Number Zero- The Umbrella Academy (Book 1)

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The four made their way to Harold Jenkin's house, a man who Zero was still trying to figure out not only because he caused the end of the world but because he was apparently dating Vanya. It would be a lie if Zero said he didn't feel protective over his sister, especially since the two were quite close when they were children, and he always tried his best to defend her from their father's indifference.

"Be careful, okay? We don't know what Peabody's capable of." Allison warned the group as they made their way up the steps of the house. It seemed like any other house in the neighborhood to Zero, but he knew better than most just how something ordinary could be anything but.

"Yeah, he didn't seem dangerous when I first saw him. Looked kinda scrawny." Diego replied with a light shrug as he led the front while Allison and Zero lingered in the back, trading looks.

"Yeah, well, so are most serial killers and mass murderers. I mean, look at them." Allison muttered, gesturing towards Five and Zero.

"Thanks," Five said at the same time that Zero said, "You have a point."

"Good point," Diego agreed. "So, what's this guy want with Vanya?"

Allison walked around the back, no longer listening to their brother. "I don't know. How about we ask him after we kill him?" Five suggested sarcastically as they approached the front door.

Diego held up a hand, stopping the two boys from going further. "Whoa-whoa. Hey, look. I'm gonna burst through-" He paused, realizing Allison was gone, "You know what? It would be nice for people just to stick to-" Diego was cut off as Five spatial jumped away. "... the plan." He finished, looking at Zero, who was the only one left.

"So, what's the plan? I'm still here." Zero asked shyly as Diego sighed angrily and turned away, taking a few steps back and running through the door window.

Zero peered inside, wincing and shaking his head. "Are you alright?" He asked but got no answer.

Staring at the door, Zero reached out his hand, wondering if the door was unlocked the entire time, and as he turned the knob, he found that the door opened with ease. "What kind of person doesn't lock their door?" The boy wondered out loud. Diego groaned and flipped the boy off as Zero closed the door behind him.

"Subtle," Allison muttered with her arms crossed as she and Five made their way to them while Diego struggled to his feet.

"Yeah, well, my way works just fine." Diego responded bitterly.

Zero considered all the possible ways he could've gotten them into the house without incident but said nothing. The boy knew Diego was only tolerating him for the time being, and he didn't want to cause any more unnecessary fights when they had to work together.

"Spread out. Yell if you, uh... you know, you're in trouble except for you." Diego said, limping away glass falling off of him.

"Ah, inspiring leadership," Five nodded mockingly.

"One of the greats," Allison responded with a smile.

"I guess we have no choice but to look around." Zero commented, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Allison began making her way up the stairs leaving Five and Zero to search the ground level.

"So what's with you and our brother?"

"Like I said earlier, he's upset with me, and I'm trying to give him space, but it's like no matter what, the two of us are thrown into situations." Zero told the boy, starting his search of the house, leaving Five behind.

Looking in all the possible hiding places, Zero found nothing that would indicate who he was or any plan for the world's destruction. His search was interrupted by Allison calling out to them, causing the three boys to rush upstairs.