together and quickly heals the injuries she received from the Ninjas. "*sigh* I over did it again…" she laments as she looks around the tunnel, surrounded by the six knocked out Ninjas. "They were just being controlled…right?" she asks Bradley, who tilts his head before pointing his shovel hand at her right wrist. "Oh yeah, it was shut down by the braces…oh no, come on…work…argh, you've gotta be kidding me! This stupid thing is fried!" Kuki throws her hands in the air in frustration but Bradley squeaks, waving its shovel hand frantically. "Hmm? What's wrong? Wait, what are you…?" Bradley pulls Kuki's right hand closer and puts its fingers around the B.R.A. bracelet. "Hey!" tiny sparks fly out from the fingers and Kuki's armor reactivates successfully, much to her surprise. "Wow, I didn't know you could do that!" the skunk nods proudly and jumps on her shoulder. "Okidoki, let's go find Wally!" but before Kuki leaves, she heals the freed teenagers and then flies towards the closed blast door. However, the Ninja's words have left a impression on her.
"I'm not a dead weight anymore. I'm can handle myself, no matter what happens."
…
On the other end of the service tunnel, Wally continues to lead Ernest and his trio of Absolutely Completely Destructive Machines through the darkness. Despite the conditions, Wally can see in the dark thanks to his helmet's HUD, which lets him maneuver in the maze-like tunnels easily. However, he soon realizes that all the elevator shafts have been sealed and he doesn't have anything that can break through them. As the three machines fire at him, Wally makes his choice and heads towards a huge assembly area, with a single cargo elevator that leads to the Mansion's front yard. "Okay Ernie, let's end this right here." he mutters as he enters the assembly area and lands at the very center. He doesn't have to wait his pursuers for long as the mechs arrive and block the only exit. As they point their laser cannon arms at Wally, Ernest stomps the big foot of his machine against the concrete floor.
"End of the line, Beetles. There's nowhere to hide now!"
"Hah, fat chance! This is where I'll break yer robots to pieces!"
"You don't stand a chance! Get 'im!" Ernest orders Chuck and the other Ninja pilot to charge at Wally, but when the second machine tries to punch Wally, he dodges, causing the ACD Machine's arms to dig hard into the concrete and leaving the machine stuck. Seeing his chance, Wally draws his sword and slices off the machine's back-mounted thrusterpack. However, now Chuck makes his move and tries to catch Wally in mid-air, but he immediately flies out of the way and peppers Chuck's machine with his heat-laser cannons. Despite knowing that his lasers are barely causing any damage, it's enough to get Chuck's attention and he turns his Destructive Machine towards Wally, who begins flying along the assembly area's wall.
"I'll shoot you down, you damn fly!" Chuck opens fire but Wally dodges and weaves through the barrage without a scratch, managing to get around Chuck's machine and flying past Ernest's machine as well, leading Chuck to accidently fire a burst at his leader.
"Gargh! You idiot! Watch where yer shootin'!" Ernest let's out a furious shout as Chuck's lasers strike his machine's torso, knocking it on its back and disabling its external cameras.
"S…sorry Boss!" Chuck replies and notices Wally floating around the ceiling. "Damn you! You're gonna pay for that!"
"You pulled the trigger, ya dumbass!" Wally taunts and dives head-on against Chuck's machine.
"Eat this!" Chuck fires wildly at Wally, who pulls up his left-hand energy shield to guard against the lasers while also drawing his sword, his sights set on the other ACD Machine, which has managed to pulls its arms out of the floor, and is now coming at him head-on.
"RAAARGH!" Passing through the lasers, Wally takes aim with his sword and strikes the second machine's right arm while applying full thrust from his jetboots and wing boosters. With a single flying pass, Wally cuts the machine's right arm in two from the hand to the shoulder, causing it to explode. The resultant flash blinds both Chuck and the other pilot, allowing Wally to fire his Accelerator Rifle at the remaining arm's shoulder joint. The high-speed shell flies cleanly through the shoulder and rips off the arm completely, effectively disabling the ACD Machine, and it topples helplessly to the ground.
"Gah, dammit! I'm not gonna lose to you again!" Chuck screams and tries to attack Wally once more, but before he can do anything, Ernest, who managed to reboot his ACD Machine's cameras, stands the mech up and pushes Chuck's machine aside, knocking the teenager unconscious.
"Hmph, so ya got up, Ernie." Wally readies his sword as Ernest's machine let's out a mechanical roar and slams it's main arms together.
"Graaa, you're mine, Beetles!" Ernest's machine rushes forward, it's four arms ready grab Wally, but he quickly evades Ernest's grip and tries to go around the hulking mech. "Nuh-uh, not gonna work on me!" Ernest smirks as the machine's back-mounted arms swivel backwards and swat Wally like a fly, sending him plummeting to the ground.
"Urgh…" Wally gasps as he tries to get back up but Ernest grabs him and squeezes Wally in the machine's steel grip.
"That's right Beetles, this is what you are! Just a worthless bug! I've waited so long this…and I'm gonna enjoy it!"
"ARRGH!" Wally screams in pain as the ACD Machine's grip keeps tightening. Then, he is tossed across the assembly area like a rag doll. He lands back first against the wall and slides down to the floor, gasping for air "…grrr…dammit…" Ernest's attack has left Wally seriously injured and he can't move a muscle, no matter how hard he tries. However, despite the pain, Wally grits his teeth and stares back defiantly at Ernest, how is slowly approaching his nemesis.
"Hah-hah-hah, this is what it's like to have REAL power! I told you Beetles, you chose the losing side and now, I'm gonna make ya suffer for it!" Ernest reels back the ACD Machine's four arms and prepares to pummel Wally to pulp, but then, out of nowhere, something slams into the mech's left side, knocking it off its balance. "Guarrrgghh! What the heck's going oooon?!" A helpless Ernest screams as the machine falls on it's right side like timber.
"Huh…what…happened…?" Wally struggles to speak as a person appears before him. "…wait…no way…Numbuh 3?" Wally lifts his head and sees a furious Kuki standing in-front of him, her fists clenched. "Why'd you come back…I…"
"YOU DUMMY!" Kuki shouts and slaps Wally across his face.
"Gah! Oi, what was that for?!" Wally yells back as Kuki kneels next to him and grabs his shoulders.
"Because you're an idiot! Why did you leave us like that?! You promised to you'd stay with me!" Seeing the faint tears of frustration in her eyes, Wally lowers his head and hides his eyes under his blond hair.
"…sorry…but this is personal…I gotta settle this alone…"
"No you don't! And I won't let you! You don't have to fight by yourself anymore! You've got us…and me!" Wally can't bear to look Kuki in the eye and grits his teeth, realizing that his ego got the better of him yet again.
"Aw crud…I didn't…" then, Kuki gives him a short hug before helping him back up.
"You should rely on me more…just like I rely on you." However, their moment is interrupted as an enraged Ernest stands his machine up.
"Gargh! So, you brought your little girlfriend here too?! Hah-haa, then I'll make ya watch as I tear her apart first!"
"BRADLEY!" Kuki shouts as Chuck's ACD Machine suddenly stands up and much to Wally's disbelief, Bradley is standing inside the cockpit.
"Wait, what the crud is that skunk doing there?!" Wally's jaw drops as Bradley lowers the ACD Machine's legs and rolls towards Ernest's machine using it's treads, landing a heavy tackle against it's back.
"Argh, what the heck's going on?! Chuck, where are you?!" but Ernest doesn't get a response as Bradley moves the stolen mech between his friends and Ernest.
"Keep that creep busy while I patch up Wally!" Bradly gives Kuki a thumbs up with the ACD Machine and holds back Ernest while Kuki presses her hands against Wally's chest.
"Oi, wait!"
"Hold still silly." A warm feeling envelops Wally and in a blink of an eye, his battle fatigue and his injuries have disappeared.
"Wow…thanks…I owe ya...again..." Kuki giggles and lowers her Kitsune mask back over her face.
"Let's take him down together, okay?"
"Hmph, fine. This is gonna be a piece of cake!" Wally pulls up his helmet and draws his sword before both teenagers charge towards Ernest's imposing Absolutely Completely Destructive Machine.
"BEETLES!"
"ERNIE!" The boys shout at each other as the battle for the Mansion heats up.
End of Transmission 57
Note: When I started re-writing this story back in 2019, I knew I had to include a final clash between Numbuh 4 and Ernest, but I wasn't sure how to do it. So, to make things a bit more interresting, I decided to give Ernest a giant mech, because why not? However, I had a lot of trouble coming up with a design that would fit. So, the Absolutely Completely Destructive Machines that Ernest and his cronies use are based on the Really Really Incredibly Destructive Machine used by the Delightful Children in Operation: L.O.V.E., with some design cues (four arms and treads incorporated into the legs) taken from the mech that Dexter and his older versions built in the Dexter's Lab movie, Ego Trip.