Surprisingly on my half, i got this done at a reasonable pace. It's a bit shorter then the previous chapter, but it works.
So again lovelies, enjoy! These awesome characters belong the to the fabulous Mr. Warburton, I own nothing...
Chapter 14: What Now?
Kneeling, he was hunched over in pain, labored breathing. He couldn't move… why couldn't he move. His body felt numb, besides the dull ache coursing down his sides. He swore he broke his ribs, but he had the keep going.
'Move damn it…move. I can't lose... I can't quit… not yet…'
"What's the matter, can't handle a little bout?" He spat
"I thought you were the best there ever was… pathetic really. No wonder you got passed up." He seethed
"Shut…Shut up!"
"Oh… he speaks, the prodigal child… the grand deserter of the KND, has a voice. I thought I'd have to beat it out of you, looks like I found the right button to make you talk."
"You have no…no right to talk about the organization. Heh… you call me a deserter… what do you call what you've done eh!?"
"Oh me… I've transcended so to speak, though you may call me a traitor too, that's fine with me. Made my way to the winning side as I see it, and my is it glorious." He smirked devilishly
'Get up damn it… I must save em… I'm the only one who can…'
"Heh, don't make me laugh. You are nothing but a coward, you abandoned us… You… you were the chosen one. Even though I hate to admit it… we… we counted on you."
"A pity really, nobody in their right mind should have to be honest. Didn't you realize who my lineage consisted of." He drawled striding over to the young man.
"Heck even I speculated it'd come to this; the organization just gave a little push in the right direction." He knelt coming face to face, lifting the bruised head, he speaks once more.
"Wouldn't you agree Dickson?" He smirked
He spat in his face, "Fuck you… Uno."
His skin turned black, while flames erupted as he punched him, everything going black.
Chad woke with a jolt… sweat dripping of his brow. Hand on his chest with the other surveying his face.
'God… it was only a dream. Nigel would never betray us… would he?' He questioned himself
Looking around, he noticed the sun was still setting, so he hadn't been sleeping long. He noticed his parents had come and gone, leaving a small note on the table for him. Picking it up he read it to himself. Still trying to calm himself down, from the vivid nightmare, he got up going to get a drink from the fridge.
'Hmm… guess they took Ced somewhere.'
Last thing he recalled was talking with Cedrick about the new sectors and inventions in the KND. They joked around and he showed him a few tricks for combat, however his brother was a quick learner and ended up putting him on his ass a few times.
He smiled at the memory, rubbing the back of his head 'Guess I'm on my own until they return. Now what should I do, I already took a nap and It'll be a couple hours before lights out. Dinner won't be ready until mom gets home… I could whip something up in the kitchen… buuut it's been so long since I've had a decent homecooked meal. Breakfast was awesome, but nothing compares to mom's roast beef!" He lamented
Deciding not to mess up the kitchen, he made his way up the stairs, eventually coming across his old room. It was still boarded up, like his father said. He felt the need to go inside, rushing down to the garage, rummaging through Dad's tools he found a hammer. Racing back up to his door, he began pulling out nails, leaning the boards against the wall. Board by board, he made his way to the actual door, placing the hammer down, he goes to open his door finding it locked.
He groans 'Of course…' He rolls his eyes
Reaching down into his pocket, he pulls out a small set of tools, kneeling he gets to work picking the lock. Hearing the click, he silently praises himself as he opens his door. Walking in he realizes his parents were right, they didn't touch a single thing in his room. His bed was a mess, the room had an old musty smell from being closed for too long. Making his way to the window he opened it up, again looking around. Nostalgia hitting him hard, he didn't even notice the tears streaming down his face. Upon his night stand, next to a collection of Yipper and baseball cards, was a picture of his first team. The picture consisted of him, Rachel, Maurice, Patton, Fanny and Numbuh 100. He looked so young, standing next to the then Supreme leader. Right next to that one was a photo of him and Nigel, when he went through training at the Arctic Training Base. Flipping it over, he saw his ten-year-old scribbling, 'Kids Next Door Rules! Never Forget!'. He laughed, wiping a tear from his face
'I never got a chance to forget… they didn't give me one. The Splinter Cell had plans for me… even though they screwed that up. If only they had extracted me before my thirteenth birthday, that was the original plan.' He snorted
'Right… who am I kidding, Numbuh Infinity knew, but did nothing. He was already set on Numbuh One, even if they had already informed me of what was going to happen. I guess that's why they chose him… he didn't know so his judgement wasn't skewed like mine. That's when I fell… fell of the pedestal they put me on both my parents and the organization. But Nigel… he knew nothing, and his thoughts were pure… the KND meant everything to him. Just like me… but I guess fame and being on top went to my head. I should have trusted my team, I knew they could lead without me… I guess… I guess I just didn't want to be forgotten.' He placed the picture back on his nightstand
Sitting on his bed he gave another glance over the room, 'But I worried for nothing… Rachel did an amazing job, no real surprise there.' He smiled 'She was destined for great things, hell… I did train her after all. The KND is better than ever and I'm not technically even in it anymore. Ha, it was foolish of me… I don't know what the hell I was thinking.' He shook his head
'Well I was just a kid, we do some of the stupidest things. Our hearts are in the right place, but man we have the craziest ideas. Hopefully Rach forgives me for all this, I know Fanny will give me an earful. That's to be expected.' He chuckled to himself
'I'm just going to have to make things right, luckily I don't have to search too far for them. That's one good thing about Nigel, he can be reliable… when he wants to that is…'
He was brought out of his thoughts, by someone yelling.
"Hey Chad, mom says come down and help her with dinner!" His brother yelled
He wondered how long he'd been upstairs, and why he didn't hear them come home. Standing up he walked over to the door, again looking around the room.
'I've already missed so much… my friends, my family, my… my childhood… gone… I'm done… no more is going to be taken from me. I'm done… done with the organization. This time, I'll leave without a fight, but I know it's coming. When it does, they'll know not to mess with Numbuh 274… no… Chad… Chad Dickson… Numbuh 274 is officially retired…' He vowed
"Coming he shouted!" Closing the door to his childhood
"You've had that the whole time! Dude, why didn't you say anything?" Hoagie blurted
"Hoagie, please you figured that out yourself, long ago. This is how they were able to track me, right? Even now they should know where I am, but being down here, the signal is jammed. Thanks to you."
"Huh?" He looked confused "What did I do?"
"You built that door; no signal can get out. We have a way for signals to get in but not out, remember?"
"Dat's some smart thinkin Sugah, Abby sees why we came down here now, sides dat nobody knows bout dis place. But Honey, how is dat gone help us find Father, da tracking only works one way."
"Ah, that's where you're wrong Abby. Here I have a device that can trace this back to its source. The source being Father, since this has most of his DNA and essence, it should lead us right back to him."
"Now how does that work exactly, Nigel? It's just a pipe… which probably has been sitting in your bag for the last decade. I don't even see how that can possibly work." Rachel scrutinized
"Again… this device will do the trick. All I must do is scan it, and the slightest trace of any cell left by the person is processed into its database and it will scour the galaxy to find the being… or person. It has come in handy several times, searching down lost or rouge operatives. It doesn't exactly pinpoint their location, just a general area." He explained
"Whoa… that's impressive. I need to get me one of those babies. Do you know what we could do with that?" Hoagie fawned
"Nothing. We'd do nothing with that, because that doesn't exist on earth… and think of if it fell into the wrong hands. Every single KND operative would be in deep trouble. Villains could find any of our top-secret bases, that we have hidden across the globe, not to mention space. We know they know about the moonbase, but not the other we have scattered out there." Rachel informed
"Wait we have more TS bases? I only know of two. Abby why didn't you tell me?" Hoagie whined
"Babe, dat is only fo da Supreme Leader to know bout. You were already privy to stuff you shouldn't have known anyway, but being a part of da science investigation team, some of dat stuff was bound to be found out. Abby can't tell ya eveythin sweetheart, ya know… rules and such." She gave him an apologetic smile
"She's right not many know about them and I would like to keep it that way. This is another reason, we are 'supposed' to get our minds wiped… especially supreme leaders." She eyed Abby
"Don't get me wrong I'm still ecstatic to keep my memories, but there is a lot in jeopardy when too many people know sacred information."
Nigel cleared his throat, "We don't have to worry about that love, this tech is only available to the top-ranking officers of the GKND. It requires special authorization to use, which of course I have. The code changes every time it is used, so we only have one chance to use it. Anything more would require more permissions from higher that I don't feel like dealing with right now. Wot we can do is track down Father and I'll secure it away safely like I've been doing."
"So, what are we waitin fo baby? Let's get dis show on da road. Da soonah we find dat milk dud, da soonah Abby can chillax again."
"Alright, alright… don't get your nickers in a knot. Just let me scan this bloody thing and we'll be on our way."
Nigel walked over to the table and set the pipe on down, opening the small round device extending it out, he started to examine the object. A minute ray flashed over the pipe, scanning up and down in a crisscross pattern. A low beeping sound emitted, as the progress bar showing the search was ongoing. Finally, it sounded off twice, signaling its completion.
"Fuck…" He groaned
"What!?" The trio exclaimed in unison
"Bloody hell…. He's in England…"
"Why's that so bad?" Hoagie asked
"Because… Grandfather is also in England…" Nigel informed
"Sir(s) the signal has been lost… last known location appears to be just outside the Uno residence. Shall I send someone to investigate?"
A long sigh was heard, "…No… I'm sure Mr. Uno will resurface…soon. It's not like he can vanish in thin air."
"Very well sir(s)… is there anything else you require this evening, young master(s)?"
"No Jenkins just run the bath and have our bed ready. We're going to retire early tonight, we have a feeling that our little 'friends' are up to something." The DCFDTL chorused
"Right away sire(s)."
They sat back into their overly large chair "…What are you up…Nigel Uno?" They questioned looking down the lane out of the large office window
"Are you fucking kidding me!" All eyes turned to Rachel. Everyone expected an outburst from Hoagie, so this was an uncanny surprise.
"Why the heck are the two most evil, powerful, destructive men in one place? Do you understand the kind of carnage that could ensue if they are left unchecked? We have to inform the Sector E, get a platoon… no a brigade of operatives over there as soon as possible. We need…."
"Whoa… whoa… whoa, Rach calm down. It's not that serious."
"Not that serious!" Her voice raised a couple of octaves
"How can you say that? Do you remember the chaos they caused? I was almost turned into a monkey, along with the rest of organization becoming a petting zoo." She yelled
Hoagie snorted causing Abby to elbow him in the side.
"Oh, and don't forget the agification and turning everyone into senior citizombies." She fumed
Trying to calm down his girlfriend, Nigel remarked "No… I did not forget that incident, nor will I ever. However, if I do recall we were able to take down both Father and Grandfather that day. That's why there is no need to worry, we got this under control. Also, to answer your question, Grandfather was moved back to England after the whole age-zombifaction debacle. My father thought it'd be best if he spent the remainder of his time in the homeland. So, Grandfather is under constant watch at a home for the elderly. Even a couple of chaps I met there agreed to look in on him from time to time. Now about Father… well I'm not entirely sure, but I can assume all is fine. Especially if nobody has reported any sightings of him in over a decade." He explained
"Really the only reason I was worried about them being together is, yes, in whatever case Father may try and coerce my Grandfather back into his old ways upon our arrival. That thought did cross my mind… also Father is a complete dick when they are together. He turns into a nincompoop, trying to get his approval. Sad really if you ask me… but then takes his anger out on those around. I do not want to get caught up in that again." Nigel groaned
Not fully accepting Nigel's summary of the situation, she paced back and forth muttering to herself. Abby and Hoagie just watched not really having much to say about the current turn of events.
"So…if yo Grandfather is in a nursing home, den dat means him and Father don't live togetha. Abby thinks dat's a pretty good sign. Abby don't know fo sho but seems to Abby dat Father doesn't want to be found. Why else would da fool go to a place dat is obvious if ya think bout it."
"True, I don't see how the DCFDTL couldn't figure it out… ha, took us all of what twenty minutes… uh minus uh help with that awesome tracking device… Anyway, logic would dictate going somewhere that's some what important to you. It was so obvious, nobody thought to look there." Hoagie shook his head
"Hmmm, my thoughts exactly. Maybe… maybe he isn't hiding at all. He could be retired, why else would he just vanish like that? Knowing my uncle, the blasted fool is probably eating ice cream in that fuzzy pink and yellow robe of his." Nigel smirked
The trio burst out laughing, imagining Father in his ridiculous robe that didn't suit him at all. Rachel had stopped pacing and was sitting at the table with her head against it. Nigel walked over to make sure she was alright.
"Have you finally calmed down, my dear?"
She gave a muffled reply "Yes… but I don't like this…"
"Come again… I couldn't hear you." he smirked
Lifting her head, she glared at him "I said I don't like it… but if we must go to England, might as well bring Chad along. If we hurry, we can get there by noon tomorrow. Hoagie…!" He snapped to attention
"Imma need you to get the E.L.I.M.O.N.A.T.E.R, we are going to need it. Fanny and Patton have the C.O.O.L.B.U.S so we must make do. Nigel, make sure Chad is aware of the situation, ill give him the whole rundown later. Just make sure he is good to go. Abby…uh…go rest. We have a long trip ahead of us and we must prepare for the worse. Alright let's get going!" She got up and walk toward the entrance.
Everyone was stunned by the sudden change.
"God… I love that woman." Nigel breath after a moment. The couple behind him broke out laughing. It was going to be an interesting trip, that's for sure.
Two small boys ran through the tall grass surrounding their backyard, chasing each other in a game of tag. Both were carefree to all that was going on around them. Soon they began tumbling down the hill, their laughter carrying with the wind.
"Boys! Tea time, hurry and wash, papa is waiting for you on the patio." Their mother yelled
The two rushed over, play fighting and then racing to see who'd get their faster. Turing on the water spicket behind the house they quickly washed, leaving to find their father.
"Alight boys come to papa!"
They rushed into his arms almost knocking him over as he sat on a quilt laid out on the patio floor.
"Pa… can you show us your super power?"
"Yeah…. Pwease! We won't tell ma, we pwomise!"
He chuckled "Settle down boys… remember this is our little secret." He winked
The boy's eyes shown as the watched anxiously. With a snap of his fingers, he produced a small flame onto his thumb
"Coolll…" They chimed
"When will be able to do that pa? Can you teach us… huh, huh… can ya pa?"
"Now boys… like I said, it will come to you when you get older. Remember, only one of you will inherit this gift. That doesn't make the one who doesn't any less special. I love you both very much."
The boys satisfied, ate their biscuits and tea, all the while pretending to have powers. Their father sighed, looking over the horizon. Wishing his own father about him, just as much as he did for his own sons...
Dun dun dunn... Chad quitting? New characters? Whats going on?
Hope you enjoyed, I'll get working on that next chapter, but don't expect it as quickly as this one came out.
Until we meet again lovlies, see ya!