Me: I don't own the usual Codename: Kids Next Door and I don't own—
Radio: Everytime I try to fly, I fall without my wings, I feel so small, I guess I need you baby…
Me: Chloe, turn that thing off.
Chloe: Awwwww. (switches off radio) I like that song.
Me: Yeah well I can't let you play that song until I write a disclaimer. I'm not using it in this chapter anyway. Oh yes, and I'm changing the eye color of some of the KND (I can do that because we don't really know what their eye colors are anyway). Numbuh 5 will have golden brown eyes, Numbuh 3 will have violet eyes, Numbuh 4 will have green eyes, Numbuh 2 will have gray-blue eyes, and Numbuh 1 will have dark blue eyes. There we go.
Numbuh 1: Can you get on with this thing already?
Me: Yeah, yeah sure. Anyway, this chapter is the second half of the earlier one and it's really long, and it contains a little betrayal, a little sadness, a well-kept secret, a little romance, and—
Numbuh 5: A little romance? What duh heck fo'?
Me: (grins) You'll see Numbuh 5.
Now downloading Kids Next Door Mission…
Real
Evil
Situations
Cause
Unhappy
Experiences
Log 5—Double-Crossed
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: The Park
The park usually a very cheerful place. Kids liked to run around having the time of their lives. Adults spent their time relaxing on the benches or walking like the kids. Truly, everyone had a need to relax around the park…except one individual.
I hope they're doing okay. What if they're in danger?
"Nigey."
What if they're caught?
"Nigey!"
Or worse…what if they're walking right into a trap?
"NIGEL UNO!"
"AGH!" He jumped up, straight to attention. "Yes sir! I mean…" He blinked, realizing what had just happened. "Oh sorry Lizzie."
She stared at him, the sun winking off the glass of her glasses. "What's wrong with you Nigey? You're not paying any attention to me."
"I said I was sorry," he replied meekly, fixing his black shades. Turning his gaze back to the pond, he stared into its depths.
Oh calm down Nigel. You have to have faith in your team. Like Numbuh 5 said, they'll be all right without you.
What Nigel didn't know was that another couple was not enjoying the park like he was. This couple did not appear to be the romantic kind with their arms around each other's waists. In fact, they seemed more solid and capable, the man's face holding a cold calculating look, and the woman looked more serious than most women appeared to be. An aura of superiority radiated from their bodies.
"Feh. Look darling. Isn't that Nigel Uno and his girlfriend Elizabeth Devine?" the woman asked her husband, poking his elbow.
The man turned to stare at the children from his position…and smiled. The smile was meant to be amused, but it did not match his gray eyes, which remained cold. "You're right dear."
"Strange that he isn't with his friends," the woman mused. "I wonder what he's doing."
"Oh I know exactly what he's doing," said the man with a laugh. "But it doesn't matter that he isn't with his friends. Our inside informant will get to him just the same." Both husband and wife chuckled now.
The woman gazed at her husband and then at Nigel. "You do realize…our daughter is starting to like him don't you?"
"Really?" the man laughed. "I believe then, that there will be trouble for her."
"Who? Elizabeth?"
"No, our daughter."
"Oh that is only too true."
Time: 10:05 AM
Location: Delightful Children's Mansion
I'm starting to think that Numbuh 5 was right, thought Siri darkly. You think after fifteen minutes of walking upstairs, and downstairs, and upstairs, and downstairs, and upstairs, and downstairs, and…I'm repeating myself. You think after ten minutes of walking…well…walking…we'd find the others by now. She stared at the back of Matt's head. I'm starting to wonder if this is really my leader after all.
"Numbuh 10?"
"Hmmm?" Siri glanced sideways at Kuki. "Yeah, what Numbuh 3?"
"Y'know when you hugged Numbuh 9 back there…are you guys a couple or something?"
Huh? Siri's face turned a slight pink. "N-no. We're just best friends. That's all."
"Oh. O-kay!" Kuki whispered into her ear. "Because he's cute!"
Siri blinked, confused. He's cute? She stared at the back of Matt's head again. Funny, I never thought of him in that way…but now that Numbuh 3 mentions it…She shook her head. Must be hormones.
Matt grinned all of a sudden. "There's the door." He pointed to a tall steel door with shackled bolts at the end of the lonely hallway.
One thought crossed through each of the other operatives' heads: Oh sure. That doesn't look suspicious at all.
"Nice work Numbuh 9," said Abby politely. She reached into her pocket for the P.I.P.E.R. (Phone in Pipe Emergency Radio). "Numbuh 2, we've found duh place where ya should dig. I'm scannin' it fo' ya as we speak." After a few seconds of Wally typing away on one of the scanners, she asked, "Didja get it?"
"Yup."
"Okay, start diggin'."
"Roger that. Numbuh 2 out."
Abby grinned, pocketed the P.I.P.E.R., and looked up. "I gotta admit, ya had me worried there Numbuh 9. I wuz beginnin' ta think ya had no idea where yo' teammates were."
"Well I guess I surprised you," said Matt with a friendly grin.
Abby's grin faded slightly. "But I'm still a little disappointed in you. You left yo' teammates fo' yo' own safety. No offense, but dat's kinda selfish, don'tcha think?"
Now Matt cringed. "I said I was sorry."
"I know, but sometimes sorry don't cut it. Unduh no circumstances should an operative be left behind." Abby cocked her head at the statement that had just emitted from her mouth. Sounds lak somethin' Numbuh 1 would say if he wuz heah.
Siri looked at the dark-skinned girl appraisingly. "Where did you get that Numbuh 5? That was pretty good."
"Huh? Eh, from duh top o' mah head."
Siri nodded once, turning back to her leader. "I agree with Numbuh 5 on this one. Sorry Numbuh 9." She gave her friend an apologetic look.
He waved her apology away. "Don't worry about it. It's okay."
Siri didn't smile though. "Numbuh 9, how are you so sure that Numbuhs 11-14 are okay? They could be dead for all we know."
Matt shook his head. "They're not dead. They're too valuable to be dead."
Wally cocked his eyebrow at the taller boy. "What is that supposed ta mean?"
Matt glanced at him calmly. "The Delightfuls told us some…things. They need us for stuff so they won't want us dead."
"Oh."
"At least…not yet."
"Oh."
"But Numbuh 9," said Siri in a worried tone as she watched Wally walk over to the steel door, pulling out his weapon. "How are you so sure that they're not hurt?"
"An' how are we so sure dat you are on our side?"
"Numbuh 5!" Kuki exclaimed warningly.
Matt cringed again. He wasn't used to having someone speak this way to him. "Um, easy there Numbuh 5. I am on your side."
"I ain't sure of dat."
Siri stepped between the two kids. "Look, this isn't going to get us anywhere. The operatives need our support and it'd be a lot better if we got along." She looked at them through her golden hazel eyes. "Please?"
The pair stared at her…and then nodded. "All right Syria," said Matt calmly. "Anything for you."
Siri nodded…and then froze. What? She blinked, feeling the color drain from her face. He…he called me…Her face changed to that of silent anger, her hands gripping the S.N.I.P.E.R. tightly.
"H-hey Numbuh 10, what's the matter?" Matt reached over and touched her shoulder lightly. "Are you okay?"
Instantly, Siri's elbow flew up and jabbed him in the side. His hand left her shoulder and she spun around and slammed her fist against his face.
POW!
The other operatives, including Wally, stared at her in shock. "Numbuh 10?! What?!"
Matt groaned and eased himself to a sitting position…only to have the tip of the S.N.I.P.E.R. pressed tightly against his chest. "Don't you 'Hey Numbuh 10' me!" Siri snarled angrily, shoving her weapon even closer. "You're not my leader or my best friend because he knows very well that no one and I mean NO ONE calls me Syria!"
"But that's your name," said Matt in confusion.
Abby and Kuki immediately drew their own weapons and pointed them at Matt. "If you are her best friend, then you should know she don't like to be called by dat!" snapped Abby. "I knew there wuz somethin' fishy 'bout you!"
Wally was too far away to help the girls, so he set to work trying to break the steel door open. He slammed his elbow against the door. This steel ain't so strong.
"Who are you?" Siri demanded. "And what have you done with Numbuh 9?"
Matt smiled slowly and his eyes began to glow a steady blood-red. Siri's mouth dropped open in horror and she let the S.N.I.P.E.R. fall to the ground. Matt stood up, his eyes flashing with amusement.
Abby's eyes widened in terror. "What…duh…dat ain't human!" She fired the laser from the S.C.A.M.P.P. "Matt" dodged it by bending his head away from the beam. "Who…what are you?!"
Kuki fired a miniature exploding gumball from her own weapon. "Matt" caught it and threw it back at her. "Eeep!" Kuki ducked out of the way, gumball landing on the ground a few feet from her and exploding on the spot.
Siri picked up the S.N.I.P.E.R. and aimed it at "Matt", though her arms were shaking. "What did the Delightfuls do to you?" she asked him anxiously. She and the other girls backed away from him. "Did they perform experiments on you?"
"Matt" smirked, his eyes still glowing. "I'm Matthew Pluto…but I'm not the Matthew Pluto you know Syria." He laughed. "I'm the new and improved version of your pathetic leader and it's high time you treated me with respect." Slowly, he advanced on the three operatives, his hands curling into fists.
"If you aren't Numbuh 9 then…just…where is he?" Kuki asked fearfully. She was trembling with each step he took.
Wally bit his lip, still trying to get the door open. "'E's a robot or somethin' like that. That's the only explanation!"
"Wrong Wallabee," said Matthew with a cold laugh. It sent shivers down the operatives' spines. His eyes had stopped glowing red, but they looked icy. "I'm a clone of the original Matthew Pluto…at least until I get rid of him."
Abby gaped. Dis is insane! Somehow, duh Delightful Children managed ta clone duh Florida Kids Next Door!
"Then that's why you said the others aren't dead," Siri said. "You…you knew they had to be kept alive…until you kill them."
Matthew nodded slowly. "Precisely." He took another step.
"'Ow did ya know that we'd be here?" Wally demanded to know. "We were careful not ta make a sound!"
Matthew took yet another step forward. "Let's just say I had some help from an inside informant who knew about your mission ahead of time." He laughed again. "You can't trust anybody now, can you?"
Siri hooked her gun onto her waist and leaped forward, tackling Matthew to the ground. "Guys! Get the door open and free the others!" she shouted to Abby, Wally, and Kuki. "I'll keep him busy."
Matthew rolled his eyes and flung her to the ground. Siri rolled away and stood up, her arms and legs in a perfect fighting stance. She threw a punch at him, but he deflected it and kneed her in the gut. She gasped and crumbled to the ground, but not before using a sliding kick to trip him. He leaped over the sliding kick and landed a roundhouse kick on her legs. She winced and stumbled backwards.
Abby grabbed onto Siri, making sure she didn't fall. "You okay girl?"
Siri nodded, and gasped, feeling her ribcage. "He's so strong…and I don't know where he got those moves."
"Where did you get yo' moves?"
"When I was younger, I got into a lot of martial arts training," Siri replied before leaping in the air and launching at Matthew with a flying sidekick.
Matthew reached up and grabbed her foot. "Wha—? Aaaaaaaaggghhhh!!" He spun her around and around before letting go of her foot. She slammed against the wall, crumbling to the ground. "Ooooh."
"Numbuh 10!" Abby immediately dashed at Matthew, tackling him from behind. "Nobudy does dat to a fellow Kid Next Door!"
Matthew laughed and reached behind him to grab her arms, flipping her over. "Whooooooooaaaaaaa!!" He flung her to the floor, his foot on her stomach. Wally and Kuki watched from their spots in fear, still attempting to open the steel door. Wally pushed Kuki behind him, his fists clenched. Abby groaned. "Oh, dat hurt."
The evil clone smirked. "Oh don't look so scared kids. Soon, you won't feel anything at all."
"I'm bored."
"So what?"
"I'm bored."
"Jus' be quiet."
"But I'm bored!"
"You are sech a turd y'know that?"
Eric glared at Kayla. "You don't even know what a turd is."
"Ah know what a turd is," said Kayla darkly. Her fiery red hair was beginning to bristle. "And Ah'd say what a turd is righ' now but there are children present."
Matt shook his head, feeling a strange churning in his stomach. The others stopped arguing but the churning continued. Then the churning became a rumbling.
"Say guys…did you feel that?" He stood up. The rumbling was beneath his feet now.
Zen looked up, closing his book for once. "I feel some tremors if that is what you are feeling Numbuh 9." He reached down and touched the ground. "Um-hmm. Definitely tremors coming from beneath the surface."
"Thanks for the observation Einstein," Eric muttered irritably. "Any idea what's causing them?"
"No…and since you're asking me a question, I guess there's a reason why I'm the smart one." Zen returned to his book.
Naomi crept over to the side of the cell, looking through the bars. She glanced back at her teammates and sighed. I wish I could help them, but I'm the youngest Kid Next Door and probably, the most useless. She sighed. I just wanna get out of here.
BOOM!
The
ground beneath the cells exploded, sending smoke and dust up into the
air. Nearly simultaneously, a series of voices shouted in alarm,
including the newly arrived team from France.
"AY CARAMBA!"
"WHAT'S THE DEAL EH?"
"NA SHI SHEN ME?!" WHAT IS THAT?!
"QUE SUR LA TERRE?!" WHAT ON EARTH?!
"ALLAH HAVE MERCY UPON US!"
"HOLY SAINTS ALIVE!"
Only the Florida sector remained calm…mainly, because they were too confused over the chorus of voices from different countries. "Um…anyone know how to translate?" Eric uttered.
Naomi coughed, waving away the dust and smoke with her outstretched hand. She backed away and huddled into a corner, clutching her Rainbow Monkey. I've had enough of this.
Matt stared at the center of the commotion in astonishment. "A drill?"
"Ow!" Abby was flung against the wall, her eyes squinting in pain. Man, dis guy jus' doesn't seem ta take any hits!
Wally rushed at Matthew, fists ready to fly. Being the best fighter of this sector of the Kids Next Door, he managed to deliver a well-placed punch at Matthew's abdomen, sending him grimacing a bit in pain. The clone reached out to backhand him, but the smaller blond Aussie dodged with ease. On the opposite side, Siri unhooked the S.N.I.P.E.R. from her waist and prepared to fire it.
Wally charged at Matthew, leaping into the air. Siri fired the S.N.I.P.E.R. at Matthew. Matthew grinned and grabbed Wally by the head, lifting him into the air and flinging him into the path of the red-orange beam.
"AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!" Wally grimaced in pain, his body sinking in a smoldering heap to the ground. Siri's mouth dropped open in horror.
"NUMBUH 4!" She tried to rush over to Wally to help him but Matthew pinned her against the wall, his hands capturing her wrists. She gulped.
He laughed at her. "What's the matter Syria?" he asked her softly. "Afraid of me being so close to you?" His evil eyes gazed into her frightened hazel ones. He tightened his grip on her wrists, his fingernails biting into her flesh. She sucked in her breath sharply. "Y'know, the fear in your eyes just makes you look prettier and therefore, more vulnerable."
In answer, Siri narrowed her eyes and spat in his face. Matthew didn't flinch; in fact, he only moved one hand to wipe away the saliva from below his eye. He chuckled softly. "Is that the best you can do?"
"GOT IT!"
Matthew blinked and looked to the side to see Kuki finishing removing the screwed bolts from the door. It fell to the floor with an almighty CRASH!
Quickly, Siri braced herself and lifted her feet up, ramming them into Matthew's stomach. He let go of her wrists, stumbling backward from the force of her legs. Using his stomach as a brace, she backflipped and landed smoothly on the ground.
Abby quickly followed Kuki into the room, while Matthew attempted to go after them. Thinking fast, Siri reached into the pocket of her black shorts and withdrew the E.C.C.E.N.T.R.I.C. She held it up and threw it as hard as she could at Matthew's back.
"ARRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!" The card executed a ray of blinding light, freezing him in position. Siri smiled and then darted after her friends, grabbing the card off of the frozen clone.
"You okay Numbuh 4?" She knelt by Wally's side.
He lifted his head, nodding and wincing. "Yeah Ah'll be all right." Siri hauled him to his feet and they raced after their friends. "'Ow long is that thing supposed ta last?" He waved his hand at the E.C.C.E.N.T.R.I.C.
She shook her head. "Not long."
By now, Abby could see that Hoagie had done a pretty good job of digging a tunnel out of the prison. But what she hadn't expected was a series of voices screaming and shouting (in different languages most of the time).
Wally blinked. "Ah thought that the Florida sector was the only one captured."
"Looks lak we figured wrong," Abby muttered as she stared around at the numerous cells. One of the kids stopped shouting and pointed at her. "Numbuh 142?"
"Numbuh 5!" He grinned. "Thank goodness it's you guys. We thought it was the Delightfuls."
Abby nodded. "Do ya know where duh Florida sector Kids Next Door are? We're heah ta rescue them." She paused. "Uh, but we didn't know you guys wuz gonna be captured too."
"Aw, don't worry about us," said Numbuh 142 briskly. "The Florida sector is over there. Their cell is the one the drill is closest to." He waved his head to the cell to his right.
"Thank you!" Kuki called, as they hurried over to the cell. "We'll try to come back for you!"
Inside the cell, Abby could see five operatives, one of them staring at her. There was a boy with messy blond hair and confused blue eyes standing next to a redhead with brilliant green eyes and a face that was not classically beautiful but friendly looking. What appeared to be a giant book turned out to be a tall bespectacled Asian boy holding a giant book. There was a small lump in the corner but Abby was sure it was another operative. The one staring at her was a brown-haired boy wearing a green tied band to keep his hair out of his deep brown eyes.
Wally blasted open the cell door with his weapon and Abby reached over and grabbed that boy by the front of his shirt. He blinked. "H-hey, what's the de—"
"I jus' got one question ta ask you so you bettuh listen up," Abby growled, her brown eyes becoming visible from underneath her red cap. "Are you duh real Numbuh 9?"
He blinked and nodded. "Y-yeah."
"Okay, gimme some proof. What's yo' name?"
He gulped and bit his lip. "Matthew Pluto," he muttered. "But I prefer Matt or Numbuh 9." He straightened up. "And…from what Numbuh 11's book told us…you're Numbuh 5."
Abby grinned and released him. Good enough fo' me. She walked into the cell and glanced around at the other operatives. "We'll have time to get acquainted latuh. Right now, you guys bettuh come wit' us."
The redhead blinked. "And jest how are we so sure that we can trust someone lak you?" she demanded suspiciously in a thick Southern accent.
In response, Siri stepped into the cell. "Because you can trust me."
"NUMBUH 10!" the operatives shouted, mostly in surprise and joy.
She smiled, but jerked her head in the direction of the giant drill. "Get in the P.I.P.E.P.O.D. guys and we'll explain everything later like Numbuh 5 said."
Her teammates nodded and scampered off toward the giant drill poking out of the cement. Hoagie jumped out of the top hatch of the vehicle to help them in. "Okay…that's one…two…three…four…anyone left?" he asked as Abby, Kuki, and Siri jumped into the vehicle.
"Just this one," said Wally in an exasperated tone. He reached out towards the bundle in the corner. "Come on girl! Let's go!"
"NO!"
He groaned inwardly. What is wi' this operative? Ya'd think she'd appreciate bein' rescued. "Ah don't wanna leave ya 'ere so come wi' me. Ah ain't gonna 'urt ya."
"How am I supposed to know that?"
Wally gritted his teeth. The operative was being more stubborn than Nigel was on a daily basis. "Just…please?"
"No," she whispered, shrinking away from him.
Hoagie sighed and hopped out of the P.I.P.E.P.O.D. "Numbuh 4, what's taking so long? The Delightfuls probably already know we're here and Numbuh 10 said that the paralysis her card did won't last much longer on Numbuh 9's clone." He hurried over to his teammate. "What's the matter?"
Wally gestured with his hands at the shadowed bundle. "She won't move a muscle even though Ah said I wasn't gonna 'urt 'er." He reached out and took the shadowed girl's elbow, giving her a gentle but firm tug. She reluctantly allowed herself to be pulled into the light.
From what the boys could see, the operative was a good deal younger than her fellow associates. Her skin was a bronzy tan and she had soft brown eyes that flickered with fear. Her long black hair was plaited in a single braid down her back with a feather worked into it. She was clutching a tattered Rainbow Monkey in her small arms.
Hoagie blinked. If he hadn't been so focused on getting out of there, he would have thought the young operative was very cute. "Um, come on kiddo. Why don't you come with us?"
"Oh, so you can torture me and steal my DNA and clone me like the Delightfuls did?" she asked passionately. Her eyes were brimmed with tears. "I…I don't wanna go with anyone. I just wanna be back at home."
"We can't take you home because it won't be safe!" argued Hoagie desperately. "Please come with us. They'll be coming any minute!"
"NO!"
The boys heard a frustrated sigh from behind them. They turned around to see Kuki standing there with her hands on her hips. "Move aside, this is a woman's job," she muttered as she brushed past them. She knelt down beside the little girl. "What's your name?"
The small girl looked up at her. "I'm N-Numbuh 14 but my real name is C-Cloud. Naomi Cloud."
"That's cool. You're an Indian aren't you?"
"Uh huh. My family's Chippewa."
"I'm Kuki but my friends call me Numbuh 3," said the Asian girl. She smiled down at Naomi, her violet eyes moving towards the tattered Rainbow Monkey. "Uh oh, looks like somebody busted your monkey up."
Naomi nodded once. "Yeah, Mr. Snuffles is beat up."
"Well, don't worry," said Kuki brightly. "I'll help fix your monkey and I'll even introduce him to the other stuffed animals in my room. So won't you please come?"
Naomi bit her lip…then reached out and grasped Kuki's hand. Smiling broadly, Kuki hauled her to her feet and helped her towards the P.I.P.E.P.O.D. "Told ya this was a woman's job," she smirked at the two boys who goggled at her. They looked at each other, shrugged, and followed her.
Time: 10:10 AM
Location: The Park
(A/N: Here's the well-kept secret)
The man blinked, his hands tightening on the cell phone. "They WHAT?!"
"I said, they've escaped."
"How did you not manage to catch them? You're meant to be nearly invincible!"
"Oh get real sir. I'm not nearly invincible; I'm just a clone. Besides, the main thing is I got all the DNA that I need…except for that pesky Numbuh 1."
The man smiled sadistically. "I see. Well, thank goodness for small matters. You don't need to worry about his DNA. I've seen to it that we'll get it." He shook his head. "They're going to do whatever they can to stop you."
"Let them try. I already managed to make good use of them, especially Syria, Abigail and Wallabee."
"Nice work Matthew." He and his wife laughed. "I'm glad that you got acquainted with our daughter."
"Which one was your daughter? I know it wasn't Wallabee."
The man gave a soft laugh again. "Oh…our daughter is Syria Kaldorei. Tell me, what did you think of her?"
"She's quite a catch really. Doesn't look anything like you though. And she doesn't have your last name."
"Ah, well we have an explanation for that. Care to hear it?"
"Sure. Got nothing better to do. Those missiles I sent after the Kids Next Door should be enough. If they won't destroy them, as least they'll scare them out of their wits."
Location: Underground
"Incoming missiles!" Siri yelled, staring at the monitor. Two dark red dots were moving at a faster rate on the screen.
"Shoot 'em down Numbuh 4!" cried Abby.
"Ah wish Ah could, but Ah can't Numbuh 5! There's no guns attached ta this thing!" Wally made his way over to the ladder where the hatch was. "The only thing Ah can do is open the hatch and shoot 'em the manual way."
"NO!" Kuki grabbed at the back of his orange hoodie. "You might get hurt!"
Wally blushed a bit. "Ah'll be fine Numbuh 3."
"I think she's right," said Matt, looking around at the tunnel they were hurtling through. "There's no way for you to shoot down those missiles Numbuh 4. They seem to be made of some new sort of metal."
"Duh Delightful Children have been busy then," Abby groaned. "See if ya can make it ta duh surface Numbuh 2. It's the only chance we got at avoidin' those missiles."
Hoagie nodded. "Roger that." He pulled back on the controls, making the vehicle surge upward. "Come on. Come on."
"They're gaining on us!" Siri called from the monitor. She stared at anxiously at the red dots. "Hurry Numbuh 2!"
"Almost there…"
The other operatives huddled in their seats, gripping whatever they could as the P.I.P.E.P.O.D. rocked this way and that, smashing through dirt and rock as it made its way towards the surface. They could hear the missiles roaring behind them.
CRASH!!
The P.I.P.E.P.O.D. hit the surface, sending rocks, dirt, dust, and cement everywhere. It landed on the ground, none too gently, and rumbled down the street. The missiles soured out of the same hole the vehicle drilled out of and continued to follow the machine.
"AW CRUD!" Wally gazed out the windows at the missiles streaking closer toward their vehicle. "This is it guys!" Kuki grabbed onto him, squeezing tightly. "Ack! Numbuh 3, gerroff!" He flushed bright red.
Kayla flung her own arms around Eric, not paying attention to the fact that both of their faces went nearly as red as her hair. Siri stayed where she was, gripping the monitor with both hands. Naomi, near the front, whimpered and clutched Mr. Snuffles, her small body swaying with the movement of the P.I.P.E.P.O.D. Abby gripped her seat, biting her lip and grimacing. Next to her, Matt did the exact same thing. Zen…well…Zen seemed perfectly oblivious to the fear of the others.
Clunk.
Huh? What duh—? Abby rolled her eyes skyward as the machine began to sway back and forth. "What's goin' on?"
Matt walked over to the window and looked up. "Something's got us!" Down below, the missiles exploded. "Whew, close shave."
Wally pulled himself out of Kuki's grip and joined Matt at the window. "It's the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.!"
Kids Next Door M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.
Massively
Oversized
Super
Quick
Undercover
Icy
Treat
Transport
On
Helio-jets
"What's it doin' ovuh heah?" Abby wondered out loud. And mo' importantly, who's drivin'? She stood up and walked up to the hatch in the P.I.P.E.P.O.D.
"Where are you goin'?" Eric asked her.
She opened the hatch and got out onto the top of the P.I.P.E.P.O.D. "Jus' gonna check on who's drivin' duh M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.," she replied briskly. "Don't come wit' me." She climbed onto the ship and burst open the door, leaping into the main control room. Whoever had been driving the ship was sitting with the chair back to her. She glared at it. "All right! Whoevuh you are, show yo'self!"
The chair spun around, revealing a bald boy wearing dark shades and an amused smile on his face. "Hello Numbuh 5."
Abby blinked, her jaw dropping open. "Uuuh…" She blinked, her face heating up. "S-sorry, I didn't know dat…it wuz…wait, what are you doin' heah?"
"Helping my teammates out," said Nigel, his smile broadening and his dark blue eyes shining from behind his sunglasses. "And being the leader that I should be." He laughed. "You don't sound that happy to see me Numbuh 5."
"Huh? Oh no." Abby smiled, tilting her cap upward. "'Course I'm happy ta see ya. Ya came jus' in time Numbuh 1."
"I thought I did," he replied with a sigh. He stood up and walked to the large windows, staring down at the smoking concrete ground where the missiles used to be. "To think I came so close…so close to losing you guys."
"Hey." Abby walked up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulder. He turned around to look at her. "We're safe thanks ta you. Dat's all dat matters." She tilted her head. "Oh, duh othuhs are down in duh P.I.P.E.P.O.D."
"I know that," he replied. "They can come up here if they want. It's a lot safer up here."
"Numbuh 5, where are you?" Siri entered the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H. a few seconds after the words had left his mouth. "Did you find out who was…Numbuh 1!" She dashed over to the boy and flung her arms around him. The force of the hug sent him stumbling from Abby to the floor.
"Ack! Numbuh 10!" Nigel blushed a bit but he smiled, reaching around to hug her as well. "Well…good to see you too."
Abby bit her lip, looking at the pair nervously. I shouldn't be heah. They looked so cute sitting there with their arms around each other. Siri, smiling at Nigel, her blonde hair catching the light from the morning sun and her hazel eyes glowing golden. Nigel, his deep blue eyes sparkling with amusement from behind his mysterious black shades, his hand smoothing back her hair. Abby shook her head, biting back the thin sliver of jealousy forming in her stomach. Get a grip girl.
"What's going on here?"
The other operatives had arrived, including Hoagie. They blinked, staring at Siri hugging Nigel. By this time, the two kids had risen to their feet and let go.
"MY TURN!"
Kuki dashed forward and grabbed Nigel around the waist, pushing him to the floor again. He squirmed, his sunglasses lopsided on his face.
The Florida sector looked confused but Siri and the other operatives burst out laughing. Nigel disentangled himself from Kuki's joyous sleeves and stood up again. "Nice to meet you guys," he said with a smile toward the Florida Kids Next Door. He raised his eyebrows appraisingly at Matt. "And nice to see you again Matt."
Matt blinked. "N-Nigel?" His face split into a grin. "Wow, it's been so long."
"It has, hasn't it?" Nigel agreed as he took his seat once more. His teammates took their own places at the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H. but the Florida sector remained standing. "Although, I think it'd be more appropriate for you to call me Numbuh 1 now."
"Oh right." Matt stepped back to show more of his team. "I'm Numbuh 9 and this is the Florida sector of the Kids Next Door. You already know Numbuh 10 and this is Zen Chou, Numbuh 11." He gestured to the tall boy with the book.
Abby and the others blinked. This is Numbuh 11?
Zen smiled placidly and settled himself in a corner. "Nice to meet you," he muttered, burying himself in the large book.
Wally and Hoagie stifled their chuckles while Matt went on. "This is our mechanic Eric Onze, Numbuh 12…"
"Wassup dudes!"
"Our long-range combater Kayla Markham, Numbuh 13…"
"Howdy ya'll!"
"And the youngest, Naomi Cloud, Numbuh14."
Naomi gazed at the older kids solemnly. "Hello."
When the names had finished being exchanged, Abby turned back to Nigel. Hoagie was at the controls again. "So tell me Numbuh 1, what did ya do wit' Lizzie?"
"Huh?" Nigel suddenly became flustered. "Uh, what do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean Numbuh 1. How did ya manage ta convince her dat we needed yo' help?"
"I…I didn't."
Siri and Abby glanced at each other. "Then how did you get away from her?" Siri asked, her face holding a puzzled frown.
Nigel hung his head. "I told her I was just going for ice cream and I'd be right back. And as you can see…" He shook his head.
Wally and Hoagie stared at him. "I never thought I'd see the day," Hoagie muttered in awe.
"Yeah, 'im abandonin' 'is girlfriend for us is a whole new experience," Wally agreed.
Siri and Abby exchanged another glance. A girl like Lizzie wouldn't be the type to take this sort of thing lying down. Uh oh.
Nigel glanced at Matt. "So tell me exactly what happened to you all down there."
Time: 10:15 AM
Location: The Park
The tall boy wandered around the park without a care in the world. Other adults and kids brushed by him without noticing him.
Well, that's a relief. I don't want anyone to notice me.
There wasn't anything that he could do really. Not anymore. He was a teenager now and that had changed everything. It was ironic really, that a mere increase in age would result in the biggest changes of his life. From kid to teenager.
"So that's basically it. What do you think Matthew?"
The boy lifted his head. Matthew? He turned to stare at the couple that had spoken those words: a woman with silvery hair and heavily hooded dark eyes, and a man with dark brown hair and cold gray eyes. The way they laughed sent a strange chill down his spine.
Who are they? He impatiently brushed his blond bangs out of his eyes so he could observe the couple. And just what are they talking about?
At once, the woman rounded on him. "I know you're there young man. Come out so I can see you properly."
Crud, how did she see me? He slowly came over to the couple. The man nodded at him but seemed to be still occupied by the cell phone. The woman looked him up and down. "What's your name?"
He hesitated before whispering, "Chad."
Her dark eyes lit up. "Ah, I've been wondering when I'd finally get to meet you." She smirked. "The Legendary Numbuh 274 of the Kids Next Door if I'm not mistaken."
"Don't dwell on that," he muttered, his fists tightening in quiet anger.
Her husband stopped talking on the cell phone and smiled. "There's no need to be angry with us Chad. We're on the same team as you are…in fact…" He placed one hand on Chad's shoulder. "I think there's something you might like to see."
Location: KND Headquarters
Once the two teams of Kids Next Door had landed in the KND headquarters, Matt drew Siri to one side. "Say Numbuh 10, where was Numbuh 1 when you guys came to rescue us?"
Siri blanched. "Oh! Um, he was well…um…" She glanced at Abby for support.
"Workin'! Dat's what he wuz doin'!" said Abby nervously. She wasn't sure how well Matt would take Nigel's girlfriend issues.
"Right," said Matt. He waited until the girls had gone on ahead to talk to the other operatives before he caught Nigel by the arm. "Say Numbuh 1, where were you when your teammates came to rescue us?"
Nigel turned paler than usual. "Um, well you see…I have a…well…uh…Ihaveagirlfriend!" He said the words so fast; they seemed joined together. Still, Matt managed to put the space in between the words.
"You have a girlfriend?" Matt uttered in shock. He stared at his friend in surprise. "Since when did you have a girlfriend?"
"Since awhile," Nigel replied with a weary sigh. "And that's where I was before. I was on a date with her but I was so worried about what was going on that I—"
"Ditched her and went to our rescue, that right?" Matt finished for him. The other boy nodded. "Well, it was for a good cause I guess. She should understand."
Nigel shook his head. You don't know my girlfriend.
Meanwhile, the other Florida operatives were busy getting adjusted to their new surroundings. Abby headed over to the two leaders. "Okay, we got ourselves a little predicament. You guys can't go back to yo' base Numbuh 9 'cause duh Delightful Children might try to capture you again." Matt nodded once.
"So you'll have to stay here," Nigel picked up from where Abby left off. "I'm sure we'll be able to accommodate some rooms for you. I hope none of your fellow operatives mind sharing."
"We don't."
The leaders and Abby turned as the other operatives gathered around them. "Jest depends on who we're haring' with," said Kayla.
"Hmmm…" Nigel looked around at his own team and the other Kids Next Door. "Numbuh 14, I think it'd be best if you and Numbuh 3 share a room."
"Fine by me," said the agreeable little girl. She and Kuki exchanged adorable smiles.
"Numbuh 4, do you mind sharing a room with Numbuh 12?" Matt asked the small blond boy.
Wally shrugged. "As long as 'e doesn't get too annoyin' an' stuff, then Ah'm fine with it."
Eric nodded. "Same here."
Nigel looked at Zen. "Numbuh 11, do you mind sharing a room?"
The Smart One looked over at Nigel. "No," he whispered.
Hoagie piped up. "He can stay in my room. I have plenty of room in my room."
"That fine with you Numbuh 11?"
The boy shrugged from behind his book. "Sure."
Nigel glanced at Matt, who shrugged. "Eh, you get used to it."
"Well that leaves just you and Numbuh 13," said Nigel in reply. He shook his head. "There's still Numbuh 5's room but Numbuh 5 said Numbuh 10 could stay in there after she cleaned it up. So you can stay in my room Numbuh 9 and that'll leave…" He paused. "Numbuh 13, do you really care where you sleep?"
The Texan shook her head. "Y'know, Ah'll be happy sleepin' on this here couch in the living room. That's fine by me. Ah could sleep on the floor if Ah wanted to."
Knock knock.
"Um, okay." Nigel nodded.
Knock knock.
Nigel sighed. "Who can that be?" He was about to reach for the door leading towards the spiraling staircase leading to the bottom of the treehouse when another hand brushed against his on the door. He blinked, looking at Abby.
"Let me get it," said Abby with a grin, bounding out the door.
Nigel watched her retreating form with a sort of dazed look on his face. Matt eyed him. "Um, I take it Numbuh 5 isn't your girlfriend right?"
"Huh? Oh no, she's just my best friend. That's all." Nigel smiled. "Besides, that'd be as weird as saying you like your own best friend."
"Huh?" Matt glanced at where Siri was standing a few feet away, recharging her E.C.C.E.N.T.R.I.C. "Oh, right. Heh, funny."
"Now who could be at duh door at dis time," Abby muttered to herself as she walked down through Nigel's house. She reached the door and pulled it open…
…And just as quickly, she slammed the door closed.
"ABIGAIL LINCOLN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"
"Uh sorry Lizzie!" Abby said loudly, her hands reaching down to unbuckle her shoes. "Sorry, mah fingers mustuh slipped on duh door."
"Well, hurry up and open it."
No way! "Um, hold on a sec Lizzie. I jus' gotta tie my shoes. Won't be long."
Numbuh 5 sure is taking her time, Nigel thought to himself as he paced around the room. He had a habit of doing this a lot.
Matt watched him for a few minutes before turning his attention to something far more interesting. Eric and Kayla were arguing over what to watch on the giant television and Hoagie was pouring through a comic book, Wally looking over his shoulder. Zen, surprisingly, had not moved from his spot with his giant book/computer once. Naomi and Kuki were sitting on the floor, fixing up Mr. Snuffles.
"Say Numbuh 1, you gotta stop that. You'll wear a hole in the floor at the rate you're going," said Matt with a smile.
Nigel blinked. "Huh? Oh right." He smiled and stopped pacing. "It's just…what is Numbuh 5 doing?" He frowned, considering for a moment. "That's it. I'm going to see what's taking her so long." He left the room.
Siri came up to Matt. "Y'think we should follow him? I suddenly have a bad feeling in my stomach."
"Okay."
"ABIGAIL! WHAT IS TAKING YOU SO LONG?!"
"Um…my shoes are…on darn! I tied a knot! Well, looks lak I gotta start over."
Lizzie paused for a minute as if she was thinking very hard, then shouted, "HOLD ON A SEC! YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE LACES ON YOUR SHOES!"
Darn it.
"Numbuh 5? What are you doing?"
"Eh?" Abby stood up and turned around. Nigel stood right behind her, looking extremely perplexed. "Hey there."
He cocked his eyebrow at her. "Are you okay?"
She grinned. "Oh fine Numbuh 1."
He took a step forward. "Who's at the door?"
"Erm, somebody," she replied nervously. She tipped her red cap downwards to cover her eyes. "Uh, tell ya what. It's fo' you Numbuh 1 so why don'tcha deal wit' duh person instead o' me." She moved away from him and started to walk back to the outside.
Nigel blinked at her and opened the door. "Lizzie?"
"Nigey?" Lizzie blinked back at him before crossing her arms in front of her. "What was your friend doing? She wouldn't let me in!"
"Oh." Out of the corners of his eyes, Nigel could see Abby whistling discreetly to herself as she walked away. He shook his head. "Don't mind her Lizzie. She's just—"
"Why did you leave me alone at the park Nigel?" Lizzie interrupted, her eyes narrowed behind her shiny glasses. Both hands were placed on her hips, and her lips were twisted into a frown.
Oh why now? "Uh…"
"You didn't just go for ice cream didn't you?" she demanded, her voice rising in octave and in volume. "You went somewhere else DIDN'T YOU?"
He took a deep breath. "Um…"
Abby's footsteps stopped.
"Well…yes."
Lizzie eyes narrowed even further. "Don't tell me; let me guess. You actually didn't go for ice cream, but instead you ditched me so you could help your stupid friends with whatever mission they needed to do. And you just so happened to forget that YOU LEFT ME ALONE IN THE PARK!"
Nigel winced, feeling that if he were in an animé, he'd have shrunken to the size of a chibi. Abby, having stopped walking, felt a pang of sympathy for him.
"Don't you care about me Nigel?"
Now he found his voice. "Y-yes." Just keep her happy.
"Then why did you ditch me?"
"I…well…they needed…some help…I had a…bad feeling," Nigel sputtered, trying to regain his control.
"So you thought it was okay to just leave without telling me?" she demanded icily.
Nigel stared at the ground, wishing he could become invisible. "Well…I admit that was wrong of me…but…"
"Yo! Numbuh 1! You okay?"
Nigel turned around to see Siri and Matt walking into the room behind him. He was surprised to see that Abby was still in the room but she had a very uneasy look on her face. Matt looked confused, but Siri looked about as worried as Abby looked.
"You shouldn't be here guys," Nigel said to them.
"Numbuh 10 suggested that she and I should go after you. She had the feeling that something bad was going on," Matt replied. He shifted his gaze from Lizzie to Nigel. "So what is going on?…and is that your girlfriend?" He pointed at Lizzie.
Nigel nodded and Lizzie shifted her glare to Matt. "You got a problem with me?"
"Oh no." Matt covered his mouth with his hand, trying his best to keep a straight face. This is girlfriend? Well, at least it shows I've got better taste in women. Still, there was something very forbidding about the slightly chubby girl standing in the doorway, so he believed it would be better if he kept his mouth shut.
"Do you two need some time alone?" Siri's voice was like the soothing voice of reason to their ears.
"YES!" Lizzie said fiercely.
Siri flinched. "Sorry," she whispered. Matt glanced at her sympathetically.
Lizzie stared at the ground for a few minutes, before raising her face. She wore a very grim expression. "I'm sorry Nigel. I really didn't want it to come to this but I can't take it anymore. You'll have to make choice. Me? Or your friends? What's it gonna be?"
"What?" Matt and Siri's eyes dilated in disbelief.
Abby whirled around, all thoughts of leaving, leaving her head. (No pun intended). "You can't make him do dat!"
"I was talking to my boyfriend, not to you!" Lizzie snapped acidly at her. She turned back to Nigel.
"Lizzie, you know I can't do that," he said calmly, though his face had gone an extraordinary shade of white. "The Kids Next Door is my life."
"A life you obviously don't want me part of!"
"That's not true!"
"It is too!" she shot back. "What takes up most of your time? The Kids Next Door. What's the thing that's separating us? The Kids Next Door. What's the one barrier that's keeping us from getting any closer? The Kids Next Door!" Her eyes looked hurt. "Either you say goodbye to your job or you say goodbye to me!"
Nigel winced with each answer to every question she asked, feeling as if each was a small bullet that rammed into his stomach. "Lizzie, that's not being fair."
"You're the one that's not being fair Nigel! I thought you said we had a special relationship! Well, how can we make a special relationship work if you're so preoccupied?"
He flinched again. Siri and Matt glanced at him sorrowfully, but Abby looked angry. Finally, she could hold her tongue no longer.
"Leave him alone Lizzie," she said coldly. "It's not his fault dat we had ta go an' rescue some fellow teammates of ours. It's not right of ya ta make him choose between duh team an' you, because what he's doin' is fo' kids everywhere. He obviously cares about duh team an' ya'll should respect dat if you are his girlfriend."
Lizzie glared at her. Oh man, I think we've just stepped into hot water, thought Matt. Thanks a lot Numbuh 5.
"What do you know Abigail? You don't know the first thing about my Nigey!"
"I sho as heck know a lot more 'bout him than you do. You're thinkin' 'bout nobody but yo'self girl."
"Are you saying that I'm selfish?"
Oh yeah, we've definitely hit hot water big time.
Lizzie barreled on before Abby could get a word out. "I'm making sure that he keeps away from you!"
"What do I have ta do wit' dis?" Abby asked exasperatedly. However, her insides had turned glacial.
"I've seen how you've been eyeing my Nigey for the longest time Abigail. You think you're so much better than me just because you're his best friend and another Kids Next Door operative. You think you can get your chance if he chooses the Kids Next Door over me? Well sucks to you Abigail!"
Matt flinched. She's really scary. Then he looked at Abby. She was shaking with fury and her brown eyes looked lethal from beneath the red cap. Uuuh, actually Numbuh 5's probably scarier.
"I don't know what Numbuh 1 evuh saw in ya," she muttered through gritted teeth. "Jus' what are ya tryin' ta pull Lizzie?"
"You know what I'm talking about Abigail!" snapped Lizzie angrily. "What makes you think you're worth Nigel's love, you virago!"
"WHAT did you jus' call me?" Abby's voice was low and dangerous.
Lizzie didn't really notice. "A virago! That's what you are!"
Not needing any more persuasion, Abby lunged at her. "TAKE THAT BACK!"
"Numbuh 5!" Nigel gasped.
Immediately, Siri grabbed onto Abby and pulled her back. "Ack! Little help here Numbuh 9!"
Matt grabbed onto Abby's arms as well, keeping a firm grip on her. "Calm down Numbuh 5."
"Calm down? Ya'll expect me ta calm down?!" Abby rarely raised her voice. "Dat girl jus' dissed me in front o' you guys, an' Numbuh 5 ain't gonna take dat lyin' down!"
Siri gritted her teeth. Darn, this girl is strong! "This is stupid. You girls shouldn't be fighting like this." She looked at both girls. "What's gonna be gained out of it?"
"Duh satisfaction o' kickin' Lizzie's fat behind," Abby muttered under her breath. Luckily, only Matt and Siri heard her.
"You think you're such a peacemaker, don't ya Syria?" Lizzie said to the blonde operative.
Siri's hazel eyes flared warningly. Seriously Lizzie, if you could see what I could do, you would not push my buttons.
Matt blinked. "Hey, how did you know her name is Syria?"
"I overheard her talking to Nigey when they first met," said Lizzie coldly. Clearly, the memory still brought her anger. "And when I was lying in the crater Matthew. You and your friends were clearly elsewhere."
"Oh." This got Matt thinking.
Nigel stepped between his friends and his girlfriend. "What do you want Lizzie?" he asked her wearily.
"I want you to quit your team," said Lizzie pointedly. "But since I'm so generous, it's your choice whether you want to leave the Kids Next Door or not."
Generous mah foot, thought Abby darkly. She struggled against Matt, which really didn't do much of anything. The boy was so lost in thought that he barely noticed anything else.
The wheels were churning in Matt's brain. Then something fell into place. How does she know my name is Matthew…when I never even introduced myself? She called me by my real name. And how did she know that we were clearly elsewhere? We could have been right there…unless…
Then it clicked.
The Delightful Children said that they learned about Numbuh 10's whereabouts from an inside informant. Yet Numbuh 10 said that she only met Numbuh 1 and Lizzie when she first landed. I know Numbuh 1 is too loyal to do something like that so the only choice for an inside informant is the other person who knew she was there. That other person…could only be…
"IT WAS YOU!"
Everybody, including Abby, jumped at Matt's outcry. He was pointing at Lizzie and shaking from head to toe. "Numbuh 9, are you all right?" Nigel asked him.
Matt shook his head. "You were the one," he muttered angrily. "It was you all along that told the Delightfuls about Numbuh 10 being alive! It was you who told them about the mission to rescue us. You sold us all out to them, including your own boyfriend!"
Siri's mouth dropped open in shock. How did he figure that?
Abby, however, was slowly taking it all in. She remembered what Matt's clone had said to them about an inside informant telling him that they had arrived. An' come ta think of it…duh only person outside o' duh KND ta know about our mission wuz Lizzie. Numbuh 9 is right. She leaned close and whispered her confirmations into Siri's ear. The blonde operative gasped.
"Lizzie…" Nigel looked at his girlfriend. "Is…is this true?"
She shook her head. "He's lying!"
"He is NOT lying!" Siri's voice rang with clarity. "Don't you DARE call Numbuh 9 a liar you double-crossing sneak!"
The others stared at her in shock. If Abby had shouted that comment, they would have dismissed it as fairly normal on her part. But Siri calling somebody anything was a new experience.
Abby recovered first. "He isn't lyin'! You are duh only one other than Numbuh 1 ta know about our mission ta rescue duh Florida Kids Next Door. An' if what Numbuh 9 says about duh Delightfuls is true, you are duh only one dat coulda informed them about Numbuh 10." She narrowed her eyes. "Duh only othuh person dat coulda told them is Numbuh 1 but I know an' trust mah best friend!"
"And I trust mine!" added Siri angrily. Her normally pretty features were slightly marred by the frown on her face.
Nigel watched the comments go back and forth between them as if he were watching a tennis rally but his insides seemed to be made of ice. He didn't want to believe his friends; it just couldn't be true. But…they do have a point. The only way for the Delightfuls to have known about any of this was from a witness. And…Lizzie did double-cross me once before.
"Hello? Nigel, are you in there?"
"Huh?" He blinked, taking a few minutes to realize that Lizzie was shaking his arm. "Oh…I…" He glanced at her, then at the others, and then back to her. I know what the right choice is. I can't leave the Kids Next Door. Losing Lizzie is nothing compared to the Kids Next Door. I can't give up my friends…and all that I've been working so hard to achieve.
"Lizzie, I'm sorry but I can't leave. This is my job."
She just stood there, shell-shocked, before her face hardened into contained anger. "It's your friends isn't it? You would leave but you just wanna let them take you away. Okay then…FINE! You don't want me part of your life, then FINE!"
All of the anger drained away from Siri and Matt's faces. "Um, Lizzie," Siri whispered. "You don't need to…can't you see that we…we didn't mean to…"
"OH SHUT UP SYRIA!" Lizzie yelled, causing the girl to jump backward. "Don't talk about things you don't understand. I wish Matthew had taken care of you!"
That comment sent a chill down Nigel's spine. She…how does she know about Matthew? Unless…
"How do you know about Matthew?" Matt demanded angrily and then his expression changed to a triumphant smirk. "Unless my predictions were correct! You are working for the Delightful Children!"
Lizzie opened her mouth to speak but Nigel cut her off. "Lizzie," he said, and everyone could feel the burning gaze behind his sunglasses. "What you just said proved his point. Numbuh 9 wasn't lying at all; you really did double-cross me." He was shaking in quiet anger. "Before I felt just confusion…but now I know the truth." He balled his hands into fists. "If you want to break up then fine we'll break up. But don't expect me to care." His voice quivered as he spoke. "Because…what you said…you sold everyone out…you betrayed me. Trust is a very fragile thing Lizzie. It's easily broken and you just…you just broke my trust." He turned around. "I think it'd be best if you left us right now. I just can't…deal with these conditions." With that said, Nigel dashed off through the house and up to the treehouse.
"Numbuh 1?" Abby called after him. "NUMBUH 1!!"
"COME BACK!" called Siri and Matt.
"That looks like it hurt," Chad said to the couple with a wince. Not that he really cared of course, but Nigel had been a pretty good friend to him before everything had fallen apart. He and the couple were taking cover behind the house next door to Nigel's.
"Yes, it hurts to be betrayed by the one you love doesn't it?" said the woman with a short laugh. "Ever had that happen to you Chad?"
Chad gazed up at her. "Well…"
"Cyriel, you know that he hasn't ever been betrayed by anyone like that," said the man with a solemn nod.
Chad shook his head. "Well…not really." He didn't want to talk about the Kids Next Door or his awful decommissioning escape.
Cyriel seemed to know what was going on inside Chad's head. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's all right Chad darling. You're not one of them anymore. What happens to them is not your concern."
"Yeah." He looked up at both of the adults; Father's new associates. "So tell me about your project."
"Oh you'll find it interesting," said the man with a small laugh. "I daresay, you will find the results to be quite interesting."
Me: That's all for now people! Sheesh, that was such a long chapter. It took about 21 pages!
Chloe: (eyes widen) That's longer than some of your "Saga of Destiny" chapters!
Me: You're right but it's only long because I have a lot of info on this one.
Numbuh 1: You know I hate you right now.
Me: Uh, sorry about that. Anyway, keep reading people and review if you want. I'm so excited that the next chapter won't take long to update since I'm in the middle of writing it already. I'll reveal both names of Numbuh 10's parents in the next chapter. I'd have updated yesterday but my birthday was yesterday and I didn't want to work too much on that day. Sure you guys will understand. Have a good one!
Next Chapter…Log 6-Jailbreak:Life for the Kids Next Door has gone from fighting adults to figuring out a way to fight their carbon copies. Numbuh 10 uncovers something that she never wanted to be true, Numbuh 1 learns how to deal with his breakup with Lizzie, and Numbuh 11 deals with the realization of his turning 13 in a mere week. Plus, a certain familiar foe finds the perfect means of escape and Matthew Pluto (the clone) reveals just how dangerous he and his future siblings could be! Next time on Codename: Kids Next Door Operation R.E.S.C.U.E.!
"Saving one life just cost you the lives of millions,"—Grave, Megaman NT Warrior
"You made a mistake by underestimating me Nigel, but I don't make mistakes!"—Numbuh 86
"You just did... you made me angry!!"—Numbuh 1, Operation E.N.D.