*Starbrand: Destiny*
*Prologue*
*Chosen One*
The Mountain Forests of Colorado
Walking through the forest, the sounds of birds chirping and animals scurrying about, Ron Stoppable suddenly came to a stop as he inhales the fresh air into his lungs. There was just something about this place, something that managed to calm his spirit. It was amazing, especially if one were to consider what he endured these last five years, both during and after his relationship with Kim Possible and Global Justice.
It seemed, at least at first, that his relationship with Kim would last forever. But as time went on, it soon became clear that the two were drifting apart and their relationship would eventually come to an end. And it did after college, once Kim started working for Global Justice. She tried to convince him to join Global Justice, but he knew in his heart that it wasn't for him. He was only thankful that their relationship ended on even terms, with both Kim and himself keeping their close bond of friendship.
A part of him wished that he could have continued his amorous relationship with Kim, for there was still a part of him that would always love her. And he would be lying if he didn't admit that his heart ached when their relationship came to an end. But it was for the best of both individuals. And while their relationship may have come to an end, their close bond of friendship remained strong. And as long as they still had that bond, that close connection, that's all that mattered to him.
They still talked from time to time, when she wasn't working on missions for Global Justice. They even got together for sessions at Bueno Nacho in order to discuss what has been going on in their lives. And just like their bond of friendship, their close relationship with their families was still going strong. The Tweebs, Jim and Tim, were still going to college; Ron's little adoptive sister, Hana Stoppable, was soon going to be seven years old and was still just as adorable as ever, who was now being watched over by Rufus, whom Ron left at home; Anne and James Possible were still in their individual professions, much like Ron's parents; and Joss Possible, Kim's cousin, would be graduating from high school soon and still harbors a massive crush for him.
Despite being twenty-three years old, there is little that has changed in regards to Ron Stoppable's appearance and personality. He was taller, easily over six-feet tall, and more muscle-toned than he was when he graduated from Middleton High School. But that was all. He still had the same messy blond hair and gentle chocolate-brown eyes that he still possessed all of his life. And his clothing, while adding a little more diversity to his selection, was still very similar to what he always wore. He still liked his over-sized red shirt and baggy khaki pants, but currently he chose to wear a pair of black jeans and an azure t-shirt which was concealed by his leather jacket.
Even after overcoming everything that's been thrown in his path, Ron would still seek peace here in this beautiful landscape where he could clear his mind. He would often meditate deeply to himself, going through his mind to discover and further contemplate his choices. He went to college and finished his courses, ended his relationship with Kim and remained a bachelor, continued on with his life while keeping in contact with his friends and family, and yet he still didn't know what course he should take in his life.
He thought of dating again, but he wasn't sure as to whom to pursue. I mean, it wasn't as if there aren't women who didn't find him attractive. In fact, there's quite a few who would like to become intimate with him. Tara, Monique, Jessica, Hope and a few others were very interested in the fact that Ron Stoppable was now considered available. He was even certain, but it might have just been his imagination, that the young GJ agent Kate Rollins and a few of her fellow female agents were checking him out.
It wasn't that he didn't find any of them attractive, not in the very least. It's just that he wasn't certain if he was ready to pursue an intimate relationship with anyone. He was uncertain of his future, indecisive of which path he should take in his life. However, fate has a tendency to call upon those when they least expect it... even at a moment that is not of their choosing. Unknown to Ron Stoppable, this would be that day. A day that would change his life... forever.
"Ah, well, I guess this place is as good as any to meditate.", Ron muttered to himself, his normal charismatic smile gracing his features.
Seating himself on the soft grass laden ground, Ron crossed his legs and proceeded to take a few deep breaths before beginning his meditation. Closing his eyes, feeling his senses becoming attuned with his surroundings, Ron Stoppable began to meditate. He sat there in silence for a few minutes, moving not the slightest muscle as his mind begins to transcend in contemplation. Unfortunately for Ron, his meditation session would soon come to an abrupt end.
"Whoa!", Ron exclaimed as his eyes snapped open only for him to shield them from a blinding explosion of light.
Shielding his eyes with his right forearm, Ron Stoppable glares at the heavens that were, much like everything else on the planet, washed over and consumed by the brilliant, white, glowing energies. If he only knew how extraordinary, how virtually non-existent this event is. For this universal event, known only by a handful of beings in the galaxy, was the White Event.
Then, all of sudden...
SHRAAAAAAKOOOOOOOOOOM!
There is no pain from Ron Stoppable, but that doesn't stop him from screaming as the massive bolt of energy smashes down earthward, enveloping his form completely. This entire experience was unlike anything he's ever felt, the vast cosmic energies coursing through his entire body, mind and soul. It seemed to go on for an eternity. And then... it stopped.
The blinding flash of light, along with the vast energies, disappeared in an instant. In its wake, it left a forest landscape devastated and Ron Stoppable falling down to his hands and knees. His breathing was labored, sweat forming on his forehead, his clothing and leather jacket torn and shredded, his eyes slowly examining the surroundings. Slowly he rises to his feet, pushing himself up with his hands. It is then that he noticed something, a pulsating glow.
"W-What happened? What is this?", Ron whispers, staring down at the fiery, glowing star emblem in the palm of his right hand.
It was on this day that he has been chosen to wield unimaginable power. It was his destiny to wield this power, to use it to defend his world and the galaxy it resides within. If only then could he have guessed what he had now become.
The Avatar of the Universe.
The Starbrand.
Go City
Deluxe Hotel Suite
With a startled gasp Shego bolted up from her bed, her emerald eyes scanning the darkened room. There was nobody there, except herself, yet she could swear that she felt the presence of another. Then she remembered the dream, the one that she had so many times before in the past. Then her mind began to recall the person in her dreams, the one person who intrigued her curiosity and gained her interest, in more ways than one, ever since she first encountered him nearly a decade ago... Ron Stoppable.
She couldn't understand why she continued having these dreams, nor could she figure out why they were always about him. And the strangest thing was that the dreams ended the same, but each time they occurred they were more intense than the last. A white flash covering the entire world, Ron standing in a forest looking to the heavens above, and then the energy bolt that smashes down to where he stood, consuming his entire form in energies before an explosion erupts, destroying the surrounding forest and leaving the land devastated for miles. But the dream did not end there, for amongst the destruction she could see Ron down on his knees, staring at a glowing energy symbol that had somehow became etched into the fleshy palm of his hand.
Then there was a flash of energy, a release of brilliant blinding power, and then she would... awaken. But this time was different. She could sense that something, whatever it was, transpired and that meant something actually happened to Ron Stoppable. Ever since first encountering him and Possible over seven years ago, Shego had been secretly watching over him, acting as an unlikely guardian angel in order to closely observe him.
Despite her early reluctance to spy/watch over him, it didn't take long for Shego to discover that there was a lot to like about Ron Stoppable, traits that even she admired. He was an honest, loyal, courageous, funny, loveable human being. Not to mention the fact that he was attractive, even she had to admit that he was cute. She only wished she had someone like him in her life, whether it was her past or present. She would never admit it, but a part of her was quite fond of the blond-haired boy and even desired him.
But that wasn't why she continued watching over him, or at least not at first. She was solely focused on the dreams that continued to plague her mind. What did the dreams mean? What did any of it mean? And more importantly, why was she having them and why did they all involve Ron Stoppable? She was determined, more than ever, to get answers to these questions. And that meant only one thing.
"I have to find him!", Shego declares to herself, throwing the covers off of her body before rising out of the bed.
She rushes over to her closet, opening the door and retrieving her traditional green and black jumpsuit. She removes her sweatpants and tank-top t-shirt, tossing them aside to leave her standing in nothing but a pair of black boy shorts and an equally black bra before she dresses herself in the suit of her profession. She briefly looked at her own reflection, a smirk forming on Shego's lovely face as she looked over herself, taking in every detail of her strong, lithe physique.
She may not work for her former annoying employer Dr. Drakken anymore, nor has she been after that whole Lorwardian assault on Earth, but she still did plenty of mercenary work. The pay was great, making it worth more than the effort that the challenge would have presented her. Basically, she would steal a few items or complete a mission, violently bust some skulls, steal or destroy something to finish the mission, get a large deposit in her Swiss bank account, and come back to whatever place she desired to relax. It kept Shego physically fit and ready, a sort of preparation for this very event that was destined to take place.
"Ready or not, here I come, Stoppable.", Shego said, grabbing her duffel bag and making her way out of the room as she slammed the door behind her shut.
Global Justice HQ
Communications/Control Room
When the White Event consumed the planet in its blinding flash of cosmic light and energy it did not go unnoticed, least of all by the leader of Global Justice, Dr. Director. She was more than aware of what transpired, her one eye glancing at the agents who were hard at work within the confines of the room within the base. She marched over to the panel, her attention focused on the gigantic screen for a moment then to the agent seated at the said panel.
The agent, Kate Rollins, was an attractive young woman in her mid-twenties with long, golden brown hair and violet-hued eyes. Dressed in usual GJ attire, she was one of the newer agents in the organization. However, she soon proved to be a very talented agent, advancing up the proverbial ladder of Global Justice's hierarchy within just a few months. Besides her driven determination, Kate was actually very friendly and got along with most agents... with the exception of Will Du, but then again nobody really got along well with him.
"Ms. Director, we've detected a massive energy spike within a forested area of Colorado.", Kate Rollins informed, locking eyes with the older woman as she continued typing on the panel's keyboard.
"Give me some details, Agent Rollins.", Dr. Director said in reply.
"On it, Ms. Director. The event took place several minutes ago. The white flash of light covered every corner of the planet, but only at this one location did we register the release of incredibly powerful energy. Judging from the information, the blast destroyed at least three square miles of forest. We should be thankful that it was isolated from a populated civilian locale.", Kate informs, stating all the main information to the leader of Global Justice.
"Can you give us a visual?", Dr. Director inquires.
"Yes, ma'am. No problem at all.", Kate answered, activating one of the GJ satellites orbiting in Earth's atmosphere.
An image of Earth appeared on the gigantic screen, followed by various graphs and information. The satellite then zoomed down in closer to the impact site until it was about a thousand feet, a silence falling over all of the individuals in the room. On the screen, for all to see, was the image of a star-like symbol that stretched the entire radius of the blast that caused so much destruction to the otherwise untouched forest. It was like an immense scar was carved in the rocky soil of the planet itself.
"That's not normal.", Kate whispered to herself, her eyes locked on the screen.
"What in the world?", Dr. Director muttered, narrowing her eye at the image on the screen.
"Ms. Director, it appears to be some kind of star insignia.", Will Du stated the obvious, much to the chagrin of the GJ leader.
"I can see that, Agent Du. But what does it mean? That's what I want to know!", Dr. Director groaned in annoyance, briefly pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Ms. Director, we're picking up a life sign in the middle of the impact site.", Kate informed, glancing up at Betty.
"What?! Give us a closer look! Now!", Dr. Director exclaimed, her order brooking no argument from anyone.
"Yes, ma'am!", Kate quickly responds, resuming to focus the satellite to zoom in and locate the being who stood amongst the destruction.
Zooming in closer to the impact zone, the satellite image reveals the form of Ron Stoppable staring down at the palm of his right hand that's marked with the star symbol which continued to pulsate with energy. It was a shocking sight to behold, one that none of the agents could have predicted. Dr. Director seemed to keep her expression indifferent, but inside her mind was a completely different story. She knew that Ron wasn't a bad person, not at all, for he was one of the most noble and straight-forward individuals she's ever met. And it was that reason that made what she had to do next all the more painful and difficult, not only for herself, but for those agents who knew and befriended Ron Stoppable.
"Ronald Stoppable.", Dr. Director said with a sigh, watching on as the blond-haired young man on the screen began to move away from the sight.
"Ms. Director, should we contact Agent Possible?", Will Du inquired.
Dr. Director did not answer him, lowering her head as she decided to contemplate the issue further within her conflicted mind. However, in the end, she came to only one conclusion. Ron Stoppable survived a blast that destroyed several square miles of mountain forest virtually unscathed, and was branded with a bizarre, glowing, star-shaped marking in the palm of his hand. Judging from the information on the screen, the level of power that his body contained was off the scales, beyond anything they've ever encountered before. Ron Stoppable is now an Omega-level being. A threat to the entire planet.
"No, she'll know soon enough. I'm just thankful that Ms. Possible is out on a mission. If she were present, I'd imagine she would make the execution of our next procedure even more difficult than it already will be.", Dr. Director finally answered, her tone filled with a deep remorse.
"What do you mean, Ms. Director? What are we going to do?", Kate asks, concern evident in her voice and facial features.
"We're going to bring Ronald Stoppable to the base and contain him. It's our only option. And, unfortunately, we don't have any other choice. As of right now, Ron Stoppable is registered as the greatest threat to the world.", Dr. Director stated, announcing it loud enough for all the agents to hear.
London, England
Remsen Manor
The mansion was seemingly vacant, the maids and servants all gone to their respective homes for the night. Yet, seated within one of the rooms, silently meditating, was a beautiful raven-haired woman. A black one-piece suit, partially hidden by a hooded cloak, covered her curved feminine body with the exception of her sleeveless arms. On the attire, a large white crescent moon adorned the material on her chest, right between her bosoms. On her hands she wore long black gloves that proceed to cover the length of her arms, stopping before they connect to the sockets of the shoulders.
She did not make a sound, nor did she move, her legs crossed as she remained seated on the floor. Her mind was solely focused on meditating, delving deep into her thoughts and the thoughts of those with whom she could contact with her telepathy. Then, suddenly, her eyes snap open, an azure-blue glow lighting up her lovely arctic-blue irises. It is at the same time that a single glowing, azure-white crescent moon appears on her forehead, soon followed by a similar singular crescent moon appearing each side of her cheeks. A smile crept up on her lovely face, a smile of hope and acknowledgement of the fantastic event that's taken place.
Her name is Elizabeth Kelda Remsen.
Nightmask.
"It has finally happened. The Universe has chosen its protector. The Starbrand has come at last.", Elizabeth whispered, looking out the window to focus on the star-lit heavens.
She was chosen by the Universe itself to become a Nightmask, another guardian whose destiny was to aid the chosen human being who would become the Starbrand. And now, after all these years of waiting, she would be finally given the chance of protecting this world, this galaxy from threats too great for humanity to handle. It was only a matter of time until their paths would cross... and she knew it would be soon.
Planet Lorwardia
Domain of the Lorwardians
Throne Room of Lord Zarog, King of the Lorwardians
Seated in his massive throne, awaiting the arrival of his Royal Adviser, Lord Zarog tightly clutched the skull of a great beast he killed in a hunt last month with his left hand. Unleashing a savage roar of impatience, the alien warlord crushes the skull and tosses its remains aside before slamming his fist down on the arm of the throne. He rests back against his throne, a menacing snarl escaping his throat.
He was massive, even by Lorwardian standards, towering over nine-feet, six-inches in total height. Much like most of his race, his physique was made up of solid muscle that was adorned by crimson tattoos and scars from past battles waged long ago. There was no hair atop the green flesh of his bald head, instead large red tattoos marked the temples.
His eyes glowed an eerie fiery yellow, their appearance almost demonic in nature, their glare cold and filled with a dreadful malice. Dark armor adorned his shoulders and forearms, making his appearance all the more menacing and intimidating to any who would look upon him. However, unlike most Lorwardian males, his only facial hair was that of a thin goatee strip in the center of his chin.
Once he had a wife and a son, but now he was alone. No wife and no heir to his throne. His beloved wife, his faithful Queen, was killed when the barbarian rebels who attempted to dethrone him planted an explosive device to one of their ships. The result left a King to mourn for the loss of his Queen. And his son, mighty Warhawk, traveled to the planet called Earth. It was here on this planet, alongside his chosen mate Warmonga, that they met their demise at the hands of human warriors.
Consumed with rage and sorrow from both losses, Lord Zarog vowed that he would one day seek vengeance against the planet and those who murdered his son. But he knew that it was not the time to attack Earth. He would wait until the time was perfect, when his deadly armada would be at their most formidable and their attack would be most unexpected. That time has finally come.
"It has occurred, my Lord. Just as our wisest have foretold, the white glow that shadows the entire planet known as Earth has occurred.", The Royal Adviser spoke, returning from the temple of the High Priests, bowing down to the mighty King of the alien race.
"Good. I have waited far too long for this day. We will conquer that wretched planet and enslave its people. But first, there is another matter that needs to be dealt with. I want those responsible for killing my son to be dealt with! I want their skins and their skulls as trophies!", Lord Zarog roared, smashing his fists down on the arm rests again.
"As you decree, my Lord, so shall it be. I will send out six of your most formidable warriors to exterminate the creatures who killed the prince and his mate.", The Royal Adviser obliged in full agreement, daring not to challenge the decree of the King.
"Excellent.", Lord Zarog hissed, a sinister smile gracing his scarred visage.
Author's Notes
All the pieces are set in place.
If you've read either Warren Ellis' NewUniversal, Jim Shooter's original Star Brand, or Jonathan Hickman's current Avengers series then you should be familiar with the characters that'll be introduced in this epic fusion story. If not, I'll be happy to fill in the void with bits of information. Now most of you are probably wondering... what is the Starbrand and its purpose?
The Starbrand is a universal defense mechanism that usually transpires after a White Event. When an individual is chosen by the Universe itself as the Starbrand, the wielder is granted infinite, possibly nigh-omnipotent power that is only limited by the wielder's imagination. Nothing is out of the realm of possibility for a wielder of the Starbrand, their powers/abilities infinite as they are diverse. This is one of elements, as well as the great responsibility and control of such power, that will be explored in this tale.
If you want an example of how powerful a person is when possessing the Starbrand, here is one that'll blow your minds. Ask yourselves this: How many beings can take an all-out attack from The Hulk, Thor and Hyperion (each hero a planet-buster in their own right) all at once and remain unscathed afterwards? Yeah, that's a very short list.
And, yes, this will be a RonGo (Shego & Ron) story that takes place after Season 4 and the episode 'Graduation'. With that said, I believe that there should be a lot more RonGo stories. I'm a KiGo and RonGo fan (There's few people that I see as worthy of being in a relationship with Shego. In fact, I just stated the only male character from the series who could or should be with her.) myself. So... if you're a writer and want to do a story of this pairing, I say go for it!
Oh, and please leave a review.
My ultimate goal is to create a story that'll get over 200 reviews.
And be sure to check out and review my other works of fiction!
Thanks! :)
