Again apologies, been very busy with work and getting the creative juices flowing.

Disclaimer i don't own KND...

Chapter 11 : Explanations

"Wh… What?" Rachel yells

As she sits there shifting through various emotions… besides hurt and confusion, anger was at the top of the list. Looking at his smug face, in one swell swoop she decks him. Nigel was too surprised to see it coming and stumbles out of the chair with a thud.

'Bullocks… I should have expected that.' He though as he laid there rubbing his jaw

Realizing what she had just done, Rachel rushed to his side. "Oh Nigel…. I'm sooooo sorry… I didn't mean…"

He rises up on his elbows and puts up a hand, stopping her.

"It's quiet alright Rachel, it's not like I expected a warm welcome."

"Still, I shouldn't have… I… I just…. Felt so angry at you. You did kinda just up and leave all of us without saying a word. Your family, your friends… me…" Her anger started to rise once more, but was quickly replaced with sadness. "I… I… I though, I'd lost you." She flung herself into his embrace.

Catching her, they both end up on the ground again, albeit more softly then before. Nigel held her, feeling her soft sobs dampening his shirt.

"You know, you still haven't told me… why… why you left. Was it something I did?"

Nigel looks down, locking with Rachel's tear stained eyes. He seems baffled that she should even think it was her fault. He bent down and kissed her.

Pulling back, he replied. "Now why on earth would I leave because of you?"

"I… I… I don't know… after that mission and your break up with Lizzie, I thought…?"

"No, no, my dear that was bound to happen. That was entirely my fault and my bloody super computer. Lizzie and I were too different… literally. She couldn't understand my commitment to the cause. Though I did like her, you know me… the KND came first. That my dear Rachel, is why I left… for the KND."

"Why? How? How did I not know? I never gave you an order."

He looked up, "You didn't need to… the organization did a superb job of that." He pondered for a moment "Since I can't bear keeping this a secret any longer, I must tell you."

"Tell me what?" She sniffed

"Well… How do I explain, uh… do you remember Splinter Cell?" She nods

"Well that was a cover up for another top-secret organization known as the Galactic Kids Next Door." He looked down expecting her confusion. "Apparently the G: KND scours the world looking for the best operatives on their respective planets. When they came to Earth, it happened to be me. Though in retrospect it could have been Chad, but I think he was disqualified because of his age. By choosing the one operative, they had to leave everything behind, no one could know of this Super Top-Secret assignment. Luckily for me they allowed me to say my farewells to my parents. I also had the fortune to say one last goodbye to my team. I don't know when or how, but they found out about my departure. Heck even I didn't know about it!" He chuckled "Good ol rascals, Sector V, can never keep their noses out of anything… for that I am grateful. Thus, I left on a whole new adventure protecting kids, galaxy wide from adult tyranny… or so I thought."

The ever-silent Rachel spoke up "How… how come I wasn't informed? I was the Supreme Leader at the time…?"

"As I said before, it was super Top-Secret, only a few kids knew and not even the Supreme Leader had authorization to that information. I did what I had to do… I thought it was an honor, the highest given upon any KND operative, and I gladly accepted it with pride." He sighed "Though, I knew the cost of such a position, the KND came first and foremost."

Rachel visibly relaxed in Nigel's arms, taking in the information he shared. 'Wow, how did I not know… what other secrets has the KND been hiding?' She wondered, looking up at Nigel 'to think I blamed myself for all these years, come to find out he did it all on his own.' She shook her head 'How naïve, I've been, I should have known… of course he'd do something like that, he wouldn't be Numbuh One if he didn't.' She continued thinking about his spiel. "So, what happened to Chad? I remember he too was nowhere to be found, not since the failed TREATY attempt with the Teens."

"Oh… uh well the bloke went with me, you know us, always fighting to be on top. Chad pretty much became my partner out there. He's on Earth with me, no doubt looking for his parents. Although he wasn't supposed to be here, he kinda followed me… orders I guess."

Rachel smiled, knowing her predecessor was doing okay. She moves… stopping and looking away from Nigel with a faint blush upon her face. Just now she came to take notice of the position they were in. He looks down, not missing the red tint to his companion's features. He too reddens but says nothing. They sit in silence, Rachel fumbling with his vest as his fingers absent mindlessly stroking her hair.

"Hey…Nigel…?"

"Hmm?" He responds

"I know…. I know we have a lot of catching up to do. There is still more I would like to know about this G: KND, but… but for tonight could you just… just hold me. I… I don't want to let you go. Not again, not after just finding you. Will you… will you stay?"

"Well I'm not sure how long I'll be here on Earth. I mean I wasn't given…"

"No, I mean stay here… with me… tonight."

He blushes an even darker red, "A… are you sure? I don't want to impose."

"It…it'll'' be fine… please?"

He smirks "Anything for you my dear." He rises, scooping up as if she weighed nothing. "Which way to your chambers?"

Again, her face flushes, hoping she wasn't too bold in her previous request, she points down the hall. Nigel strides down the short corridor opening the door at the end of the hall. Opening the door without putting his passenger down and with some elegance he closed the door with a tug of his foot. Tonight, belong to them, to comfort each other. Too many years had passes, too many tears were shed, and too much distance had separated the two. However tonight, nothing separated them, finally together. Even if it was for one night only.

Both men looked up toward the door. There standing in the doorway, stood his mother, shocked as though she had seen a ghost.

Her voice trembles, "Cha… Chad… Chadrick, can it be? Do my eyes deceive me? Oh my baby! My baby has returned!" She all but runs to him, tears flowing

"Mom!" He held his arms out for her. They embraced each other "Oh mom… it's me, im home… I'm sorry… I'm so so sorry." He looked down at her, having grown to be the same height as his father. "Please forgive me and all the trouble I've caused… Dad told me everything…"

"Son, hush… it's okay. I'm just glad you're here… After all those years, my baby has come home!" Hugging him once more, not wanting to let go. Finally, she did asking him, while scolding "Now where have you been young man? Your Father and I have been worried sick about you, and here you are…" Her stern voice cracked as she began to cry again.

"Mooomm…" He groans "I didn't mean to worry you guys! There were just somethings I had to do… I was just telling dad." He became stoic as he stated his tale.

"As I was telling dad, I'm a part of this organization known as the Galactic Kids Next Door. A parallel to the Kids Next Door, but galactic or galaxy wide, hence the name. Though over the years G: KND's motives have become a bit…unclear. Therefore, I believe that you all on Earth are in danger. I know I may end up in trouble for telling you this, but you should… need to know. As you have already identified the KND is known for fighting adult tyranny. The same can be said for its sister the G: KND, but along the way… I think they started taking things too far."

"Well what are you trying to say son? From what I can remember your club was pretty much harmless." Dad claimed

"That is true… we never did much damage, but these guys are on a whole other level. They believe being a grown-up…is… well they think it is a disease. Like a sickness so bad that it needs to be wiped out…permanently." He looked at his parents, expecting their confusion, he stated to elaborate.

"What I'm trying to say is anyone over the age of eighteen, will be removed from existence...killed for a lack of a better term. Earth seems to be the number one target, seeing as more than three-fourths of the population meets their criteria." His parents gasp, he continues

"However, I wasn't supposed to return here, some unforeseen circumstances led me home, which I am grateful. One, I get to see my family and two, I can warn as many people as I can. I'm not certain this is one hundred percent truth, but the Intel I've been gathering over the years, points to this as a possible outcome. The only question is when…."

"Are… are you sure? I mean, I just don't understand, why would anyone want to do something like that? It seems…. So inhumane..." His mother retorted

"Trust me, I know, but something or someone has triggered them into thinking we are a threat. I intend to find out what/whom. In the meantime, I want to enjoy the little time I have with my family… if that's okay with you?"

They smiled "Of course son…Take as much time as you need. We have a lot of catching up to do and you can get to know your brother.

Abby and Hoagie were up early, despite the late night they had. Late nights seemed to be the new norm for the duo. The couple just sat around the table chatting, having received a call from Wally not too long ago.

"Honey at least he is doing alright, sometimes Abby worries about him. Especially since he is all alone ova there. Abby knows he can take care of himself though."

"That's for sure; I know if there is any trouble around, he'd be the first to show up with guns blazing." Hoagie lamented "Still it'd be great if the whole team were together. Too bad Kuki had to go back, I'm pretty sure she would have been just as eager to see Nigel as Wally." He laughs

"Sugah, Abby's still can't believe it herself. Outta all the guys, Rach could have fallen fo, she ended up with ol Nigel. Abby wonders how Rachel took the news; we haven't seen em since we went to sleep. Think they're alright?"

"Hmm… well how would you feel if I just left without saying much? I doubt you'd be happy about it."

"Yeah, you are right baby; Abby would have knocked ya senseless." She laughs

Laughter rang out from behind them, "That's exactly what she did." Nigel walked in to the kitchen, only wearing his pants and tank top.

They turned around startled, "Hey Nigel, wasup? See you stayed the night."

"As did you ol chap." He smirked "Rachel suggested it, being a late night, plus my hotel is all the way down town. Who could say no to that logic? Plus I can hang out with my old friends." He smiled as he goes over to make himself a cup of coffee.

Hoagie states, "Yeah…. I'm pretty sure you did more than just hang out." He raises his eyebrow.

Nigel does a spit take of his freshly poured coffee, having a coughing fit. His face flushes as he clears his throat. Abby gives a knowing smile and shakes her head; she punches Hoagie in the arm.

He chuckles as Nigel gets his composure back, he asks, "So what are the plans for today?"

The two shrug and Hoagie replies "Not sure, we usually wait for Rachel, she's been taking charge."

"Taking charge? What bloody for? Is there something going on that I don't know about?" Nigel questions.

"Hey, we are just as lost as you. All know is for the past week, we've been getting attacked. That's why we were at the treehouse the other night. Abby'll bet you that whoever is behind this is after you baby."

"Me? Why me? I just got here."

"Exactly… everything started after you showed up. Befo then, it was pretty peaceful."

"That does make sense, but how did whoever it is know? I've been gone for years. What could have put them into to motion now?"

Hoagie chimes in, "Beats me…" He shrugged "The more important question is when or where are we getting breakfast, I'm starved!"

"Boy you're always starving, what's new? Sides we have to wait for Rachel…"

"No need." She states walking into the room. "Whenever you guys are ready, let's move, we have a lot to discuss."

Rachel decided to drive her car today, feeling the need to take charge of the current situation. Action was needed and she was the go to for taking action when needed. Looking to the side she glances at the bald man beside her, gazing out the window.

She smiles 'How lucky I am'

Hoagie interrupts her thoughts. "So where are we going Rach?" He asks

"We're already here, Lime Ricky's. He makes one heck of an omelet and always has a good cup of Joe." She states pulling into a parking spot and turning off the car.

"Abby could use a mean cup of joe, something to wake her right up!"

"Did someone say… Cuppa Joe?" A crazed voice range out across the parking lot

"Ah, yes… I believe they did." Replied a low voice with a slight accent

The quartet turned around, noticing two slender gentlemen in suits. Quickly they realized the danger they were in.

"Well I'll be… if it isn't ol Cuppa Joe…" Abby Started

"And old Mr. Fizz" Hoagie finished

"Now children, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Just come with us and we'll get this over with quickly. No need to resist."

"Children…? Dude I'm like twenty-five, how can you still call us kids?" Hoagie exclaimed

"Seeing as you st… st… still do kiddie exploits, you ar… are just as bad as the KND." Explained Cuppa Joe

"Alright, alright… let's get this over with. Who sent you, and what do you bloody want with us?" Nigel asked

"Only you Mr. Uno… Other than that the boss doesn't want to reveal the plan. They don't take kindly to failure; we will take you by force if we have to." With that Mr. Fizz lunged at Rachel who happened to be the nearest obstacle. 'Oh come one… is one good peaceful morning too hard to ask for?' she thought parrying a blow from his cane.

Charging in with relentless thrusts, he came for her with little effort. Suddenly he recoiled dodging a barrage of marbles flying past him. Glancing to his right he noticed Hoagie aiming at him.

"Two against one eh, well I guess I'll have to engage you both and accommodate appropriately." He flipped the soda tap on his cane, revealing a smooth red button, pressing the button to transform into his soda suit. "Now prepare, children to meet your doom!"

Abby and Nigel were in a battle of their own, having a bout with the more unstable of the two. Both had their weapons drawn, the splanker and a mustard gun.

"Come on baby, let's whoop this overrated cup of coffee's bitter butt."

Cuppa Joe was ready with his coffee and coffee ground spray guns. Abby and Nigel both jumped across the few cars in the parking lot weaving in between to cause a minor distraction. Abby was going for close range and Nigel keeping a good firing distance. Jumping into the air she dives at Joe, releasing her Splanker. Missing a narrow blast from his coffee ground ray, she came with a back spinning kick. Cuppa Joe blocks and lands a solid hit across her right shoulder blade. Locking on to the downed operative, Cuppa Joe is blinded with mustard having forgotten about the second operative. Cuppa Joe stumbles, falling to the ground as Nigel helps Abby to her feet.

"Are you alright?"

"Yea, Abby's fine."

"Might I suggest double teaming?"

Cuppa Joe is back on his feet. Grabbing a huge cup of coffee he downs it in a matter of seconds. "Now le…le…let's go you brats. I'm… I'm recharged." He shouted charging his coffee guns, Joe starts blasting wildly.

"Look out Sugah!"

The two dive out of the way, with a single look they are on their feet and at once they charge from different sides looking for a decent opening to attack. Nigel fires his gun, missing a shot to Joe's face, but enough to knock his hat off and get his attention. Nigel starts running, looking behind to see if Joe would follow. Enraged from his sombrero getting knocked off, he begins charging. Nigel turns, jumps, and shoots aiming for the ground, causing Cuppa Joe to slip. Abby began her assault, taking advantage of Joe's incoherent form; she lands a swift kick to the lower back. With one final blow, she knocks him out with a splanker to the face.

"Let's go see if the others need help." Nigel yells, leaving a sprawled out Cuppa Joe on the pavement as they rush off.

Hoagie was pinned down by a current of fizzy pop, while Rachel was desperately dodging short bursts from Mr. Fizz's cannons. Not having a decent weapon, all she could do was rely on her combat skills. Diving behind a car for protection, she noticed Hoagie's stray marbles, he picked up a few. Peering out, she tried to assess the situation before her. Mr. Fizz had stopped dousing Hoagie and had him in the air by his neck. He coughed and hacked as he struggled to get loose.

"See child you are no match for my experience and expertise. Now let's end this tiresome game so I can get on with the task at hand…apprehending Nigel Uno. The boss will be…ugh!" Dropping Hoagie, he reaches for his eye. His glasses broken and eye started to swell. Rachel walks up circling the marbles in her hand.

"You will not touch Nigel… Whatever crazy scheme you and your boss have, he will have no part. Lay one finger on him and I swear…" She flung another marble, which he dodged effortlessly.

Hoagie was now on his feet. Mr. Fizz twisted a dial on his soda suit, increasing the pressure on his soda cannons. Aiming at both operatives, he fires. Hoagie jumps, while Rachel barely sidesteps. The two lunge at him, as he continues to block. Rachel lands a punch to his side, as Hoagie manages to grab him from behind.

"Who is your boss? More importantly what does he want with Nigel?" she questions

Mr. Fizz spits "That's none of your concern child. It is between the boy and them." He sneers

She gives him one jab to the stomach and a quick punch to the jaw. Hoagie ends up doing a full body suplex, knocking Mr. Fizz out.

"Guess that soda's gone flat." He laughs "Get it…. Flat"

Rachel sighs, hearing footsteps she looks up. "Hey are you two, doing okay?" she asks

"Yeah girl, he was a piece of cake. It seems like y'all didn't do too bad yourselves." She says, eyeing Mr. Fizz's body

"Did either of you find out, why they want me so bad?" Nigel asked

"No, he refused to say much at all, but I have a few ideas on how to make them talk." She grinned, as the group shivered "Hey Hoagie can you get inside my trunk and grab some rope to tie these guys up?" Rachel asked, while throwing him the keys "Abby and I will get a table while you boys handle them."

"Aye aye, cap'n!" Hoagie saluted dragging Mr. Fizz by his shoe over to Cuppa Joe. Hopefully they could get some answers… and soon…

After a long family breakfast, Chad was happy and exhausted. He was happy to be home, but tired because his mother wouldn't let him out of her sight.

He let out a breath 'I wonder how they all will handle it when I leave again?' he thought' Dad had to practically drag mom away to go to the town meeting today, which she is the chairman of…'He shakes his head and smirks.

Opening the back patio door he takes a sip of his morning coffee. Looking around the backyard, he sees his little brother he barely knows sitting on the ground underneath the tree, seemingly playing on some type of tablet.

Chad walks over 'Might as well try and get to know him'

"Hey… Whatcha doing?"

"Nothing…" He replied not looking up

"Hmm, nothing looks very interesting…" Chad reaches over and plucks the device from his kid brother

"Hey! Give it back, you crummy adult. That's very important stuff, not like you would know anything about that." He jumped reaching for his property

'Hmm, he's right. These are some complex schematics… wait is that the Town Hall building, and… yea that's the high school.' He gave the tablet back to his brother.

"So… how long you've been in the KND?" Cedrick looked shocked, then frowned. "I… I don't know what you're talking about." he went back to playing with his tablet

Chad smiled and drank some coffee, looking around the yard again. "Well either you are in some pretty advanced classes or you just love browsing the web for every blueprint of the entire city. Only one of those is close to being the right answer, next to working for the KND." He raised an eyebrow, looking down at Cedrick.

Exasperated "Okay… fine, yea I am a part of the KND. Just don't tell mom and dad. They don't like it, especially after that whole fiasco with you." He pleaded

"Now why would I tell them? This is a secret between two brothers." He winked

"Yeah… some brother I have…" He grimaced

"And what do you mean by that?" Chad wondered

"Nothing…"

"Well it can't be 'nothing', or you wouldn't have mentioned it, so what gives?"

"It means, because of you, I'm the most mocked operative in the entire organization. Okay! Either people look up to you because you were once the best and some expect that from me or they tease me for having a deserter of a brother. One who went rouge because Numbuh One was better than him." He fumed

Chad looked dumbfounded 'Never would I have thought that would come back to haunt me.' He thought.

He chuckled "Well they are half right, I was the best, out done by the infamous Numbuh One, but I did not go rouge… well… maybe for a little. On the contrary, everything I did was to help the cause; I did the KND a great service without them ever knowing." Ceddy looked at him skeptically

"Don't believe me? I could call up Numbuh One myself, and ask him about our mission with the G: KND."

Wide eyed he questioned "You know where Numbuh One is? I thought he went missing on a mission, legend says he is on a super-secret mission."

Chad smiled "Maybe not right this minute, but I'm sure if I call he'll answer." Chad set down his coffee cup and pressed a few button on his Comm Watch. After a few seconds of connecting tones, Nigel answered.

"What is it Dickson, I'm in the middle of breakfast with my friends." Nigel's face appeared over the data link

"Can it Uno, I was just checking up on you. Where are you anyway?"

Nigel leaned over talking to Rachel on the side. "We are at Lime Ricky's, the gang says hi…"

He moves the watch around the table. Chad gets a glimpse of the group.

"Hey I didn't know that place was still up and running, also it looks like you are missing two of your teammates." He laughs "Oh hey, I have someone who wants to say hi as well." He hand his watch to Cedrick

"Sir, Numbuh 472, it's an honor to meet you and the legendary Sector V, Sir!" He salutes star struck

"At ease, soldier." He smiled, eyes gleaming "You are in the presence of two other higher ranking officers then myself." He positioned his watch on both Rachel and Abby.

Hoagie exclaimed "Hey what about me?"

Nigel laughs "Also my best friend in the world, Numbuh 2."

Chad retrieved his watch "Looks like you guys are having fun." he assumed.

"Not really, we were in the middle of discussing why Mr. Fizz and Cuppa Joe decided to attack us." Nigel retorted

"Really…? Wonder what's going on around here, if you need me just call. Currently, I am just spending time that I've lost with the family. You should do the same Uno."

"Of course I will Dickson, my friends just happened to find me first."

"Alright Uno, catch ya later, Dickson out." Chad smirks, 'Priorities…' He looks at his brother who is still wide eyes "Sooo… Numbuh 472 huh? It seems like someone likes my old numbuh." He teases crossing his arms

"Why wouldn't I? Besides Numbuh 0, 1,100, and 362, why wouldn't I pick my brothers numbuh?"

"I thought you were ashamed of me?" he asked

"I… I was, but I … I've always admired you. You are the brother I've never had, plus one of the best operatives of all times!"

Chad laughed again, "You're quite alright champ. So now that you've met Numbuh One, Two, Five, and 362, back to my original inquiry. Why do you have blueprints of the entire city on this thing?" He pointed to the tablet in Cedrick's hand.

Ceddy looked thoughtful for a moment "You see, it's a part of my sector's job. We collect Intel that will help the organization. Not like the Spec Ops or the Stealth Ops per-sea. We are more of the hacker types; we use technology to our advantage. Most kids think that should belong to the nerds, but I'm very good at it. I am the top operative on the moon base, in our Cyber Division." He beamed "Though the KND still uses 2x4 tech, we've upgraded as well, we don't have all the fancy electronics, but our skills are surpassed by none. The adults don't know what hit em."

"Wow I guess I've been gone too long, sounds impressive. What other cool new inventions has the organization come up with?" Chad asks

"Well they have…"

The brothers continue to talk forming a bond that only brothers can have…

"Jenkins… Jenkins!"

"Sir?"

"Where are Mr. Fizz and Cuppa Joe? It is already past noon. They should be here by now."

"Sir, I'll trying giving them a call, if they don't answer it is assumed they have been defeated."

"Jenkins… you know we don't take well to defeat."

"Yes, sir…Understood, sir. I'll contact them immediately."

"I don't see why we had to drive all the way here. I doubt they'd find us at school." Whined Hoagie

"That's where you're wrong, Hoagie." States Rachel "They obviously been tracking us, otherwise how would they know to go to Lime Ricky's?"

"She's got a point there honey, plus Abby thinks there is better protection here."

"I agree with the ladies, and on the other hand it would look less suspicious lugging these two chaps around in a less populated area, then the university." Nigel acknowledged.

Bound and gagged were Mr. Fizz and Cuppa Joe, no longer unconscious, but still unwilling to talk.

"Well since we can't get anything out of these two, anyone else surprised that Chad has a son?" Hoagie asked

Abby face palmed "That was his brother fool, how could Chad have a kid if he was in space?" The others laughed

"Hey you never know, I'm pretty sure there are some hot alien women out there… am I right Nigel?"

He asked wagging his eyebrows. Abby punches his shoulder, while Nigel pretends to look at something else. A vibration catches his attention. He looks around, trying to locate the source.

"Anyone else hears that?" he asks.

They look around trying to locate the noise. Walking closer to Mr. Fizz, the humming gets louder. Nigel pats him down, and reaches into his form pocket, pulling out a handheld mini tablet. Seeing the glowing red light, he presses it.

"Hallo?" he speaks. Jenkins face pops up on the screen.

"Mr. Fizz, the boss would like a word if you please. Sir?" He calls out.

Nigel reaches down and pressed the camera insignia, eyeing the tablet quizzically. Hearing shuffling on the other end a figure appears.

"Mr… Nigel, Nigel Uno… We meet again..."

He gasps, almost dropping the device. "No… it can't be…"

Staring at him where five set of eyes…. And a vile smirk "It's been a long time Nigel Uno…Far too long…" The Delightful Children from down the Lane

Hope you enjoyed! Ill try to get the next chapter going!