Foreword: This story is a sequel to my first KND fanfic, Operation: RETRIBUTION. However, this fanfic can still be enjoyed without reading the prequel first, but I would still recommend it.
Originally, I wrote this story alongside RETRIBUTION but put it aside to finish the first part. Now though, I can focus all of my creativity to this. My release schedule isn't set in stone, but I'll try to stick to one chapter per week or two weeks, depending how hard university kicks my butt.
This story is split into multiple arcs and I will update this as I make progress. Currently, I have 400+ pages done but heavy rewriting is required first.
Phase 1: Journey Home: Chapter 1 to 19 Complete
Phase 2: End of Illusion: Chapter 20 onwards. Currently being written
Timeline wise, just like RETRIBUTION, this is a diverging AU where Numbuh 1 didn't join the GKND in INTERVIEWS.
The story's soundtrack playlist is now available on Youtube and I constantly update it. The songs aren't in any particular order and span many different genres but feel free to listen to it if you want: playlist?list=PLKZ81RvCkKWpuA5NvSuZ3QDrie5wSPGZV
Rated T for violence and language.
Disclaimer!
I'd like to give a huge shout out to fellow author KicaCris and her KND fanfic "GKND: Operation: A.L.P.H.A." Just like with RETRIBUTION, Beyond is also inspired by her story and fanart, namely the use of Greek letters as codenames and some design cues for Numbuh 10. Also, the GKND Commander's appearances are based on KicaCris's designs and all credit therefore goes to her.
Songs featured:
-One year ago: "15 Years Ago" by Keiki Kobayashi
-Alpha attacks the carrier: "I can see all" by Kota Hoshino
Codename: Teens Next Door
Operation: Beyond
Phase 1: Journey Home
Prologue
2 Earth months after the defeat of Father and the Splinter Cell, somewhere in a distant galaxy, a massive space station shaped like two tetrahedrons connected by a black spherical object, orbits a large red giant. As alien ships fly in and out of the station every few seconds, a large transport docks into the upper tetrahedron's hangar. The ship lands and is immediately surrounded by aliens wearing helmets and body armor, all of them appearing young. The aliens point their weapons at the transport's rear hatch as it opens and out of the ship walks out a large alien resembling a gray-furred bear wearing a red suit of armor. "Welcome back to the GKND Void Prison, Numbuh Tera, Sir!" an alien wearing an officer's uniform salutes the bear-like alien, the armed guards also salute him.
"At ease. Sorry about the delay. There was a malfunction on our ship's L.E.A.P.E.R.-Drive and it nearly dropped us out of warp too early."
"No need to apologize, Sir. The Galactic Commanders haven't started the trial yet. Come, right this way." the officer replies and gestures to the alien called Numbuh Tera to follow them.
"Understood. Move it, prisoner!" Numbuh Tera roars as a cuffed inmate wearing an oversized deep dark blue shirt, pants and shoes is pulled out of the transport with a laser gun pointed at their back. The prisoner's head is covered by a metal helmet that obscures their face completely. Numbuh Tera and his prisoner are led into an elevator, which takes them up multiple floors before it stops, and they disembark. Then, they walk through a hallway filled with aliens, who are working, delivering reports or simply standing around. Finally, Numbuh Tera and his entourage stop in-front of a door guarded by two aliens wearing silver armor and carrying large bats with triggers on their handles.
"Greetings, Numbuh Tera. The Galactic Command is expecting you." The guards move aside, and the door slides up.
"Move." Tera kicks the prisoner in the shins, forcing them to enter a dimly lit corridor with a light shining from the other end, beyond which lies a massive shaft, lined with screens and a stand that runs along the rim of the shaft while a long walkway extends to the center. The prisoner is dragged to the walkway and their cuffs are connected to the floor with an energy chain and the prisoner is forced on their knees. Then, Numbuh Tera unlocks the prisoner's helmet with a small remote, causing the heavy object to fall off the prisoner's head. As bright lights are shined on the prisoner's face, their identity is revealed to be Chad Dickson, former KND Supreme Leader Numbuh 274 and an infamous traitor who tried to plunge the KND Moonbase into the sun 8 years ago. He had subsequently joined the Teen Ninjas and became a prominent member of the villainous organization. Now, the visibly injured and beaten teenager is cuffed into the floor, surrounded by floating screens while a large yellow ring shines it's light on him from the very top of the shaft. "Galactic Command, I've brought Numbuh 274 to his trial, as per your orders.
"Well done, Numbuh Tera. As expected of the Void Prison's chief warden." A female voice speaks through one of the floating screens, prompting Tera to salute.
"Thank you, Numbuh Nominal, Ma'am."
"You are dismissed." the hissing voice replies and Numbuh Tera heads back into the corridor.
"You are a hard teenager to find, Numbuh 274. I'll give you credit for escaping captivity four times since your Sector was disbanded but now, it's over." A low, echoing voice speaks through another screen but Chad does not respond and simply glares up at the ring above him.
"Before we begin, remove his Dilation Lock." Two guards walk over to Chad and remove a pin from the back of his neck, causing him immense pain.
"Guah…argh…GAAAAH!" the blond-haired teenager screams as his body begins to change, transforming him from a 14-year-old into a 18-year-old in an instant. It also makes the clothes he's wearing to fit him better. "*cough* *groan* *pant* Grr…"
"Much better. We will now begin the trial of Numbuh 274 who is being accused of collaborating with and establishing a teenager faction on the 3rd planet of the Solar System within the Milky Way Galaxy, Earth. Your actions are in direct violation of the GKND Sooper Important Charter and thus, you have been brought to this trial to answer for your crimes and receive your punishment."
"…hmph, I'm not answering anything."
"Silence! You will speak only when we allow it." the shaky voice shouts from another screen but Chad is not intimidated at all as he glares mockingly at the screens. "Now, overseeing this trial will be the Galactic Supreme Leader themself, Numbuh Aleph Zero." Everyone's attention is drawn towards the ring at the top of the shaft which begins glowing brighter.
"Thank you, Numbuh Negative Umpteen. Numbuh 274, you were chosen to be Earth's KND Representative 3 Stellar Cycles ago, after the initial candidate refused. You had served us well behind the scenes for many Stellar Cycles and the Earth's KND would not have become such an excellent branch without your actions. We allowed you to take the role of representative because of your remarkable achievements, despite the fact you were already 14 Stellar Cycles old. And this is how you repay the GKND's kindness? You conspire with your Sector, behind our backs, to form a teenager organization that has tipped the Earth's adulthood balance into a negative direction."
"I had no choice…I wouldn't have done it if you people hadn't tried to mess with Earth's KND the way you did! You were the ones behind Numbuh 1000 and the Splinter Cell! You used my old comrades as disposable pawns!"
"If I may, Shupreme Leader?" a male voice with a notable lisp speaks up, causing Chad's face to contort from anger. "I believe thish teenager is referring to the observers I chose to carry on with our operationsh on Earth."
"You!" Chad shouts at another screen, on which appears a one-eyed, tree-like alien who stares coldly back at Chad. "If I wasn't cuffed, I'd set you on fire, you damn bastard!"
"Did you hear that, my fellow operatives? He just threatened Numbuh 74.239 with such vulgar language."
"Typical teenager, they only know how to use violence."
"We should just Decommission him now. No point holding this trial anymore." the voices begin to loudly remonstrate but then, the ring of light speaks out with its echoing, composite voice.
"Silence. Numbuh 74.239, please continue."
"Thank you, Supreme Leader. As I was saying, Numbuh 274 is referring to the group of loyal operatives I had left behind to continue a project I had developed while I was an Earth Observer. However, after the events earlier this Stellar Cycle, the project was deemed a failure, due to the project leader going rogue. However, it would've been possible to continue the project with new observers if it weren't for the interference of Numbuh S-26 and the teenager faction he had formed with Numbuh 274. Because of them, we lost our main base of operations within the Solar System and have only a handful of sleeper agents on Earth, who alone aren't enough to restart the project."
"Thank you for the explanation, Numbuh 74.239. You are dismissed."
"Di…dismissed?! But I was told I…"
"Did you not hear what the Supreme Leader said? You are dismissed." the hissing female voice snarls at the tree-like Numbuh 74.239, who stutters but then, lowers his head and fades away from his screen. "Now that we have the facts, it's time for the defendant to speak, though in his case, I wouldn't let him speak at all."
"Well will allow it, Numbuh Nominal. Numbuh 274, do you have anything to say in your defense?"
"…I don't regret anything I did. I should've realized years ago that this organization was twisted. You're not fighting against adult tyranny, what you're doing, is genocide! Growing up is a part of life and you can't destroy planets just because they have adults on them!"
"The disease of Adulthood can only be stopped by eliminating all adults and teenagers. That is the way the GKND has operated long before you even existed. If you cannot accept that fact, then you have no place among our ranks. We have heard enough. We sentence Numbuh 274 to be permanently Decommissioned and then be sent to a resource planet where he will spend the rest of his life working in the Cosmo Ore mines."
"Hah, what, too afraid to kill me?! Is that it?"
"Show some gratitude, teenager. We would've executed you if it weren't for Numbuh S-26 vouching for you. He took the fall for you, understand? Thus, he and the rest of your Sector will be transferred to other roles, because they're kids like us." The hissing female voice says coldly to Chad, who's face turns pale.
"What? S-26…no…you didn't…"
"That's right. We consider your teammates useful, unlike a teenager such as yourself. Oh, and one more thing: Your home planet has been marked for Planetary Decommissioning. The Galactic Subjugation Force will clean up the mess you made, Numbuh 274. Take him away."
"Grr…you'll pay for this! I won't let you destroy Earth! NEVER!" Chad starts pulling the chains holding him but then, one of the guards points their bat at him and zaps Chad with an energy bolt, knocking him out. As the blond-haired teenager is dragged away, the screens point up, towards the Galactic Supreme Leader.
"That last comment was ill-advised, Numbuh Nominal."
"I'm sorry, I lost myself in the moment."
"Try to hold you forked tongue next time."
"Yes, of course…"
"Supreme Leader, regarding the report Numbuh S-26 gave us…dealing with Earth is going to be difficult to say the least."
"What are you talking about, Beth Numbuh? Its inhabitants have no powers, and the only Galactic-Level threat is gone."
"Numbuh Ordinal, do not forget that Omnius is still there and he is a Galactic-Level threat. Not to mention the strong alliance between the Earth's KND and the teenager faction. They must not be taken lightly. Numbuh Negative Umpteen?"
"Yes, Supreme Leader?"
"Start Reconditioning the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers as soon as possible. We'll need their abilities to deal with Earth.
…
Transmission 1: A Forgotten Home
One year ago, there was a war.
A war waged between a man who sought to control the world,
a boy and his followers who wanted to cleanse the world of those they deemed their enemies,
and a group of kids and teenagers, who banded together to save the world's future.
While the kids and teenagers were successful, their victory came at the cost of countless memories.
Now, the world is once again at peace. The animosity that hung over the kids and the teenagers has significantly lessened but evil still lurks unseen.
And so, the protectors of this peace wage their own private war in the shadows.
…
One year after Father's defeat, second to last week of August, Monday night. Somewhere in the Caribbean Sea, a group of black and red ships silently slip through the gentle waves. It is a warm and calm night and a full moon shines down on the tranquil ocean. The ships seem to have been cobbled together from junk and at the center of the five-ship formation is larger craft resembling a hybrid between a battleship and an aircraft carrier, it's large bow turret pointing menacingly forward. However, the ships and their crews are unaware they are being followed.
Not far behind them, a fully mechanical version of the KND B.L.U.B.B.E.R. moves silently below the waves. However, this craft is not operated by the KND, but instead, by the Teens Next Door. Standing on the ship's bridge is TND Special Operations Commander, Numbuh Kappa-7, aged 17. A former member of the Kids Next Door SKWID Squad, who went by the name of Numbuh F15H, he is in-charge of this operation. The bald, African American agent looks out into the deep, dark blue ocean with a steely expression. "Sir, we've reached the contact limit. If we get any closer, they'll detect us."
"Alright. Full stop and prepare to surface. Launch the Decoy Drones. What about our guests?"
"They should arrive here shortly." a brown-haired, South-Asian teenager replies as the helmsman drops the ship's ballast, causing the massive, robotic whale-like craft to slowly surface. As the ship's upper hull breaks the waterline, it is immediately illuminated by the full moon.
"Looks like we're gonna have perfect weather tonight." Kappa-7 says as he walks over to a table with an in-built holographic projector. "Right, let's see what we're dealing with." he presses a button on the table and a 3D projection of the sea around them appears on the it. "So…how long till they're beyond our flight range?"
"30 minutes Sir."
"Then let's hope our guest arrives in time. Never thought she'd personally join this mission. Doesn't she have her hands full already?"
"She said this was a personal matter. Besides, once she gives you that look, it's hard to say no."
"No argument there, Numbuh Pi-50." Kappa-7 chuckles as a blip appears on the ship's radar.
"Sir, we've got an E.L.I.M.O.N.A.T.E.R. approaching from the east."
"Hah, fashionably late as always. Okay, open the rear hangar doors. Tell the bow hangar crew to finish prepping the S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R.'s."
"Yes, Sir."
Behind the large submarine, a sleek, black E.L.I.M.O.N.A.T.E.R. glides low over the waves. The interior is only lit by dim red lights and it has four occupants: the flight crew and two passengers. "Ma'am, we've received clearance to land."
"Okay, take us in, nice and slow." a 17-year-old girl with a gentle voice answers from the passenger compartment.
"And try to stick your landing this time. Last time you nearly overran the runway." a mildly annoyed 16-year-old boy with a Spanish accent says.
"Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake again. Besides, I'm better at vertical landings anyway." the pilot replies as the car-like ship stops above the B.L.U.B.B.E.R. and slowly descends towards the rear deck.
"Come on, you don't have be like that. It was just a single mistake." the girl nudges the boy as the craft lands.
"Sorry, I'm not used to being the passenger." the boy replies as the E.L.I.M.O.N.A.T.E.R.'s side door opens. Then, the girl stands up and walks out. Waiting for her are two guards.
"Welcome aboard, Supreme Commander Numbuh Alpha, Ma'am!"
"At ease, guys." The girl replies with a cheerful smile. She is none other than Eliza Solis, the older cousin of legendary operative Numbuh 1. Previously, she was known as Numbuh 10 during her time as a KND operative but now, she goes by the codename of Numbuh Alpha. A year ago, she had been the Commander of the TND Cleve Sector in the US but now, she has taken on the title of the very first, Teens Next Door Supreme Commander. As she looks around the hangar deck, her long, orange ponytail flutters in the wind. Eliza's most notable features are her beauty mark on her right cheek and her heterochromia, which she hides under large, white and green shades. She is wearing a white and green, helmetless Battle-Ready Armor, which used to be worn exclusively by Teen Ninjas but now, they have become standard issue to all TND operatives as well. A blue-bladed sword is also holstered on her waist.
"Man, smells like fish in here." the boy complains as he also steps out of the E.L.I.M.O.N.A.T.E.R. He is wearing black aviator sunglasses and his orange dyed hair is pulled back apart from a tuft of blond hair above his forehead. The boy is also wearing a brown flight jacket, dark blue jeans and white sneakers.
"Kid, stop being so grumpy all the time." Eliza chuckles slightly as Ace The Kid walks down the ramp. A former freelancer pilot who offered his services to the TND in exchange for free repairs, he is now a fully-fledged member of the organization, but has refused a command position. He prefers to stay out in the field and perform solo missions whenever he can. Now however, he has been forced to be Eliza's escort, much to his discomfort.
"I'll stop being grumpy when you give me back my wings, Miss Commander. I hate being chained down like this."
"You've said that a thousand times already. Now come on, we need to go to the bow hangar." Eliza grabs The Kid's wrist as the guards lead them out of the rear deck.
"Right this way, Ma'am." The teenagers walk through the hangar that runs along the entire length of the B.L.U.B.B.E.R.'s upper deck before they arrive to bow section, where 5 2x4 crafts resembling the KND E.S.C.A.P.E.R. sit idle, connected to catapult rails. "Ten hut!" All agents in the bow hangar immediately salute Eliza, who salutes back while smiling happily. Then, she is greeted by another familiar face.
"Took your time, Supreme Commander." a dark-haired teenager wearing a ski hat approaches Eliza and The Kid, causing Eliza's smile to widen.
"Patton!" she shouts and immediately gives the teenager a hug. "I wasn't told you were here."
"Well, that's what you get for joining at the last minute. Numbuh Kappa-7 wanted me to help with the operation. Though I'll be watching from the CIC." 16-year-old Patton Drilovsky replies as Eliza lets go. Formerly known as KND operative Numbuh 60, Patton Drilovsky served as the Drill Sergeant of the Cadets Next Door and many of his former cadets serve on this very ship. Now codenamed Numbuh Zeta, Patton has retained his position as Chief of the TND Combat Force. His hair has grown slightly, and he wears a TND officer's trench coat uniform, along with camo pants and large landing boots.
"What, are you getting too old to fight?"
"Hah, really funny. Aren't you forgetting I'm the Chief of the Combat Force? Can't fight on the frontline all the time. Besides, you're the one to talk, charging here at a last minute's notice, Teens Next Door Supreme Commander."
"I needed a change of pace. I've been stuck reading reports and dealing with meetings for 2 months. I can't spend my summer vacation like that." Eliza replies but then, her expression turns serious. "Those ships need to be stopped and I want to do it personally."
"Alright, well, head over to the briefing room. We'll discuss the plan there." Patton gestures towards a side door and Eliza goes on ahead, while he shakes The Kid's hand. "Great to see you again, buddy."
"Same here, hermano."
"I guess she's running you ragged."
"Tell me about it. Miss Commander's been way too hyper ever since we took off from the Moonbase. She's like a dog without a leash."
"Hah-hah, well, hang in there. It's not all bad, you get to spend time with the TND's prettiest girl."
"Oh, she's a real bonita, don't get me wrong but unpredictable as heck."
"Hey, how long are you going to stand around there for? The briefing's about to start!" Eliza shouts from side entrance, prompting the boys to chuckle and follow her into the briefing room, which is also joined by Kappa-7, albeit remotely from the bridge.
"Welcome, Supreme Leader. I hope the flight here went well."
"Oh, it was great but let's focus on the mission. What are we dealing with?" Eliza says as she, Patton and The Kid gather around a holo-projector.
"Our target is a flotilla of Teen Ninja warships. They left Florida two days ago and are headed for the East-Mexican coast. Intelligence reports suggest that the battle carrier is transporting a large quantity of S.I.N."
"Just like I thought…" Eliza frowns as the holograph zooms on the lead ship, the battle carrier.
"We have no information on how many Ninjas are on those ships, but we do know that only the battle carrier has a Football Team on it. They'll be a major threat."
"And how do we approach them?" Eliza asks, prompting Patton to point at the holograph.
"We'll launch the S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R.'s in two waves. They'll fly low under their stealth cloaks, below the fleet's line of fire, pull up, drop the assault team over the Ninja fleet and fly back before the Ninjas can track them. The assault team will land on the battle carrier and secure it. We'll send in more agents through a Portal Disc if needed."
"What about the other ships?" The Kid gestures to Patton as Numbuh Kappa-7 takes over.
"We'll fire long range soft serve-to-ship cruise missiles at them to keep the Ninjas attention away from the assault team. You've briefed them already, right Numbuh Zeta?"
"Yup, they'll know what to do."
"Then that leaves…you, Numbuh Alpha."
"Just give me a S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R. and I'll hand the rest." Eliza replies to Kappa-7 while stretching her arms. "I'll go on the first wave."
"Yeah, I kinda expected that. All right, once the battle carrier has been stopped and secured, we'll move in with the M.-B.L.U.B.B.E.R. to transfer prisoners and deal with the suspected cargo." Kappa-7 ends the briefing and eyes his fellow teenagers. "We'll begin the mission 5 minutes, so go get ready." The Special Operations Commander salutes everyone and turns off his screen while Eliza, Patton and The Kid exit the briefing room.
"I figured you wanted to do this solo, so I had the 5th S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R. prepped just for you, Supreme Commander."
"Thanks." Eliza replies with a stern expression, showing no trace of the cheerful smile she had only minutes ago. Then, The Kid puts his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't go overboard in there. I know this personal to ya, but still."
"I'll be fine. You just make sure to be a good boy and stay on the ship and don't commandeer a fighter like you did last week."
"Hey, somebody had to drag you of that Bully infested car park."
"Okay, okay, leave the lover's quarrel for later guys, we've got a schedule to stick to." Patton nudges his friends, who immediately stammer and glare back at him.
"Ey, I'm her escort here, nothin' else. The moment this is over, I'm gonna do an around the world flight by myself. This chaperone gig is cramping my style." The Kid snaps at Patton and stomps away as Eliza looks with slight disappointment.
"Hmph, he's always so ungrateful. What's so bad about being my escort?"
"Hah, it's because you're the only girl he can't handle, that's all. Anyway, you sure you wanna do this by yourself?"
"Numbuh 5 sank an entire fleet of Ninja ships before she was 11. I should be able to handle a single battle carrier." Eliza replies nonchallantly to Patton and heads back to the bow hangar, where her S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R. is waiting.
"You gotta stop putting so much pressure on yourself. You don't need to prove anything to us…or to Numbuh 1." Patton frowns and walks to the elevator which takes him to the M.-B.L.U.B.B.E.R.'s bridge, where The Kid and Numbuh Kappa-7 are waiting.
"Chief on the bridge!" the first officer shouts, prompting the bridge crew to salute Patton, who does the same.
"At ease people. Now let's get this party started. Begin countdown to launch." Patton barks out his orders and the bridge crew get to work while he walks over to the captain's seat, which Kappa-7 is sitting on.
"Commence Operation: H.A.R.P.O.O.N.!"
Down in the bow hangar, Eliza boards the lead S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R. and the co-pilot puts a harness on her, which is connected to the craft's ceiling before entering the cockpit. The S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R is a lightly armed, extended version of the standard KND E.S.C.A.P.E.R. fighter designed for high-speed hit and run attacks. To accommodate its hollow interior, the engine block was removed and placed inside a rear-extension, which almost doubles the craft's length. "So, are you guys ready?" Eliza gestures to the two pilots.
"O…of course, Supreme Commander!"
"Hey, don't be shy. I'm counting on you two."
"Yeah, Numbuh Xi-14, lighten up." the female co-pilot nudges the S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R.'s pilot, who shakes his head furiously.
"But we've got the Supreme Commander onboard! I don't wanna look bad in-front of her!"
"You'll be fine, just focus on your job and I'll do the same."
"T-Minus 1 minute to launch."
"*sigh* Okay…here we go." the pilot mutters as he grips the yoke while Eliza presses button on her B.R.A.'s right gauntlet, causing a metal face plate to cover her mouth and nose while her green shades start glowing. Then, the take-off clearance light turns to green and the S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R. is propelled along the launch rail into the night sky, followed shortly after by the 4 other craft. Flying low over the waves, the fighter skims the ocean surface, hidden under its stealth cloak, making it invisible to the naked eye.
"40 seconds to the target." the co-pilot says they are buffeted by the g-forces, but Eliza doesn't even flinch. Her eyes are focused on the ever-growing silhouette of the Teen Ninja flotilla ahead of them. "10 seconds…pull up!"
"Grrr…!" the pilot pulls the stick into his gut, causing the fighter to climb dramatically and it's stealth cloak shuts down.
Up on the battle carrier's bridge, a tall, burly Ninja with a crewcut is standing next to the ship's captain, an African American Ninja wearing a white hoodie and a captain's hat, when suddenly both are alerted by the general alarm. "Like, what happening now?!"
"Captain, we've got intruders comin' straight at us!"
"Shoot 'em down now! It's those goody-goody Teens Next Door again…I thought we lost them after we left Florida."
"Doesn't matter now. I'll go and gather the Rhino's. If any of them try to board, we'll handle 'em. Keep this course, no matter what!" the crewcut Ninja shouts as he runs out of the bridge while the captain as all ships fire at the approaching S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R.'s. "They're after the stuff. We Rhino's aren't gonna let 'em get their hands on it."
Outside, as the Teen Ninja ships unleash a hail of lasers at the fighters, the lead S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R. has already climbed above the fleet. "Opening drop hatch!" the co-pilot presses a button, which opens a hatch below Eliza's feet before the harness unlocks itself, dropping Eliza off the fighter. Using her jetboots, she assumes a diving posture and flies headfirst towards the battle carrier, which is highlighted on the HUD of her shades.
"Here we go…" she mutters as she approaches the massive ship. Then, Eliza flips herself up and generates a powerful shockwave from her right palm as she lands on the deck, punching a hole cleanly through it. The damage causes the ship to grind to a halt as pillar of smoke rises from the flight deck while Teen Ninjas arrive and surround it.
"Ready your weapons, dudes!" the Ninjas point their heat-laser cannons at the smoke when a blue, V-shaped light peeks through the pillar. Then, a blue flash passes by the Ninjas closest to the hole and they immediately collapses while their B.R.A.'s shut down. "What happened?! Who's doinARGH!" one by one, the Ninjas fall unconscious onto the flight deck as Eliza appears behind them, wielding her blue sword.
"Can't waste time here." she says to herself and locates a door near the carrier's island. "Bingo." Eliza makes a beeline for the door, destroys it with a shockwave and heads down into the lower levels of the ship, taking out any Ninjas that try to stop here.
"What the heck is going on?! Like, did they already board?!"
"Captain, we've got an intruder on the 2nd floor…correction, 10th floor."
"More enemies incoming!" another Ninja shouts as the other S.T.R.I.K.E.S.C.A.P.E.R.'s drop the assault team but before the Captain can issue an order, two of the smaller cruisers are struck by soft serve-to-ship cruise missiles, freezing their rudders and engines. Then, the bridge canopy shatters as two members of the TND assault team break through and storm the bridge using Stupefier rifles, trapping the entire bridge crew in blue crystals.
Below deck, Eliza navigates the maze-like corridors, searching for the ship's cargo hold. "Where is it…below me? Then I'll just blast myself in." she stops at a t-intersection and points her left hand at the floor before blowing a hole into it using a shockwave. But when she jumps down, she encounters a group of Ninjas, all wearing the heavier, Football Team variant B.R.A.
"Looks like we've a rat got onboard our ship, boys." the muscular, crewcut Ninja says as Eliza stands up and points her sword at them. Her attention is however drawn to the large canisters behind the Ninjas, which are holding black liquid.
"I don't have time to deal with you. Either walk away and leave or I'll put you through a world of hurt." Eliza says coldly, not intimidated at all by the Ninjas.
"It's 1 against 11, buttercup. You ain't in a position to threaten us! Get her!"
"Raaargh!" while the crewcut hangs back, his 10 teammates rush towards Eliza, who sighs and puts her sword into a reverse grip before dashing through the Ninjas. For a split second, they seem to freeze in place but then, all ten Ninjas scream in pain before fainting on the floor, their B.R.A.'s deactivating in the process.
"Wha…what the…how did…?"
"Final warning, Ninja. I won't repeat myself." Eliza snarls and points her sword the muscular Ninja, who suddenly reaches for his utility belt and takes out a small vial full of the same liquid. "Don't do it…"
"Hah! I'm gonna show you the power this drink gives us! You ain't gonna last a second against me now!" the Ninja declares and empties the vial. Then, his body begins to shake as his eyes turn completely yellow. "Urgh…grrrr…UARRRRGHH!" the Ninja roars as his body is surrounded by a black aura and it begins emitting heat. "…Grr….hah-hah…I'M GONNA ROAST YOU!" Eliza jumps out of the way as the Ninja unleashes a stream of flames from his hands, melting a hole into the wall. "HOLD STILL!"
"You fool…" Eliza mutters as she dodges another surge and runs on the wall while the powered up Ninja throws fireballs at her. Using her speed to her advantage, she easily closes-up on the Ninja and strikes him at point-blank range with a shockwave, stunning him.
"GARRGH!" Before her foe can react, Eliza grabs the black aura emanating from the Ninja's head and cuts it with her sword, destroying it completely. "YAAAAARRGHHH!" the Ninja screams in pain as the aura fades and his muscles shrink before black vapor pours out of his mouth and he collapses face first one floor. "Urgh…" using whatever strength he has left; the Ninja looks and sees a furious Eliza staring down at him. She has retracted her faceplate and removed her shades, revealing a blue but blank left eye.
"Do you have a death wish? That stuff can kill you." she says to the emaciated Ninja, who's eyes roll back and he loses consciousness. "I warned you…" Eliza then looks at the containers before her and glares at them. "I won't let anyone end up like me…"
"Numbuh Alpha, do you copy?"
"…I copy, Numbuh Zeta."
"What's your status?"
"Cargo secured."
"Hmph, you were fast. Two of the Ninja ships fled the area, but the assault teams are mopping up the others. We're gonna move in now."
"Roger that."
An hour later, a stoic Eliza is standing on the hangar deck of the M.- B.L.U.B.B.E.R. as the TND begin loading up the prisoners and more importantly, the cargo. "Man, we really hit the motherload this time. They must've been carrying enough to supply an entire continent with this stuff." Patton says as he and The Kid join Eliza on the deck.
"Yeah…" she replies silently, he eyes glued towards the containers. "I fought against a Ninja who used that…"
"How much S.I.N. did the Ninja take?" Patton asks, causing Eliza to sigh.
"One vial…his body shrunk after I destroyed the aura…he was nothing but skin and bones…"
"Yeesh, they know the after affects and they still use it…" Patton shakes his head as The Kid removes his aviators to wipe the lenses.
"Remind me again S.I.N. stands for? Haven't been dealing with it much myself."
"Silhouette Infused Nutrient. It's a drug the Ninjas use to gain powers similar to a Silhouette Suit."
"The more you take, the stronger the effect becomes but…the withdrawal effects become worse as well." Eliza says as she clenches the hilt of her sword. "Father pumped me full of that poison to give me the Silhouette Suit a year ago…if it wasn't' for Nigel…I'd be dead…" Eliza laments as she covers her Delightfulized eye and looks solemnly at her feet.
"And it's thanks to you we managed to stop the Ninjas from delivering it to Mexico. So, cheer up, Numbuh Alpha." Patton says as he pats Eliza in the back, causing her to take a deep breath.
"You're right, I can't worry about the past." she replies and puts her blue visor-like shades over her eyes once more. "Besides, it's only a week until school starts again."
"Argh, don't remind me." The Kid complains as Eliza points at Patton.
"That means you and Numbuh Epsilon will have your work cut out! After all, you've got a new transfer student coming to your high school!"
…
The boy has a dream: He is standing in a cold jail cell with 4 other people. He can't see their faces, but he feels that he knows them all.
Then the dream ends as he hears a loud scream. "WALLABEE BEETLES, WAKE UP! IT'S ONE IN THE AFTERNOON!"
"Urgh…crud…" Wallabee Beetles, or simply Wally, grumbles and groans as his mother shouts from the kitchen of their small, two-story home. The 16-year-old teenager had spent the previous year in Australia due to his father's work but now, he's back in Cleve, a town he grew up in. "Stupid cruddy jetlag…" he mutters as he crawls out of bed and takes a quick shower. While drying his unkept, blond hair that goes over his ears, he sees his reflection in the mirror. A large scar runs along the left side of his face, starting at the hairline, crossing his left eye and ending near the jaw. Wally however has no idea how he got it. Shaking his head, he puts on a dark orange t-shirt, a sleeveless hoodie, badly worn-out jeans and gray socks before he lazily wanders downstairs to the kitchen, where his equally blond-haired mother, Helen Beetles, is washing dishes.
"There you are Wallabee! I've been calling you for hours. Didn't you hear your alarm?"
"…turned it off…"
"Now Wallabee, I understand you're still jetlagged, but you need to get your sleeping schedule fixed, otherwise you'll be in trouble when school starts."
"…yeah…I know, mom…I would've slept better if it weren't for…" before Wally can finish, his 7-year-old younger brother, Joey runs into the kitchen, wearing a colander on his head and larger goalkeeping gloves.
"Mom! I need to borrow some tape!"
"Why of course, my little marsupial! Here you go." Helen hands Joey a roll of duct tape while Wally glares at his brother.
"Hey, you cruddy squirt, you make any noise tonight and I'll tape you to the wall!"
"Shut up, you stupid teenager! I've got a big 2x4 project I'm working on!"
"Like I give a crud! Why do ya have to do your stupid kids' stuff at night?!"
"Hmph, I don't need to explain it to a dumb teenager like you!"
"That's it, it's wedgie time for you, ya runt!"
"BOYS!" The brothers freeze from fear as Helen glares at her sons. "What have I told you about fighting in the kitchen, eh?"
"He started it!"
"WALLABEE!"
"*gulp*…"
"You're the older brother, so act like one."
"Yeah, yeah…" Wally mutters as Joey gives him the raspberry but then, their mother turns her fury on Joey.
"And you!"
"Eep…"
"I know you've got your little projects for your kids on the block friends, but from now on, I don't want to hear anymore hammering or sawing from your room after eleven PM, is that clear?!"
"But mom…"
"No buts! Don't make me cut your allowance, young man."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry! I won't do it again!"
"Good. Now Wallabee, your dad's got something for you in the garage. He's been waiting the whole day for you to wake up."
"Huh? Uhm…okay…" a slightly surprised Wally stands up but as he walks past his brother, they both nudge each other angrily "Runt."
"Blockhead."
"Boys!" Wally quickly scrambles out of the kitchen as does Joey, who still glares at his brother before disappearing upstairs. Wally meanwhile heads through the living room into the laundry room and then, enters the garage, where his father, Sydney Beetles is sitting on a box.
"Dad?"
"Ah, Wallabee! There ya are son. Looks like mom woke you up." Sydney's face lights up the moment Wally arrives and marches to his side.
"Uh…right…what did you wanna show me?"
"*chuckle* Oh you're gonna love this. Take a gander at that!" Sydney points at a large object covered by a white tarp.
"What is it?"
"Well son, since uh…the situation in your old school, we didn't really have a chance to celebrate your birthday in June. So, I've got a late present for ya. Come on, pull the tarp." Sydney nudges Wally excitedly and the blond-haired boy removes the tarp but what he sees under it shocks him to his core.
"Wha…what the crud…?"
"Happy late birthday, Wallabee!" Sydney pats his son in the back as Wally's jaw drops. Before him sits a shiny and brand-new orange and black motorcycle.
"How…how did ya get this dad?"
"Heh-hee, I bought it with the money from my job! Mr. Fullbright was so pleased with my performance in the Australia branch he gave me a hefty bonus. So, what do ya think?" Wally looks at his father in disbelief and then eyes the motorcycle, which has the name "Ducati" written in the gas tank.
"But dad…I don't…I don't deserve this…after what I…"
"Ah don't worry about the past, son! What happened at your old school is ancient history. Now, why don't ya take her for a spin. Just make sure ya take this with ya." Sydney hands Wally a US driver's license and then, gives him the keys, an orange helmet and a black motorcycle jacket. "She's got a full tank so you can cruise the neighborhood as much as you want."
"Dad…I…" Wally is unable to say anything, so massive is the shock he's just received. "…thanks dad…I'll head out right now!"
"That's my boy! I'll open the garage for ya." Sydney says with a wide smile on his face while Wally puts on the jacket and helmet before hopping on the bike and starting the engine. As the Italian bike's engine roars to life, Wally revs the engine before he drives out into the warm summer breeze. "Wallabee, maybe this autumn will make ya move on from what happened in Australia…"
…
"Gah crud, it's bloody hot!" Wally laments angrily as he drives around Cleve's suburbs. Here, there are no railroads, factories and junkyards, unlike where Wally lives, in the city's outskirts, under the powerlines. "Stupid dad, why did ya send me out in this heat?!" Wally grumbles as a late summer heatwave sweeps through the city. While the breeze makes things a bit easier, for Wally, who is wearing a thick motorcycle jacket, it has no effect. "Should've dropped this stupid jacket…"
After riding a bit longer, the searing heat gets to him, and Wally starts looking for a place to get water. However, he is confused by the fact he hasn't gotten lost, like he had been through here before. Despite not remembering anything from his childhood in Cleve, he knows exactly where to turn and where the traffic lights are. Soon, he arrives at a large X-intersection and notices a small convenience store on the corner.
"Finally…" He rolls his bike to the empty parking lot and pulls down the kickstand. Removing his helmet, he lets out a relieved sigh and looks around. Only a few cars are passing by but not a single pedestrian anywhere. After another quick look around, Wally leaves his helmet on the bike and heads inside the store. The moment the doors slide way, Wally is struck by the cool and refreshing breeze from the AC. "*sigh* I cruddy needed that."
Making a beeline for the drink's aisle, he grabs a bottle of soda and after buying it, Wally heads back outside. Leaning against his new and shiny Ducati, Wally pops the cap off the glass bottle and takes a long sip. "Haah…man, that hit the spot."
However, his attention is quickly drawn towards a dark blue convertible about to cross the intersection. It has three people sitting inside and they seem to be arguing loudly but the convertible turns towards the parking lot, Wally gets a good look at the occupants. Sitting on the driver's seat is a stylish African American girl with long black hair tied into a loose ponytail. She is wearing white sunglasses and a backwards flipped red cap, a dark blue top, light brown shorts, white sandals and four bracelets, two in each hand. Behind her, sitting in middle backseat is a tall, auburn-haired boy, wearing a slightly tattered khaki cap, large yellow lensed goggles, a blue, collared and unbuttoned shirt under which is a white T-shirt, khaki pants with many pockets and black sneakers. Finally, sitting on the front passenger seat is a Japanese girl. She has a green head band on her head and her long black hair is tied neatly into a ponytail with a purple scrunchie. Also, she is wearing a purple top under an open-shouldered, long-sleeved green blouse, a green skirt, black tights and green sandals. Lastly, she has a green four-leaf clover necklace around her neck. "Tell me again why we're driving top-down in this heat?!"
"Cuz Abby felt like it! She wants to feel the summer breeze."
"The only thing I'm feeling are the bugs in my face…"
"Hey, one more word outta you and you're gonna walk home, Hoagie."
"Guys, come on, stop fighting. This was supposed to be a fun joyride."
"Tell that to the complaints department." the cap-wearing girl says as she parks the car right next to Wally's motorcycle. "Let's get somethin' to drink."
"I'm with ya on that. This heat is killing me."
"*giggle* you've been saying that for two weeks." As the three teenagers step out of the car, Wally moves aside and looks away while the trio passes him by. However, he can't help but feel like he's seen them somewhere. One by one, the trio enter the store, but before the Japanese girl stops on her tracks and unwittingly makes eye contact with Wally. For a few seconds, they stare at each other before Wally turns his back on her and takes another sip from his soda.
"Yo Kuki, get in here before the cashier yells at ya."
"Ah, right, sorry!" the girl runs inside while Wally looks over his shoulder towards the store entrance. Why did girl stare at him and why did she look so familiar? Then, Wally shrugs and finishes his drink. But as he heads over to the recycling bin, Wally hears commotion coming from the sidewalk nearby. Three high school boys, wearing white and red football jerseys, approach the parking lot and notice Wally's motorcycle.
"Hey, check out that bike." the tallest boy says, and they gather around the motorcycle, prompting Wally march over to them.
"Oi, what are ya doing?" he asks bluntly, their jacket's somehow angering him."
"Huh? We were just admirin' this bike. Yours?" the tall teenager with a cleft chin replies but Wally can tell he and his buddies are up to no good.
"Yeah, what of it?"
"Nothin', nothin'…hmm…ya don't sound like a local. New around here?"
"And I if was?"
"Hmph, I don't like your attitude, new guy! This is the Rocket's turf, ya hear? We're the top dogs around these parts, so ya better remember that!"
"Don't care. Now buzz off." Wally glares at the three hoodlums, who exchange looks with each other and then, corner Wally.
"Listen blondie, we're friends with Ernest! Ya don't wanna make us angry, ya hear?"
"Too bad I'm already angry." Before neither Wally or the hoodlums can act, the store doors slide open and the tree teenagers walks out, holding drinks.
"Oh man, this feels great." the tall boy says as he chugs his soda down.
"Ya said it Hoagie…huh? Hey, what the heck's goin' on here?!" the cap wearing girl shouts and goes to confront the three bullies.
"Lincoln? You stay out of this! We were just about to teach this new guy the rules of the neighborhood."
"Nuh-huh, Abby's not gonna let ya mob total strangers on her watch." the girl says defiantly as her friends come to her side. "You guys really are scum, ya know that?"
"We're members of the McClintock High School's Football Team! We can do whatever the heck we want, to anybody. And this blondie crossed the line when he gave us lip. Once we deal with him, we're gonna take his shiny bike for a ride as well."
"No ya don't!"
"Ooh, you wanna go, Lincoln?" the tall bully squares up with the cap wearing girl, who clenches her fists. Then, the Japanese girl tries to pull her friend away.
"Abby, please! You promised you wouldn't fight with them again…"
"Too late for that! Now get outta my way!" the tall bully grabs the Japanese girl and pushes her to the pavement but before he can take hold of the cap wearing girl, something else grabs him, spins him around and in an instant, he receives a devastating punch to the jaw, knocking him senseless. Then, before the other bullies can respond, they are both swiftly struck in the face as well. "Uargh…*cough* guh…*pant*." As the tall bully spits out a tooth from his mouth, he sees Wally standing over him, his emerald-green eyes staring murderously at him. Then, Wally grabs him by the collar and pulls him up.
"Piss off, or the next punch will break your cruddy skull!" he throws the bully to the ground, who immediately scrambles to his friends before running away in panic. "*pant*…*pant* That's right! Run and don't show your face to me again!" Wally shakes his fist before he calms down. Then, he realizes he had lost his temper. "Aw crud…I did it again..." he clenches his fists and looks over his shoulder towards the tree teenagers. The cap wearing girl is tending to her friend, who's knee was scraped in the altercation while the tall boy takes a small first aid kit from his belt and hands the Japanese girl a bottle of disinfectant, a cotton puff and a bandage.
"Kuki, you okay? Did ya get hurt anywhere else?"
"Uh…no…sorry…"
"Don't apologize! Abby shoulda listened to ya and backed off." the cap wearing girl says as she cleans the Japanese girl's bloody knee.
"But man, did you guys see that? They got pounded to a pulp." the goggle wearing boy says and just as he about to call out Wally, he's already hopped on his bike and is about to leave when the goggle-wearing boy gets up and runs after him, but Wally speeds away. "Hey wait! Come back!...we just wanted to thank you…" he says dejectedly as the orange bike disappears behind a corner.
"That dude was crazy. Never seen anyone bring the smack down on Ernest's goons like that, right Kuki?"
"Yeah…" the Japanese girl mutters a reply as the image of the blond-haired boy's murderous expression is etched deep into her mind and somehow, she feels like she's seen it before. Then, as she is helped back up, she grasps the clover pendant on her neck, feeling nostalgic for some reason.
End of Transmission 1.
Note: Thank you for reading first chapter of Operation: Beyond. This will hopefully be a weekly release, so I hope you'll stay for the ride.