The halls of The City Middle School buzzed with the usual sounds of students chattering and lockers slamming. Laughter echoed off the walls as friends caught up on the latest gossip, while others hurried to their next class, books and binders clutched to their chests.

Clusters of kids stood in groups by their respective lockers in the main hall, animatedly discussing homework, upcoming weekend plans, or the latest episode of their favorite TV shows. A few teachers stood by their classroom doors, welcoming stragglers inside and reminding them of upcoming assignments.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, the walls were adorned with colorful posters advertising the upcoming school dance, the science fair, and various club meetings. The trophy case near the entrance gleamed under the fluorescent lights, showcasing the school's achievements in sports, academics, and arts.

Outside, in a secluded corner of the school courtyard, Matt, Jackie, and Inez huddled together, their heads bent over an ancient, leather-bound book filled with Cyberspace's great legends. The soft rustling of pages accompanied their whispered discussions, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees cast a warm glow on their eager faces.

The trio became completely absorbed, oblivious to the bustling world just beyond their quiet enclave, lost in the fascinating stories of heroism and adventure that the book held.

Out of all the tales of Cyberspace heroes, one group in particular caught their attention: The Protectors of Cyberspace. This legendary team used their combined strength to defeat a long-lost being known as Patheo, who once threatened the digital world.

According to the story, they wielded four powerful crystals to seal Patheo away. However, in their final act of heroism, the Protectors found themselves bound by the crystals' power, vanishing alongside them into the unknown.

As they continuously reread the incredible tale of the Protectors, Matt and Jackie became increasingly mesmerized and intrigued. With each reading, it seemed as if the story revealed something new and significant.

Inez, however, was more skeptical about the legitimacy of the cybertale, dismissing it as just another piece of fiction. No matter how much they tried, Matt and Jackie couldn't convince her otherwise.

As they pored over every detail, the mystery and heroism of the Protectors capturing their imaginations and sparking a sense of wonder. The more they delved into the legend, the more they felt a growing connection to the ancient heroes, as if the story held secrets that were just waiting to be uncovered.

"Hey guys, what's that your reading about?"

As they turned their attention towards the voice calling out to them, they where they were met by Becky Botsford, accompanied by her friends Scoops and Violet. Becky wore her usual cheerful smile, but there was a hint of distraction in her eyes.

"Oh, just some stuff for the school project," Matt replied quickly, closing the book slightly. "Nothing too exciting."

He lied. As when he and his friends first traveled into Cyberspace and became The Cybersquad, they made a solemn pact to keep their mission a secret from everyone, including their closest friends and family. They understood the immense responsibility they carried and the potential dangers that could arise if their secret were ever exposed.

"You know, I'm not sure what I'm going to do for my project!" Becky sighed. "What am I going to do? The project is due next Friday, and I don't have anything!" Her voice hinted with frustration as she added.

"Don't worry, Becky, you'll think of something!" Violet quietly replied, her voice more optimistic.

"You really think so?" Becky asked, uncertainty filling her voice.

"Of course! You always think of the coolest things! Remember last year when you did a project on the entire Dictionary? It was incredible!" Scoops exclaimed.

"Even if the rest of the class didn't think so..." Matt quietly replied, softly chuckling to himself as he was scolded.

"Matt!" Inez rolled her eyes. "Here! If you want, after school we can go to the library and I could help you figure something out.

"Really? Oh no, You don't have to..." Becky replied, waving her hand politely.

"No no, I insist!" Inez spoke up. "You really could use the help!"

"But I thought you had to go to your sister's skating practice?" Becky asked, feeling uncertain.

"Well..."

Just then, a strange man in a goatee run up towards them, screaming with a fearful expression on his face. "HELLPPPP!!!! DR. TWO-BRAINS IS ATTACKING THE CITY!!!! AND-" The man suddenly stops as he begins looking around at his surroundings. "Wait, is this the police station?"

"No, this is the middle school. The police station is over that way," Inez replied, sighing as she pointed in the correct direction.

"Oh..." the man quietly responded. Suddenly, he shouted, "HHHEEELLLPPPP!!!!" As he ran off toward the police station. His screams gradually faded as he disappeared into the distance.

"What's his deal?" Matt asked, looking on with a confused yet fascinated expression.

"I'm not sure." Scoops replied. "You know, this is the fifth time this week this has happened, weird, huh?"

"Right..." Becky said quietly. "Hang on, I'll be right back. I have to use the restroom." Without waiting for a reply, she dashed off.

"I told you to stay away from the meatloaf surprise!" Matt shouted jokingly after her.

Becky hurried into the bathroom and, after making sure she was alone, pressed on her waist. "WORD UP!" She shouted. In an instant, she transformed into her superhero alter ego, WordGirl. Without wasting a moment, she flew out the window, heading straight toward the chaos Dr. Two-Brains was causing.

As she dashed off through the sky, a bright red streak followed her path, drawning the attention of all those standing outside. "There goes WordGirl again! So glad we can count on her!" Violet replied gracefully.

"Oh yeah, speaking of which. Did you guys hear about the Kratt brother's upcoming Nature Appreciation And Preservation Festival this weekend? I heard that WordGirl's supposed to make an appearance and introduce them."

"Wait, did you say the Kratt brothers?" Inez's eyes lit up with excitement as her voice brimmed with enthusiasm. "IncreĆ­ble!"

"I'm takend that you're a huge fan of them?" Scoops quietly replied.

"Are you kidding? She's even bigger a fan than she is of Bow Handsome!" Matt replied, chuckling."

"MATT!" She shouted. "What's not to like about them? They get to travel all over the world, and learn all these incredible animal facts, and meet all these adorable animals!"

Jackie chuckled. "Of course we'll come! We wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"Great! We'll see you guys then, I suppose!" Violet replied.

Just then, before they could leave, Matt's backpack began to ring and vibrate vigorously, drawing their attention. "Hey, what's that?" Scoops asked. "I didn't know you had a phone..."

"Yeah... It's probably my parents," Matt replied nervously. "I should probably get that. Excuse me."

"We'll come too!" Jackie chimed in, as the trio rushed away to find a place out of sight.

"Okay, I guess..." Scoops said quietly. "Is it me, or is everyone acting strange today?" He turned towards Violet, who gave him a confused shrug.

As they hid behind a nearby shrub, ensuring no one could see them, Matt opened his backpack and pulled out his Sqwak Pad. He pressed the button, and when the screen turned on, they were met with the anxious face of their Cybird friend, Digit.

"Hello? Earthlies, do you pick up?" He asked anxiously.

"What's up Digit? Is Hacker up to something again?" Matt asked worriedly.

"That's the thing: Hacker hasn't done anything in a while, and I'm worried he's planing something big!" Digit exclaimed.

"What makes you so sure?" Inez asked.

"I don't know. I just have this feeling that-"

Digit's voice was then interrupted by a loud crashing noise behind him, alarming the kids. "Digit! Is everything okay?" Jackie nervously asked.

"Huh? Oh I'm fine, Dr. Marbles and I are cleaning out the lower storage room underneath Control Central. It hasn't been cleaned in eons!" Digit explained.

"And I would appreciate it if you come over and lend some assistance, it's quite a hefty task for one, you know." His voice echoed from behind.

"Sure thing Doc, I'll be there in a jiffy!" Digit called out, before turning his attention back towards the Cybersquad. "I just hope we can figure out what Hacker's up to and stop him before it's too late!"

"Relax Digit! Whatever Hacker's up to, we'll stop him like always!" Matt proclaimed.

"I hope your right." Digit sighed. "I just don't want to be overconfident, that's all!"

...

"Hurry up, you Duncebuckets!" Hacker shouted impatiently, barking orders at his henchmen as they hammered away at the empty portal frame. "The sooner you finish the portal, the sooner I can dispose of those meddling kids!"

"We're doing our best, Boss!" Delete gasped, pausing to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

"Yeah, it's not easy when it's just us!" Buzz complained, hammering nails hastily. "YEOUCH!!!" He yelped, accidentally striking his thumb.

"Listen here, you Bumbling Bimbots, I want you to stop chattering and focus on the plan!" Hacker shouted irritatedly. He paced back and forth, glaring at his henchmen. "We don't have time for mistakes. If we don't get this portal working soon, those meddling kids will ruin everything!"

"Speaking of which, what are you going to do once you get rid of those Earth-kids?" Ledge asked.

Hacker led out a sinister chuckle. "It's quite simple: With those pesky Earth-brats out of the way, I'll be able to dismantle Motherboard completely! Than all of of Cyberspace will be MINE!" He declared.

"Who knows, maybe I'll be able to extend my operation to Earth as well." He added. "Just picture it: grand statues and paintings plastered everywhere. Everyone blowing down to each and every one of my command!" His voice dropped with malice as he painted his dark vision.

"Ah, the possibilities are endless!" Ledge chuckled. "But what if the citizens of both Earth and Cyberspace rebel?"

Hacker's grin widened. "Of course there'll be resistance, but they won't be able to stand a chance against me and my intellect!" He boasted.

"Besides, he'll have us to keep everyone in line!" a loud, wicked voice called out, drawing their attention. Buzz and Delete paused their work, turning to see where the voice had come from.

Hacker was surprised to see Wicked, flanked by Zusk and Baskerville, who stood quietly behind her with varying smirks on their faces. "What are you three doing here?" He asked, his voice a mix of confusion and annoyance.

"I'd figure we could use the extra help!" Ledge explained.

"Besides, did you really think we would just stand aside as you got rid of the Cybersquad and took over Cyberspace?" Zusk chuckled.

"You know, Hacky, I must admit, I'm rather impressed by your plan," Wicked said with a sly grin. "Going to the real world and causing mischief there..."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, flattering! Are you going to stand around or actually help?" Hacker interrupted impatiently.

"Of course, my liege, we'll get right on that!" Baskerville replied.

"Does that mean we can take a break?" Delete asked wearily, as he and Buzz dropped their tools with a sigh of hopeful relief.

...

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sky, Buzz and Delete toiled tirelessly alongside Baskerville and Zusk to complete the construction of the portal frame. The air was filled with the sounds of clinking tools, followed by the occasional shouts of bickering and frustration.

With each bolt secured and wire carefully placed, the tension gradually lifted from their shoulders. The four exchanged relieved glances, their expressions a mix of satisfaction and anticipation.

Finally, with a nod to each other, Buzz and Delete hurried inside to notify their boss of the portal's completion, their footsteps echoing faintly in the dimming light of the evening.

"Boss, boss! The portal's ready!" Buzz shouted.

"Yeah! Come see! Come see!" Delete exclaimed, practically jumping up and down with excitement.

Outside the Wreaker, Hacker and his henchmen, along with the other villains, gathered around the finished portal frame. "Not bad, huh?" Zusk remarked, as Hacker examined the portal closer.

"I must say, you turned out to be useful after all!" He replied. "But let's see if it works."

With that, He darted out a square remote with a large red button from his coat. With a quick motion, he pressed on the button, and the portal sparked to life with a menacing green and black swirling vortex.

"Yes, yes, YES! IT WORKS!" Hacker exclaimed excitedly, joining in the cheers of his henchmen.

"With this portal, we'll be unstoppable!" Zusk declared.

"Yes," Hacker said quietly. "Okay, here's the plan: Baskerville, Wicked, and I will head to Earth to deal with the Earth-brats, while the rest of you stay here and keep watch!"

"Why can't we come?" Delete asked.

"Because I don't want you to mess things up!" Hacker angrily shouted.

"But what if we wanted to see the real world too?" Buzz argued.

"Besides Hacker, don't forget our deal!" Ledge reminded with a smirking tone.

"What deal is he talking about?" Wicked asked suspiciously. "You're not trying to hold out on us, are you?" She accused.

"Nothing! Just don't worry about it!" Hacker replied, ushering them into the portal.

"Oh, didn't he tell you, after he gets rid of the Cybersquad, he plans to take over both The Real World and Cyberspace!" Ledge explained. "And he's going to split it with me!"

"You're going to make him your assistant and not ME?" Wicked shouted furiously. "After all these years, after everything I've done for you!"

Wicked's accusation ignited a heated argument, with each member vying for control and dominance over their impending mission in the real world. Voices escalated, accusations flew, and tempers flared as they scrambled into the portal, each proclaiming their intent to eliminate the Cybersquad and seize power.

"I'm done playing second fiddle to you, Hacky! I'll bring down the Cybersquad myself and claim both worlds!" Wicked declared, her voice seething with determination.

"Sorry, Hacker, but our partnership ends here. I'm taking what's rightfully mine," Ledge remarked confidently. "There's nothing you can do to stop me."

"I never needed your leadership, Hacker. I can do this on my own!" Zusk declared.

"I've never relied on your leadership, Hacker. I'm perfectly capable of handling this on my own," Zusk declared defiantly.

Hacker stormed into the portal moments later, his anger palpable as he clenched his henchmen by their antennas. Baskerville quietly trailed behind, uncertain of his next move.

Emerging on the other side, they materialized amidst the bustling streets of a sprawling urban cityscape. Skyscrapers towered overhead, their glass facades reflecting the afternoon sunlight. Cars hummed along the streets, pedestrians hurried about their business, and the city buzzed with activity, seemingly oblivious to the arrival of the newcomers.

"Wow! So this is the real world?" Buzz exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe.

"Yeah," Delete gasped, taking in their new surroundings with wonder.

"How are we going to find the Cybersquad?" Zusk asked anxiously. "There are so many people here. They could be anywhere!"

"From what I've learned about them, Matt lives on a farm on the outskirts of town, while Inez and Jackie reside in apartment complexs in the suburban area of town," Ledge explained confidently.

"Where is that?" Buzz asked, only to receive a confused shrug in response.

"Come on, we need to move!" Hacker impatiently urged them.

"Right! Follow me!" Wicked replied determinedly, stepping forward.

"Not if I find them first!" Zusk declared defiantly, sparking another pointless argument among them.

However, their argument abruptly ceased when the street echoed with the panicked screams of pedestrians fleeing from a particular direction.

The villains turned to follow their gaze and were stunned to behold a colossal contraption wreaking havoc on the city. It emitted a powerful laser that transmuted everything it touched into cheese, sending waves of chaos through the bustling streets.

Just then, a pedestrian bolted towards them, fear etched across his face. "HELP! DR. TWO-BRAINS, THE EVIL GENIUS, AND TOP VILLAIN IN THE CITY IS ATTACKING, AND..." He paused suddenly, looking around. "Wait, is this the police station?"

The group looked at each other, than back at the strange man, confusion on their faces. "Uhh, I don't think so." Buzz replied, causing the man to run away screaming.

"Well, that was odd," Baskerville quietly replied.

Just then, a vibrant red streak streaked across the sky, moving with incredible precision and speed to confront the menacing contraption, before it suddenly collapsed into a heap on the ground. WordGirl then efficiently secured Dr. Two-Brains with a nearby lamppost, much to the annoyance of Hacker and his cohorts.

As WordGirl was surrounded by the cheering crowd, Hacker's mind raced with a newfound realization. Perhaps the Cybersquad weren't the only formidable allies in this world. If he could locate Dr. Two-Brains and strike a deal, convincing him to join forces, they could mutually benefit each other. With both WordGirl and the Cybersquad unaware of his presence, Hacker saw an opportunity to turn the tide in his favor.

"I think I've got it!" Hacker whispered, a sinister grin spreading across his face.