Now you might be wondering, why is this series called the Gameverse?
Because I’m going to incorporate certain videogame elements in these stories.
By this, I mean characters will make their way through action stages with platforming, some puzzle-solving, and facing a boss battle at the end.
I’ll also write which music soundtrack would play in these levels, originating from various games or sources, and you can choose to play these tracks on YouTube as you read the levels.
Also, these tracks do actually play in-universe and there’s a lore reason for it.
😉 This story in particular will have gameplay based on the Ratchet & Clank series, a mix of platforming and shooting using a variety of weapons.
(This gameplay was also applied in the Kids Next Door game.) Later stories will be based on other styles.
And to make this clear, this universe does not take place in a virtual world that’s literally a videogame.
I wouldn’t like that twist.
🙂 Chapter 2: Clown, Swords, Songs He couldn’t fathom what he was staring at.
What he mistook for a giant floating cake was in reality a spaceship.
The Kids Next Door’s scientists were totally unfazed, for everything had gone according to plan.
“You’ve been chosen to join the Galactic Kids Next Door!” Numbuh 74.239’s words hit Numbuh 1 like nothing else had.
They hit harder than a Moonbase colliding with the Earth.
He had been chosen for the highest of all honors.
His loyalty and love for the KND amounted to this.
The scientists quickly stripped him of his red shirt and khaki shorts and replaced them with a white and red space suit, before he could even make up his mind.
To answer his questions, the ginger-haired and bucktoothed scientist spoke of the disease of adulthood that was sweeping and corrupting the universe.
Only the greatest of operatives from each planet were chosen to combat this threat.
Nigel Uno couldn’t have been given a higher honor.
“I understand.
Just tell me when I’ll be back.” “Back?” the scientist repeated a bit confusedly.
“Oh, there’s no coming back.” “What?!” A steep price Nigel was required to pay for this honor.
To never see his friends, family, or home again.
But Gabe allowed him this mercy: Nigel was allowed to say one final farewell to his recommissioned parents, and his team, Sector V.
“Everything’s gonna be new and exciting for you… and things will just be the same down here.” Hoagie Gilligan, his 2×4 genius and closest friend, said with tears dripping from his goggles.
“Except… you won’t be with us.” “We’re gonna miss you a lot, Numbuh 1…” Kuki Sanban said, her bubbly and airheaded aura declining for a moment.
“If you need any help, you’ll call, right?!” Wallabee Beatles asked, his strong and proud shell struggling to restrain his feelings.
“‘Cause you know we’ll come runnin’, right?!” “Look, are you sure you wanna do this?” Abigail Lincoln asked.
“You don’t have to!” “You know I can’t pass this up, Abby.
You’re only a kid once, right?
So, this means you’re in charge of Sector V again.” The bald leader removed his signature pair of sunglasses and presented them to his red-hatted vice-commander.
Abigail accepted her duty with a heavy heart.
She never forgave herself after what happened to Nigel’s hair.
She had always deemed herself unworthy of leadership.
But her friend saw differently.
“Alright, guys, listen up!” Nigel began as they linked hands in a circle.
“Even if you’re a hundred years old and don’t remember a thing about our times together… you’ll still be a kid at heart, okay?
So, who’s with me?!” “FIVE!” “FOUR!” “THREE!” “TWO!” “ONE!
Kids Next Door…” Sector V shared what they believed was their final hug.
“Good-bye.” Three months later… BEEP BEEP BEEP The alarm clock sounded, waking Nigel Uno.
He reached over to his nightstand, switching the alarm off.
“Man, what a weird dream.” The human operative said, half asleep.
“Maybe just a few more minutes.” He yawned as he got back in bed and went back to sleep.
The best he could manage was a few seconds… “WAKEY, WAKEY!” Gabe exclaimed as he burst into his room and dumped a glass of water on him, startling the human awake.
“C’mon, Nigel!
The Supreme Galactic Leader has a new mission for you!” “Numbuh 74.239, can’t this wait until later?
It’s 7:00 in the morning!” “In Earth hours, but in Galaxia hours, it’s only 10:00!” “What the crud are Galaxia hours?!
This galaxy spreads over thousands of light-years, time-zones are totally different for each planet!” “Whatever, all we know is it’s 10:00 here, so you need to get up.” “That’s still too early for me!
Now, will you go away?
You were annoying enough as a human!” Nigel argued.
He had been serving in Galactic Kids Next Door for 3 months already, and he was still in shock that Numbuh 74.239 was really an alien in human form.
The shock wasn’t as great with Numbuh Infinity.
In the short time he’s known him, Numbuh 1 always thought he was hiding something.
“You can sleep later Numbuh 1.” Infinity, in his Wisp form, said coming in.
“Numbuh 256 has an important mission for you.” “Fine.” Numbuh 1 sighed.
“Just let me get dressed, first.” Gabe and Jeremy exited the room.
As he was getting out of bed, he turned to his left at the pictures of his friends and family on the shelf.
One picture was of him and Sector V in the Treehouse living room.
One was a family photo of him, his parents, and Numbuh 10 and her parents (in which the two cousins were holding two fingers above each other’s heads).
Another photo was of him doing a victory pose after beating Harvey in a chilidog-eating contest.
One was of him being hugged to death by his ex-girlfriend, Lizzie (he wanted to keep that, for some reason), while the other photo was of him and Rachel making silly faces while eating meatball sandwiches.
“Sigh…” Though he was allowed to say good-bye to his parents and team, there were several other people he never got the chance to.
And some of his last meetings with them were less than positive.
They left a heavy weight on his heart.
Finished reflecting, he went and washed his face in the nearby bathroom, put on his new outfit, grabbed the bag of 2×4-technology Numbuh 2 gave him, and headed out to the leader’s office.
Supreme Leader Dimentia’s Throne Room Well, it was less an office and more a throne room.
Sitting on a white, elegant chair, which rested on the top of a small, steep staircase, and three points at the top of the chair, was Supreme Galactic Leader, Numbuh 256, herself.
She wore a purple and yellow jester’s hat with small, yellow orbs with stars inside them on the purple points of the hat.
Her jester hat also had the number “256” taped to the lower front.
She wore a shirt with yellow and purple stripes going up and down, pitch-black pants, and pitch-black shoes.
Her body nearly resembled that of a human’s, only her hands were pitch-black, and her face was half black and half white.
The eye on the black side of her face was yellow with a purple pupil, while the one on her white side was black with a yellow pupil.
Numbuh 256 gave a smile as Numbuh 1 walked into the room, who, in turn, just stared back at her in a bitter fashion.
Numbuh 256’s smile receded, staring back at the Earth operative.
“Aren’t you going to address me?” she questioned, her voice echoey.
“No.” Nigel harshly replied.
“Oh, Number 1, do we really have to do this today?” Numbuh 256 sighed.
“I’d like to make it through today without any problems.
Now, address me.” “Fine…” He slowly put his hand up to his head, saluting.
“Supreme Galactic Leader, Numbuh 256, sir.” He said with no motivation whatsoever.
“Good.
With that settled, let’s talk about your mission.
Today, you’ll be going with Number 10,000 to the vege-infected planet of Flora.
According to our reports, the king of Flora, Croacus, has just made an alliance with the Almighty Tallest.
He’s forcing kids to dig up broccoli from his mines that he’s going to ship off to Planet Irk.
The Irkens will no doubt use it as a poison weapon.
Your mission is to take these timed bombs and set them off with this detonator.” By her will, several time bombs appeared out of thin air along with a detonator.
“I’ve already explained the details to Number 10,000.
She should be waiting down in the hangar.” “Right then!” declared Numbuh 1 as he grabbed a H.A.I.R.C.U.T.T.E.R.
from his bag.
“Time to cut some weeds!” “Hold up there, soldier!” Dimentia halted him as she warped in front of the exit.
“You aren’t going anywhere with THAT.
As a galactic operative, you need to use more advanced technology.
Not pieces of scrap.” “But-” protested Nigel.
“How many times have I told you already, Number 1?
These aren’t anything like the villains you fought back on Earth.
We aren’t dealing with candy-loving pirates who drive boats on land, weirdoes that dress up in toilet paper, or some guy who wastes his whole life trying to be good at dodgeball.
The Almighty Tallest are a true force to be reckoned with.
And if we’re ever going to stop this adulthood disease, you need to use our technology.” Numbuh 1 sighed.
“I know, sir.
It’s just that Numbuh 2’s my best friend and he worked really hard on these for me.
I wouldn’t want to let him down.” “Well, the fact that he ‘worked hard on them’ doesn’t make a difference.
They won’t get you anywhere.
Now, put those overgrown scissors away and get to the hangar.
Number 10,000 should have all the equipment you need on her ship.
But in case you feel a bit lacking in power or defense, you can visit our 20×40 labs.
The technology officers will be willing to sell you some weapons in exchange for a few Bolts.
As you might recall, a lot of Irken and enemy officers carry Bolts with them, and you can easily retrieve them by wiping out enemies.
Bolts are our currency up here, and it may suit you well to collect plenty of them.
Understood?” Numbuh 1 wanted to yell at her for talking about Numbuh 2’s technology in such a cruel way, but decided to let it go.
“Fine.” “Good.
Now, get going.
I’ll send these bombs to your ship.” The bombs were gone with another teleport.
As Numbuh 1 was about to walk out of the room, he turned his head back to Dimentia.
“One more thing.” “Yes?” “It’s Numbuh 1.” And with that, he walked away.
Once he was out of sight, Dimentia looked into a mirror and examined her face.
“Hmmm.
I seem to be getting a few wrinkles.
I think it’s time for a drink…” Hangar Numbuh 1 made his way down to the hangar.
He was worried whether or not he was going to get along with this new operative.
He’s never met or even seen Numbuh 10,000, so he doesn’t know what she’s like.
He hoped that, at least, she knew English.
Most of the aliens he doesn’t work well with don’t even speak his language.
Nigel saw a girl in the hangar, about his height, swinging two swords at midair.
This girl wore a purple dress with a small brown belt tied around her waist.
Her belt held little containers which she probably used to sheath her swords.
She had black hair tied in a ponytail, wore black sandals, had big, pointy ears, purple eyes, and snow white skin.
Aside from the snow white skin and big, pointy ears, she looked nearly human.
Nigel only hoped she spoke human.
He approached the girl slowly and asked, “Excuse me, are you Numbuh 10,000?” The girl ceased her sword swinging and turned her attention to the bald-headed human.
“#&#!*()+!”.
Her words were inaudible gibberish to the British boy.
“Great…” he muttered.
“So, is that a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’?” The girl just rolled her eyes, grabbed Nigel by the shoulders, and pulled him in for a kiss.
Nigel did his best to try and shake her off of him, and after a few seconds, he succeeded.
That was certainly the last and least sanitary thing he expected!
“What the heck was that for?!” “So this mission doesn’t bust because you only know one language.
DUH!” Nigel blinked at the realization.
“Oh… Well, how about a little warning next time?” “And… how was I supposed to do that when you couldn’t even understand me before?” Nigel scratched his bald head and replied, “Yeah, good point.” “Kissing people is the only way for people on Glomour to get others of a different language to understand them.
We don’t know why, but it works like a charm!
And it not only helps people with a different language understand us, but it helps them understand everyone else we’ve kissed.
In other words, you can pretty much understand every operative in this base!” “And… why is that?” Numbuh 1 questioned, but he thought he already knew the answer.
“I kissed nearly everyone in this base!
Hey, you aren’t the only one who has trouble with these alien languages.” Knowing this made Nigel nearly want to throw up.
Just how many different aliens were in GKND?
At least he wouldn’t have any trouble understanding them, now.
“If you can do that, why weren’t we introduced on Day 1?” “I might’ve been on a lengthy mission for a while.
Sorry for that, I guess.
With that out of the way, yes, I’m Numbuh 10,000, dual swords expert and Glomourian operative of the GKND.
My real name, though, is Avalagrogaline Ragasquirina.” Numbuh 1’s head spun at the unpronounceable name.
“But my friends call me-” “AVA!” Nigel guessed.
“Yeah… How did you know?” “Well, back on Earth, I have a cousin named Eva, and you look a lot like her.” “Well, isn’t that a coincidence?
I hope that doesn’t make this weird.” “N-No, it…” He stumbled on his words.
“It’s okay.
I know how you feel.
I felt the same way when I had to leave my friends back on Glomour.
And I still sort of feel that way.” “I imagine everyone here does… Ahem, anyway, I’m Numbuh 1, former sector leader and Earth operative of the GKND.
My real name is Nigel Uno.” Hearing this name slightly surprised the Glomourian operative.
“Is something wrong?” “N-No.
It’s nothing.
It’s nice to meet you, Numbuh 1.” she replied, shaking his hand.
“Nice to meet you, too.” replied the Earth operative.
“Well, we should get going.
Is the ship ready to go?” “Yep, I’ve got everything supplied on my ship.” Behind Ava was a dark pink ship that was shaped like a heart, was big as a S.C.A.M.P.E.R., and had a large cockpit.
“And you can fly by me on yours.” Nigel looked to his ship, the Arwing, which was as long as Ava’s ship, had blue wings, and a silver middle.
“Ready to go?” “Yes!
Let’s go show the Tallest what we think about yucky vegetables!” “Someone’s enthusiastic.” Ava smirked.
“This might be fun.” The duo of operatives hopped in their respective ships and took off.
Galactic Offense, Act 1 Mission: Get to Planet Flora!
“Ahh, always a lovely day for flying.” Ava sighed as she and Nigel calmly soared over the stars.
“Even though you can’t tell night from day in space.
‘Course, in Glomour, you actually-” Ava stopped herself when several red dots appeared on her radar.
“Wuh-oh.
Looks like we got trouble.
Get ready for butt-kicking, Numbuh 1.” A barrage of laser fire was shot at them as Ava stylishly rolled out of the way.
The Earth operative yelped and fright and frantically zipped out of the way.
(Play “Mid-Air Battle” from Star Fox: Assault!) “Attention Galactic Kids Next Door operatives, you are under arrest for interfering with the Irken Empire’s plans for spreading adult tyranny throughout the universe.
Surrender now and drop your ships.” “We’ve been under arrest for years, and you guys still haven’t managed to catch us!” Nigel yelled back.
“He’s right, Sir.
We never do.” “Eyes front, soldier!
Show these rebels what happens when you go against the Tallest!” Nigel flew around and avoided as Irken troops fired at him.
Ava was already flying around and shooting every Irken troop in her sight.
“You doing all right there, Nigel?” Nigel cringed after taking a hit.
“I’m fine.
I actually just bought this Arwing yesterday and I’m not really used to it.” “There should at least be a button for shooting lasers.” Nigel saw a button labeled “A” and started mashing at it, his ship immediately unleashing lasers and taking down a few ships.
“WELL, that’s one mystery solved.” “Just be careful not to shoot me.” Irken ships came at Nigel one at a time, but the Brit was easily able to shoot them down with his lasers.
“Oh, crud.
Nigel, how ’bout a little of that mastery?” Nigel looked to see Ava being chased by another ship, who kept steadily on her tail.
He turned his ship to face Ava’s and was able to shoot the pursuing craft.
“Great!
But watch out, you got some behind you now.” Nigel looked at his radar and saw a trio of ships on his tail.
He kept turning his Arwing left and right, and up and down, but they stayed on him and damaged him with lasers.
“AAH!
Ava, help!” “I’m busy!
You know, for someone who’s been here for 3 months, you sound like you just started yesterday.” “I probably have for all I know!
Space has different time-zones, probably!
It’s okay, I can handle.” He replied as he began to search below his controls.
“Ah, the manual!
This should help!
Let’s see… to do a somersault, press the left yellow arrow and thrust your control stick upwards.” Nigel noticed the four yellow arrows on his control pad.
He pushed the left one and thrusted upward, and he was instantly behind the enemies.
“All right!
What else… ‘Hold A to charge your laser.’ Well, that seems simple enough.” The boy did as he read and held down his laser button.
Right away, his laser locked onto the center ship, and when he released, his ship fired an energy missile and wiped them all out.
“HEHE-YES!!” “Someone’s excited.” Ava remarked.
“Hehe, it’s just like playing on my old N64!
These guys are in trouble now!” As they flew ahead, a group of ships aligned in a circle flew toward the Brit and shot lasers.
Nigel merely locked on and fired an energy missile to blow them all away.
“Blarrgh, they penetrated the first division.
Send in the proto weapons.” An Irken dropship released a large robot, whose hands were blades.
The robot slashed at Nigel’s ship, but the British operative swerved left and right.
He grabbed his manual and read, “‘To barrel roll, press “Z” or “R” twice.'” He found said controls and mashed them to swiftly dodge out of the swords’ way a lot easier.
He locked onto the robot and blasted him with all of the lasers he could before the robot caught him between his blades.
Nigel looked down at the “B” button, which had a picture of a bomb.
He pushed it and instantly fired a bomb to blow up the robot in a single shot.
“Ho-ho, yeah!
Numbuh 2 has got to see-…” He stopped himself in his excitement, the sadness in his heart coming back.
A squadron of 20 ships was released from a dropship, but Nigel unleashed another bomb and blew them all away.
“Nigel, I’m picking up weak spots on those dropships.
Let’s take them all out.” “R-Right!” Nigel shook back to his senses and gripped the lever.
He came to the first dropship and rapidly fired lasers at the highlighted blue spot, causing it to eventually explode.
Ava was coming to another dropship, her cannons locking on before they fired dual hearts, striking the weak point and causing the ship to crumble.
He and Ava were soon approaching the remaining dropship.
The couple released fire and had the ship sunk in a few hits.
“They’re reaching the inner line!
We can’t beat ’em!” “We’ll see about that, soldier!” Just as the operatives were nearing the planet’s atmosphere, a ship got in their way, designed like the Irken’s symbol.
The ship extracted cannons from its ears and fired an array of simple shots, but Nigel shot and destroyed the cannons.
They kept regenerating, but Nigel kept bringing them down.
That’s when the eyes of the ship opened and revealed two energy rods, which took aim on Nigel attempted to blast him with twin beams.
Nigel swerved right and evaded them before beginning to counter with his own laser fire.
After a few rounds of hits, both rods were taken down.
“We’ve lost two of our power generators!
Initiate defense mode beta!” “Sir, will you cut it with the technical jargon and just say, ‘Activate the shields’?” “Why do you get a kick out of ruining my fun, soldier?” The Irken flagship activated an orange spherical barrier as it began to throw missiles at the operative’s Arwing.
Nigel shot lasers and energy missiles at the barrier, but his attacks didn’t phase.
“Regular attacks might not work now.
Try using bombs.” Ava suggested.
Nigel did so and released another bomb at the ship’s shield, and one explosion was enough to disable it.
The mouth of the ship opened and revealed another weak point, to which Nigel already began shooting.
“Shields reengaged.” The Irken commander announced as the shield returned.
“Crud.
And I’m all out of bombs.” “‘Guess I’m coming to your rescue again.
Hold on, Nige.” Ava said as she flew in front of her British friend.
When the Irken ship started shooting missiles again, Ava switched on her own shield and absorbed the fire.
She looked as the energy in her ship was slowly building after each shot.
When a bar on her radar reached max capacity, she said, “That should do it.
Better move back, Nigel.
Particle Beam Cannon, fire!” Nigel immediately swerved out of the way when Ava’s ship unleashed a massive shockwave which blew away the enemy ship’s shield.
“Gaah, since when can they do that?!” “Sir, I kind of warned you about this when I played that videogame.
We… should have got the unabsorbable missiles.” “Listen, soldier, if I hear one more remark outta you-” “Lover’s quarrel?
Get a room, you two.” Was Nigel’s last remark as he locked onto the ship’s weak point and released an energy missile, destroying the rod of energy.
“Mayday, we’re going down!
WAAAAAH!” “Don’t anybody touch my CDs before I get hoooooome!” “Welp, phase one of the mission complete.” Nigel said as they prepared to enter Flora’s atmosphere.
“You barely survived the aerial assault, soldier.” Ava smirked.
“Let’s hope you can handle yourself on land.” “Mm…” Nigel cringed slightly when Ava said ‘soldier.’ “What’s wrong, Nigel?” “Er, nothing.
Nothing’s wrong.
Let’s go.” Still focused on his mission, Nigel and Ava moved forward on their route to Flora.
(End song.) The Massive Meanwhile, on a massive, red ship hovering just above Planet Irk’s atmosphere, surrounded by a fleet of smaller red ships, many child Irken soldiers were gathered in a sort of audience room in the center of the massive ship.
They were gathered around a small stage at one end of the room.
The stage held two doorways at both ends and a circular hole in the middle.
A platform matching the size of the hole rose up from it, carrying two rather tall adult Irkens.
One of them had red eyes, had a skinny lower body and a slightly buff looking upper body.
He was also dressed in red, mechanical armor.
The Irken on his left side appeared to be his twin, only he had purple eyes and purple armor.
They were hailed as the Almighty Tallest.
Both Tallest had only two fingers on each hand, while every other Irken had three.
The Irken children cheered as the two Tallest appeared on stage.
The red Tallest was waving at them, while the purple Tallest was blowing them kisses.
“THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!” exclaimed the red Tallest.
He kept repeating this as Irkens continued to cheer.
Eventually, the cheering stopped, but the red Tallest continued to repeat quieter “Thank you’s” several times.
Once he was finished, he spoke, “Now, then.
You all are probably wondering why we called you here today.
Well, you see, the Irken Empire has recently made an ‘alliance’ with the Floran adults, and children of Flora are being forced to dig up broccoli from the mines.” The news sparked more applause from their subjects.
“We will use the endless broccoli from their mines to force feed billions of children throughout the universe, so that you all and many others will be ever so closer to reaching glorious adulthood!” “All because we care about you kids so much!” finished the purple Tallest.
“Hey, Tallest!” spoke up one of the young Irkens.
“What if those GKND brats get in the way again?” “We know our past attempts at destroying them haven’t exactly worked out.” replied the purple Tallest.
“But we assure you,” continued the red, “that as long as you all think like smart, responsible adults, the bratty minds of the GKND will be ousted and children throughout the universe will get to bask in the glory that is adulthood!” “But for right now,” continued the purple Tallest, “everyone needs to get back to their stations.
Irken soldiers dismissed!” “ALMIGHTY TALLEST RULE!” shouted the soldiers.
The Irken children exited out the doorways of the audience room.
The Tallest exited out one of the doors on stage.
“Hehehehehehehe!” the twin emperors snickered.
“Have I told you I love this job?” coughed the purple Tallest through laughs.
“Yeah!” replied the red.
“You almost had me when you said ‘because we care about you kids so much.'” The two kept laughing as they made their way to a control room with several soldiers at various stations.
The Tallest sat in chairs on a high platform as they ceased their laughing and breathed a sigh of relief.
“Ah, kids.” The two reached below their chairs and pulled up some soda and chocolate bars, proceeding to indulge.
“Sirs.” spoke one of the Irkens from their stations.
“Our spy has just reported.
Two GKND agents are headed to Planet Flora to destroy the broccoli mines.
One of them being the new Earth operative, Number 1.” “Oh, no.” groaned Red.
“Ever since that Number 1 guy joined GKND, reports of failures have been rising through the roof!
I don’t think we’ve had this much trouble since-” “HEY!” interrupted Purple.
“Why don’t we go down to Planet Flora and give that guy a piece of our minds!” “Yeah.” replied Red.
“We’ll go down there, give him a good talking to, and then maybe have Croacus kick his butt!” “WOOOOOOOO!” Just the notion of their plan made them want to cheer!
The soldiers just shook their heads in aggravation.
Once they were finished, they turned to leave.
“Sirs:” spoke the same Irken, “We have an incoming transmission from Earth.” Opposite to their spirits just seconds ago, the Tallests groaned.
“Come on.” spoke Red.
“Let’s see what Zim wants now.” Gallagher Elementary Lunch time felt as ordinary as they come, and the students were happily enjoying their packed lunches.
More than half of the students appeared to be listening to music on headphones or handheld devices.
But as with any ordinary lunch time in this school, their peace wasn’t to last: several men and women burst in through the windows and landed on the tables, frightening the kids.
They appeared to be dressed as rappers.
The children were about to flee out one of the entrances until the doors of the exit shot open, letting in a cloud of smoke.
As the smoke cleared, some rap music started to play.
An African-American man wearing a blue suit, a black derby with a white stripe, a golden necklace with an “R” on it, and held a black cane with a silver, sharp cube at the top stepped into the cafeteria.
The children backed away in fear as this man stepped slowly forward.
“Good afternoon, Gallagher.
Now, I got yo’ attention, my name is The Rhymer, and I suppose I should mention, my henchmen, are going to adore,” the henchmen began snatching the musical devices away from the children, “taking your headphones, and smashing them ALL TO THE FLOOR!” The henchmen did as he sang.
“Care for more?” At one of the tables in the corner of the cafeteria, Lizzie and Numbuh 65.3 (Herbie) were watching these events transpire.
“Oh, great!” complained Lizzie.
“That’s just what we need!
Another villain that rhymes and sings!” The chubby girl had ginger hair in pigtails, black glasses, a blue skirt, and a yellow shirt with a blue oval in the center.
“Hey, have you noticed most of these guys like to attack during lunch?” replied Herbie.
He wore a colander on his head and was chubby and spectacled like Lizzie, though was more distinct for his braced buckteeth.
His yellow buttoned shirt carried pencils on his left pocket.
“Yeah… Must be a new villain fad or something.” Ace, the sunglasses boy who was sitting across from them, was paying them no attention, and was nodding his head to the music in his headphones.
Lizzie and Herbie gave him disbelieving looks.
The Kid was interrupted when The Rhymer walked over and pulled the headphones off his head.
“Hey, man!” yelled the Hispanic boy.
“What’s the big idea taking our music?” “Because you listen to it too much!” shot back Lizzie.
“Precisely the point, you little snot, listening to music, kids should not.
Stuff like this should belong to people over thirteen, so you can focus more on schoolwork; I hate to be mean.” “Then wouldn’t it make more sense if you STOLE this junk to give to teenagers?
Instead of just smashing them?” replied Lizzie.
The Rhymer was about to say something back until he realized his folly.
“Yeah, I suppose that would make more sense, I guess.
Wow.
This whole thing became a really big mess.” He turned toward his henchmen.
“Y’know, maybe we should go.” But his decision would be delayed by a rupturing of the ceiling: Sector V fell in and landed in front of the villain.
“Hate to break it to you, Rhymer,” Numbuh 2 spoke, “but you’re going down, old timer!
OW!” Numbuh 5, who had smacked him with her red hat, said, “When Numbuh 5 says she orders you to stop with the lame jokes, what do you think she means?” “Aw, come on!
He practically set me up for that one!” “Well, well, if it isn’t Sector V.” spoke The Rhymer.
“But I could’ve sworn there were more of you, or is it just me?
Oh YEAH!
That’s right!
Where’s Numbuh One?
I didn’t want him to miss out on the fun!” “Nigie’s been gone for 3 months now!” shouted Lizzie from her table.
“He is!
But where?
To ask, I dare!” “Man, that was worse than Numbuh 2.” replied Abby.
“But it’s none of your business where he’s at!” The Rhymer noticed the African-American Sector Leader was wearing a pair of sunglasses.
“I can tell you know something; of that, no doubt.
But if I can’t get you to spill, no reason to pout.
Still, you won’t have much luck without your boss.
Now, you’re going to endure an embarrassing loss!” “We don’t need Numbuh 1 to take on a rhyming loser like you!” declared Numbuh 4.
The shortest member possessed an orange hoodie, blue jeans, and bowl-cut blonde hair.
“Well, no time to slack!
Rappers: ATTACK!” “KIDS NEXT DOOR: BATTLE STATIONS!” Numbuh 2 was firing his G.U.M.Z.O.O.K.A.
at rappers with guns that fired CDs, Numbuh 3 was happily dodging hand-thrown CDs that became shurikens when thrown, Numbuh 4 was doing hand-to-hand combat with a few other rappers, while Numbuh 5 dealt with The Rhymer.
Numbuh 5 threw punches and kicks at the rapping villain, who was simply blocking them with his staff.
He later began swinging his staff at her, Abby dodging the blows as best she could.
“What’s wrong, little girl?
Getting weak?
I think it’s time for you to take a leak!
A good leader, you?
That’s a laugh!
Your predecessor must’ve been horribly daft!” The infuriated Sector Leader threw punches with greater speed and ferocity.
She was able to land several blows on him and kept this up until he was knocked to the wall, followed by a great big fall.
“Hey, Rhymer!” He recovered in time to find himself surrounded by Sector V.
He looked to see that his rappers had all been KO’ed.
“Let’s see how you like taking a leak!” boasted Numbuh 2.
“Any last words before we knock your cruddy songs out of ya?” asked Wally.
“Well, yes.
I would be remiss if I did not say THIS.” Springing to his feet, The Rhymer twirled his staff and stuck it into the ground with a thud.
“Musical notes, seek your prey!
Beat these goats, and make my day!” On his command, the cube on his staff opened, releasing a swarm of black notes with neon outlines, which swarmed and rendered Sector V defeated.
They were left groaning on the floor.
“Is that all?” asked The Rhymer.
“Man, that was too easy!
I didn’t expect them to be so cheesy!
These guys ain’t nothin’ without their leader.
C’mon, guys, let’s take a breather.
As if I really need it, either.” The rappers recovered and headed out the door.
“Great job, Sector V!” exclaimed Numbuh 86 sarcastically, walking up to them.
“You let him get away!
All because ya couldn’t handle a few notes!” The Irish girl had frizzy orange hair, freckles, a green sweater, orange skirt, and brown boots.
“Well, excuse me, Numbuh 86,” shot back Numbuh 2, “but I didn’t see YOU doing anything to stop them!” “I only just got here because someone forgot to replace the paper towels again!
Anyway, this is the third villain that slipped away from you this week!
Ever since Numbuh 1 disappeared, your mission success rate has been dropping constantly!
If this keeps up, we’ll have each of you reassigned to different sectors!
Especially since you won’t tell us where he is!” She left in a huff.
Soon after, the bell rang, and the kids began to exit the ruined cafeteria.
“Come on.” said a depressed Abby.
“Let’s get to class.” Sector V Treehouse “…but, as it turns out, Sector V wasn’t a match for The Rhymer’s musical notes.
In the end, all they had were sore throats!” Numbuh 11.0’s corny jokes on the KND Nightly News only made their humiliation sink harder.
“Man!” whined Numbuh 4.
“Ah can’t believe we got beat by that rhyming weirdo!
Ah don’t even know what show he’s from!” “Anyone else having some second thoughts about… not asking him to stay?” Hoagie replied.
“Aw, come on, guys!” said a bubbly Kuki.
“So we messed up a few missions because we didn’t have Numbuh 1!
That’s no reason to act so sad!
And besides, it’s just like Abby said, there’ll always be other missions!” “They’re going to separate us if we mess up anymore, Kuki!” replied Abby.
“Oh, yeah.” Her expression rapidly flipped.
“I hope Numbuh 1’s happy.” remarked an angry Wally.
“Leaving us behind to help those space kids up in Canada.
Who came up with cruddy ‘GKND,’ anyway?” “Their leader’s name is Dimentia.” Hoagie’s response drew confusion and surprise from his friends.
“How much did those scientists tell you, anyway?” asked Abby.
“Not too much.
But Gabe did drop her name.” “That kinda name’s got Numbuh 5 concerned.
I hope she’s all right in the head.” “Why wouldn’t she be?” Kuki asked.
“I’ll tell ya later.” Sector L Treehouse “You might even say The Rhymer knew how to RAP things up!” Numbuh 11.0 laughed at his own joke.
He expected Numbuh 10 to smack him out of his laughing trance, but his spirits slowly faded when he realized she wasn’t beside him.
“In other news, operatives are still baffled by the mysterious disappearance of operative Numbuh 1, Nigel Uno, along with leading scientist Numbuh 74.239, and diplomat Numbuh Infinity.
Oddly enough, Numbuh 1’s parents don’t seem to have any memory of even having him at all.
Reporters, Nick and Chip, claim to have spotted Numbuhs 1 and 74.239 disappear in a glob of green goo.
The only known operatives who seem to know where they are are Numbuhs 2-5 of Sector V, but they don’t appear to be telling us anything.
Coming up tomorrow: what does our Supreme Leader’s middle initial stand for?
Some think that her parents just weren’t thinking straight at the time.
Good night, everybody!” The cameras switched off and the Nightly News team left the treehouse to return to their homes.
Numbuh 11.0, however, stayed behind and entered Numbuh 10’s room to find his leader lying on her bed in a glum state.
“You okay, Eva?” he asked.
Numbuh 10 looked up to see her best friend standing in the doorway.
“Oh.
Hey, Kade.
How’d the news segment go?” “It went well.
You should’ve been there, Eva!
I was on fire with the jokes today!
It’s not too hard to think of any when the top sector gets beat by a swarm of musical notes!” Restating the idea made him laugh more.
“Sorry I missed it.” Numbuh 10 replied sarcastically.
“Heh heh… Come on, Eva.
It’s been three months.
Don’t you think you should forget about him and move on?” “Forget about him?” Eva replied, half mad.
“How would you feel if someone important in your life just up and left without so much as a trace?” “I…I know.
I don’t know what I’d do if you went and suddenly disappeared.
But you haven’t even done any news segments and we hardly hang out anymore.” “I’m sorry, Kade.
It’s just… I only got a few chances to hang out with him.
And I feel like… all I did was make fun of him.
And I… talk behind his back with Lizzie.
I feel… responsible…” Numbuh 11.0 walked over to his friend and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to be like this.
We gotta just… go out and have fun sometime.
For his sake and your own.” Eva returned a weak smile.
“Thanks, Kade.” Kade smiled back.
“And if it makes you feel better, I could tell you a few new jokes!” “Uhhh…no thanks.
I think I’ll just go to bed.” “Okay.
Good night.” “Good night.” Kade exited her room and Numbuh 10 fell to sleep.
Before he left for his house, Kade let out a heavy sigh of regret.
The shadow being that watched from the corner of Eva’s room phased through the walls and took off for space.
Zim’s House, somewhere on Earth “Look, Zim, for the last time, we’re not sending you any weapons.” In a small, strange house in a forgotten neighborhood, a young Irken was speaking to his Almighty Tallest on his computer screen.
“But sirs: how am I supposed to conquer the Earth without super weapons?” “Zim, we banished—er, I mean, SENT you to the planet to learn its weaknesses, so that the armada will have no trouble when it comes to attack it.
You’re not conquering it.” spoke his Almighty Tallest, Red.
“But all the other invaders got to conquer their assigned planets.
They all got to establish their adult tyranny!
Why not me?
I’m far more capable of doing so than any other invader!” “Look, Zim,” spoke his purple Tallest, “we have important matters to attend to, but just so you don’t think we don’t care about you, we’ll send you a couple things to keep you occupied.” As he spoke, a transporter that was in that same room began to activate, and several mechanical devices generated from it.
“So there you have it.
A grappling plunger, a goo gun, and a few upgrades for your SIR unit.
Okay, good-bye!” And with that, the screen went to black.
Zim rode the elevator back up to his house to find his robot, GIR, watching TV, flipping channels.
As Zim walked forward, he spoke, “Curses!
How am I supposed to show the Tallest I’m capable of conqueration if they won’t even give me a chance?” GIR just sat on the floor flipping channels.
“I need to find some way to prove my worth as an invader!
But how…?” “…operatives are still baffled by the mysterious disappearance of operative Numbuh 1, Nigel Uno.” “HUH?” Zim turned his attention to the TV screen, which somehow had the KND Nightly News.
“Reporters, Nick and Chip, claim to have spotted Numbuhs 1 and 74.239 disappear in a glob of green goo.” “What the heck is this?” “The only known operatives that seem to know where they are are Numbuhs 2-5 of Sector V, but they don’t appear to be telling us anything.
Coming up tomorrow: what does-” Before he could get the sentence out, GIR had changed the channel to the Rainbow Monkey Care-and-Share Time Special.
“GIR!” Zim shouted, grabbing the remote and switching back to KND Nightly News, then rewinded it to hear Numbuh 11.0’s news segment again.
He rewinded and listened to it several times to completely absorb the information.
“Hmm…” Zim thought to himself.
“Green glob of goo.
Earth child suddenly goes missing.
GIR!” His expression lit up.
“Do you realize what this means?” “YES!” There was a pause.
“You really don’t, do you?” “Uhhh…does it have to do with waffles?” “Don’t you get it, GIR?
A child that mysteriously disappears from a planet can only mean… Yes.
YES!
It must be THEM!
But I must confirm if my suspicions are true.
If what the Earth pig on the TV says is true, then this ‘Sector V’ is the only group of people that know where this ‘Nigel Uno’ is!” “So…?” “Pack your things, GIR.
We’re going to pay this ‘Sector V’ a little visit!
Then we’re going on a little space trip!
Mwa hahahahahaha!” Unknown to him, however, someone was watching from the window of his house.
And there was the first space-shooter level, next time will be the first real stage.
Anyhoo, Numbuh 10,000 is my OC.
I got the whole “kissing” idea from Teen Titans’ Starfire.
The Rhymer comes from Supah Ninjas.
Dimentia is a female version of Dimentio from Super Paper Mario.
She looks the same design-wise, only female and more serious.
Below is a bonus one-shot, showing the first meeting between Numbuhs 1 and 10!
Takes place before “Operation: H.O.L.I.D.A.Y.”.
First Meeting “Welcome, Sector Leaders, to the Kids Next Door Senior Command Super Relaxing Retreat and Ice Cream Social!” announced Numbuh 1-Love to the many KND leaders and officers.
“Here in Sector J, we have 32 swimming pools, 58 ice cream buffets, and 300 mile water slides!
So, enjoy your vacations and have a wonderful time, mon!” “I wonder if they have that new cherry-flavored ice cream!” thought Nigel aloud as he was running for one of the ice cream stands.
On his way there, he bumped into a redheaded girl, making them both fall down.
“Uhhh, sorry about that.” Nigel apologized as he recovered.
“It’s okay.” The girl replied as they both stood and brushed any dirt off.
She then took notice of Nigel and asked, “Hey, aren’t you Numbuh 1 of Sector V?” Nigel smirked proudly.
“Yep!
That’s me!
You’ve heard of me?” “DUH!
You’re, like, all over the news!
Plus, I’m the anchorwoman!” “Wait, you’re Numbuh 10, aren’t you?” he recognized.
“Nice to meet you!
My name’s Nigel Uno!” “Nice name!
I’m Evangeline Roberts!
But my friends call me ‘Eva’ for short.” “You know, that’s funny.
My mom’s maiden name is Roberts.” “Really?” Numbuh 10 cocked a brow.
“And what’s your mom’s first name?” “Agatha.
Why do you ask?” This made Eva more curious.
“Well, you see, my dad always told me he used to have a sister named Agatha, who disappeared a long time ago.” “Hmm, that’s strange.
My mom always told me she used to have a brother named Eric before he disappeared.” “Eric?
That’s my dad’s name!” …At that moment, both of their expressions lit up brightly.
“But… that could only mean…” “…that you’re my…” After a few more seconds, their smiles practically burst.
“COUSIN!” They immediately embraced each other in hugs.
After a few seconds, they broke away.
“WOW!
I didn’t think I had any relatives in the Kids Next Door!” Nigel exclaimed.
“Hey, now that we’re at it, which do you prefer: blurpleberry or cherry?” “Pfft!
Cherry, of course!
I hate blurpleberry!
I was just going to get some of that cherry ice cream!
Wanna come?” “Sure!” With that, the two cousins were off to the ice cream stand.
“By the way, I’ve always noticed you have Rainbow Monkey underwear sticking out of your shorts.” Numbuh 10 pointed out.
“Oh!
Uh…” Nigel blushed.
“It’s okay, Nigel!
I won’t tell anyone!” Eva replied; however, she had her fingers crossed.