A Tale of Two Parties
Chapter 1
With the afternoon sky gradually darkening into night the small wine coloured automobile easily slipped off the motorway and onto one of many city streets. It hadn't been a long trip and no more aggravating than any other jaunt through late rush hour traffic, where the flow of vehicles would hurry along at a reasonable pace then come to a grinding halt for no apparent reason. Now as it zipped along its blinker flickered indicating a yearning to change lanes from the far right lane to one on the inside, its desired location was still several kilometres ahead but with unknown traffic patterns and its driver not one hundred percent certain of the final objective it was better to play things safe.
The car in question was an old Sloth but now resembled nothing like what had come off the production line. It had a fairly modern look to it twenty years ago but now that clunky look was long gone. The upgraded man made creation looked more like a dark purple bubble sliced in half with bulges emanating from the sides housing the now outsized wheels. The windows were a deep black running almost the full length from its stubby noise over the top and finally ending just above the trunk. The only thing marring the black was a strip of metal the same shade as the car running straight through middle on the very peek of the roof. A wide scoop almost the full width of the car sat mere centimetres above the ground sucking in engine cooling air. To either side of this intake were round fog lamps. Above and almost level with the starting of the window tinting were the main lights, their look was almost predatory giving the car an highly aggressive appearance On the outside the only thing remaining that identified this as a Sloth was stylized S with lightning bolts charging out from either side.
The inside was just as heavily modified as was the out. The engine being the first to feel the effects of the change, it had been bored out giving it more power and a deeper throatier sound. A blower above the engine sucked cool more dense air into the engine bringing with it more oxygen, thereby increasing the combustion and again more horsepower. With the addition of a supercharger forcing said air into the cylinders pushed the power to yet another level. Multiple throttle bodies, large fuel pumps, tweaked computer chips were all added to turn this once humble little car into a menacing street machine. Of coarse the rocket motor in the trunk didn't hurt when one needed that little extra punch.
All this came at a price; large more effective racing brakes were needed to stop this monster when it got up to speed. Better suspension system to smooth out the ride, improved transmission, belts, pulleys not to mention the nitrous tanks under the passenger seat and the rocket fuel under the rear seats. And all that didn't include the enhanced seating and other comforts plus a radio that could be used as a video phone or gps and the driver had no clue as to what else; her technical support told her what she needed in that regard. Lest we forget the beefier tires that would allow this motorized creature to stick to the road and the pretty rims to go along with said tires. Telling the insurance company would not be beneficial for on minimum wage it was difficult enough to afford the high octane needed to feed this monster.
Now all this power was quite irrelevant as she passed through several sets of stop lights before signalling once more and merging into the center turning lane. Patiently it waited until traffic cleared enough for the modern horseless carriage to rumble its way through the gates and into a very opulent convention center.
Slipping onto the fresh tarmac path, past a large ornate central fountain it entered into a large spacious parking lot. Here this extraordinary vehicle looked bland and less than spectacular. A tiny insignificant bug next to the grand assortment of the mightiest machines ever created. Here was an assortment of oddly shaped one off mechanicals that defied the normal description of a vehicle. The menagerie were both large and small, many could fly, even more that looked like armour plated monstrosities designed to provide maximum firepower with the utmost protection. This violet shaded auto looked downright tiny compared with most.
Finding a suitable spot well away from the crowd the car lined itself up between the golden lines and came to a stop. The rumble from its engine ceased and for a time all activity came to a halt; then finally, the driver side door swung open and its pilot emerged.
Exuding very heroic air as she exited the vehicle, this vision of the feminine action adventurer slash guardian cut quite a dashing figure leaning up against the car door. Wearing her brightly coloured mission clothing that consisted of a tight but not quite form fitting purple tee-shirt and dark slacks with a similar shade of lavender slashing down the outside of each pant leg. A heavy pair of combat style boots were laced up tightly upon her delicate feet and strapped about her waist was a belt filled with all the necessary gadgets needed for her hobby of battling villainy.
The garb was picked off the rack to make her stand out in a crowd as someone who was special and has the name Kim Possible implied she could do anything as in Anything's Possible for a Possible. Although truth be known she really didn't need all the flash for she was by nature a very pretty girl. Long dark red hair fell to the middle of her back and was fine enough to be both flowing and flippy. A large round face high lighted her luscious emerald eyes and appealing smile. Her body was long and lean but in her opinion she figured was a little lacking in the chest department. An opinion not shared by her loving boyfriend who rightly knew that they were exquisitely lovely in both firmness and roundness plus they were more than perfect in size. What she figured was her best attribute was her firm round backside gained from years of fighting evil and of coarse cheerleading. Others might not argue against her feeling but would comment that her legs were her best feature being long with well defined muscles.
Excitement registered in her eyes as she watched the passenger door swing open and her partner exit, looking equally heroic, well almost. He did try to look the hero but unfortunately didn't quite live up to the necessary guise of a hero. The loyal partner was equal in size to herself, this was convenient in that he was also her lover and that just made kissing so much easier. Unfortunately he did not have much of a daring name, Ron Stoppable sort of gave the wrong impression to the villain's, but he was cutting a dashing figure with the similar pose to that of his lady friend.
Upon the top of his oval head was a mop of blonde hair that he had attempted to style before exiting the car but a slight breeze meant that his effort was all in vain. His brown eyes were wide and friendly, just below each was a set of freckles that alluded to his boyish charm and just below them was a large smile that could grow even greater in size especially when his woman turned her charms in his general direction. Beneath his baggy mission clothes which comprised of a long-sleeved black shirt that hung loose about the cuffs, below a pair of worn cargo pants coloured a deep shade of kaki. He like the hero he supported wore the male version of combat boots. Although the garments were saggy, underneath he was not in altogether bad shape. He was the surprise star running back of the high school football team and the coach ensured a heinous daily exercise ritual, it wasn't the six pact abs of steel but it was getting there. The other thing that marked an abrupt turn from the normal was the fact that his that his best friend, the exception to his girlfriend, lived in his pants pocket, a little creature that went by the name of Rufus the naked mole rat.
Locking and shutting the doors almost simultaneously our lovely champion made a bee line for the main entrance with her lover scurrying to catch up.
Even in the darkening late afternoon light the hall was palatial is both size and grandeur. They had come through the main access which was as reported a very large pair of rot iron gates that swung open or closed depending on what the owners wished. These gates were attached to a wall of light coloured brick that towered over two meters in height and spanned the entire complex. The inside parking lot was a standard fair with black asphalt and heavy yellow lines instructing drivers on how and where to place their cars. Not that that worked tonight with vehicles of the oddest size and shapes.
Surrounding the main building on the inside of the wall was a vast expanse of lush green grass the likes of which would make any golf course envious. Small trees dotted the lawn at various places and along the wall were long stretches of trimmed hedges. The length of the complex were scattered alluring flowers of almost every size and description making the building seem almost alive in both splendour and aroma.
The main doors in which the couple headed were at the top of along flowing set of stairs. Surrounding were tall thick columns that pushed skywards. All with the exception of the massive dark wooden doors were made of the same light granite stone as the outer wall. Heavy brass adornments and bracing brightened the excessive portal. All this solid splendour gave the viewer the impression they were entering a mighty fortress.
By now Kim had grasped her lovers hand and was practically hauling him entire height of the stairs, her excitement so great that she hardly noticed as he stumbled up the vast majority of steps. By now she could see the heavy white banner that streamed above the entrance portal. Butterflies formed in her stomach as she read the large bold red script "WELCOME HEROES"
At the panicle of the stairway Ron noticed that his woman was practically bouncing in place, her hands cupped under her chin and her eyes sparkled with excitement as a big goofy grin crossed her face running from ear to ear. From the day the post had delivered the invitation she'd been bouncing off the walls with anticipation. Finally a chance to kick it with the big boys, here they could shmoose with heroes from all over the globe. Take in seminars on how those dastardly villains might be taken down more easily. And apparently the multi coarse dinner was just to die for.
Seizing hold of the massive brass handle Kim heaved, wrenching open the gateway to this wondrous world of heroes and leapt inside.
"Excuse me who are you?" came a voice from just inside the door.
"I'm Kim Possible and this is my partner Ron Stoppable!" the youthful heroine answered in a high pitched squeal of a voice.
The man who watched the door gave her the look, the one with eye brow raised. He was a snooty looking man full of self worth. His dark tuxedo with brilliant red bow tie and matching cumber bun completely covered what was a rather tall, thin frame. From his towering height he looked down his prominent nose at those who had just entered into his little world of management. A small moustache as dark in colour as his hair which seemed to be styled with a little more hair growing upon one side and then pushed so it covered the balding top. He was obviously of British origins by his accent with each wors given in a crisp clear tone.
With the majority of his thin frame hidden behind a small podium he glanced down at what could only be a guest register and began searching out the names of visitors and if their names were upon that list. "You name is on the list but I'm sorry to say his is not." He didn't sound sorry in the slightest.
"What do you mean his name is not on the list, he's my partner." Kim snarled.
"Side kicks are not allowed. Only heroes." answered in the same snooty voice.
"But he's my partner not my sidekick." She continued to plead.
"No the sidekick convention is down the street in the warehouse, he will have to go to that for he is not allowed in here." The man replied indignantly.
Ron sitting off to the side watched the interchange but had already figured that he was not in the listing and was not surprised by the reaction at the door. It had been like this from the beginning and would most likely continue until they could hero no more. This sidekick discrimination was just not rational
Placing one hand firmly upon her shoulder he stated "Don't worry KP you stay here, I'll go down to the other place." His voice was solemn and tired as he told her his plan. As the good boyfriend he tried to be he had already figured that she really wanted to go to the festivities and had so ever since she'd learned about this annual festivity. Since she would not be allowed inside if he were present, than he would have to go. Beside this really didn't seem like his cup of tea, although he was not going to tell her that.
"No Ron you shouldn't have to."
"You really want to go and they're not going to let me in. So you have fun."
"Ron" she whined "I can't go in without you."
"I'll meet you later." Quickly he kissed her upon the lips and made to leave.
With one hand Kim ran her fingers along his cheek and sorrowfully stated "I'll make it up to you later." Then she wrapped her arms about his neck and drew him in for a more passionate kiss.
She watched him slowly walk away. He had turned and with a sigh stuffed his hands deep into his pants pockets. Regardless of the hurt feeling Kim waited, just watching the back of her lover as he leisurely disappeared out into the darkening evening.
A noise rumbled in her throat that was partially an angry growl and part a moan of distress. She never like to be apart from her consort and she really would have preferred him by her side this evening but she really wanted to part of this little get together. All the best hero's from across the world were invited to this shindig and for the first time her name had been on the list. Her mind had been blown when the invitation had arrived. It had been a big and important piece of parchment done up on fancy paper and with big bold script. Immediately she had hit the clouds rushing down to tell her parents and anybody else who would listen. All through the preceding weeks she'd boasted about it to all around, unknowingly irritating everybody in the process.
This was the most impressive night in herodom all the biggest players would be present. She would be educated in the exploits of others as they had battled evil at grand seminars. A scrumptious dinner was planned then she would schmooze with the elite, her exploits measured up with there's. She was giddy with excitement at the prospect of going in. The only thing that kept her from entering was her deep love for Ron but secretly she was glad he had chosen to be all sacrificial and leave for she really, really did wish to be part of this gala.
Only after he had disappeared from sight did Kim finally turn and cross the threshold through the main doors, glaring as she passed by the snooty attendant she entered into the building proper. It was a vast wide corridor with a ceiling that towered overhead. Along one wall great half pillars rose from floor to ceiling, between each were windows opening up a vast view of the lush garden. Each window was not quite covered by considerable plush red drapes the edges bedazzled with heavy golden trim. Upon the floor was a plush carpet of a similar shade to that of the window coverings. The far wall had spaced double wooden doors that presumably led into audience chambers. The space between those portals was not left barren as each area held a replica of some famous work of art be it painting or sculpture.
Before each chamber was a stand made of brass and steel, attached was a parchment; big, bold writing informing those interested the hour and time for seminars plus the appropriate member of the hero community who was to give them. At the far end of the hallway in which she had entered was a string quartet happily playing away. This wasn't really Kim's cup of tea but it did seem to add a classy atmosphere to the event. Dotted about the hallway were numerous heroic looking individuals quietly talking amongst themselves, some had drinks in their hands while other just looked as if they were posing for whomever would glance in the appropriate direction.
"Hi I'm Kim Possible." Kim joyfully stated to the first set of persons whom she came across extending her hand.
"Umm…Aaaa…Hi." The man responded politely shaking the young ladies hand. The pair watched as the pretty red headed girl practically skipped down the hall.
The second asked the first "Who was that?"
"I have no idea? May be one of the staff?"
There were so many enjoyable things Kim wanted to do. She was just sorry that Ron wasn't going to have any fun alongside her.
Xxxxx
Ron shuffled down the street, hands buried deep in his pockets, looking more than a little annoyed to any and all passers by. All the way down the long length of concrete he had grumbled, irritated by the fact that nobody knew that he even existed let alone that he was a hero, he had been the Fearless Ferret for a time and he even had an arch foe or two. Occasionally he would vent his frustration on a loose piece of garbage or anything else that he could easily kick.
How long he had walked or how far he had come he didn't know but he was awakened from his funk by a pulsing in the air. Looking up he could see a large in-descript building with bright vibrant neon lights mounted on top proclaiming it to be the Warehouse.
It had a similar look to the many buildings that he and Kim had foiled Drakken or any number of notorious villain plans. There were some exceptions, along the top level just below the roof there was the standard window area designed to let in light. The main oversight being that the light emanating from within pulsated with multicoloured illumination almost in tune to the rhythmic beat of music that seemed to throb from the structures very foundations. Before the main doors there was the standard thug standing guard behind a black velvet barrier similar to that used to keep people in line at a bank. A long line up of people stood and waited to gain admission, some leaning against the wall others chatting amiably amongst themselves. On the plus side there appeared to be a number of very hot looking young ladies waiting to gain admission. None were as pretty as his Kimmy but a great majority came very close.
Ron quickly approached and stood on the opposite side of the barrier before the bouncer. The man had the standard ruffian look to him. Tight black t-shirt with security stencilled in white upon the back, his pants were also black as were his shoes. In his hand he held a high tech clipboard. He gave Ron the once over before responding in a gruff voice. "Your hero's name?
"Kim Possible." Ron responded in a grumble.
The yob glanced down at his electronic board, brought a stylus and began tapping away. "You Rufus."
Still in grousing mode Ron replied "No."
From his hip pocket leapt the creature whose name had been called. Skittering up the pant leg over the black mission shirt and onto the shoulder of his pet the naked mole rat responded with a salute.
The hooligan raised an eyebrow but didn't respond to the creature, instead "Then you must be Wade."
A second passed as Ron sneered and nibbled upon his lip then replied "Yep that's me."
"In you go then." And with that the man unclipped the chain and allowed access to Wade and Rufus.
Behind the bouncer the heavy black painted door was open but quickly behind that one was another equal in shade but this one was closed. It didn't take much effort but in his sullen mood it seemed to weigh just that little bit more. Ron's disposition was not grand, he wasn't happy about being ignored by those in the hero community although he wasn't really sorry about not being allowed into that convention. But here he was again unknown by the community of sidekicks and that really hurt.
Practically stumbling over something left hazardously upon the floor forced him to glance at something more than the ground. Gasping in awe at the sights that he beheld, this was like nothing he'd ever encountered. It was a warehouse in name only resembling nothing of the decrepit old building commonly used by villains in their desire of world conquest.
Against the far wall to his left was a massive stage raised about a meter from the floor. In the very center was a band rocking out; three girls dressed in very slinky body hugging cat costumes. It was a sort of leopard print with dark spots upon a golden backdrop; the belly was white almost translucent readily showing the colour of the skin beneath. Sleeves were long going the length of the arm and stopping at the wrist, their legs on the other hand were unadorned by fabric. How the girls entered into them Ron could not figure for the costume rode high over the hips and tight around the neck. Two pointed ears poked out from their thick hair and sown into the rear was a long speckled tail.
To the right of the stage the long coloured girl her short curled hair barely shifted as she bounded around her little corner of the platform. The large golden tambourine alternated from being thrashed against her open hand to hammer against one shapely naked thigh. Rocking out on the other side was a short hair red head. The locks were lengthier than Mrs. Possible but no where near has long as Kim's although the shade was somewhere in between. In her hands was the lone guitar that she strummed along with well practiced ease. Along the spine of the machination her fingers danced pulling forth a thunder of sound to deafen the audience. In behind was the drummer, her long blonde hair flowing back and forth with every jarring movement of her bobbing head. Deep behind her watery blue eyes showed a vacancy of someone who was not all together there, sort of a low energy bulb when one needs a high energy flood lamp. The trio actions seemed to get wilder and more erotic as the spectators positively reacted to their bounding harmony.
Upon either side was a mountain of speakers blasting out music that wasn't what Ron normally listened to but wasn't bad. Standing in front of where the band blasted was a simple dance floor made up of wooden floor slates that could be picked up at any big box hardware store. The people that moshed upon its surface changed colours depending upon the flashes of the overhead lights that illuminate the inner building. At the far side of the rostrum was a booth for a DJ, at present it lay unused but obviously later between the bands sets someone would utilize the electronics to entertain.
Farther on our intrepid subordinate hero could see the farthest corner decked out with video games flashing their vivid call. In the open space before them were foozle ball tables as well as billiards or was it pool he could never really tell the difference.
A goodly length of the distant wall was taken up with a bar. Behind this length of plastic and steel a never ending supply of bottles of every shape and description, there contents vying the poor boys imagination. At the very end jutting out were two tall brass pole securely fastened to the top of the slab. Two girls presumably hero assistants were joyfully twirling about showing the vast audience all they had. One vixen was a stunning brunette dressed from head to toe in a deep crimson. An odd M shaped piece curved around her face to high above her head then plunged down to her forehead. A tight form hugging body stocking covered her entirely while a tight corset surrounded her waist and breasts. A nice pair of boots rose up to her knees and draped from shoulder to ankle was a sinuous cape that spun and twirled as she rocked her body about the pole.
At the opposite end the other woman had even less attire unless you included the vast green cape that flowed like the night over those lined up at the bar. She wasn't as violent in her actions as her counterpart but she swayed more seductively like a Middle Eastern dancer rocking her hips and belly to the beat. Jet black hair danced about her shoulders and down her back, over her eyes was a light green almost golden pair of goggles. Her uniform, if that's what you could call it was not much more than a bathing costume sprouting a V from between her legs, crossing over each breast and wrapping over the shoulders. Long open ended gloves of green were on her hands and the boots upon her feet were an equally dark shade but the dress was held together by a thin belt crossing about her waist. Like her counterpart at the other end she also wore a cape but of the same green and her gloves. With her completely different approach to dance the dark cloak was in stark contrast to the pale skin and drew the eyes into the very center of her form. Ron was stunned that someone would go out dressed like that and where he could get something similar for Kim.
Farther away were unfolded tables with what looked like a cheep white table clothes waiting for something to be placed upon their surface. The only area left, was set aside with small round tables about a meter in circumference that went chest height, without any stools it meant that people would have to stand around leaning against them chatting amongst themselves. He couldn't see any bathrooms but had to assume that some were present.
What was most amazing was that the place was hopping with people of every shape and size. There had to be several hundred packed loosely into this building and they didn't seem to be all helpers to the superheroes. But being of the male persuasion he did note that the vast majority of the girls present were well above the average on the beauty scale and dressed in slightly more revealing garments with the sexy heals to match the garment.
In his memorized state he failed to watch where his feet were going and inadvertently walked into somebody.
"Hey man, like watch were your goin'" replied the gentleman. The chap in question was very tall and lanky but his true height was obscured by his stooped posture. A shaggy mop of brown hair was even more outrageous than Ron's own mess. Upon his chin was an equally disastrous semicircle of whiskers. A light green shirt hung loosely from his shoulders and a pair of brown corduroy pants drooped from his legs and bunched about his boots. Sitting patiently at his side was a very large brown dog that had the appearance of being many cards short of a full deck. "What's that on your shoulder?" he asked pointing one long bony finger towards Rufus.
"It's a naked mole rat."
The man seemed to judge things for a moment "That's freaky in a cool sort of way." He responded in his high pitched voice.
Rufus raised his eyebrow unsure if that was a put down or a complement as for Ron he beamed. His thought process had gone along a similar line.
"So who's hero do you belong to?" the man asked.
"Kim Possible." Ron responded quickly.
Closing his eyes the man tapped on set of fingers against his forehead trying to think, something he didn't seem really good at.
"She's a hotty read head." The blonde youth stated in a matter of fact tone.
"You sound like your dating her." Came a voice from somewhere on the opposite side of the table.
Ron's chest swelled at the comment "Why yes I am!"
"That's kinda freeky."
"No way she's hot."
"No man I'm thinking that if she's anything like my hero; pretty much insane."
"Well Kim's not insane, a little intense maybe and occasionally high maintenance. But definitely not insane." He nodded through the entire sentence as if he were agreeing with himself.
"Hey…hey guys" the bean pole guy held up his hand open palm as if to try and bring some piece to the discussion. "There's nothing wrong with dating your hero."
"Says the guy who's dating his."
"Is she still a little on the chunky side?" Ron watched as both questions were fired off from different persons wrapped about the table.
"Ya she's a little plump but there's nothing wrong with that." He stated defending his woman. "But things can get a little tense when ones dating his or her hero."
"How can it get tense man?"
"It's more along the lines of." He changed his posture and tone to mimic his girl. "Well jinkies I know how we can solve this mystery. All we need is the proper bait." Entering back into normal mode "It usually gets complicated after that."
All around the table nodded in agreement as they had all been through that predicament.
Except Ron, Kim had never used him as bait, he was just the distraction. That brought about a sizable grin from the lad, then thinking to himself that this place might be fun after all. He was glad that Kim was also having a good time at her little party.