"Excuse me while I go wig out and try to figure out what's wrong." Naomi sighed before walking to the back garden.
Yumi and Ulrich looked around the library and read while Jeremy and Aelita were in Aelita's room.
"I don't understand why the ninjas were at school with us. Xana locked them up in a closet and electrified the doorknob." Jeremy droned while pacing.
"Please sit down Jeremy, I'm starting to get worried you might injure your legs." Aelita begged.
Jeremy agreed to Aelita's wish and sat down with her on her bed. Back with Naomi, she ran inside as she remembered something and went to tell Yumi and Ulrich.
"Meeting in Aelita's room." Naomi ordered before going upstairs.
Within half a minute Yumi and Ulrich were in Aelita's room.
"So, why are we all here exactly?" Ulrich pondered aloud.
"I can't believe none of you have noticed that Odd is missing! I'm concerned that he got caught by the ninjas cause they might've had backup near the vending shack! Great! Odd could be gone for good and it's all my fault cause I said he owed me a stupid soda! I just shoulda left it at him eating a Caesar salad." Naomi cried.
"He's probably just checking on Kiwi." Ulrich supposed.
"You said probably." Naomi remarked.
Ulrich slapped his forehead.
"It's best we don't go outside of the barrier, but we need to find Odd. Ugh, what should we do?" Naomi sighed.
"I'd suggest we all go invisible but the ninjas might have thermal imaging in their suits. The ninjas can also go invisible themselves." Jeremy commented.
"We can program thermal imaging scanners for Yumi, Aelita, Ulrich and Odd for their virtual avatar forms." Naomi recommended.
"Or, why don't we just call Odd's cell?" Ulrich suggested.
"Someone could have his phone that isn't him. I know that black SUV wouldn't let me call anyone. There was a signal blocker of sorts. Hopefully Odd isn't at the lab being interrogated. He'll probly tell em everything!" Naomi remarked.
"Is something the matter up here?" Anthea asked.
"Not at all." The others responded in unison.
"Okay, if you all say so." Anthea supposed before returning downstairs.
The gang heard footsteps again so Naomi went into Overdrive and put her wings in front of the others to protect them. Everyone then noticed it was Odd. Yumi, Aelita, Ulrich and Jeremy hugged Odd while Naomi grabbed his shoulders before shaking him back and forth.
"Whadid you tell em? Did the ninjas get ya?" Naomi worried.
"Huh? Did who get me? I just got your soda." Odd answered before handing Naomi the cherry soda she requested.
"Then how did you get in?" Ulrich questioned.
"I made it to where the barrier lets in people that I consider trustworthy." Naomi informed before taking a sip of the soda.
"At least Odd's still here." Ulrich smiled.
"I guess." Naomi laughed.
"What did you mean by I guess exactly?" Odd wondered.
"You weren't here earlier so technically you weren't still here." Naomi responded.
"What if I told you I was here spiritually?" Odd queried.
"Souls can't come back to Earth as ghosts, or at all after they die Odd. We were thinking about you but you couldn't talk to us with telepathy so you weren't here with us mentally. And you weren't in the room physically nor were you here with us emotionally so technically you weren't here." Naomi lectured.
Odd was about to say something but decided not to because Naomi disproved all the ideas he had. Suddenly, Naomi's watch screen turned red and showed a white exclamation mark before showing this message.
"Warning: Ninjas present, attack threat imminent."
"Uh oh, guess we're goin down swinging." Naomi commented.
"Do you think they got past the invisibility barrier?" Aelita worried.
"It said a threat so there's a possibility of an attack." Naomi answered.
Just then there was a new message on Naomi's watch.
"Attack confirmed. Barrier status: Breached and deactivated."
"Son of a butcher. So, here's what we're gonna do. We all go hide in the boiler room. I'll go tell Mr. Schaeffer what's going on." Naomi commented before going into the Hermitage's living room.
Franz noticed Naomi and stopped playing the piano.
"Is something the matter Naomi?" Franz wondered.
"Some of the ninjas have breached an invisible dome I placed around here so we couldn't be spotted by the ninjas after Aelita saw two of them in the park. I'm such an idiot. I should've teleported us to the factory." Aelita replied.
"It's alright, you did the right thing to bring Aelita and the others here." Franz assured.
"I'm going tell the others about the battle plan." Naomi remarked before leaving and finding the others in the office.
"I know you guys were planning an attack. So, what's the plan?" Naomi spoke.
"We all take different sides of the Hermitage to defend. Yumi will take the back, Aelita will take the front, I'll take the first floor, Odd will take the second floor while Jeremy will head to the factory and you can monitor the entrance ways." Ulrich notified.
Naomi nodded.
"Sounds good, time ta go Einstein." Naomi agreed.
"Good luck guys." Jeremy spoke before Naomi locked the entrance door to the factory.
"You've gotta come back alive Einstein, the groups gonna fall apart if ya don't. I'd work the return trips an all but QUILL missions can take place any time of the day and I need to be ready for em." Naomi commented.
"If I don't come back, will you tell Aelita I love her?" Jeremy wondered.
"Sure thing pal." Naomi confirmed.
"Thanks." Jeremy thanked.
"We don't have time for those mushy gushy feelings of yours Jeremy. And Aelita won't be able to talk to you ever again if she gets caught. So you better get a move on, now shoo!" Naomi remarked before pushing Jeremy forward from behind.
"Um, Naomi, we've got a problem." Jeremy worried.
Naomi turned around to see Jeremy looking at a ninja. Then someone tapped Naomi's left shoulder from behind. Naomi whipped around to see another ninja.
"I've got an idea." Naomi commented before calling Arson.
"So, you finally ready to admit you need me in your life?" Arson smirked.
"Yeah." Naomi sighed.
"So, when do you want our first date to be?" Arson queried.
"Date? I mean that I need you here for backup for a mission of sorts for some friends. Just tell me yes or no so I can teleport you here." Naomi responded.
"Sure." Arson growled.
Naomi ended the call before teleporting Arson to fight the ninja in front of Jeremy.
"So here's the thing, I don't have Zeno's backup gun yet." Arson stuttered nervously.
"Are you flippin kiddin me!? Ugh, guess GV's gonna have ta be my backup." Naomi snarled before teleporting Arson back to his apartment and calling Zeno.
"Heya Naomi, what's up?" Zeno greeted.
"Is GV there? I could really use his help." Naomi responded.
"Sure is, here ya go." Zeno smiled.
"Hello?" Gunvolt spoke.
"Ay man, I got a big ask. I hope I'm not interrupting a nice peaceful and relaxing day but I need some help if you wouldn't mind." Naomi informed.
"What do you need help with exactly?" Gunvolt asked.
"There's some people here that want to catch some friends and I. The person they work for has a tie to the Sumeragi. I'm outnumbered two to one and requesting backup." Naomi answered.
"I'll be there ASAP." Gunvolt confirmed.
Naomi ended the call before teleporting Gunvolt to deal with the other ninja. Jeremy managed to escape. Naomi tagged both ninjas and flashed them for a minute before they devirtualized.
"Now that we don't have any more of those enemies to fight for a bit would you mind telling me why you're fighting these ninjas and what their connection to the Sumeragi is?" Gunvolt queried.
"Sure. The Sumeragi decided that during the second world war they'd hold anyone that entered the country hostage in Japan. So, a friend's dad decided to go to Japan and got caught. Apparently a work colleague of his was captured as well. I met Aelita during the time I was experimented on. So, now you know." Naomi responded.
"Yeah, now I know you used to work for the Sumeragi." Gunvolt remarked.
"Not because I wanted to! Like you I was lab created." Naomi commented before letting down her Flashfield.
"Why didn't you ask Copen for help?" Gunvolt questioned.
"Because I'd have to tell him and he wouldn't believe me and I'd be in a heck of a lotta trouble." Naomi elucidated.
"Why would you get in trouble exactly?" Gunvolt wondered.
"Because not all of us are blessed to be orphans who learn independence instantaneously. The peace lasted for a bit, but sadly that peace is gone now. Sometimes, I wish I could go back to the past and back to being naïve. Well, to an extent I was naïve. I had a bit of a spring cleaning with my brain so some memories got wiped.
I kinda wish they stayed buried six feet under and remained dead to me." Naomi explained.
"Do you know where Asimov was the other day?" Gunvolt queried.
Naomi started sweating nervously.
"I don't, sorry." Naomi lied.
I know that day I heard something about a sanatorium." Gunvolt notified.
Naomi choked on her cherry soda before swallowing it and coughing a few times.
"Did Arson talk about it too?" Naomi questioned.
"Not that I heard." Gunvolt answered.
"And how long ago exactly was this?" Naomi pondered.
"Two weeks ago exactly." Gunvolt replied.
"Nope, sorry, still don't know." Naomi denied.
"Are you lying? Because it seems like you are." Gunvolt commented.
"I, ah, um, okay I was lying!" Naomi surrendered.
"And, why were you doing that exactly?" Gunvolt asked.
Just then, Naomi got a call from Jeremy and Naomi answered it.
"What's up Einstein? You got anything for me?" Naomi spoke.
"Sure do, apparently Tyron is using the international robotics lab in Geneva as a temporary base of operations until he can get a new supercomputer. It seems that after Xana's last attack that any other supercomputer that wasn't the one here blew up from all of its energy being used and since the computers and systems cooling them were pushed to their max they exploded or spontaneously combusted.
I'm thinking the ninjas came so instead of getting us they could get what's left of Project Carthage." Jeremy theorized.
"There's also a possibility of us being held hostage but I think your reason is more likely because they tried getting to the factory. Though I'm confused if the Sumeragi ninjas aren't hiding behind those masks." Naomi remarked.
"How come the Sumeragi has ninjas? Do you know anything about them?" Jeremy queried.
"Um, I don't know why they have ninjas but I know some things about them. One of those things is that they have boots that allow them to stick to the ceilings and jump down when they see someone. Their uniform is black with gray and red highlights. They have a single katana and what looks like a red fencing mask.
All Sumeragi workers that you don't see their faces are male. Their age usually ranges from eighteen to twenty five. And they're actually called assassins. I just say ninjas cause they have katanas. And that's all I know about them really." Naomi notified.
"I still can't believe that argument Asimov and Moniqa had about ninjas existing." Gunvolt remarked.
"I know right? So childish, you wouldn't really be able to tell Moniqa liked him." Naomi agreed.
"What!?" Jeremy shouted.
"Keep it down man, or else more ninjas might come. But yeah, I think everyone knows but Asimov." Naomi laughed.
"Just like Ulrich and Yumi previously." Jeremy commented.
"And you and Aelita presently." Naomi added.
"What are you talking about?" Jeremy questioned.
"You know very darn good and well what I'm talking about Jeremy Belpois." Naomi smiled.
"Y-yeah, I do. But I just don't know how to tell Aelita I love her without sounding like an idiot." Jeremy admitted.
"How does this sound, if GV can just use his Orochi Bullits to kill anymore ninjas if multiple come down I'll go meet ya at the factory." Naomi notified.
Gunvolt nodded, so Naomi ended the call and teleported to the factory.
"So, I'll also stay and protect the factory. My watch works like the program you use to check for monsters, except mine works in real life. I think it has a slight issue considering Sissi never seems to be on the radar." Naomi informed, laughing uncontrollably at the last statement along with Jeremy.
"You should tell that to the others when we get back." Jeremy suggested.
"Back to being serious though, let's start recording your digital love letter for Aelita before we see any more of the ninjas." Naomi commented before starting a recording on her watch.
"Hey Aelita, I know I haven't exactly been there for you like I should. But you deserve better. So, I promise to get more rest when possible and spend less time on all electronic devices to be the boyfriend you deserve. I guess what I'm trying to say is, will you be my girlfriend?" Jeremy spoke.
Naomi then ended the recording.
"Now I'll save it on a USB and you can give it to Aelita at breakfast tomorrow." Naomi beamed.
"Thanks for the idea Naomi. I don't know how it would've ended if I tried to tell Aelita directly." Jeremy stuttered nervously.
"Well, I know how it would've ended. Either she would've gotten confused, got onto what you were tryna do and say yes or she just would've said yes." Naomi commented.
"You really think so?" Jeremy wondered.
"I know so." Naomi assured.
"Do you think that the ninjas are gone?" Jeremy queried.
"Well there's only one way to find out. I'll go check the passageway while you go check on the others at the Hermitage." Naomi suggested.
Jeremy nodded before Naomi teleported him to the Hermitage and Naomi teleported herself to the sewer passageway.
"I'm sorry man, I know you've been in a sewer before but I didn't wanna ruin your day or whatever." Naomi apologized.
"It's fine, I'm glad I could help. The info you gave me could help bring down the Sumeragi." Gunvolt answered.
"Aight, I'll teleport you back to your apartment." Naomi notified before teleporting Gunvolt to his apartment followed by Naomi teleporting herself to the Hermitage.
"You think that's the last of them? Yumi worried.
"I sure hope so." Ulrich agreed.
Naomi then appeared.
"Did you guys finish em off?" Naomi asked.
"We think so." Ulrich supposed.
"Well, Einstein solved why the ninjas were here. Tell em Jeremy." Naomi commented.
"After us destroying his previous lab, Tyron is using the international A.I. and robotics center in Geneva as his temporary lab until his old one gets repaired." Jeremy elucidated.
"How is he able to borrow it?" Yumi wondered.
"That's just the thing Yumi, I have absolutely no idea." Jeremy admitted.
"Maybe he paid someone from the Sumeragi to do the dirty work for him." Naomi theorized.
"That could be it. Naomi, do you know of anywhere that has the most data on anyone involved with the Sumeragi and its activities?" Jeremy questioned.
"The Datastore, though last time I tried to go in I went with GV the first day it was open. Carrera, Nova and Jota were there. But my best bet is that just Carrera will try to stop us this time. Previously it was three to two. At least we'll have better odds this time." Naomi explained.
"Well then since morning here is night there let's get some sleep and get a head start. But first, dinner." Naomi smiled.
"What she said." Odd agreed.
"So, what's the game plan?" Ulrich asked before eating a bite of his meatloaf.
"The plan is we'll infiltrate by teleporting past security measures, disabling all security measures, hack the place of the data we need, pray Carrera isn't there and if he is, we'll fight him first." Naomi elucidated.
"Sounds like a plan." Ulrich supposed.
"Um, Aelita, there's something I'd like to give you." Jeremy stuttered nervously.
"Um, sure, what is it?" Aelita questioned.
Naomi tapped Jeremy's left leg 3 times with her left foot before looking down as Naomi handed him the USB under the table before Jeremy gave the USB to Aelita.
"I found it in my desk and I've never seen it before. I'm curious if it might've belonged to another student. I'd look at it but Naomi and I want to make a backup plan so we'll go back to my dorm and when we're done we'll come check out what you find." Jeremy answered.
"Mmph mph." Odd commented.
"Swallow then speak Odd." Ulrich teased.
Odd then swallowed his bite of mashed potatoes and brown gravy.
"I think someone here is plotting something." Odd supposed while eyeing Naomi and Jeremy suspiciously while Aelita walked away with the USB in her right hand.
"If we tell you, you'll have to stay with us in Jeremy's dorm until Aelita's done checking what's on the USB." Naomi notified.
"Alright, so what's the secret?" Odd promised.
"Well, since I had GV take care of the ninjas at the sewer path, I went with Jeremy to take care of any ninjas that entered the factory. Since we didn't see any on any of the cameras I decided to get Jeremy to confess his love for Aelita before we saw anymore ninjas and recorded it on that USB that Aelita walked away with.
Speaking of which, Aelita should be done watching the video now. Let's see her reaction." Naomi notified.
Everyone then went to the Hermitage. Jeremy stood in front of the door while Yumi, Naomi, Ulrich and Odd were invisible on the sides of the door. Jeremy knocked thrice on Aelita's bedroom door. Aelita opened it before hugging Jeremy. Naomi took a picture with her watch before an evil smile spread across Naomi's face as she whispered an idea to Odd who agreed.
"We can give it to them when we're done with the mission. It'll be the biggest scoop they've ever had!" Odd beamed.
"You're darn right it is!" Naomi grinned.
"That was the most beautifully touching thing anyone has ever told me. And of course I'll be your girlfriend." Aelita smiled.
Naomi turned the others and herself visible as they cheered, whistled and applauded the Einstein couple. Aelita was shocked to see the others. So shocked in fact that all of her face turned red.
"So, how do you feel now Aelita?" Yumi questioned.
"I feel, great!" Aelita replied happily.
"It's a shame we can't all feel like that." Ulrich remarked.
"Some more than others." Odd commented.
"Says the people who could've said no to keeping contact with me. I know I brought it up but it was your choice whether or not you accepted." Naomi ranted.
The others didn't respond because they knew Naomi was right. She offered to videochat with Jeremy and he let the others know without Naomi's consent.
"I thought I heard a camera flash." Aelita pondered aloud.
Aelita then looked at Naomi who was standing near Odd and looking at her watch smiling like an evil villain.
"Well, looks like it's time to go to bed. Goodnight guys, I'll see you later." Odd informed.
"Wait, Naomi, can you show us what you're looking at?" Aelita asked.
"Um, sure." Naomi replied before showing a different picture than the one before.
"You liked that cotton candy ice cream a lot huh?" Yumi guessed.
"For sure! There's also a bubblegum ice cream that I think you guys might like." Naomi lied.
"Wait a second, there's another picture that looks like it was taken recently." Yumi noticed before swiping left on Naomi's watch to show that she took a picture of Aelita hugging Jeremy.
Aelita saw it and Naomi noticed Aelita as glaring intensely at her so Naomi ran while Aelita chased her downstairs.
"Give me that picture!" Aelita yelled.
"Never!" Naomi protested.
Naomi and Aelita mad their way downstairs in front of the front entrance door. So, Naomi opened it and noticed she saw David and Charles before closing the door and running back upstairs.