The rebels and the teens, currently fought side by side. Those included Numbuh 2-5 and Cree Them versus the loyalist faction of Numbuh 123. It was an easy one-sided battle. Neither Abby or Cree would not say it out loud, but it felt nice to be on the same side like they once were. But while there were a couple of victories for them, Numbuh 123's side are successfully taking more of them captive. This victory included, ended up with some teens and rebels as prisoners.
Numbuh 5 thinks if Nigel was around, he'd get Numbuh 123 on the ropes already. But he isn't. That meant it was up to her and her friends. Right now, she was meeting with Mr. Boss. She wasn't pleased about it, but Numbuh 86 said he was badly affected. She made her way into his office; his security allowed her in with great reluctance. Boss didn't look at her, his eyes on the notes.
But he addressed her. "I can't believe I'm doing this. Kids always cause me problems and now I need kids so I can fix them".
"Not thrilled about it either, but I hear you need us".
"Those bratty kids led by Numbuh 123 locked up many of by workers. And I'm talking about the ones who do normal work for me. The ones not involved with your silly Kids Next Door. Business is badly affected. I would rather take out your little club when it is split in half, but this civil war of yours, split villains as much as kids.
"And you're on our side, are ya"?
"Rescue my employs and I'll do what I can".
Numbuh 5 nodded. "You know where they might be"?
"Off course I do, I got my own sources. Here".
Numbuh 5 gave Numbuh 2 the rescue mission. It wasn't that long they fought Boss and now they were working towards an alliance. Next was Stickybeard. Thankfully Numbuh 5 found the meeting more bearable than with Mr. Boss. She teamed up with him before, to face the Black Liquorice Pirates. And he once saved their lives. Despite being her nemesis, both could be very friendly.
"So, ya want our services in your little feud. I like ya kid, but not enough to involved in your squabble".
"Alright Stickyfuzz. We both know how this goes. What ya want".
"Pirates don't do anything for free, but if we were offered some sort of bounty".
"Numbuh 5 hears ya. I know those who serve 123 are robbing rebels made prisoner or simply taking from kids minding their own business. It is all kept in a factory and I know where it is. We were planning on taking it anyway, not only is candy kept there, but toys and electronics. If you side with us, we can let you keep forty percent of the candy".
"Sixty-five".
"Forty-five".
"Fifty-five".
"Forty-five".
He thought of this. "Only if you agree to leave us alone for 6 months after this business with yer leader is dealt with".
"Sixty on the condition you rob kids for 10 months after our truce is over".
"Hmm. Alright, besides we can find candy other ways other than robbing. Ya got yourself a deal".
Numbuh 5 had a collation of operatives led by Numbuh 3 and the candy pirates attack the factory. Now she was meeting who many kids dreaded. Count Spankulot. He wasn't amused with the suggestion.
"An alliance? I might be old but my memory is sharp. I tried once to offer my services. And you kids, unappreciated me and had fooled me into returning to prison".
"Hey, you weren't easy to live with. And I'll admit, making you return to being our enemy wasn't our smartest plan when you think of it".
"You had your chance. And now you got the cheek to ask me for my services".
"Look, the operatives we battle are out of control. Spankings not exactly fighting a clean war, but we ally with who can turn the war in our favor. And you certainly are feared for a reason".
"And why would I need to team up with you, I can deal with them on my own".
"Come on, we both know you can spank them all and are probably prepared. The only chance you get is working with us".
He wouldn't change his opinion on the matter. No matter what she would say. She had one final trick. "If you side with us, Hoagie can set up you and Lydia".
"Deal. You know you could of began with that".
Numbuh 5 wondered how Numbuh 2 would react, after all, she only thought of it now. She sent him and operatives led by Numbuh 4 to cause chaos among their enemies.
After a day of making allies among enemies, she was beat. The Treehouse was a safe place to be, although it was her known base, Numbuh 2 put up a security system 5 times better. Loyalists made attempts before, only to fail and won't do any better today.
When she went inside, she was surprised to see Cree. She was allowed in the treehouse, but only showed up to discuss plans. She was in her normal attire so, Abby knew it wasn't business.
"What brings you here"?
"Nice to see you too", replied Cree with sarcasm. "I wanted to hang out is all".
"Hang out, we ain't done that for so long, unless we were made too".
"I thought that since we're on the same side, we could try it".
"…Alright". Abby took a seat beside Cree.
Silence for a few seconds before Cree broke the ice. "Being on the same side, like when I was a kid myself".
She nodded. "Yeah. I miss those days".
"Me too, things were easier".
"But deep down we knew it wouldn't last. I didn't think you'd go out of your way to avoid decommission".
"I didn't either, but when the day came, I chose to fight".
Numbuh 5 didn't look mad or sad. "You think things would be better between us if you did".
"Truthfully no. I'd probably meet the Teen Ninjas after and we'd be forced to fight anyway".
Numbuh 5 couldn't deny that. Memories or no memories, you're likely to end up with the teens sooner or later.
She continued. "You know I always loved you even when I stopped admiring you".
Cree nodded. "Same, no matter how much we fought, I could never hate. I always waited for the day we could be friends like before. Of course, I'd thought you'd be a teen, didn't think it would be this early".
Numbuh 5 chuckled softly. "It happens when we're trying to rid a tyrant".
"And I say we enjoy every second we can".
The 2 then picked a movie, neither said a word, but the company was enough.