Author's Intro: I've been wanting to do a Kim Possible fic for a long time
now, one where Kim and Shego become friends. This is in large part
because of my "evil twin" dreams. In one of those dreams I
was BOTH Kim Possible AND Shego at the very same time, and fighting
each other. As for how it happens, I suppose that the Borg,
body snatchers,
In addition, I wanted to explore the characters more, and also explore many questions not dealt with in the actual series. For example, where does Drakken get the money for all his lairs and schemes? What was it like to grow up as a mutant, and why do so many turn into villains instead of heroes? And why does Shego display the odd bit of honor (and it's pointed out at times, too, such as in the ep Go Team Go)? What if Global Justice wasn't as benevolent as they claim, who would decide who is the heroes or the villains? And what kind of government agencies fund research on mind control devices like the moodulator, and why should Kim help such agencies (and maybe she shouldn't)? Why do heroic ninjas insist on their privacy? Is it because Global Justice isn't as heroic as they claim to be, or the ninjas aren't as heroic as they claim to be—or both?
Keep in mind that I don't lay all the cards out until near the end, and the bond Kim and Shego formed isn't completely explained until Chapter 9 (and arguably not entirely until the final chapter).
Finally, I was advised to rate this Mature due to realism and philosophy; it gets rather cynical and gritty and would upset many parents and schools that try to insulate their kids from reality and keep them ignorant as a result (in the guise of "educating" them). A couple of people get killed in this, too, and it's on the messy side. Casual descriptions or references to drugs, drinking, and prostitution are also scattered about. However, the Kigo element is more subtextual and suggestive than manifest, so if you're looking for hot kigo sex (or any detailed erotica), don't waste your time. ;-)
Anyway, enjoy.
Shades of Grey
I
Bueno Nacho had its usual Friday crowd.
"Hello, weekend!" shouted Ron, as he poured Diablo sauce on his grande sized tacadiya. Rufus had some nacos of his own. Kim was simply drinking a lemonade.
"Speaking of weekend," said Kim, "do you think you might want to take a break from Hana and we could do something?"
"Hana?" asked Ron, smiling in a teasing way, "you're not jelling again, are you?"
Kim frowned, her eyes narrowed, as she said, "Ron, I don't jell." Relaxing, she continued, "I just thought we could try something else this weekend. You know, things are kinda slow, we're doing the dating thing, things seem quiet on the save the world front…"
Ron became animated as he said, "Wanna see Your Death is Not Enough IV? I heard it got rave reviews."
"Tempting," said Kim, her voice belying the sentiment, "but no. How about Tropical Heat?"
"Ew," said Ron, "chick flick."
"So not," said Kim, "it's supposed to have fighting, suspense, car chases, even some explosions."
"Really?" asked Ron, surprised. "I thought it was just some bodyguard and rich socialite having a vacation in Colombia." He shook his head. "But hey, if you like action, Kim, then Your Death is Not Enough is the flick we should see!"
Kim sighed. "Actually, how about something different. Something we haven't tried before."
"Like what?" asked Ron.
"I don't know…maybe we could go to the beach, or visit that Japanese Garden Society, or….what?" Kim saw that look of inspiration in Ron's eyes, and was torn between curiosity and dread.
"Japanese! That reminded me, Kim! I'm about to rock your reality!" When Kim blinked at him, a look of cautious curiosity on her face, he said, "Karaoke! Tomorrow night is Karaoke night at the Six Degrees!"
Kim stared stunned. Then touching her chin, feeling unsure, she said, "I don't know Ron."
"You said you wanted different. And you rocked with that song at the talent show!"
Kim smiled a little. "Yeah, I did, didn't I."
Ron leaned back with a relaxed smile. Pointing to himself with his thumb, he added casually, "Still lost to me and Rufus, but you deserve your props." As he saw Kim frown, he asked in genuine confusion, "What?"
Then the Kimmunicator went off. Kim reached for it gratefully, and also with some concern. She hadn't had much luck getting in touch with Wade for the last 3 days. "Hey, Wade, what's the sitch?" When Wade's face showed on the screen, she couldn't help but feel relief. "I've been trying to call you for the last few days…"
"I know, Kim," said Wade. "I was sick, but I'm ok now." Kim blinked at how radiant Wade's smile seemed. She couldn't ever remember him looking that happy.
Smiling a little in return, happy that Wade felt so good, she said, "Yeah, your mom said you had a bad cold when I called her yesterday…you know, just to make sure you were ok."
"I'm fine. Now Mom and Dad are the ones out with the flu, or whatever it was I had."
"Sorry to hear that," said Kim, wondering why Wade was so happy then.
"That's not important." Kim blinked at that, but said nothing. She then put it out of her mind when Wade continued, "Drakken's planning to steal the Tomorrow Project from Leap Technologies. Since they've been alerted to Drakken's intention to steal their work, they're beefing up security, but would like you to cover for them this weekend while they get that set up."
"The Tomorrow Project?" asked Kim.
"It's a secret project being developed by Leap Technologies. They're working out the final bugs now. They believe that once it's completed, that cybernetic human enhancement, life extension, and a near end to cancer and disease will be available."
"And Drakken wants this because?"
"Who knows? Maybe he just wants to sell it to someone else. He did lose all his assets and maybe he's taken up corporate espionage as a way to restore his resources. Or maybe there's something in the technology he wants, to turn it to something more nefarious, or just to be able to undo the good that some hope will be brought to humanity by it."
Kim's face hardened into resolve. "Then it looks like Ron and I know what we're doing this weekend."