Final chapter. It's taken me over a year, but this story can finally reach a conclusion.

...

The three of them rushed in, antidote in hand.

"We've got it!" Numbuh 2 exclaimed, handing the vial to the medics.

The trio watched them crowd around her bed.

"Do you think it'll work?" Numbuh 3 asked.

"It should," replied Numbuh 2, "but it might take a minute."

When the crowd parted, they all approached their leader's bedside, watching and waiting for her to wake up.

...

The first thing that Numbuh 5 felt when she slowly began to open her eyes was a pounding headache.

As she blinked away the brightness that assaulted her eyes, she sat up and rubbed her head, letting out another moan.

She could hear voices around her, and heard a giddy voice cry out, "Numbuh 5!"

She grunted when she felt someone throw themselves at her, wrapping their arms tightly around her.

"Numbuh 3?" Numbuh 5 asked, recognizing the owner of the voice and arms.

"Alright, Numbuh 3," another voice said, "let go of her. You need to give her a few minutes to fully wake up."

"Oh, okay."

Numbuh 5 blinked again as Numbuh 3 let go of her.

She rubbed her eyes and yawned, wondering where she was.

She looked around, her vision finally adjusting.

She was in a hospital-type bed, surrounded by other operatives.

Next to her stood her three teammates, all beaming at her gratefully.

She looked at them, confused and asked, "What happened?"

"It's a long story, Numbuh 5." Numbuh 4 responded, "But, man, are we glad to see you awake!"

"Abby," said Numbuh 2, "do you remember anything at all?"

Numbuh 5 took a few seconds to think, then spoke, "Numbuh 5 remembers that... Cree came to the treehouse. She said she wanted to talk... she wanted to patch things up. I remember she gave me a soda... and we talked. But then Numbuh 5 started feeling funny... I don't know what happened after that."

"Cree tricked you," explained Numbuh 2, "she wanted to make sure you didn't wake up until you were a teen. She was going to try to make you turn against us and join her. We needed to get the antidote for what she gave you so we could wake you up. And you're awake now," a few tears trickled down Numbuh 2's cheeks, a smile lighting up his face, "and we've missed you so much, Abby!"

Numbuh 5 smiled back.

One of the medics came up to her and asked, "Do you think you're ready to get back in action?"

Numbuh 5 nodded, "Yeah."

Then her stomach started growling.

Numbuh 2 chuckled, "I guess after being unconscious for a while, you might need some food in you."

Numbuh 5 grinned and slid off the bed.

"Come on," said one of the medics, taking her hand, "let's get you some ice cream and get you back in your regular clothes.

Numbuh 2 watched, beaming, as the others left the room one by one.

"Welcome back, Abby."

...

Back at the treehouse, Numbuhs 2, 3, and 4 all told Numbuh 5 about what happened while she was asleep.

"We're happy that you're awake, though." Numbuh 3 finished, giving her another hug.

"Me too," replied Numbuh 5, "sounds like you guys handled yourselves pretty well."

"Yeah, but we missed you leading us." Numbuh 4 replied, "But Numbuh 2 here really stepped up into the role of temporary leader."

Numbuh 5 looked at Numbuh 2 and smiled, "Thanks, Numbuh 2."

Numbuh 2 shrugged, blushing a little, "It was nothing."

"Hey!" Numbuh 3 exclaimed, "I just remembered that there's a new Yipper special on tonight!"

Numbuh 4 looked at his watch, "That's right, and it starts in less than an hour... I think."

"I'll get the popcorn!" Numbuh 3 declared, skipping to the kitchen.

"And I'll get the soda." Numbuh 4 added, then looked at Numbuh 5, "Potion-free, of course."

Numbuh 5 rolled her eyes as Numbuh 4 headed for the fridge.

She then noticed that Numbuh 2 had a worried expression on his face.

"What's wrong, Hoagie?"

"Well, Numbuh 3 and Numbuh 4 said that Father was still looking for Numbuh 1."

"Yeah?"

"Well... what if he finds out where he went and follows him into space? What if he finds Numbuh 1 and we can't help him? What if-"

"Hoagie," Numbuh 5 interrupted, holding her hand up, "Numbuh 5 knows your worried, but listen, Numbuh 1 can handle himself out there. If he couldn't they wouldn't have sent him out there in the first place. Besides, Numbuh 4 made him promise that he'd give us a call if he needed our help. And who knows how long it'll take Father to figure out where Numbuh 1 is? As long as The Kids Next Door are on his tail, tracking him down will be a challenge."

Numbuh 2 smiled, "Yeah, you're right, and space is really big. It would probably take him a million years."

Numbuh 5 smiled back, "Thanks again for taking care of Cree. Might be a while before she tries to mess with us again."

"You really think so?"

"Numbuh 5 knows so," her face fell for a moment, "Numbuh 5 feels kinda stupid for falling for her little trap so fast. I let my guard down too easy. But after this, Numbuh 5's gonna keep her guard up again no matter what!"

Numbuh 2 took her hand, "Well, I'm just glad you're okay now. And if she tries anything again, we'll just kick her butt all over again!"

Numbuh 5 chuckled, "That's right!"

End Transmission

...

You know, at first I regretted writing this because I thought in hindsight that it was a stupid story. But seeing the amount of reviews and favorites it's gotten, I'm now thinking that maybe I was being a bit too hard on myself. I honestly don't regret it anymore.

Since the school year is starting up again, I think I'm going to take a break from writing fanfic for a while.

Once again, thank you all for everything. Don't worry, I'll be back someday.