As Wally sat against the wall of his cell, boring blankly into the ceiling, he tried to come up with positive reasons so his imminent decommissioning didn't seem so bad. An impossible task yes, but that never stopped him before. This was the boy who found seven alternate ways to spell the word 'Congressional' after all. But as his mind came up short with reasons, the only one he could even admit to was that he wouldn't have to remember his fear of waiting once it was all over.
The blond accepted his fate. For once in his life so far, he had found opposing his aggressors pointless and a waste of time. Even though his hand-to-hand skills earned him a reputation that rivaled Chad's ruthlessness, he was just one teenager against hundreds upon hundreds of kids stationed on this base. Heck, he wasn't even smart enough to hack through the cruddy door and get that far.
So he had sentenced himself to waiting. And that was turning out to be quite the affair. There was no way to express how grateful he was for being alone in here. He didn't think he could handle anyone, even a total stranger, seeing how shaken he had become. He figured that this was the closest he would be to knowing what someone on death-row during their final hours felt. Wally couldn't hear everything, but he could hear enough. He could pick up the heavy march of KND operatives moving to secure the next guy. Their footfalls echoed in his mind and that last step before they stopped was thunderous. Then his heart would begin an erratic beat; the organ pounding on his rib cage trying to break free. Despite his will, his hands would fidget and his breath would pick up ever so slightly. Then he would hear the outer doors hissing open, and the time they took to enter seemed like an eternity. Then the screams of another teen, one that was not him, rang clear and he would sigh. Seeing that he was fine.
But for how much longer?
Wally growled as he shook off another oncoming wave of apprehension. He was so sick of this. Sick of waiting. Why wouldn't they just come and get it over with? Was it because he cooperated with them? Did they give him more time to himself as a 'reward' for relaying some more information on teen operations? If so, then he wished he would have knocked that annoying Numbuh 85 upside the head when he had a chance. The boy seemed to have picked up his sister's famous attitude. Probably would have thrown him in a personal chamber if he acted that way.
As he entered a state of calm, his mind couldn't help but trail to Kuki. The look on her tear-stained face was bittersweet. It broke his heart to basically tell her he was giving up on their relationship, but he saw no other option. Besides, it would work out better this way. With him gone, she could finally stop having to worry if he had gotten himself exposed and captured. Stop risking her job and credibility just to keep the Kids Next Door off his tail. Move on and get a way better boyfriend then he could ever be. Maybe one that actually wasn't afraid to break his tough guy guise to show her plenty of affection in public. She deserved someone perfect, and he was miles from it. Knowing that she didn't care and loved him and all his little faults made it that much more painful. But he would be strong. He would steel his turmoil away and tell himself it would work out in the long run.
But as much as he tried to not too, he couldn't help and keep praying that if he some how got out of this, he would better himself. He would do anything she desired. He would go to those God awful and cliched love flicks whenever she wanted. He would buy her bouquets of roses, toothachingly sweet chocolates, and every over mushy, sappy thing he dreaded. He would be the best damn boyfriend in the world...if he got out of here. But that wasn't gonna happen anytime soon.
...Unless Kuki did something drastic. That look in her raging eyes as she left worried him. It spoke of desperation, conveyed how much she would fight for him. But he feared that even more! If she got captured just to save his ass he would never forgive himself.
"Jus' relax there, mate." He nervously relayed to himself. "Kooks' the Supreme Leader. She's gotta put all these other kids ahead of herself. Yea. Everything'll be roight." He quelled, closing his eyes in relief. "Sides, she's smart. She wouldn't do something dumb loike try and bust me out."
:EMERGENCY RELEASE HAS BEEN INITIATED. PLEASE PROCEED WITH CAUTION:
"Aw crud."
As soon as the words fled his mouth, Wally's hands leapt up to cover his ears as the shrill alarms went off all around the Decommissioning Center. His face contorted with agitation, only to soften in bewilderment when he noticed the lights of his cell flashing. His green orbs darted around to see the whole room bathed in a crimson hue of light. Before he could grunt a response, he jumped to his feet when the security locks around his door clicked open in rapid succession. Still stunned at what was happening, he stayed centered near his bed as he looked out to the gateway. Getting even more stumped when that door slowly opened as well.
The Aussie's mouth slowly gaped open. What the heck was going on? He scratched at his head to try and get his brain to work overtime. Let's see, what was emergency release for? It was for emergencies...obviously. But what else? Darn, he really shouldn't have slept through all those lessons back at the academy. Then it hit him. Emergency release was to unlock all security to make speedy evacuations much more easy. But then his body tensed as he put two and two together. If the reason his cell unlocked was because the release cut all security. But if it affected the whole wing, then that meant...
Suddenly the floor began to rumble lightly as if a miniature earthquake was surging through. And ear clattering noises of panicky screams and deep rebel yells batted him on all sides. Wally walked a bit out into the gateway to see what the fuss was about, but he stopped short once a raging horde of free Teen Ninjas sprinted by. The blond ducked back into his cell, not wanting the teens to see him. He doubted they forgot he was one of the sole reasons they were in here. But the guys and girls were not focused one him. They were far more concerned with their escape.
Wally continued to hold back and waited for the last teen to pass by. Once the coast was clear he peeked out into the hallway only to find no one out there, or at least no one who could stop him. It was a complete mess. Some cells doors had been knocked off their hinges and laid dented on the floor. The soup can cameras hung loosely down, having been deactivated, and the checkpoint that kept most prisoners out had been destroyed; teens having torn down any doorway and the glass bashed in so they could get out.
But one main thing Wally was paying attention to ask he walked out were the few kid operatives who had been knocked out during the stampede. The little tikes groaned on the floor, whimpering in pain every so often. He couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for them. But still, far more important events were taking place. Like say, an apparent breakout was occurring. Yeah, that seemed more pressing right now. But the Aussie couldn't figure out why. The only conclusion he could come up with that Kuki had done this. But setting the whole D-Block free?
Either she had some master plan, or she had just ran out of options.
Whether his girlfriend had snapped or not would have to wait. Whatever was going on, this seemed like his one chance to get out. But as said before, his hands by themselves would only carry him so far. He needed something extra. And his need of a weapon was solved when he looked down at a groaning operative. The kid himself wasn't important, what was equipped on his hand was. On the boy's right hand was an oversized orange boxing glove. The glove itself was the size of a melon, and the kid's hand was secured in the large wooden wrist brace at the base of the glove. After catching sight of the 2x4 weapon, Wally smirked; recognizing it as one of his favorites. The S.L.U.G.G.U.H.
Kids Next Door: S.L.U.G.G.U.H.
Spring. Loaded. Upper-Cutting. Glove. Gives. Unbearable. Headache.
"No hard feelings kid, but I need this more." Wally nonchalantly apologized as he took the glove off the operative's hand. He chuckled as he brought it down on his hand. His fingers lacing around the trigger inside the wooden brace. As a test, he swung his arm out and pulled on the trigger, watching in satisfaction as the glove rocketed off from the power of the spring. It left a small dent in the wall, and metal curled retracting the glove back. That would beef up his left hook.
CRAAAACCK!
He snapped to attention when the sound of shattering glass filled the air. Deciding he had hid enough, Wally quickly ran out to the rest of the teens. As soon as he entered the main center, he could immediately feel the tension in the atmosphere. He stood back a distance to take in everything. On the other side of the station Kids Next Door forces were converging; swinging their 2x4 rifles off their backs and the laser-pointer targeting aiming down the sights. The teens were cracking their knuckles, growling, and picking it up anything they thought they could utilize to inflict pain. He himself glared and rose his fist when a few teens turned to face him, still angered with his betrayal. But with all the rage, no one was willing to break the stalemate. Everyone just stood there, but when someone from above screamed, none of that mattered.
"EVERYBODY RIOT!"
Then the chaos began.
After he had hyped up the crowd, Nigel prepared to jump down to find Wally. The Brit leapt onto the railing then dived down into the brawl. As he came down, he honed in on two teens taking on one kid. Adjusting his body, he landed in a crouch in the middle of them. While they were surprised, he gripped the ankle of the kid and flung her towards one of the offending teens, the two tumbling away tangled together. As soon as that was dealt with, he dropped into a quick leg sweep causing the remaining teen's body to be tripped into the air. During the split second he was airborne, Nigel shot up with lightening speeds and barreled his elbow into the guy's gut. The teen was reduced to a groaning mess, and the Brit moved on.
Meanwhile, Wally buried his fist into a Teen Ninja's stomach; the enemy hacking, and crippling over in pain. While he was slumped, Wally's opposite fist containing the S.L.U.G.G.U.H flung upwards swatting the teen away. As he stood straight, his elbow instinctively shot backwards and the teen that tried to jump him only fell forward into the Aussie's fist. He then ducked and rolled to the left as a younger kid fired off a S.C.A.M.P.P shot. While he recharged, Wally aimed the S.L.U.G.G.U.H and the spring powered glove shot out and took down the kid before his finger could grace the trigger. As the orange glove reeled back in, Wally grunted as he charged into an incoming group.
Across the room, Nigel ran head on to three teens who had their backs turned. After picking up a bit of speed, he hopped into a flying kick, taking down the middle teen by storm. As he hit the floor he turned and brushed away one teen with a flick of his S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R. As he lowered his weapon, he ducked as the third started on the attack. Nigel kept a stern face as he backed up and weaved around the teen's strikes; waiting for the right moment. Fortunately, he would not be kept waiting, for after giving into his rage, the teen hefted his arms over his head, linked his hands together, and yelled as he tried to deliver a wild slam. But the attack was too slow and the Brit smirked as did a simple back step. The teen fumbled forward; his torso tipping over. And the last thing he could recall seeing was the wood of Nigel's weapon.
"HAA!" Wally roared as the S.L.U.G.G.U.H found home within the chest of a teen. The Aussie was about to engage its mechanism, but stopped short once he got a devious little idea. Regaining some of his lost momentum, the blond keep charging forth, the teen being forced forward as a result. He became something of a battering ram as Wally used him to plow through hordes of enemies. While running, Wally flicked a glance behind the poor guy, and suddenly smirked as he skidded to a halt. "Have nice trip mate!" Before the foe could rebuttal, Wally activated the S.L.U.G.G.U.H, and the boxing glove shot out, launching the teen as a twirling projectile.
Near the east end, a platoon of KND elites were grinning as they began to overwhelm their older nemeses. Two of the kids in front got anxious, and pulled the trigger of their hot sauce blasters, dousing the zit ridden freaks in a hot shower of the sizzling ammo. But as cheerful as they became, their morale was short lived when another teen flew out of nowhere and toppled them over like bowling pins.
"Strike!" Wally laughed as he saw the kids go down. His expression then became dead serious once again as five burly teens massed around him. All the taller jocks snarled as they advanced on him, but Wally wasn't deterred in the slightest. "Bring it on, ya bludgers!" They indeed brought it on as they all went to tackle him. The blond didn't make a move and when the five jumped, they all seemingly landed on him in a dog pile. Sadly, victory would not be theirs, for right before they could even grace the fabric of his shirt, the S.L.U.G.G.U.H glove rammed upward into the air, knocking all the would be offenders back.
As the glove came back down, Wally just used the massive bopper to dust his chin off. "I know ankle-biters that can fight bettah than you losers." He yawned in mockery, not thinking much of their skill. Or rather lack of it. But while he took the time to taunt, he made the mistake of leaving himself wide open. "ARRGH!" Which someone took full advantage of.
Wally hissed in pain as the vigorous heat of the laser volleys rattled against his back; forcing him down to the ground. His lids clenched shut in agony as his back burned, but he fought against the pain, and managed to get up on one knee. His free hand reached back to feel for damage, and he reeled it back as the light contact caused the charred skin to flare.
"Sorry 'bout that, Wall," a voice called out over the sounds of battle. Wally somehow got to his feet, his legs quaking all the while, and glared on the see none other then Rick. The vindictive brunette stood in front of a squad of Teen Ninjas, all of which who had found their B.R.A.s. Rick chortled lowly as he gripped his gauntlet, training his aim right at the fighter's head. "You know how bad a shot I am. But don't sweat it, cuz I won't miss this time."
With his natural defiance kicking in, Wally just smirked. "Ah Rick, don't you look as mad as a cut snake." His eyes then trailed to their gear, and he didn't bother to hold back his mocking howls. "Aw, you sheilas found yer trainin' bras." He didn't care how grim his situation was, he was just so exhilarated about having not to wear that fashion disaster anymore.
Rick snarled at the blond and fired off a warning shot. "Shut it!" He grinned once his laughter died. "Hope you enjoyed that, because it's the last thing you'll ever chuckle about." As he announced it, the vengeful teens behind him charged their blasters as well. "Time for some good ol' fashioned payback."
Wally sneered at the group, his eyes scanning the area for anything useful. But everyone was too involved in their own battles to worry about him. Not that they cared. The fist holding the S.L.U.G.G.U.H raised an inch, but froze when the teens tensed. Seeing as he was trapped, he tried a different approach. "Y'know, Rick, I may not be the smartest bloke in 'ere-"
"Understatement of the year."
"-But dontcha ya think ya should be more worried about gettin' out?" He growled, his teeth grinding against one another. Oh, he wouldn't have been insulting him had the circumstances been switched! "I mean yer wasting ya time on me when ya could be busting out."
"Ah, but there wouldn't have been a need to bust out if it weren't for you!" Rick argued back, not fazing in the least. His eyes were filled with malicious fury and he lusted for retribution. "It's every guy for himself, Beatles, and right now I'm taking names. And yours is the only one on my list!"
"Ya made my list too, Rick." The blond continued to annoy, even in the face of death. "I've only met so many dipsticks who hate me that much." His smirk then vanquished as a sharp glare crinkled itself. "But yer still an idiot. I would being tryin' ta escape if I was you."
"I guess I'm just not you then." He then raised his weapon higher as it glowed. "Then again, who would wanna be?"
"That's low, teenager." Wally growled as his end seemed nearer. "Only a rat would shoot a guy while he's down."
Rick only chuckled again as he prepared to open fire. "So I'm a rat."
"Then have some cheese, rat!"
"What the- AAAHHH!" Rick and the teens yelled in unison as a small gush of nacho cheese rushed under their heels, washing them all about the area. The brunette managed to stumble to his knees, and he raged all around, daring the person who cause that to show himself. "WHO DID THAT?" He bellowed, hot cheese oozing down his already greasy hair. He then paled as he sensed someone behind him. He slowly turned, trying to get his gunked up lasers back online, but sadly, it was all over once he sized up a smirking Nigel. "You!"
"Hello." The Brit greeted cockily as he rose up his trusty S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R. "And goodbye."
BAM!
"AAHHHHH!" Rick screamed as he skidded across the deck, the excess cheese Nigel had sprayed assisting in speeding up his tormenting slide. The guy kept going, knocking over kids and teens alike. But he just kept pacing on. Finally, he stopped as he collided with the front counter of the decommissioning center. The force of his collision caused him to barrel through the hard lumber, reducing the front to shattering chips and pieces. Pain flared up his spine, and shortly after impact, he fell into a deep state of unconsciousness. Rick just sat there; nothing more then gooey dent in the splintered counter.
"I only regret it took me this long to accomplish that." Nigel spoke as he lowered his S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R. The teen adjusted his shades, and turned to face the blond he had came all this way to save. As he saw the Aussie standing up, Nigel couldn't help but smile at the utter bewilderment plastered on his face. "What did I tell you about letting your guard down in the midst of combat, Wally?"
The blond made no move to speak back. He was too astonished to utter a comeback. Because he was here. He... he was actually still here. "Nigel..." Was all he could bring himself to say. His emerald orbs held no negative emotion. No animosity, anger, or aggravation. None of that. He was just honestly, confused. Confused that the Brit was here...here to save him. "You're still here." He said again. Stating the obvious was all he could seem to do at the moment.
Nigel nodded, his smile dimming, but still lingering noticeably. "It appears I am."
"But..." Wally ventured, finally being able to get out something other then a fact. "But why?"
"Because Nigel Uno doesn't leave his team, his friends behind." He stated unwaveringly, his voice never flattered and his confident glint still shone in his sunglasses. He then chuckled as he shook his head a bit. "It just took a good kick in the rear for me to remember that."
Wally's expression remained stoic for a minute. But finally, a warm smile crossed his lips for the first time in ages, and his hand reached out to take Nigel's in a firm grip. "Ya shoulda told me. Y'know how much I loike to kick stuff."
Nigel laughed as he returned Wally's handshake. "I think Kuki does enough for the both of you."
"Ah, don't get me started..." The blond trailed off. However, the moment ended as Wally's shout ended the calm. "DUCK!" Nigel complied immediately, and as soon as the Brit went down, The Aussie hefted up his S.L.U.G.G.U.H and brushed away a KND operative who was getting a little too close for comfort. Nigel rolled to his right, and he himself bent his knees as lasers and mustard beams cascaded overhead. "How 'bout we save this mushy crud for when someone ain't tryin' ta kill us?" He idly suggested as he analyzed the riot still going on around them.
"Agreed." Nigel nodded as he thought out the next part of the plan. Now that he had found Wally, the had to make their to the south exit. Seeing all possible opposition along the way, Nigel smirked as he tightened his hold on his S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R. "Ready to show the new generation how we do it down under?"
Wally met the galactic operative's smirk, and returned it with a cheeky one of his own. "Let's kick some arse!" Then the two boy's took off, Wally following in behind Nigel on instinct and the fact the Brit had the plan to get out.
As the two ran, they caught sight of a massive struggle going on. Teens were beating down kids who were soaking them in lethal ketchup in return. Forming a plan, Nigel struck his arm out and made a series of hand signs to Wally. The blond recognized them, and grinned as he picked up his pace. As he ran past Nigel, his hand locked with the Brit's and after combining his speed and strength, he vaulted forwards, flinging Nigel towards the group and standing back.
Nigel soared through the air face first; the teens and kids reflecting in his shades' mirroring glare. As he neared them, he preformed a mid-air front flip and shot his left leg out while tucking his right back. After a few moments, his foot made righteous contact with a teen's chest. The force caused the guy's armor to crack, and Nigel used the brief support to flip himself backwards off the teen's chest as he went down. Nigel's leg collided with the shoulder of another teen and he took him down right before he landed.
After he made himself known, everyone shifted their focus onto him. One kid appeared on his left and yelled as he swung a hook at him. But Nigel's hand sprang up and caught the operative's fist. Using the kid as a weapon, Nigel grunted loudly as he slashed his left arm across his body, bringing the kid along with it. The poor boy batted over four of his teammates, and Nigel cut him loose as he reached the pivot of his swing. Once he let the kid go, the Brit quickly twirled his body around and his right hand came up with his S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R. After pulling the trigger, the magnet released and the wood planks crashed into a teen sending her flying across the whole center.
Once she had been dealt with Nigel used amazing agility to back flip away over a kid's sloppy leg sweep. But as he landed, a teen from behind knocked him down. He hit the floor with a yelp, and his world exploded with pain as the teen slammed her foot into his lower back. The foe chuckled evilly as she dug her heel into Nigel, relishing his whimpers. But right when she was about to increase pressure to try and crush his spine, the orange glove of the S.L.U.G.G.U.H shot out and buried itself in her bosom. Seeing his chance, Nigel aggressively flipped himself over, and kicked his body up, knocking the girl away. Seeing that Wally had entered the fray, he quickly tossed his S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R into the air, and latched both hands onto the S.L.U.G.G.U.H glove before it retracted back.
Nigel grit his teeth and used all his might to keep the glove in place. His feet slid against the tiling, but he held strong. Since the glove could not reel back to its owner, the owner would be forced to reel into the glove. Just as planned, Wally let himself be pulled in by the spring of the S.L.U.G.G.U.H and his body rocketed towards Nigel. When he neared, Nigel heaved with all his power and began to spin the glove around. That in turn caused Wally to spin around in a small circle. As he rotated, he used his feet to kick away any oncoming force. Teen Ninjas fell like dominoes and only then did Nigel relinquish his grip on the glove.
Once Nigel let go, Wally landed onto the floor and the momentum still following him caused him to skid past his friend. Deciding to use it the best he can, Wally reared his S.L.U.G.G.U.H wielding fist back, cocked it, and unleashed it upon a line of teens headed for him. "EAT THIS!" He yelled to the heavens as the S.L.U.G.G.U.H gave one final punch. Due to its mistreatment, the spring snapped as the glove flew towards its target. As the teens were slammed down, Wally dropped the remains of his weapon and grinned like a madman. "YEAH! That's roight! I'm openin' cans of whoop-ass all night! "
Nigel stood straight and alternated between massaging his sore injuries and catching his breath. After loosing up, his hand shot up to catch the falling S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R in his hand. He expertly twirled the wooden combat weapon on his finger before holstering it once more. He looked out to the riot still taking place, then to the south exit doorway a few feet away. "Time to go Numbuh 4!"
"Huh? Oh yea, yea." Wally quickly agreed, having lost himself for a second. He then faced an opposite direction then Nigel and prepared to jet off. "Then let's go-HEY!" He yelped in surprise when Nigel grabbed his shoulder and quickly pulled him away. But he would not go without protest. "Hey! I know ya got some fancy plan 'n' all, but you're goin the wrong way!" He pointed over to the other end near the shuttle bay, where most teens who weren't fighting were headed. "The way out is that way!"
"I know, but we're taking a different route." Nigel muttered as his hand moved to the panel next to the door. His fingers typed in a series of numbers, and the light over the doorway blinked green and old metal creaked open. "The north entrance will be flocked with teens trying to escape out that way, so most security will be stationed there waiting for them. It'll be madness and we would never get through. So were sneaking out the south exit."
Wally groaned as he slumped, following Nigel into the hallway. "But the south exit leads ta E-Branch! That part of the moonbase is made from reused scrap of the old base and recycled pipe lines. It's old and no one goes there!"
Nigel waited for the grumpy blond to pass under the door. As the door inched to close, he spared one last glance to the chaos still going on, and his face eased into a smug look when he realized no one had paid their getaway any mind. "Precisely."
The Kids Next Door moonbase was in complete anarchy. For the first time since the failed treaty, teens were rampaging through sections and ruining everything in their wake. Some younger cadets were frightened stiff. The cute little toddlers had never seen the adolescents this ruthless. But the older operatives scantly compared the frantic mobocracy to the candy pirate attack during the Grandfather fiasco. But even though the teens were more assertive in their attacks, the security was beginning to overwhelm them. But just barely.
But since everything was so hectic above, no one noticed who was secretly arriving down below. Deep in the roots of the moonbase was a large hanger personally used by the Supreme Leader of the current reign. Kuki kept many things in the gaping dock space. Her storage safe of rare first edition rainbow monkeys, a colorful one-man space fighter, and a modified version of H.I.P.P.E-H.O.P. It seemed someone was able to install flight thrusters in the rabbit mech after all.
Angled in the roof of the ceiling was a round hanger-bay door, hidden on the outside by a normal moon crater. The small terminal that controlled entry and exit sat stationary, but it suddenly began to fritz; alternating between red and yellow as someone hacked into it. Finally, it powered down only to reboot with green acceptance.
:ACC-ztztz-ACCESS TO SURPEME HANGER GRANTED:
The pod doors opened. And while stray moon debris fell in, an ebony carrier ship hovered down slowly. Easing itself down as it landed on the deck. The large space faring clunker made a low humming noise as its engines went silent. Inside in the pilot's chair, the lithe figure of a girl slouched as she took in the hanger. The Supreme hanger. This sure brought back some memories, but they easily flickered away once she took in the personalization Kuki had made. Well, what the Asian did didn't matter. She just still couldn't believe they hadn't took her old access code out of the system. That's where the laziness of children got you sometimes.
But she shook her head as he fingers worked on her ship's computer. None of that was important. All that mattered was Nigel. He had returned. She had found that out by surprise, and after making a quick stop, she quickly made her way to the moonbase. She needed to get to him before she did. Everything would have fallen apart if the other girl got to him first.
But that didn't matter. She had beat her here, and now all she had to do was find Nigel's location. And with the apparent teen jail break going on, that was easier said then done. Deciding to plan her approach, she hacked her way into communications, specifically the Supreme Leader's. Perhaps Kuki would let Nigel's whereabouts slip.
"...ha-...ou...rea..hed the-" Her eyes narrowed in concentration as she tuned in on the signal. Finally after a few fruitless efforts, Kuki's voice rang through clear enough. "...my patrol will be coming around E-Branch's end in five minutes. Will you guys get here that soon?"
"We'll be in position in three." Her heart stopped when that British accent smoothed over the line. It...it really was Nigel. A warm feeling she had not felt in years began to emerge, but her will forced it down. This was no time for that. Getting a a hold of herself, she listened in more. "Security is a bit more scarce then expected, so we've managed to move more- hold that thought. Numbuh 4, on my mark..." The end was dead silent for a moment, but after two audible thumps and low groans of kids, Nigel returned. "We are inbound to the ambush."
"Excellent. I'll speak with you guys again once we reach the my hanger." After Kuki spoke, both ends cut transmission and the girl was left twiddling with her thoughts. From the sounds of it, the two had this whole thing planned. An attempt to rescue the caged Aussie she supposed. But the Asian said something about a hanger. Her hanger. Did she mean the Supreme Hanger? After a moment of contemplation, the girl quietly exited her ship and stood outside to wait. It would be so much simpler to let the Brit just come to her.
The rusty depths of E-Branch was probably one of, if not the most, poorly operated sectors of the entire moonbase. Reasons being, it was mostly a reused section that had not been completely obliterated when the kids of Sector V rammed the lunar base into the sinister senior Uno all those years ago. Getting the right materials and super durable duct tape to construct a moon treehouse was a daunting matter, and the crew had to recycle anything they could, even a whole branch if need be. But with way 2x4 science was constantly improving, Global Command had began restricting access to the branch in hopes of tearing it down and replacing it. Only a few guards would rotate through the walkways every now and then.
So it made it the perfect way to make an exit without rousing a lot of attention.
Hurried footsteps clattered against the metal floor, and once they reached a corner, Nigel and Wally continued their sprint through the corridor. The Brit slowed his pace as he held his hand out, Wally copying his actions in response. The two pressed into the shadows and Nigel peeked around the corner. He saw two kids walking along, trying to find their way to the D-Branch to help with the teens. When they neared them, Nigel and Wally melded with the darkness and uttered not a peep until the two had passed. Once they were out of sight, the duo marched on.
As he watched the back of his leader, the blond groaned in boredom. "Why do we hafta do all this sneaky crud?" He protested when they stopped in a circular room. "We coulda took those tikes down easy!" He wasn't a spy, he was a boy of action. It's why he left all that espionage work to Nigel and Abby back in the day.
"Because the buff of security is solely focused on the Teenz, and I would prefer to keep it that way." His blue pupils moved to critically scan his surroundings. There was a closed door on the other side of the room that lead further down into E-Branch. But as his eyes trailed upward, he noticed an old decrepit walk shaft higher up that would continue on the same path, just on the upper level. He rubbed his chin at thought wondering if this was the place. "S.H.A.D.E.S, pinpoint location of operative Sanban. Codename, Three." His yellow tinted lens flashed and a mini map of the entire base appeared in the right spectacle. The radar zoomed in on the left side of the moonbase, then Delta Sector, and finally E-Branch. Then the boy grinned when a green blimp appeared a few rooms down. "There we go."
Wally stopped his kicking of the wall as soon as Kuki was mentioned. "Hey! Why are ya askin' that thing were Kooks is?"
"So I know when to start the final phase, which is now." Nigel answered as his S.H.A.D.E.S dimmed. He then turned to the blond and pointed to walkway above. "This is where we part ways for a second. I'll make my way to that platform and continue on from there." He then lowered his hand to motion to the other door. "While you shall keep on this level and run into the next room. After some time, you should stray into an ambush."
"AMBUSH!" Wally spluttered. He glanced down at the Brit, thinking he was just kidding. Pulling his leg or something. But after knowing him for so long, he could tell when Nigel was conveying a look of dead seriousness. Finally he frowned and stomped his foot down. "Why the hell would I do that? I thought all this sneakin' around bizzo was to, oh I dunno, AVOID things loike that!"
Nigel sternly frowned once Wally had finished. "Yes, but this is no ordinary ambush. This is a staged event I had Kuki set up."
"Wha?" Things just weren't making sense today. Then again, when have they ever? "You sayin' that it's all...fake?"
"Correct." Nigel nodded. "Although all the teens are trying to escape, the only one guaranteed to leave is you. But given your shared history with Numbuh 3, it would seem highly suspicious if only you managed to slip away. So to trick everyone into thinking she had nothing to do with it, you'll run into her patrol and she will try to 'contain' you."
"I get it! Put up a show to make it look loike she was clueless."
"Yes. It's why I've made it seem as if I've plotted everything. With assistance Kuki provided before hand, I've broken into the moonbase, hacked security in D-Block, started a riot, and helped my follow teens escape." He then reached into his pocket, and pulled out his P.E.N.C.I.L laser. "And I'll continue to help by helping you get away from the ambush."
"Roight." Wally agreed as he put his game face on. "How will I know when ta make a break for it?"
"You'll know when you see it." Nigel uttered as he charged his 2x14 ion laser pen. He then lightly clicked his heels to give himself a jump start into the air. Once high enough, he grabbed onto the pipe lining of the wall and climbed his way upwards. Once his hand gripped the railing of the walkway, he hoisted his body over and looked down at Wally with a salute. "Good luck." He then said not another word as he ran further into the shadows. The blond gave a curt nod in return as he ran through the old whooshing door.
Wally sprinted down the narrowing hallway without faltering. His veins filled with adrenaline, his face was set with determination. The ceiling was low, so he could not see Nigel anywhere. But he didn't need to see him to know he had his back. He let himself smile as he reached the door to the next room. He slowed in a comfortable walk, and had to stop from chuckling. Things were looking up.
"FREEZE NUMBUH 4!"
They were looking up indeed. Figuring this would be the ambush, Wally set his face into one of slight surprise mixed with an air of cocky arrogance. It was easy, he just acted like The Kid did all those years ago. Wally stopped a few steps into the 'trap' and looked around the room. Pipes made up the entire lining of the walls. The metal pipes curled all about the room, and some were connecting opposite ends above his head. They hissed every so often; slight steam creaking out the cracks. And further above he could make out a maze of walkways. When his green eyes caught sight of shadow, he moved his attention to the kids standing in front of him.
"Heh. Hey Kooks." He spoke in a forced taunting manner as he took in the Asian across the room. Kuki stood battle ready. Her amulet showing her number shone brightly, and her hand was holding up carrot launching crossbow made out of lumber, a trigger mechanism, and a very tight string. Her face was set in a glare, but he had to hold in a chuckle as her eyes twinkled differently. "Did'ja miss me?"
"Don't talk to our Supreme Leader that way, traitor!" The Head Decommissioning threatened. Paddy held the J.A.W-C.R.U.S.H.E.R. Heavy weapon over his shoulder, and he was itching for an excuse to use it. At his shout, the whole platoon of elites behind aimed their blasters. "Or else I'll give ya something to talk about!"
"Stand down, Numbuh 85." Kuki ordered when the boy started to get restless. As the redhead lowered his launcher, the Asian glared at the 'prisoner'. "So this is why you were cooperative? Because you knew one of your friends was coming to bust you out." She lowered the carrot crossbow in order to make the kids buy into it. "And here I thought you had changed."
"Oh, I have changed, Kuki." Wally chuckled as he crossed his arms. "Unloike you babies, I finally wised up and joined the winning team. Where all you did was stop freakin' out over some new rainbow dorky."
Kuki held her free hand up and the kids behind her prepared to shot the teen should he make any sudden movements. "Some winning team. You're the only teen to actually make it out of D-Block." She gave off a sly smirk as the tip of the carrot seemed that much more potent. "I'm kinda impressed. Sneaking out this way is pretty smart for you. I just wished you used it for better purposes."
"Any purpose is bettah then this kiddy club." He then unfolded his arm, and snarled at the girl. "Now get outta my way, girly. I gotta hot date tonight, and I don't need some whiny ditz tryin' ta slow me down." He insulted to make it believable, but froze when she fired a warning shot that made a precise tear in his jeans.
All the kids gasped when Wally said that. To them he was just taking Numbuh 3's heart and stamping on it. They were sold. However, Kuki knew he really didn't mean that. Although, she wished he hadn't been so blunt. 'Way to sell it, Wally.' Kuki mentally grumbled as her eyebrow twitched with annoyance. Finally she shook it off and relayed her last line. "This is your last chance to surrender quietly, Wally." She stressed as she prepared another carrot. This one sharper then the last. "There's no way out, and your friends aren't here to save you."
At that, the blond looked up to see Nigel aiming his P.E.N.C.I.L at the pipelines. He glanced to the pipes, then noticed the steam boiling out of them. He got the message and smirked. "Heh heh, when am I eva quiet about anything Kooks?" He asked as he leaned into the wall. "And yer wrong about that last bit." He then glanced up to the ceiling as Nigel winked. "I still gotta few mates in high places."
At that, Kuki pretended to be dumbfounded. "Wha-" But before she could continue, a thin highly charged beam of blue energy fired out from somewhere above. The laser cut through the metal pipes like butter, and the action caused the pipes to rapture in a ground shaking exploded. And the damage only worsened as hot steam flared everywhere, making it nearly impossible to see. "AHH!" Kuki screamed as the fog like steam forced them all to step back. Wally however was still in there, and the kids around her went ballistic.
"SHOOT HIM! SHOOT HIM!"
"THERE IS HE IS OVER THERE!"
"NO HE'S BEHIND US!"
BANG!
"AHHH!"
"I GOT HIM!"
"NO! YOU GOT ME YOU BLIND SON OF A-"
"SHUT UP!" Kuki screeched to the heavens after reaching her breaking point. "IF I SEE SO MUCH AS A GUMBALL FLYING I'M PUTTING YOU ALL ON BROCCOLI CLEANUP FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES!" She heaved, her eyes burning with fire. Her glare caused some of the younger operatives to wet themselves. Soon the fog began to clear and the scene revealed to be everyone huddling away from Kuki while she was still seething in the center. Her eyes darted around to see Wally had disappeared. This was the part where she was supposed to feign anger at his getaway, and with how much the kids had annoyed her, she didn't need to. "Where. Is. He?" She growled out, trying to calm down.
The operatives shook with fear as they looked towards one another. They all knew what happened to Wally, but they weren't about to break it to her. They liked their heads where they were. Finally deciding to do something, the kids pushed Paddy forward to the angered Asian. He sent a deadly glare to the kids, but it was overshadowed by Kuki's. He gulped as he tried to find the right words. "Uh...well I-I guess h-he got away sir, I-I mean, M'AM!" He corrected with a salute.
"That's it!" Kuki exploded, setting the final stage of her and Nigel's plan into motion. "Numbuh 85! I want this whole moonbase locked up tighter then Fort Knox! If I see one teen stepping his foot on the outside of this compound, then I'm gonna personally make sure your vacation to Hap-Happy Land is very unhappy!" She growled glowering down at the red head. "Do you understand me?"
"M'am, yes m'am!"
"Then get to it!" She ordered as she walked off rubbing her head. She supposed this is what she got for staying 'it' all that time ago. "Ugh, I need a soda." She groaned, thinking about adding extra sugar.
When the girl left, Paddy was reduced to a shaking mess, extremely relieved he got off easy. As he calmed down, a fellow elite came to his side with a whistle. "Man! What did she do? Take lessons from your sister?" While Paddy went off on the other kid, far up above, Nigel and Wally were already making their way to the exit.
"Come on!" Nigel yelled as he continued down the shaft. After reaching a certain spot, he vaulted over the railing and jumped down to a lower walkway. "It shouldn't be much farther."
"Are ya deaf, mate?" Wally belittled as he followed the Brit. "Didn't you hear her? She's gonna put the whole place on lockdown! Why the crud is she doin' that?"
"It's all part of the plan." Nigel explained as he looked along the walls. "The lockdown will keep the remainder of security off of us while we use the service elevator." He then suddenly stopped, then grinned once he saw the barring of a ventilation shaft. "Ah ha!"
"Service elevator?" Wally drawled out, completely lost. Finally he pulled at the strands of is hair and stomped his foot down. Shaking the walkway. "I've had it with this! I'm the guy you're busting out, and I don't even know how we're gonna get out!"
"I'll explain everything." Nigel uttered as he used the P.E.N.C.I.L laser to cut through the steel. Finally the holding melted away, and the Brit set the bars aside and motioned to the shaft's entrance. "Go on."
"...You really don't expect me to-"
"Yes. I expect you to." Nigel frowned as he pointed into the tunnel. "Now get in."
"No way!"
"That's an order, Numbuh 4!"
"I ain't in the KND anymore!"
"Would you rather go back to D-Block?" He questioned as his fingered tapped against the wall.
"No...but it's dirty in there..." At Nigel's heated glare, he huffed and started to crawl in the shaft. "Fine!" He fussed as his body went down further. And after tucking his carrier bag into his form, Nigel soon followed.
The crawl through the vents was long and dull. The boy's hands pricked against something every so often. But right when Wally was about to speak out once again, the vent suddenly curved into an unexpected drop.
"WAAAH!" The boys screamed as they tossed and tumbled down the vents. Their heads crashed against the hard steel, the framework shook with tremors, and the bangs and clangs they caused echoed throughout the system. Finally, their wild ride ended when they crashed into the bars of another cover; the force of their fall causing them to break through with ease.
"Uhh..." Wally groaned as he held his head. He opened his eye carefully and glanced over to see Nigel standing up. "Make me do that again, and I'll pound ya." He threatened as he got to his feet as well. As he got up, he crossed his arm as he looked on the platform they were on. A large square with railings trimming the edges, and button terminal with uncountable amounts of combinations. His eyes glanced up to the ceiling, only to discover there was no ceiling. It seemed to just keep on going up forever into the heights of the base itself. As he trailed down, he noticed large doorways vertically lining the wall. They were separated by equal intervals, and he looked in front of them to see a door at their levels too. It was barred up due to Kuki calling a countdown. "Where are we?"
"One of the service elevators." Nigel spoke out from the terminal. "With the lockdown active, no operatives will be able to use it. And with Kuki's access code, I can rig it to take us down to the Supreme Hanger."
"The Supreme Hanger? Ya mean Kuki's hanger?" At Nigel's nod, his questions continued. "Why are we going there?"
Nigel stepped away from the terminal and waiting for the elevator to response. Finally, the platform rumbled, then slowly began its trek downwards. The Brit smiled, and faced his blond friend. "We're going there to meet up with Kuki and catch a shuttle to Earth."
"Ya mean it's ova?" Once again, Nigel replied in positive and Wally slumped to the floor laughing. "Finally! I thought all this crud was neva gonna calm down!"
"Tell me about." Nigel tiredly answered as he fell into a sitting position himself. His lids felt heavy, his muscle sore, and the events of the long night were finally catching up with him. "Once we reach your home, I think some much needed rest is in order." He couldn't go on with his mission like this.
"Uh, don't talk about my place roight now." The blond groaned as he slumped. "Ma mum is gonna kill me for stayin' out this late."
Nigel gave a short laugh in response as his hands folded in his lap. "After all we've been through, I don't think it will be that terrible." His smile dimmed a bit with every passing second as he recapped everything that had happened so far. "My mission has only been going on for one week, yet so much has already happened. Sometimes I don't even know how it will end."
Wally looked up to the teen when he spoke. "Speaking of your mission, what are ya gonna do now?" He posed with curiosity. "I mean, ya can stay at my place to rest up, but I don't have anymore leads on this Traitor."
Nigel closed his eyes behind his shades and sighed. "She's on the run, I probably need to start on her trail before it runs stale. But I planned on finding Abby. I mean, the Teens Next Door know who the person is after all." He then frowned as a wave of worry washed over him. "That is, if she isn't the person I'm after."
Wally himself clenched his fist in worry, trying to cope with the possibility. "We...me and Kuki haven't heard from her in ages. But..." He then shook his head, not wanting to accept it. That the girl he looked up to as a big sister could possibly be the one trying to end them all. "This crud is making my head hurt."
"I know." Nigel uttered silently. Deciding to change the subject, the bald teen try to delve into the Aussie's plans. "So what about you? What do you plan on doing now?"
Wally tapped his chin as he tried to think on that matter. Finally, he just shrugged. "I think I'm done with this free agent stuff." He admitted as he crossed his arms. "Sure it's fun, but after all this, I don't think I wanna risk it anymore. There's some more important crud to worry about." He then chuckled as he recalled something from his cell. "That, and I kinda tricked myself into saying I'd do bettah if I eva got out of D-Block with my memories still there. Sides, the only reason I did this work was ta help Kuki. But she's turning thirteen in a few weeks, she's got enough on her plate without worrying 'bout me."
Nigel nodded as he listened. Glad that the younger teen was thinking of doing something besides fighting. But his brows knitted together as another question kept popping up. And sense they had time, he figured now might as well be a good time to ask. "Numbuh 4, there's something I've been meaning to ask you." The blond blinked surprised, but waited. "How...why did you become a free agent in the first place?"
After the questioned had been asked, the blond frowned as tsked his lips. "I told ya there was something I won't about to lose, even for the Kids Next Door, right?" Nigel nodded as he recalled their first meeting when he arrived. Wally then blushed as he turned his head away. "Well...it's kinda more loike someone..."
Nigel eyes instantly filled with understanding. "Kuki."
"It's my own fault. I waited too long to tell her." He mumbled as he remembered. "The team got more split up when Abby became Supreme Leader. Kuki wanted to help teach the new nurses at the Medical Grove. Hoagie went to research new crud with the science nerds down at the Deep Sea Lab, and I took ova Numbuh 60's job at the Arctic Base when he got decommissioned. We were either too busy, or too tired to see each other, and it only got worse when Hoagie got in that accident."
"Accident?" Nigel asked, hoping to learn more, but when hurt crossed the Aussie's face, he decided not to pry further. "What happened after that?"
"We all changed." He stated. "Abby kept to herself more cause she blames herself for what happened. Kuki stopped acting all cheery. She wanted to get more serious so she could try and prevent something like that from happenin' ta anyone else, and I was tryin' to get stronger. Stronger so I could go to Father and make him pay for what he did." He growled as he thought of the man. He then began to calm down so he could continue with his story. "Then Abby had ta go and called a game of Tag. Kuki somehow got it and stayed it. During one of her days on the job, she freaks out and I come up ta help her out. That's when it all came out I guess." He muttered. Not feeling like going to deep with his personal relationship.
Nigel rose a brow in interest. "But I still don't understand. From what you've told me, you all sounded like Teens Next Door material. Why did you have to run?"
"Because that's just it." He cruelly laughed as he recalled it all. "We all were TND materiel. The whole Sector V. But Abby found out a whole sector couldn't move up that far. There had to be stupid rules. With every new sector generation, only two of 'em can move on to be teen spies. If a whole sector got selected, it could compromise it or something." He waved off not really caring. "At first it was you 'n' Abby. But you left. So then Hoagie replaced you, cuz he was loike the smartest guy in the bizzo. But then he got in the accident, and it came down ta me and Kuki. And since Kuki was Supreme Leader, her place was set."
"I see." Nigel frowned as he put the rest together. "You didn't want to forget about Kuki after finally confessing to her. So you two planned all this out." After a blank moment, he just laughed. "I never thought you two had it in you."
"Yea, well you don't hafta think about it anymore. Once I'm out of here, I'm gonna do something useful."
"Like study?" Nigel joked lightly. But his laughter died down as Wally's eyes shifted back and forth. "What's wrong?"
"Nuthin'!" He shouted quickly. A little too quickly. Under Nigel's unwavering stare, he finally caved. "You promise not ta tell anyone, roight?" After getting his assurance, Wally let out what he thought to be his 'big' secret. "I...I already kinda do...sometimes study and read books more often." His eye shifted again. "Okay, very often."
"But...that's great!" Nigel cheered from his seat. "Your taking more initiative, I'm proud."
"Yea, well only Kuki knows, and you guys bettah not blab. I don't need people at school callin' me a nerd." He huffed. "I gotta reputation after all."
"Hmm, right." Nigel laughed. However, his chuckles halted as the elevator came to a stop. He then clenched his fist and looked towards the terminal. "Not good."
"Why?"
"Because we're not at the hanger yet." He said as he stood, his hand gripping his S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R. "Which means, someone stopped the elevator." At his serious statement, Wally jumped up and balled his fists. The two boys turned to the door of the level they stopped on, and tensed as the door began to open. As soon it was done, Nigel jerked up his weapon. "Hold it right there!"
"Wait don't shoot!" Kuki yelped when she saw the custom S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R aimed for her cute face. "It's just me!"
"N-Numbuh 3!" Nigel croaked out as he scrambled to stop his weapon from firing. After it he had disarmed it, he turned to frown at the Asian. "What are you doing here? You were supposed to be waiting in the hanger."
"Heh, heh. Slight change of plan." She nervously giggled as she entered the elevator. "Y'know how you planned on leaving in your Sky Raider? Well it seems it got...destroyed."
"Destroyed!" Nigel exclaimed shock. He had left the computer on auto, and Chad's ship could take on an armada. But now... "How in the world did they shot it down?"
"It seems I underestimated my security on that one. I guess Numbuh 6-Shooter really does have dead aim after all." She then coughed into her hand as the elevator began its way down again. "So I came to tell you that, and figured I should just come on anyway."
"Kuki?" When she heard that voice she froze. Slowly, she turned to see Wally standing there. Safe and sound. Without think she leapt across the platform and glomped him. But the Aussie stood firm and caught her in his arms. He was used to this. His face leaned down into her hair, and he couldn't help but grip her tighter. Just to make remind himself she was still here. "Why did ya do all this? I told ya to forget about me." He scolded, but it was hard to tell with his voice so soft.
"I could never forget about you, silly." She smiled as she took comfort in his chest. Their bodies seemed to come together and fit all the right spaces. She felt perfect and safe again. She then looked down, and noticed the tear in his jeans she had caused. "By the way, great acting back there."
"Oh you're tellin' me!" The blond snipped as he leaned back to frown at her. "Ya didn't hafta go ruin my clothes!"
"And you didn't have to call me a whiny ditz!"
"Y-You know I didn't mean it!"
Wally panicked; fearful he had made her angry. Because, lord, that was the lat thing anyone wanted to do. But all of a sudden, her expression developed a coy look and her face almost closed the distance between his. "I know." Was all she said as her eyes lidded. Her lips met his, and he finally returned it after a moment of flustering.
Nigel himself smiled at the display, but turned away. Not wanting to intrude. He among the rest of his team had been dying for them to finally hook up. And after they finally had, he wasn't about to comment on it and ruin the moment. Finally an elated feeling entered his system. He had helped this happen. If he ignored Kuki, she and Wally would've been denied the happiness they both deserved. Their days with the Kids Next Door was coming to a close if Wally's future plans were anything to go by.
But then he couldn't help but think about his situation. When would his days be up? How much longer did he plan to go on in this never ending struggle? He at times, even now, wanted to believe he could go on fighting for as long as he could. Never grow old and keep on going forever. But as he thought of everything he had been through, everything that Chad had said...
...not everyone stays in the Kids Next Door forever...
Thinking back on the blond elite caused a wave of remorse to wash over him. Chad had grown old. Had grown up. Nigel couldn't help but wonder when he was going to grow up. When he would finally just want to stop and do other things. Like Chad, like Wally and Kuki. They all were done.
But he wasn't. He still had a job to do. A job that was getting that much harder every passing hour. And there was still much he didn't know. He didn't know what would happen yet. Didn't know what happened to Abby and Hoagie. He didn't know who he was even after. Hell, he didn't know where, when, and how this whole affair was going to end. Those were all the things he had no clue on. Things he would have to find the answers for before his time back on Earth was up.
But sneaking a glance at Wally and Kuki, who were still together silently conversing about whatever they pleased, he knew one thing. He knew that deep down, he wanted something like they had. Someone who completed him, who would always be there. Someone who loved him. But then he turned stoic once more, telling himself what he wanted didn't matter.
Down in the Supreme Hanger, the spy was beginning to get a tad impatient. She had tried chewing a stick of gum, but that didn't help at all. The only thing that would help her is Nigel finally getting here. She then tensed as she wondered why she was so obsessed with the galactic operative.
Was it because she still wanted what she thought she wanted a long time ago? It all seemed like a lifetime had passed since then. Back then, he seemed to always be there. To be that constant she could rely on. While he was still around, she could let herself dream. Dream of what could have been. Dream of that ever present smirk as he drew nearer. He having a look that she could claim as her's. Finally something for herself. Not anyone else's, just her's.
But then she forced those thoughts away. This was important. Business had to come first. Thinking about him in such a way would only end in disaster. But of all the things she craved, he was at the top of the list. And at the same time, he was the one thing she could never have. It was all too cruel.
She tensed as the clacking of the elevator came to clamoring halt. She looked to the other end of the hanger to see all three of them getting off one-by-one. First the Aussie. He had certainly gotten taller. His hand then reached back to help the Asian from her perch. She could sense from over here her aura of seriousness within, being a Supreme Leader does that to you. She couldn't help but glare at them. They didn't care to be subtle about their gift. A small part of her hated them. They had another thing she didn't. It was unfair.
But then animosity left her, and was replaced by something else as she saw the only one she had come here for step off the platform. The Brit was still bald, a look only he could seem to pull off. That crimson red shirt crinkled in all the right ways, and the black combat shorts seemed to clash with the slight paleness of his skin. But it deterred her not. Her eyes were glued to his face. So he had picked up another pair of sunglasses did he? It only increased his appeal. Who doesn't love a guy with that air of mystery? But the shades were lowered a bit, allowing her the privilege to see those sparkling coal blue orbs of his. Her gaze then traveled lower, stopping as she watched him speak off words she couldn't hear. That or she wasn't paying attention. She found herself licking her lips in wonder. Wondering what he would taste like.
She then froze, before rolling her eyes. Lord, what was wrong with her? She had a job she needed to do. Locking those emotions away, she began walking towards the three who were discussing what to do. And as she neared, she let a light smile grace her lips.
"What about an escape pod?" Kuki suggested. They were currently trying to find Nigel a ride, seeing as his was space dust by now. "I know it's cramped, but it would work just fine."
"Yes, but the system immediately tags an exiting pod when not in a state of emergency." Nigel pointed out as he rubbed his chin. "That and it would look strange given the fact you've called a lockdown."
"I'm gonna be flying out anyway, who cares!" Wally finally spoke after getting restless. "Look. Why dontcha jus' come with me? You're staying at my house anyway. Ya need to get all yer crud still there before you head out."
Nigel frowned as he patted his carrier bag. "Everything I need is right here. That, and the ship you're leaving on is a one seater. And I'm not going through that again." He mumbled, thinking of the ride with Wally in the teen bike.
"It's not like you have any choice." Kuki groaned. Why was he being so difficult? "It's either ride with Wally, or take your chances with the giant bunny." She responded after flicking a glance to her H.I.P.P.E-H.O.P in the corner of the hanger. "Take your pick."
Nigel weighed his options, then turned to H.I.P.P.E-H.O.P. "Well..."
"I'll take care of his ride, Numbuh 3." An older sounding female voice spoke out. "I have orders to take him back to the Basement anyway."
The three jumped and turned to face the newcomer, but then they all filled with shock and surprise. Especially Nigel. Emerging from the shadows was another teenager. This one very familiar. She wore a white tank top covered by a light faded orange jacket, and her gray jeans hugged her hips and covered the tops of her shoes. Her dirty blonde hair came down a few inches below her shoulder blades, and one of her bangs had grown out to curl over one of her shining coca orbs.
The girl's eyes traveled over all three and stopping once Nigel was in her sights. She had forced her smile away the moment she spoke up, but she let a small one return as she greeted him. "Hello, Nigel."
Nigel himself was amazed. He couldn't believe she was here. Momentarily forgetting about the two behind him, he stood a bit straighter and let off a smile of his own.
"Hello, Rachel."
My connection is still up, which makes me nervous. The deadline was the sixth and now I'm just waiting for it to randomly shut off. Which is terrible. But I managed to get this chapter up seeing as I left you guys hanging
Expecting Abby? No, Rachel beat her to it. Finally she arrives. While Nigel doesn't know how this will end, trust me when I say I do. Say goodbye to Wally and Kuki. You won't be seeing much of them anymore. The next arch begins next time and the story focuses on the other half of sector V and moving towards the end. But that's a while off.
Again, sorry for another cliffhanger, and even more sorry for not being to update for a while after this. But be prepared, cause I love to throw plot twists.
Later.