Me: I don't own the usual (if I did, I would be making some serious cash right now) and I don't own "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick and Friends.
Chloe: (rubs temples) Caro, you really know you should be working on your other stories?
Me: Yeah…but I'm having too much fun with this one!
Alexis: You are totally neglecting my story!
Me: Um, sorry Ally. Your chapter deleted from the computer so I have to type it all over. (that sucks) But maybe it will turn out a lot better that way. Anyhoo, this chapter's really really weird but it features your average humor, mystery, shock, and romance. Oh and it's pretty angst at one point. Lots of snags of 1/5, 1/10, 3/4, Chad/362, and the newly formed 2/14. Sorry, but not much of 9/10 in this chapter.
Chloe: (eyes dilate) You're putting Numbuh 2 with the Numbuh 14? Hoagie P. Gilligan with Naomi Cloud? The doofus with the innocent?
Me: Uuuh…yes.
Chloe: (blinks rapidly) That is…SO CUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE!!
Me: (sweatdrops) Ooookaaay.
Alexis: (sigh) Where are the Kids Next Door anyway?
Me: No idea…but does it matter? I don't want them in here right now.
Chloe: Why not?
Me: 'Cause Numbuh 1 probably wants to kill me and after this chapter, Numbuhs 5 and 9 will want to kill me too. Oh yeah, and although Numbuh 10 might not want to kill me, she'll want to hurt me pretty badly after this chapter.
Alexis: (grins) So many attempts on your life and well-being already Caro…and for once, Chloe, Rika, and I have nothing to do with it.
Me: Oh shut up.
Now downloading Kids Next Door Mission…
Real
Evil
Situations
Cause
Unhappy
Experiences
Log 6—Jailbreak
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: KND Headquarters
"Numbuh 1, open duh door!"
Nigel lay back against his bed, hands behind his head. His eyes behind his shades stared glumly at the ceiling as they had been for the last 30 minutes. "Go away."
"Open duh door Numbuh 1! I wanna talk ta ya."
"I don't wanna talk to anyone."
"(sigh) Numbuh 1…" There was a brief moment of silence behind the door before Abby spoke again. "Numbuh 5's jus' worried about ya, dat's all."
"Yeah well…go put your worry on someone who cares!" he snapped sarcastically. "I don't need your smart remarks right now!"
Abby felt like she'd been slapped in the face. She shook her head, eyes burning. "Fine then. See if I evah try ta help you outta anythin' again!" She turned on her heel and darted from the door.
Nigel sighed, sitting up in bed. What is wrong with me? He hadn't meant to yell at Abby, but really he felt so irritated, he had no other way to express his emotions. Unless beating something up is an option. Still, he hadn't meant to vent his frustration out on his best friend.
Lizzie's betrayal was still echoing in his head, yet he felt nothing but a deep sense of sadness and anger. Was she that desperate to keep me as her boyfriend?
Knock, knock.
"I said, GO AWAY!"
There was a pause, and then another female voice called out, "Look, I'm just here to get my stuff. Is that considered a crime in your department Numbuh 1?"
He rolled his eyes. "I just want to be alone."
"Well, we can't all have what we want." There was the sound of electricity and wires before the door slid open. Nigel stared as Siri came through the door, dusting off her hands.
"How did you—?"
"When you make weapons and 2x4 technology, you tend to know a lot more about other appliances as well," Siri replied, strolling over to her backpack. Her hazel eyes drifted over him. "You gonna be okay?"
He turned away from her. First Numbuh 5, now Numbuh 10. "Fine."
She shouldered her bag across one shoulder and walked towards the door. At the doorway, she paused and sighed. "Look…" She turned around. "I'm really sorry about Lizzie Numbuh 1." He flinched and she could see his fingers beginning to twitch. "I know…it hurts."
Nigel gave a bitter laugh. "How could you know? Have you ever had a boyfriend?"
Siri bit her lip and shook her head. "No. So I guess I wouldn't know how that feels."
"Have you ever even liked anyone?"
Now she frowned. Okay, now he's getting too personal. "That's none of your business." She put down her bag and walked toward him. "But I can tell it hurts."
He laughed again. "You have no idea."
"Numbuh 1, you're hurt and I know it. You feel hurt because of what Lizzie did to you and you're afraid because that choice she offered you was the hardest thing you've ever had to do. You're also angry because she sold us out and wanted you to leave something you've put your whole life into. And…you're sad because Lizzie meant something to you…am I right?"
Nigel turned around, still keeping his eyes off of the blonde operative. "You can say that."
Siri reached out and touched his shoulder. "Don't give up Numbuh 1. I know you'll be all right soon. It just takes time to heal from something that hurts you." She lowered her eyelashes. "Trust me, I know."
He blinked, finally looking at her. For some strange reason, she looked extremely sad. "Numbuh 10?"
She lifted her head and gave his shoulder a quick squeeze. Leaning forward, she whispered into his ear, her cool breath tickling his earlobe. "If you ever need someone, I'll be here for you." With a quick nod, she picked up her bag and departed from the room, her fluid-like motion leaving him even more dazed and confused than before.
She sounds like she's speaking from experience…but who could have hurt her in the past?
Naomi looked around Kuki's room. The whole area was plastered with stuffed animals and other assorted memorabilia that had to do with the cute and cuddly. Such a scene would have made older operatives quite ill, but Naomi was only nine-and-a-half. She liked it.
"Choose a stuffed animal Numbuh 14!" Kuki piped up cheerfully. "And that'll be your bed for the next week or so!"
Naomi smiled shyly. "Okay." She put down Mr. Snuffles and picked her way through the stuffed animals. "Hmmm…"
"Say Numbuh 14," Kuki asked her, pointing at Mr. Snuffles. "What are those buttons he has on him for?"
"Eh?" Naomi looked back at the Rainbow Monkey and picked him up again. "Well, I know one button plays the Rainbow Monkey theme at a very high volume. I don't know what this green one does though so—"
"Let's try it out!" Kuki reached over and pressed the button.
"W-wait Numbuh 3, we don't know what it DOOOOOEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!" She screamed as the rainbow on Mr. Snuffles's head whirred like a giant propeller and sent her souring up into the air.
Kuki laughed and clapped joyfully but Naomi's feelings couldn't have been more different. She was terrified. The monkey flew this way and that; she couldn't control the motion of the monkey.
"NUMBUH 3, turn it off! TURN IT OFF! TURN IT OFF!!"
Kuki nodded and strapped a Rainbow Monkey onto her head. It was the same monkey that she had acquired after antics with Mr. Moogle and Rainbow Monkey Island. As the propeller whirred to life, she flew up to Naomi and grabbed onto Mr. Snuffles. "Maybe this button turns it off." She pressed the red button.
Naomi glanced frantically up at her. "No, not that one! That one's the—"
"RAINBOW MONKEYS!! RAINBOW MONKEYS!! OH SO VERY ROUND AND SUPER CHUNKY!!"
Kuki covered her ears, squinting her eyes shut as well. Naomi almost let go of Mr. Snuffles.
"SPREADING LOVE WHEREVER THEY GO!! EVERYONE IS MADE OF A BIG RAINBOW!!"
BANG!
"Wha' is goin' on here?" Wally demanded incredulously. Eric and Kayla were right behind him, their fingers stuffed in their ears.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Kuki shouted down at him. Her hands were still over her ears.
"Ah said, WHA'S GOIN' ON HERE?!" Wally yelled so loudly that Eric jumped about 5 feet and Kayla's hat popped of her head and landed back on.
"OH RED AND ORANGE AND GREEN AND BLUE!! RAINBOW MONKEYS! RAINBOW MONKEYS! WE LOVE YOU!!!!"
Naomi strained to reach up with her small hands and she pressed the red button again. Immediately the song died. She pressed the green button again and Mr. Snuffles floated to the ground. Kuki clapped her hands, accidentally taking her Rainbow Monkey off of her head.
"WHOOOOOOAAAAAAAA!!"
On instinct, Wally raced underneath her falling form. "Ah gotcha! Ah gotcha! Ah gotcha!" Kuki crash-landed on his back. "Ow…Ah gotcha."
"Ack!" She got up and picked him up. "Sorry Numbuh 4! Are you okay?"
He grimaced and then blushed. "Eh, yeah. Ah'm fine. Uh…could ya…put me down?"
"Oh right." She dropped him.
"Ow!"
"Dude, what was that for Numbuh 14?" Eric asked the younger girl.
Naomi poked one finger into her ear, making herself look like a dolt. She took her finger out. "What did you say?"
"He said, what was that fer?" Kayla repeated in a louder voice.
"I know that's Numbuh 4."
Kuki cocked her head thoughtfully. "I think she's a little deaf from Mr. Snuffles's loud singing. It should go away though."
"How do you know?" Wally, Eric, and Kayla asked her.
"I just do."
"You like who?" Naomi asked, yawning on purpose to make her ears pop.
Wally shrugged. "Eh, well at least she kin 'ear somethin'." He, Eric, and Kayla left the room.
"He wants a muffin?"
Kuki turned back to her friend. "Can you hear me now?"
Naomi shook her head, making her pigtails flutter this way and that. "I…I think so Numbuh 3."
"Good."
Abby sprawled herself across the couch in her room, burying her face in a magazine and drinking a soda. However, the tingling taste of the soda and the interesting pictures in the magazine barely held her attention. Her thoughts were still with Nigel.
Man, what is Numbuh 1's problem? All I wuz tryin' ta do wuz offer up some help. But nooo, he don't care fo' somethin' lak dat.
Siri looked up from the pile of junk she'd scavenged from outside. She'd already cleaned and polished most of the items. She held up a springy sort of object that went Sproing! every time she tapped it. "Are you okay Numbuh 5? You've been kinda quiet."
"Numbuh 5's always quiet whenever she reads magazines."
"Oh." Siri put down the springy object and picked up a piece of glass she'd been sanding to get rid of the sharp edges. "So you're really all right?"
Abby nodded. "That's good. You've been quiet ever since I just came in here." Siri picked up her homemade screwdriver. "You don't mind me staying in here do you?"
"Nah. Why would I mind?"
"Just wondering…"
Abby smiled and stood up. "Well, ya don't need ta worry a thing Numbuh 10. I'm okay wit' it." She headed towards her door. "Numbuh 5's gonna check up on Numbuh 1 again. Catch ya later 'kay?"
Siri nodded and went back to her project. This should upgrade the paralysis on the E.C.C.E.N.T.R.I.C. She glanced back at the door. Hmm…hopefully things will be all right.
Time: 11:10 AM
Location: Delightful Children's Mansion
"What do you think of her?"
Chad eyed the blonde girl floating in her own green tank like the rest of the children. "She's pretty."
"She'll be pretty dangerous when she finally wakes up," said Cyriel with a small sadistic smile. Her hooded eyes lifted as her husband came into the room, flanked by the Delightful Children. "Yes Jeff?"
"Father wants us to move into the next phase of action. We need to contact his apprentice right away."
Cyriel smiled. "Very well."
Location: KND Headquarters
And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you
And if I should ever go away
Well then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today and then if you can remember
Knock, knock.
Maybe if I ignore it, the person will go away.
KNOCK, KNOCK.
Darn it! Nigel forced himself away from his desk and over to the door. He stomped toward the door and pressed the switch to open it.
Before he could close the door again, Abby stalked into the room. "What are you doing here Numbuh 5?" he asked her wearily.
Abby scowled at him. "So dat's it huh? Ya don't think o' apologizin'; ya jus' bluntly ask what I am doin' heah." She sat down on his bed. "What do ya think I'm doin' heah Numbuh 1?"
Nigel scowled back and walked over to the window, gazing outside. His shoulders shook slightly. "If you're here to lecture me Numbuh 5, then I think it'd be better if you saved your breath." He blinked. "I'm in no condition to listen to someone berating me about my behavior right now."
Abby looked at him, all of her anger draining away. Slowly, she got up from the bed and followed him to the window. On the way, she failed to notice a piece of equipment on the floor—and tripped over it.
"WAH!"
Nigel spun around in time to see Abby stumble forward. He reached out and caught her in his arms. Although it was clear she wasn't going to fall, they continued to stare into each other's eyes…before reality snapped them back to normal.
Abby sprang away from him, feeling the heat come to her face. "Sorry 'bout dat."
Nigel nodded, blushing himself. Oh this is ridiculous. "N-no problem." Then he turned away from her to gaze out the window once more.
She moved closer. "Numbuh 5's sorry Numbuh 1. I jus'…well, I guess I'd act duh same way if someone I really loved betrayed me an' forced me ta choose between two thangs I really cared about."
He looked back at her, noticing just then how close she was to him. "I…"
She blinked, realizing it as well and took a step back. "Well…"
"I'm sorry too Numbuh 5."
"What?" She cocked her head at him. "Ya are?"
Nigel nodded. "Yes I am. I didn't mean to snap at you like that Numbuh 5. I was just…well…"
"I undustand Numbuh 1." Abby placed her hand on his shoulder. "You were jus' fed up ovuh what happened earlier wit' Lizzie right?"
"Yeah."
Keep smilin' keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
"So…ya wanna talk about it?"
He looked away from her again. "If ya don't wanna talk about it, then dat's okay. Numbuh 5 respects your privacy." Abby removed her hand from his shoulder. "'Course it is important ta talk about Numbuh 1…especially if it bothuh's ya. You should know dat you can tell Numbuh 5 anythin'. I know how ta keep a secret."
Nigel looked at her again. Her deep brown eyes were filled with worry and compassion and he'd noticed just then that her red cap had fallen off of her head from the fall, her long black braid now fully visible.
"You didn't do anythin' wrong…so stop beatin' yo'self up ovuh it. You made yo' choice Numbuh 1."
"It's not that easy Numbuh 5."
"I don't expect it ta be easy considerin' how ya loved her an' all."
He blinked. "I never really loved her Numbuh 5."
Now she looked confused. "Say what?"
Nigel walked over to his bed and sat down, gesturing for her to sit down next to him. "I've been doing some thinking in here and now I believe…I liked Lizzie. I liked her a lot. But I don't think I really loved her." He smiled ruefully. "What is love anyway?"
Abby shrugged. She glanced at Nigel as he looked up at the wooden ceiling. His black sunglasses had slipped a bit down his nose, revealing his deep blue eyes. They were filled with wisdom and responsibility, yet still they were able to hold the same friendly focus of a young boy. So mysterious…and yet so incredible. Abby looked down to make sure he didn't catch her staring. "All I knows is it makes people do crazy thangs."
At that, Nigel laughed; the first laugh he'd uttered in a while. "That it does." He reached up and fixed his shades over his eyes. "With Lizzie, I was more than just a leader; I was something else. She saw a different side of me…but I think she was too clingy. With a real relationship, I need space and time to myself. So like I was saying…I know I cared a lot about Lizzie but I don't know if that was love." He sighed. "Really though…I just feel so…"
"I know how ya feel Numbuh 1." Abby was twisting her cap in her hands. "I wuz there remembuh?" She tilted her head at her best friend. "Don't worry. All o' dis will be ovuh soon. She'll find somebody who has time fo' her Numbuh 1. Somebody who will obsess ovuh her lak duh way she obsessed ovuh you. I know yo' hurt an' angry right now, but you have got ta let go. Don't stay in dis funk fo' so long. It ain't healthy."
Hearing her words, he stood up straight and thought about what had happened in the past hour. There was no question about it; given the choice again he would still take the Kids Next Door over Lizzie. He never wanted to hurt her, but this organization was his job, his life, one of the few things that made him who he was. Even if Matt hadn't figured out that Lizzie had double-crossed them, he would have still chosen the Kids Next Door and not regretted the decision one bit.
Well you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you
And then for the times when we're apart
Well then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember…
Nigel turned back to the girl sitting on his bed, swinging her legs forward and backward, and clutching her cap. His lips turned up in a genuine smile. "You're right Numbuh 5."
"Don't I know it," Abby replied with a grin. She hopped to her feet. "Yo' our friend Numbuh 1. Not jus' our leaduh, but our friend as well. Whatevuh's botherin' ya, we'll help ya through it."
"Y'know, Numbuh 10 said something like that."
Abby smiled, thinking of the sensible blonde girl. "Well, she's right. Yo' problems are our problems." She winked at him and walked towards his door. He followed her. "So…are ya really ovuh Lizzie?"
"I can't say I'm completely over her Numbuh 5, but I'm on the way to recovery."
She nodded and pressed the button to open his door. As she did, he took in her long dark hair bound in a tight braid and her smooth brown skin. Her hands reached up to place her red hat back in place on her head. She's not beautiful, he thought to himself, looking her over. Not like…well, not like Numbuh 10. But in her own way…she's actually kinda—
"Well, Numbuh 5's gotta check up on Numbuh 10 fo' now."
Nigel snapped back to reality. "Uh…right." He smiled at his best friend. "Thanks a lot Numbuh 5."
Abby shrugged. "What are friends fo'?" She turned around to smile at him…and instead her face took on confusion when he leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. It was really rather brief, no more than a soft feather brushing against her face. But it was still something she hadn't expected.
"N-Numbuh 1?"
He pulled away quickly, his face turning slightly red. "Um…I…sorry!" He pressed the button to close his door.
Abby stood there, staring at the door. Her hand reached up to touch the spot where he'd kissed her. She was sure it was just a gesture of friendship…but she didn't want it to only mean that.
Nigel…
Keep smilin' keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
Later…
"He WHAT?!"
Abby lay back against the head of the couch. "You heard me girl. Numbuh 5 don't wanna repeat it twice."
Siri shook her head, her eyes wide with shock. "He kissed you?! Wow, that's pretty serious Numbuh 5."
"No it ain't," Abby replied with a small smile. "Numbuh 1 was prob'ly jus' showin' his thanks fo' me offerin' him some advice, dat's all."
"But he kissed you."
"It wuz on'y on duh cheek Numbuh 10." Abby rolled her eyes. "Besides, I'm sho dat if you wuz there instead o' me, he woulda done duh same thang."
Siri didn't look convinced but she didn't press the issue. "Whatever you say Numbuh 5." She held up the finished E.C.C.E.N.T.R.I.C. "Perfect. I've managed to upgrade the paralysis on this baby. Instead of 5 minutes, it should go to at least 8 now." She tossed an E.C.C.E.N.T.R.I.C. at her. "I made one for you. Like it?"
Abby grinned at the card. "Cool. Thanks girl. Might come in handy."
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
The door slid open and Matt stuck her head in. "Hey girls. Listen, Numbuh 1 and the others were thinking of showing us Florida sector kids around the neighborhood. Wanna come along?"
"Sho," said Abby brightly. She hopped off the couch. "C'mon Numbuh 10."
Time: 11:20 AM
Location: Kids Next Door International Headquarters, Moon Base
"Numbuh 103 report! Is the prison secure?"
"Yes. Everything is up and running."
Geez Laweez, what is up with these kids and calling each other every two minutes? Cree Lincoln thought to herself inside the glass cell. She'd been stuck in the prison for a while now, nearly two months to be exact. I could so bust outta here right now…but I gotta stay in here. Orders are orders.
A faint trilling feeling occurred somewhere near her waist.
"Can I go to the bathroom?" she asked the girl on the outside.
Numbuh 103 glanced at her, her eyebrows furrowed into a frown. "Again? You already went an hour ago teenager!"
"So I got a small bladder; so sue me," Cree replied smoothly.
Numbuh 103 grumbled under her breath as she let the dark-skinned teenager out of the cell, keeping a weapon trained on her. They walked down the hallway and into a nearby installed restroom. Cree strolled inside, leaving Numbuh 103 to guard outside.
Man, these kids are such idiots. Cree reached into the pocket of her uniform and pulled out a cell phone. Good thing I left it on vibrate so those brats couldn't hear anything. She pressed the Call button and placed the cell phone over her ear. "Talk to me."
"I presume the reason why you didn't answer is due to the operatives?"
Cree blinked. "Hey, you're not Father," she whispered. "Who are you?"
"Didn't Father tell you about his new associates?" the woman on the other line asked her. She had a light voice but it was as cold as ice.
"Oh yeah. He and his kids did give me a heads up about new teammates." Cree grinned. "So you're Mrs. Hartman if I'm correct right?"
"Call me Cyriel," the woman replied smoothly. "Mrs. Hartman makes me sound old…and I'm not that old."
Cree nodded, brushing her black locks aside. "So…whatcha want?"
"I'm here to tell you that two of our number will be joining you very shortly Cree. You probably know one of them pretty well already. The other, however, you'll have to get acquainted with."
"Your husband?"
Cyriel chuckled on the other line. "No dear. My husband wouldn't be able to make it through the kids. I daresay, the person you will get acquainted with will be unexpected."
"You think I'll like this new face?"
"That's your opinion Cree." Cyriel chuckled. "Now, I think you've been hiding out in the bathroom long enough. Time to face the children again."
Cree nodded. "Right."
"I'll contact you again after your companions arrive. Is that fine with you?"
"Sure. See ya Cyriel." Cree clicked off the cell phone and smiled.
Location: Earth
The two teams of Kids Next Door strolled down the streets, admiring the usual areas in the suburbs. They had spent a good 15 minutes in the park because Kuki and Naomi saw a family of squirrels. Later, they stopped by the comic book store in order to collect some new comics for Wally and Hoagie, and some magazines for Abby. As the tour came to a close, the 11 kids headed towards one of the most famed objects in a child's mind: the candy store.
"YEA! CANDY!"
Kuki sped through the door of the candy shop, leaving her friends in a trail of dust. After two seconds, Naomi followed her (without the "Yea! Candy!" part though), flanked by the others. Mr. Jelly no longer ran the candy store as in the past, but Dr. Teef's brother-in-law did come to take charge of the shop.
10 minutes later, they left the store, candy and other sweets crammed into their treat bags. "Thanks for showing us around," Matt said to Nigel.
"Oh it's no trouble. You guys are going to have to get used to being around here," he answered with a smile.
Siri, who was at the back of the group, noticed something in the alley. Huh? What's that? She stopped walking and peered into the alley. Hmmm.
"I'll trade you a Root Beer Barrel for some Sour Apple."
"What are yeh nuts? You know Root Beer Barrels don't agree with me Numbuh 12, an' frankly, I'd ruther keep mah Sour Apple."
"Suit yourself Tex."
"Enough with the Tex already!"
Siri walked down to the end of the alley, peering around the dirty corners. That's weird. I thought I saw something. Turning back around, she was about to get out of the dingy alley when a voice made her halt her tracks.
"Still here aren't you?"
Siri turned around again and saw Lizzie stepping out from behind the end of one of the buildings. Her blueish eyes were downcast but they were narrowed at Siri in loathing. She'd looked like she'd been crying.
"Lizzie…" Siri bit her lip nervously. Somehow, this is not what I really wanted. "Er…what are you doing down here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," the other girl shot back coldly. "Aren't you supposed to be back at the treehouse or something? With your friends and…and…Nigel?"
Oh yes, this is really not what I wanted. "Lizzie, I'm really really sorry about what happened back there…but…why'd you do it?"
"Why'd I do what?"
"Oh don't play dumb with me Lizzie," Siri said to her. "You know what I'm talking about. Why did you betray Numbuh 1 and the rest of the team? Did you really want to keep him that much…so much that you would sell everyone else out?"
"I know he was never truly happy with me!" Lizzie sank to the ground. "But I never expected him to go out and do that. I thought he loved me."
"Lizzie, love is a very precious thing and it goes along with trust. When you betrayed him, you broke Numbuh 1's trust. I'm sure he did love you, but what you did was unforgivable. Because of you, now we have more than just normal adult menaces on our hands. We have clones…of ourselves. Do you realize how serious that is? They don't want to defeat us, they want to destroy us. Love and devotion isn't worth risking so many lives of kid-kind."
Lizzie crossed her arms angrily. "What do you know about love Syria? You may be pretty but as far as I could tell, you don't got a boyfriend to call your own. You don't know how I feel!" A tear slid down her face.
Siri felt even worse. Oh crud. She reached out to pat Lizzie's shoulder but the girl shoved her hand away. "Get your fat paw away from me!"
Who are you calling fat? Siri felt the small bubble of annoyance rise up within her body, but she suppressed it. "Lizzie, I'm sorry about everything and I wish I could help but…you're right. I don't know much about romance and boyfriend and girlfriend mush and stuff like that, but I know it's not healthy for you to stay sad. If there's something that Numbuh 1 wouldn't want, it's you being unhappy. So why don't you perk up?" She smiled softly. "It's not the end of the world."
"Yes it is." Lizzie said tearfully. "I'm never gonna find another person to care about me after this! Never, never, never!"
Keep smilin' keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
I still don't like her…but I do feel sorry for her. It's really…pathetic, really. Siri sighed. "All it takes is time." She closed her eyes. "Unfortunately, thanks to you time is no longer on our side."
"Yeah well, why are you trying to cheer me up," Lizzie demanded.
"Because I feel sorry."
"Well I don't want your pity Syria." Lizzie moved a step away. "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't want your help or your advice or your pity. I get enough from my own parents and now from yours, so I don't need anything from you." She snorted. "Of course, what do you know about family anyway since you don't have one?"
What did…rewind and freeze! Siri reached out and grabbed Lizzie's shirtfront. "What did you say?"
"Can you not do that?"
"WHAT…DID…YOU…SAY?!"
Lizzie stared at the other girl in fright. Siri's hazel eyes had darkened in obvious anger. "I…I said what do you know about family anyway since you don't have one."
Siri yanked her closer. "What do you mean by that?"
Lizzie let out a soft laugh and pulled away from Siri's grip. "Oh come on, you know what I'm talking about Syria. I may not know you that well personally, but if there's one thing I know it's that you don't have a family. I know the parents you have right now aren't really yours. And…" She paused for effect (and the effect was magnificent). "You're keeping up a strong face because you don't want anyone else to know the truth: you're adopted."
The candy bag fell to the ground but Siri paid no attention to it. "Just what proof do you have of that?"
"Duh. I told you, I get some advice from your adoptive parents…and anyway, they are the ones who are responsible for making the clones to begin with. You really didn't think the Delightful Children would be that smart did you? Oh yeah, I also have proof because of your reaction."
Why you… Siri curled her hands into fists but stopped herself. It wasn't Lizzie's fault. My…parents…are the ones behind all of this…the clones…are after us…because of them. They were the ones, not the Delightful Children.
As Siri felt her body grow numb, she could remember her adoptive mother's twisted smirk and her adoptive father's cruel eyes. She remembered the other foster homes before the one she was assigned to currently…how she wished she could have stayed in one of them. She remembered the laughs, the taunts, the orders, the shouts, the beatings. Her mind drowned in a sea of images.
The Kids Next Door…it was her refuge…her safe
haven…her family…Those last words from her adoptive parents echoed just
before she left…
"Don't think you'll ever be rid of
us Syria Kaldorei. We'll find you…you can count on that. The promises
of freedom are nothing more than dust in the air."
They want to kill me…and my friends…because of me… She closed her eyes, turned to the side, and slammed her fist into the pane of a broken window.
CRASH!
Glass flew everywhere and Siri felt a sharp pain in her hand but she didn't care. The pain was nothing compared to the aching feeling she got in her stomach.
"Syria?"
Siri jerked her head around and glared at Lizzie. The redhead was looking frightened like before. "You better go," said Siri in an icy voice. "Before I do something regrettable."
Lizzie nodded and scampered out of the alley.
Siri looked down at the ground and then inspected her hand critically. It was bleeding afresh and the knuckles were badly scraped. I better not pick up on my old habit. Back when she was still part of her hideous foster parents, she'd work out on a makiwara, a wooden board she'd found in the dump, in order to deal with the problems. The makiwara was padded, but she'd still hurt her hands…but the physical pain had taken away most of the emotional pain. The pain she felt for being unwanted…and unloved.
Why?
"Numbuh 10!"
She could hear Nigel's accent drift over to her. "Why are you standing here? I saw Lizzie leave just now but I thought you were…oh my…are you okay?"
Siri looked at him as Nigel stared at her hand. If it was possible for him to go even paler than he already he, he just did. "I'm…where are the others?" she asked him.
"They went on already but I stayed back because you weren't with us. Numbuh 9 wanted to come with me, but I told him to take the others back to the treehouse." He reached out and took hold of her hand. She flinched. "What happened to you?"
Her eyes slowly filled with tears but she blinked them back. "I…I think it'd be better if I just get back to the treehouse."
"Yeah." Nigel picked up her candy bag, but didn't let go of her hand. "But you still need to answer my question."
Siri closed her eyes. "Numbuh 1—"
"Now look who's sounding miserable." Nigel poured all of the candy from his bag into hers and then placed her hand gently inside the bag, tying it with the bright string to absorb the blood until they got back. "You said that you would always be there for me in case I needed someone. Well it should work both ways. This time, I'm going to be there for you." He fixed his shades. "I know you'll probably want to take care of that…but afterwards…tell me what's going on."
She looked up into his eyes. This can't go unnoticed any longer. "Okay."
Keep smilin' keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
(song ends)
Time: 11:40 AM Location: KND Headquarters
"Heh heh, looks loik Ah'm winnin'!"
"Dude, that is so not fair! You have this game!"
"Yeah well, ya're not so bad Numbuh 12—for a begginuh."
Hoagie shook his head and laughed as Wally successfully speeded past Eric in another racing game. The boys had been going at it ever since they'd deposited their candy in their room.
A small tug on his sleeve made him look to the side.
"Down here."
He glanced slightly downward and found Naomi standing there next to him, her small hand on his shirtsleeve.
"What is it Numbuh 14?"
"I forgot to tell you I'm sorry for causing you trouble back at the Delightful Children's mansion," Naomi said softly. Her brown eyes were glassy. "It's just…I was so a'scared about what they did…I didn't wanna trust anybody that wasn't part of my team."
Hoagie smiled and knelt down so they were looking at each other eye-level (well nearly, since the top of Naomi's head was taller than his at this level). "It's okay Numbuh 14. I knew you were scared but Numbuh 3 got you out." He chuckled. "I guess it really was a woman's job wasn't it?"
She shook her head seriously. "You and Numbuh 4 would have done just as good of a job if I hadn't been such a brat."
"Well, you had your reasons." He straightened up and turned back towards the video game once more.
Naomi smiled winningly at him and walked away, before turning back around and saying, "You know? You're really sweet Numbuh 2."
Hoagie froze for an instant and looked back at her. She'd already walked away. He scratched his head and faced forward again…to see Wally and Eric's grinning faces.
"What?"
"Oh nuthin," Wally mumbled, turning back to his video game. Eric shrugged and glanced at the controls.
Location: Kids Next Door International Headquarters, Moon Base
Francine "Fanny" Fulbright, known as Numbuh 86, narrowed her eyes at the young operative facing her. She adjusted her silvery helmet over her bright red hair. "How did you manage to capture Numbuh 274?"
"That's Chad to you," Chad snapped angrily.
"SHUT IT TEENAGER!" she yelled back. Then she composed herself. "Well, I guess you can go to the prison compartments. Numbuh 103 will be there to meet you Numbuh 9."
"Thanks."
Chad stared around at the surrounding rooms as he was led to the prison compound. It's been so long since I've last been in here. He glanced at his companion. I hope he's as smart as Cyriel and Jeff say he is.
Numbuh 103 stared at Chad as if his head was on backwards. "Numbuh…274?"
"It's Chad."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever." With a sigh she shoved him into the next compartment. "In you go teenager."
"Say Numbuh 103," said Matthew with a small smile. "I'll keep on eye on him for you and get him in the compartment. You need a break from watching the prisoners you know."
Numbuh 103 blinked, and then grinned. "Thanks Numbuh 9. Have a good time. I'll be back in a few." She walked away down the hall.
When Matthew was sure she was gone, he turned around. "All right Chad. Phase One is complete."
"Nice job Matthew," said Chad with an evil grin. He looked around the compartments. "Ugh, I don't the looks of this place."
"Well, well, well, I didn't expect this to happen."
Chad and Matthew turned around to the next compartment prison. A tall girl with dark brown skin and styled black hair leaned against the wall of the prison, her arms crossed.
"Cree!"
"Hey Chad." She tossed her head so that one lock of black hair fell over one eye. "Are you supposed to be my visitor?" She eyed Matthew with a look of contempt. "With him?"
"Not what you think Cree," said Chad. "This is Matthew Pluto, a clone of the real agent Numbuh 9: Matthew Pluto. He's here to help us." He cocked his head at her. "Didn't Cyriel tell you we were coming?"
Cree shrugged. "She did and she didn't." Her brown eyes regarded Matthew coolly. "So what's so different between you and the real Numbuh 9?"
In answer, Matthew's eyes glowed a blood-red and he reached back his fist.
CRASH!
With one swift punch, he shattered the glass that kept Cree prisoner, his face bearing no sign of pain. He merely looked down at his hand and picked off the pieces of glass that remained.
Cree was impressed. "Nice." She got out of the compartment and grinned down at Matthew. "You're pretty handy kiddo."
"Thank you…but now's not the time Ms. Lincoln." He turned around and headed towards the doorway. "First we need to get your weapon back. Then…it's time we took this moonbase into our own hands."
Time: 11:45 AM Location: KND Headquarters
Siri stared out the window while sitting on the trampoline bed, wondering if she could lose herself in the sky right now. She'd already washed her hand of the blood but she really didn't know how to get rid of the guilty feeling in her stomach.
The sound of squeaky floorboards made her jump.
"It's just me," said Nigel quietly. He produced a roll of gauze bandaging. "Numbuh 5 suggested you put this around your hand. It'll help."
She blinked and turned away from him, her eyes now locking on Matt's stuff on the floor. "Here, I'll do it." She felt him take her hand and slowly wrap the bandaging around it. "So…you wanna tell me or do I have to guess?"
Siri sighed. "I…if I do tell you…will you promise to tell Numbuh 5…and Numbuh 9?"
"You mean, Numbuh 9 doesn't even know what's wrong?"
"No. I never even told him." Siri smiled shakily. "I'm a lousy best friend aren't I?"
"No, not at all."
She shook her head and began. "I'm…I'm adopted. I have been for as long as I can remember. The memories of my real parents…they're so fuzzy, I don't even know if they're real. All I know is that I've lived most of my life in foster homes. The orphanage system that took me in couldn't allow me to stay at them until the last one. I wish…" Tears leaked out. "I wish I didn't stay at the last one."
Nigel reached out and touched her shoulder. "Go on."
"I…I finally stayed at the home of Cyriel and Jeff Hartman. They…they abused me lots. I…I don't wanna go into detail." Siri was sobbing quietly now. "So I joined the Kids Next Door. It was the only place where I knew I could feel safe. I knew I could somehow help prevent what happened to me to other kids. I could keep them safe…from my own fate." She shook her head. "But they said I would never be free. They said that they'll find me…and they have." Her hazel eyes looked into his shielded blue ones and she buried her face into his shoulder. "I had a talk with Lizzie…and she said that my parents are the ones responsible for making the clones. They are the ones who helped the Delightful Children. Lizzie may have sold us out…but they are the ones who want to kill us."
Nigel finished wrapping her hand in the bandaging and stroked her hair, letting her cry against him. Poor girl. I never knew. No wonder she looked sad before. It's true…it was personal experience that made her this way.
"I'm sorry you had to deal with this," he whispered softly. "I…I never knew."
She shook her head. "It's my fault for not telling you or anybody before. But…I wish I could just turn back time." I wish I was adopted by someone else…someone like your parents…so I could have known…someone like you…
"Don't worry Siri," he whispered against the top of her head. It seemed appropriate to call her by her real name. "Like I said before, anytime you need someone to talk to, I'll be here for you. I promise no matter what…we'll try to make it right."
Siri sighed, content to stay where she was. At least I have someone who cares… "Thanks Nigel." She tilted her head up at him. "You and Numbuh 5 have known each other for like, ever haven't you?"
Nigel nodded. She smiled softly. "She's lucky to have a friend like you."
He smiled back at her, but his hands trembled slightly as he touched her hair again. Maybe I'm the one who's lucky…to have someone like Abby…
Location: Kids Next Door International Headquarters, Moon Base
Cree looked around the corner. "This place is huge! How are we gonna find my weapon around here?"
"Look for the most heavily guarded area duh," Chad muttered to her. He also looked around the corner. "Okay, I've got an idea. Cree, you and Matthew can head to the weapons bed. Matthew looks like the real Numbuh 9, so we'll have no real trouble there. Once you get the weapon, you two can do whatever you want. Meanwhile, I'll head to the main control center and take control of this base."
"That sounds like suicide even if we could pull it out," Cree told him. She grinned. "Let's do it."
Matthew signaled to them. "C'mon Cree. The coast is clear. This way!"
As soon as the pair were out of sight, Chad darted down the opposite corridor, keeping himself well-hidden. Thanks to Cyriel and Jeff, he'd be able to get to the control center no problem. Jeff had given him a cloaking device in order to make him blend in with is surroundings. Good thing these K.N.-Dorks don't have that kind of technology yet.
After racing down the twisting hallways and standing on moving platforms, he managed to find the control center. For a minute he stood, glaring at it. This had been his office when he used to be in charge. If it hadn't been for Numbuh 1, he'd still be in charge.
Stop thinking about it Chad. It's the past.
With bold decision, he was about to enter the room when he remembered cloaking device nor not, there might be someone behind the door that would be smart enough to know doors didn't open by themselves.
Luckily, the door slid open just then, and Numbuh 86 stepped out of the room. He rushed past her before the door closed.
That was too close, he thought. He looked around the enormous circular room. They'd repaired the roof when Numbuhs 1-5, and that annoying kid Tommy, had crashed through. Otherwise, the place hadn't changed.
Except there was someone sitting at his old seat.
Chad narrowed his eyes at the person in the chair. The person spun around, frowning at a piece of paper, mission specs no doubt, and then wearily pulled the black metal helmet off of his head.
Almost instantly, Chad realized the guy became a girl.
It was Numbuh 362.
Matthew and Cree hurried down the corridor, eyes locked on the steel door in front of them. Unlike Chad, they had no cloaking device so they were relying on their own stealthy skills to avoid capture. Not that Matthew would have cared of course.
"All right Cree. Use this thing." Matthew slipped her a piece of paper. "it's the codes for unlocking the weapons bed and disabling any security around your weapon. I'll keep the guard busy." Clearing his throat, he shouted, "RED ALERT! RED ALERT! THE SECURITY SYSTEM'S BEEN BREACHED INSIDE THE PRISONER'S MODULE!"
The four guards raced off towards the prisoner's compartments. Cree grinned at Matthew. "Good going Matthew, but now they'll know Chad and I have escaped."
"By then, the moonbase will be ours," Matthew said with a sadistic smile. He walked off down the hallway.
"Where are you going?"
"Chad said we could whatever we want after you get your weapon," the clone replied. His brown eyes glowed red. "So that's what I'm doing. I'll meet you in the control center."
Chad stared at the blonde girl as she typed away on the KND L.U.N.C.H.B.O.C.K.S. (Largely Undercover Nuclear Computer Handles Bologna Or Complicated Komputer Stuff).
Okay…I have to get that machine away from her. He moved around her desk slowly and carefully. She turned away from the device. So far…so good. He carefully reached for the L.U.N.C.H.B.O.C.K.S.
"GOTCHA!"
Her hand clamped down on top of his. His eyes widened in shock. What the heck?
She reached out, grabbed the cloaking device on his chest, and yanked it off. He instantly materialized in front of her. Her brown eyes widened in shock. "Numbuh…Chad?"
He gulped. So much for cover. "Hi Rachel."
Why…how did he get in here? I thought…well it doesn't matter.
Her steely gaze seemed to pierce right through him. She'd never used to look like that when he'd been around. "The name is Numbuh 362 to you teenager," she snapped coldly. Her hand closed tightly on his shirtfront.
"Yeah well…" Chad twisted himself away from her. "You managed to hear me even when I was quieter than a mouse."
Rachel snorted. "I've got a heat seeking piece of eyewear on right here." She tapped the mechanical device on her wrist. "You have may have been invisible, but I still detect your heat."
"Still the top spy," Chad said with a smirk. "I still respect that."
"That's you," she shot back. "I lost my respect for you when you turned traitor." She walked around from the desk and crossed her arms. He's changed quite a bit…still Mr. Perfect I see…but… Her eyes softened a bit. Still the good-looking operative I remember…ugh. "My you've grown."
"So have you," Chad replied, looking her up and down. "Taller…and…more…"
Rachel glared at him, her long blonde hair bristling. "More what?"
More attractive…agh, what is wrong with you? This is a kid you're talking about. And not only that, this is a member of the organization you're fighting against! Still…puberty is sure treating her nice.
"You're more aggressive," said a voice. "But not aggressive enough."
Chad and Rachel turned to see Matthew standing in the doorway. He smiled innocently. "Sorry. Did I interrupt a romantic reunion?"
Rachel glared at him. "Numbuh 9, what are you doing in here? I thought you were guarding this guy…unless you decided to take him on parole."
"I didn't…" Matthew laughed before his eyes began to steadily glow. "He went out on his own."
It was all Rachel could do to keep from screaming. "Who…who are you?!"
He laughed again. "Your worst nightmare."
Rachel whirled around to look up at Chad. He bit his lip. "I'm sorry Numbuh 362."
She glared at him, her eyes winking back tears. "So…am…I…"
Time: 11:55 AM
Location: KND Headquarters
Zen Chou, aka Numbuh 11, looked up at the sky. For once, he had left his book behind…it was only a shield anyway to hide his worry and his realization.
Only a few more days left…before I reach my teenage years…only a few more days…before everything I hold dear…is gone…
Me: Sorry to leave you all hanging at a bad position, but I'm leaving for UCSD tomorrow for 3 weeks so no updates until then. I hope you enjoyed this chapter though and I'll post a new one as soon as I get back.
Numbuh 5: Now I really hate you.
Numbuh 1: Me too.
Numbuh 10: Me three.
Numbuh 9: Don't forget me.
Me: What else is new? Anyway, until then fellow readers and reviewers!
Next Chapter…Log 7-The Weakest Link: The Kids Next Door Moonbase is now under control of the deadly clones and Chad, the ex-Numbuh 274, along with Cree Lincoln. The Kids Next Door back on Earth discover a way to destroy their carbon copies, but how long do they need before the Moonbase is completely destroyed? Rachel may be under control of the teenagers now, but she isn't one to sit quietly. And when Matthew reveals his deadly intentions, can Chad and Cree actually cope with the clones to come? Next time on Codename: Kids Next Door Operation R.E.S.C.U.E.!
"Why are we tryin' ta save Leaky Leona?! What did she evuh do for us?"—Numbuh 4
"Because, duh last time Numbuh 5 didn't help a kid dat was captured by duh Delightful Children, they did somethin' she can't EVUH forgive!"—Numbuh 5
"What'd they do that was so bad?"—Numbuh 4
"They made me bald,"—Numbuh 1
"Whooooaaaa,"—Numbuh 4
"I wanted you to know, that I will always be there for you; I will always be there to take care of you. I promise you that. I will always be your friend,"—Peter Parker, Spiderman