Legality: Kim possible and all characters associated with it are the Copyrighted property of the Disney Corporation and the creation of Bob Schooley and Mark Mckorkle. Any characters of Disney's Kim Possible are used without their permission but for non-profit purposes.
Introduction: Welcome to my first original fanfiction story. This will be a story of life, death, greed, pain, vengeance, arrogance, and love. It is Kim Possible, but a Kim that has suffered some of life's greatest pains and emerged a slightly grittier and grown up woman. I invite you to join me on this adventure with her to solve a terrible crime and heal more than one broken heart.
Background: This story takes place after season four of the Kim Possible television series. It begins a little over six years after graduation but some of the flashback scenes will take place just after Kim's high school graduation.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"One of the many lessons one learns in prison is, that things are what they are and will be what they will be." (Oscar Wilde)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It was 5:30 A.M. and the guard was walking down the cell block banging her nightstick against the bars as she walked.
"Clank…clank…clank…clank…Wake up ladies! Rise and shine! Another beautiful day in prison while serving your time and paying back society for the errors of your wasted lives". The guard finally stopped next to the last cell on the block.
Penal officer Claire Boswell had been a correctional guard for twenty five years and had experienced everything that prison life could offer. She had been stabbed, robbed, clubbed, shanked, spit upon, and generally abused in ways most people have never dreamed. She had been caught in riots, escapes, and even held hostage once but had always come out in one piece. In short she had been convinced that she had both seen and lived through it all. That was until she came.
One woman, little more than a girl, had come into her prison and changed everything. Claire had thought she was little more than a broken teenager that had little hope of surviving the system. That little girl had sent three of the strongest bull dykes in the prison to the infirmary, in pieces, on the first day. The prison at first isolated her for her own, and everyone else's, protection but of course she eventually got out. When she got out, that girl went to work with a passion Claire had never before seen in an inmate.
Claire had watched as the girl worked to help all the other inmates around her regardless of their crimes or hang-ups. She built a quick following of loyal sycophants and then she really went to work. She took on any of the corrupt guards, the drug gangs, the rapists, the control freaks, and finally set herself up as the defacto overlord of all inside prison activity. She never stopped all the violence or the prisoners from getting their contraband but she cleaned it up and got rid of the harmful narcotics, weapons, and the sex trade. No one could turn this place in to the Garden of Eden but Claire had to admit things were much better than before. She was going to be sorry to see her go.
"Up and at 'em Possible! I hear this is your lucky day".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
'Thanks Claire', thought Kim Possible as she lay in her cell's bunk staring at the ceiling. Claire was one of the good ones. A prison guard who did her job well and didn't do it at the expense of someone else. Kim had learned early on about Claire and several others and had strived to work with them to make this place better. Well if not better than at least livable.
Had it really been six years? Six long years she had been in this place. How time flies when you're having fun.
Six years didn't seem that long when she had been offered the plea deal but it quickly had turned into an eternity. Second degree manslaughter instead of second degree murder offered by the District Attorney. It had seemed so simple and so justified at the time but now she wasn't so sure. What was it Ron had said to her?
(Six years ago – first day of jail)
'KP they got nothing on you!' shouted Ron into the phone at the prison visiting booth.
'Ron they have me on film shoving the man who killed my father off the roof of the Space Center', replied Kim for the third time into the phone.
'Yeah…but you have saved the world numerous times that has to count for something'.
'It does. That's why they have offered me the plea bargain down to manslaughter'.
'That's no deal. Take this case to trial Kim! There is no jury in the world that would convict you. That's why they're offering you the plea deal'.
'Ron I'm guilty'.
'Wrong KP! There is no way the Kim I know would do such a thing'.
'Yes I could', Kim stared daggers through the glass and into Ron's heart. 'I had just seen that bastard murder my dad. Yes… I… could', she enunciated the last three words with more anger than Ron had ever seen from Kim before.
'Kim even if you did those things there were extenuating circumstances. Please take this to trial we can win this'.
'No Ron. I won't put my family through this anymore. A trial could take months if not years and I won't win. I've heard how the press vans, the paparazzi, and every goon with a camera are stalking them day and night. It will destroy any chance my mother or brothers have of a normal life. I can't do that to them'.
'But KP…'
"Ron I want you to promise to do something for me', Kim tried not to cry but she couldn't help herself. Ron was her best friend, her boyfriend, her companion since preK. He deserved so much better than this.
'Anything KP', Kim could see the complete honesty in his face. It was the part she loved best about him.
'Do you promise?' she insisted.
'Abso-freaking-lutely'.
'I want you to have a chance for a normal life. I want you to leave me and never come back'.
'What…No! KP no matter what happens I can wait. We can handle this'.
'Goodbye Ron', Kim hung up the phone and stood up to leave. She could hear Ron yelling for her through the glass but she never looked back. She knew it was a cowardly thing for her to do but if she saw his face she wouldn't have been able to leave. Kim had cried for days after sending Ron away but she knew that was the best thing she could do for him.
"I'm so sorry Ron", whispered Kim into the shadowy light of her cell as she rolled out of her bunk. She stretched her arms toward the ceiling and popped her neck and her back. Ron kept his promise just as she asked and had never returned to see her in prison. She had received no correspondence from him in the six long years and she just hoped that somewhere out there he had found some way to forgive her.
In fact other than her immediate family, and some nosy reporters, only the head of Global Justice, Doctor Betty Director had come to see her. No that wasn't true; there had been one other person that had come to see her. But she had only come that one time long ago.
(Six years ago - first day of prison)
'Damnit princess you have got to snap out of this and get your head out of your ass!' screamed Shego as she sat across the table from Kim in the prison visitor room.
'What do you want me to do Shego? Break out of prison? Live on the run like you? Turn my back on everything I have ever stood for?' sneered Kim in righteous mockery of the green skinned woman sitting across from her.
'This isn't about some kind of foolish heroic ideal. It's about justice for your father and for Drew'.
'It's about revenge'.
'Call it what you want. Your dad and Drew were killed hundreds of miles apart, at almost the exact same time, and as they were working together on almost the exact same thing. That is a little too coincidental for my taste'.
'So?'
'So! Let me get you out of here. I could use your help in finding out who was really responsible for all of this'.
'Haven't you been watching the news Shego? I took care of my part. I killed the man who murdered my father'.
'Good for you princess. I would have done the exact same thing'.
'I'm not you!' said Kim as she slammed her fists on the table.
'Mores the pity. Even with the Lorwardian Pardon clearing my criminal record there are some places I can't go and things I can't do, so I could really use your help'.
'Oh, the great Shego admits there is something she can't do. I guess hell really must have frozen over'.
'Damnit Possible this isn't about you and me anymore. This mess is bigger than that and you need to take some grown up responsibility and help me solve this'.
'I am taking my grown up responsibilities seriously by admitting my guilt and serving my sentence. Something you never did'.
Both women stared angrily at each other across the table. Shego's fists kept flexing in and out as she tried to control her rising anger. Coming here was a big mistake. Shego stood up from the table and turned to leave.
'I'm sorry. I want to help but I…just can't do what you want', stated Kim as she stared at her hands as tears rolled down her face.
'There will come a time Princess when you are languishing in this hell-hole that you will wish you had been willing to listen to me'. Shego motioned for the guard to open the door so she could leave.
'I've always obeyed the law Shego. How can I change that now?'
'I thought you were Kim Possible, the girl who could do anything. I guess I was wrong'.
Kim left her cell and followed the other inmates toward the cafeteria where she knew what passed for today's breakfast would be served. She couldn't help but contemplate on what Shego had said to her.
Maybe she should have listened to Shego all those years ago? But no, that would have made her a fugitive for life and that just wasn't her style. She had paid the required debt to society and now she was ready to move forward on her own terms. That was why she had never taken any form of early parole. She didn't want to get out of prison and be beholden to anyone, not the police or any parole officer.
No, Kim wanted to be out on her own and that was why today was going to be a good day. A good day? How long had it been since she had experienced one of those? None in recent memory, at least none since that day. Now that she had thought of it, she began to remember that terrible day and no matter how hard she tried not to, the memories always found a way back to her.
That awful-awful day when the whole world changed.
(Six years ago – The beginning of the awful-awful day)
'Yes KP we are free from high school and our future lies before us and it is bright', said Ron as he waved his arms in a panoramic motion before himself as they entered the Middleton Space & Science Center.
'Yeah freedom!' agreed Rufus as he poked his head out of Ron's pants pocket.
'Exaggerate much Ron.We're only here to see my dad's work on his nanotech control probes for the deep space rocket control program', said Kim as she took her boyfriend's arm and steered him further into the facility.
'Nano…what?' mumbled Ron in confusion.
'Tiny robots used to manipulate and control complex computer and operational systems'.
'Oh yeah, that what. But why are we here to see them?'
'I'm writing a paper on them for admission applications into some of the most exclusive colleges in the world'.
'These wouldn't happen to be colleges very far away and I don't have to write a paper do I?'
'Maybe and no. Don't worry you're coming with me wherever I go', Kim tightened her grip on his arm and leaned in to kiss his cheek.
'Sweet'.
'Boo-yah!' agreed Rufus.
After passing through various security checkpoints Kim and Ron finally reached her dad's, Dr. James Timothy Possible, labs. The nanotechnology breakthrough was the culmination of the Hephaestus Project and signified a major achievement for the advancement and control of Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer system.
'Dr. Porter, Professor Ramesh how nice to see you both', said Kim as they entered the research area.
Dr. Vivian Frances Porter was a brilliant, and supermodel level beautiful, robotic scientist that worked with Kim's father and was a key contributor to the nanotech research. Professor Ramesh, an old college friend of her father, was an astrophysicist who was assisting with the development of the project's space application systems.
'Good to see you Kim and your friend…" Vivian seemed lost on remembering who Ron was.
'This is my boyfriend Ron", said Kim as she hugged Ron and pushed him towards Vivian.
'Please to meet you Doctor', Ron extended his hand.
'You too', Vivian winked and smiled that killer super-model smile she had.
'Quite the conquest Mr. Stoppable in winning the young Miss Possible's heart", said Professor Ramesh as he put an elbow into Ron's side.
'Oh no sir, it wasn't all that…' Kim quickly glared at Ron, 'and I am so lucky to have her…did I mention how lucky I am'.
'Is everything all right Dr. Porter?' A tall, well built, and clean shaven bald man had moved up behind Vivian and seemed to coldly assess everyone with his eyes.
'Yes we're fine Oliver. Kim you do remember my friend Oliver?' Vivian stepped back and wrapped an arm around Oliver's broad shoulders.
'Yes I do. How are you doing Oliver? How are your studies coming along?'
'My physical condition is unchanging Miss Possible and my study of the human condition and this world continues'.
'Yes his neural net and operating system has increased three orders of magnitude in size and speed since he started his studies', said Vivian with extreme pride.
'Four orders of magnitude', corrected Oliver.
'Well you kids better get along I know your father is expecting you Miss Possible', said Ramesh.
'We will. Nice meeting both of you again', said Kim as she led Ron away.
'Who was that last guy? He was kind of cold'.
'Oliver is not just any guy Ron. He is a fully functional Artificially Intelligent learning robotic organism'.
'Oh well I guess it's all right then'.
They entered Dr. James Possible's lab and found him in deep discussion with two other scientists, a tall beautiful brunette Native American woman and an equally tall, and handsome, blonde European man. When her father spotted her and Ron, he excused himself and came over with his arms spread wide.
'Hey there is my Kimmie-cub', he embraced Kim with her hugging him back with enthusiasm only a beloved daughter could muster.
'How are you Ronald? Been keeping my Kimmie happy have you?' Dr. Possible extended his hand towards Ronald but leaned over towards him with a critical eye.
'You know it Dr. P. I don't want to see the inside of a black hole', said Ron nervously as he shook the offered hand.
'Words I like to hear', said Dr. Possible as he relaxed his eye and gave a playful wink.
'So daddy tell me about your project. What makes it special?'
'Excellent question Kim and why don't I just show you. First of all, let me introduce you both to my new assistants on this project. This is Dr. Beverly Kachina a skilled cyberneticist from the California Institute of Technology'.
'Pleased to meet you Miss Possible and Mr. Stoppable", said the tall brunette with so much sweetness that it seemed artificial.
Kim could have sworn that Ms. Kachina was smiling at her as if they had met before. She was certain that she hadn't met the woman before and something about her just rubbed Kim the wrong way.
'This is Dr. Allister Fraser a brilliant roboticist from the European Space Agency'.
'Charmed to meet you at last my pretty lassie', said Allister in an obvious Scottish accent.
Kim blushed and she could see Ron looking upset at the man's overtly forward greeting of Kim. Not to mention the fact that he had seemed to completely ignore Ron.
'Now lay off the charm Allister. Miss Possible didn't come here to be another of your conquests', teased Beverly.
'Indeed', said James as he physically pushed Allister away from his daughter. 'She is here to see a successful test of our nanotech control system'.
'Then let's give her what she wants', said Beverly.
Kim stared into her tray and slowly pushed her scrambled eggs back and forth. The mess hall was crammed full of other prison inmates but no one sat next to or talked to her. It was an unwritten rule not to bother someone on their last day inside unless they first came to you.
'I'm not going to miss the food', thought Kim. I can't believe I lived on this stuff for six years. I don't care what it might do to my waistline, I'm stuffing myself on some descent food when I get out of here. The food in this place seems to tear you apart far more than keep you together.
Tearing someone apart? Why did she have to use that analogy? Maybe because she couldn't get that terrible image out of her head.
(Six years ago – her father's lab – That awful-awful day)
The nanobots were stored in a large metallic pool like structure within her father's lab. She and Ron stood off to the side behind a large transparent screen while her father and his assistants manipulate the electromagnetic fields that controlled and contained the nanobots. The tiny robots were carefully maintained in controlled conditions because if not, they could theoretically invade any electronic system or if released in sufficient quantity physically take apart any object they encounter. They could literally disintegrate something down to almost the molecular level.
Above them Dr. Porter and Professor Ramesh monitored the test from the operations control room. Her dad, Dr. Kachina, and Dr. Fraser carefully released and contained a tiny portion of the large pool into a container, made of electromagnetic fields, the size of a soda can. They moved this container to a small transparent case which contained multiple operating computers. Once inside the container they released the field and the nanobots were programmed to invade the computers. The tiny machines invaded the hardware and began rewriting the software of all the computers. Kim was impressed and a little frightened at the ramifications of what the nanobots represented.
Then she saw red lights begin to flash from the control room. Kim looked up and saw Dr. Porter and the Professor arguing about something and she could have sworn that Ramesh looked frightened.
Then the control panel, which Dr. Kachina was working at began to spark and then burst into flames. Kim watched as her father pulled her to safety as more and more of the instruments around them began to malfunction. Many just shut down while others seemed to overload with many catching fire. The lights began to flash on and off intermittently and smoke began to fill the lab.
'KP we have to get out of her', yelled Ron over the sound of the continually erupting machinery.
'Go help those in the control room. I have to help my dad', said Kim as Ron ran off towards the control room.
The bad lighting and smoke hampered her progress as she crossed the room. She lost track of her father or anyone else but she pressed on, she had to get to him. Using years of cheerleader training and mission work she leapt and danced over sparking screens and burning cables. Finally she saw her father standing next to the nanobot pool manipulating an apparently still functioning computer terminal. He was still a dozen feet from her but he was unhurt and alive and her heart almost burst with relief and happiness.
'Dad we have to get out of here!'
'Just a second Kimmie-cub. If I don't shut these things off their accidental release could cause an environmental disaster'.
It was then that Dr. Fraser came out of the smoke behind her dad. Kim at first was overjoyed to see him alive but that joy soon turned to despair. He held what appeared to be a long medical scalpel in his raised right hand.
'Daddy!' she screamed and watched as James looked up at her as Dr. Fraser drove the knife into his back. Time itself seemed to slow to a minute crawl as Kim watched her father stiffen in shock and pain, then fall forward into the nanobot pool. She watched in abject horror as her father was completely torn apart by the multitudes of tiny robots. In a matter of seconds nothing remained. Not even the smallest part of her father was left to mourn.
'No, no, no, nooooooo!' screams ripped from Kim's throat until her voice cracked from the pain. Movement off to the side caught her attention as Dr. Fraser turned and fled into the smoke. A fleeting glance at his face showed her the hint of a smile and a malevolent glee in his eyes.
Rage powerful and all-consuming burst forth from Kim as she struggled to cross the room and pursue him. A race ensued where she would catch fleeting glimpses of him as he fled through rooms, hallways, and upstairs. Fire quickly spread through the building as alarms, water, and gas fire suppression systems began to activate. The chase finally led to the roof where billowing clouds of smoke stung her eyes and scorched her lungs.
Kim ran into the darkness of the roof where flames leapt into the sky and smoke obscured everything. She heard sirens and the yelling and screaming of people on the ground outside the building. Her eyes were burning and she was almost blind but her fury would not rest. She would find this bastard and she would make him pay!
Almost blind with pain and grief she collided with someone. The crash was immediate and painful but Kim felt that the person she collided with was surprisingly soft and pliable. The impact knocked her down but she struggled to her feet and surged forward. Quickly she emerged from the smoke and found herself leaning over the side of the building.
Kim stared in horror at the scene several floors below. Dr. Fraser lay sprawled on the ground, his neck bent at a horrible angle and blood beginning to pool under his body.
'She did it. I saw her push him off the roof', yelled a woman who stood on the ground not far from the body.
Kim looked over and found herself staring into the eyes of over a dozen people including a television camera crew. She watched as a female reporter smoothed out her hair and turned to the waiting camera.
'Now in an exclusive breaking story. Kim Possible the teen hero has apparently taken her form of vigilante justice to the extreme and pushed someone off of a burning building, to their death'.
"Vigilante justice my ass", thought Kim. She angrily pushed her tray of food away uneaten.
I spend years saving the world and not harming anyone and then I take out the one dude who killed my father and suddenly I'm a member of the Manson family. Well if the world thought I was a bad girl back then just wait until they get a taste of me now.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Doctor Betty Director as head of GJ had a very busy schedule. However, she had cleared her calendar for this day a long time ago. She sat in a very old and uncomfortable chair sipping from a glass of lukewarm coffee as she waited in a freezing prison waiting room.
The only other occupant of that room paced back and forth like a caged Lioness. Dr. Anne Possible was quite the different woman than Betty remembered from six years ago. The former brain surgeon was now a practicing pediatrician in some small rinky-dink town. Where before she had been a vibrant red head she now sported long dark chocolate colored hair. Betty always remembered Anne being a smiling happy woman but now she seemed sullen and withdrawn.
Betty remembered how the press had pursued Anne and her family in the wake of Kim's incarceration. The tabloids had run for months with the story until the public lost interest and moved on to the next big thing. The Possible family, what was left of it, had left Middleton and disappeared into obscurity.
"Why don't you sit down Anne? Pacing won't make them process Kim any quicker".
"Thank you Director. I'll take that under advisement". Strike one, Betty decided to change tactics.
"Why are you here alone? Why didn't Kim's brothers come along?"
"They are away at college right now".
"So how is your practice coming?"
"Fine. I know you want to pass the time Director but it's a little late to start caring for me and my family". Strike two, time to up her game a little.
"I've always tried to do what's best for your family".
"I see. Then why has my daughter languished in prison for these past six years?"
"I counseled Kim against taking the plea deal. I thought she stood a good chance at trial".
"Things would have been ten times worse for us. They would have called it the trial of the century and dragged Kim through that for years". Anne stopped pacing and finally turned to directly confront Betty.
"Probably. Kim was eighteen, technically an adult, so I couldn't stop her from accepting the plea. I threw all the weight of GJ behind her hoping to get a reduced sentence but the system was wanting to make an example of people taking justice into their own hands".
"So in other words your help accomplished nothing". Strike three, oh well she at least stepped up to the plate.
"I'm sorry Anne".
"Keep your sorry. I just want my daughter back".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kim walked through the main exercise area surrounded by guards. A makeshift alley way made of inmates was waiting for her. Kim stopped to shake hands, hug, and say goodbye to many of the inmates who lined up to see her off. Many were overjoyed for her and cheered while others cried but all appeared genuinely happy for Kim finally getting out.
Finally she got to the last six inmates waiting for her. These were the core members of her posse. Each of them had lived and fought by her side over the years inside. She had saved their lives many times and to an extent they had saved hers. They had been her supporters, confidants, fighters, friends, and even yes occasionally lovers.
Kim had always considered herself straight sexually but she had also readily admired the girls around her. Hell, high school cheerleading had been a great way to admire the beauty of the female form. She had discovered that her desire to help everyone had really been an extension of her attraction to all people, women included. Kim was no prude about sex. She understood that isolation from one's feelings was one of the greatest traps you could fall into in prison.
Veronica, Charlotte, and Madison were three African American women who were her best sparring martial fighters and chief control crowd. All three embraced Kim in mutual gang hug and murmured expressions of joy and happiness for Kim. She thanked them all and made each of them promise to continue their training and to help the others carry on her work.
Lacy a short blonde woman had been Kim's scrounger and inventor. She had turned the most innocuous items into useable contraband. Lacy had been the key to Kim cleaning up the illegal smuggling trades in the prison and replacing them with safer alternatives. Kim took Lacy by the hands and promised her that she would send her several gifts bags of supplies once she was outside the prison.
Barbara was a tall powerful brunette who had been Kim's second in command since the beginning. She still had ten years of a twenty five sentence left to serve. The woman was a tower of muscle and even though her eyes shown with a sheen of moisture she refused to cry.
"Barbara I leave you in charge now. Promise that you will keep our people safe and our work going. Everyone will still need your help once I'm gone".
"Don't worry Kim. I won't let you down", Barbara extended her arm and Kim embraced it as a fellow warrior.
Candice, a tall pale skinned extremely dark haired girl, was the last one and Kim could swear the girl was shaking with fear. Kim threw her arms around her and held her until she quieted. Candice had been Kim's cell mate for many years and was the closest thing Kim had to a friend.
"It's alright Candice. Barbara will take care of you now. I'll write to you as often as I can".
"No!" Kim was taken back by the vehemence of the girl's response.
"Why not?"
"I want you to move on. I want you to be free to find someone else and be happy. Promise me that you will move forward and not look back", Candice grabbed Kim and kissed her with fervent passion. When she broke the kiss she turned and walked away without looking back.
"I promise", whispered Kim as she watched Candice walk away.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Warden Nikita Palmer stood with her elite group of personal bodyguards and waited as Kim was buzzed out of general population and admitted into processing. The warden respected Possible but slightly resented the fact that her guards almost seemed to respect her more than Nikita. She didn't mind too much because the efficiency with which Kim had controlled the inmates had made her career as warden much easier.
Kim passed the warden without comment and stepped up to the yellow processing line. A guard at the personnel supply office slid open the counter and brought out a large cardboard box.
"Kimberly Anne Possible inmate serial number 20070907. Inventory of personal effects as follows: one pair cargo pants…one black crop top blouse…one pair gloves…one hair dryer…one half pack uneaten Juicy Fruit gum…one red color lipstick…one broken miniature game console".
"Kimmunicator", corrected Kim.
"Whatever. One pair girls running track shoes…one picture of boy, girl, and bald hamster".
"Naked mole rat".
"Whatever. Please sign here", the guard handed Kim a clipboard and pen. Kim signed the document and took the cardboard box.
"Any plans once you get topside Possible", asked the Warden.
"I'm never going to wear orange again", said Kim as she fingered her orange prison jumpsuit.
"Good fashion choice. I hope you don't take this the wrong way but I really hope our professional paths don't ever cross again Possible".
"They won't warden. I'll die before I let them put me in this place again".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Anne Possible had waited with nervous anticipation for this day to come. She had marked her calendar and had meticulously scratched off every day until today. The sudden and complete loss of James had been devastating but losing Kim as well had very nearly destroyed her. Only the boys, her love for Kim, and a reserve of strength she hadn't known she possessed had prevented her from spiraling into the abyss.
Now she watched as Kim was buzzed through several gates on her way to the waiting area. Anne took the time to really look at how her baby girl had changed. First of all it was incorrect to call her a girl any longer. Kim was eighteen when she went into prison and she was now a five foot five woman of twenty four.
They had cut Kim's hair some in the beginning to try and control her but she had grown it back and it now hung tied back in single long strand down her back. It was the same dark fiery red that her hair had been at Kim's age.
Anne remembered her daughter being strong and athletic but now she would have been surprised if Kim had an ounce of fat on her. Kim looked taut, trim, and sleek like a weapon honed to a razor's edge. She was still incredibly beautiful but her sweet innocence had been replaced with a severe aura of control.
Kim walked like a predator. Always on the alert for danger and seemingly ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation. Anne was convinced that her daughter had truly learned to survive in prison but at what cost? What was the point of surviving if along the way you forgot how to live?
The final gate was buzzed and Kim stepped through in an orange jumpsuit carrying a cardboard box. Anne had wanted to give Kim her space but she couldn't control herself as she rushed forward to take her daughter into her arms. At first Kim had stiffened but then relaxed into the embrace.
"I'm so sorry Kimmie-cub".
"Why are you apologizing?"
"I don't know it just seemed the thing to say". Anne was crying as she pushed Kim to arm's length and gazed up and down her body. "First of all we have to get you out of those clothes. I brought you some things to change into. I have a car waiting outside and we can leave this place behind forever".
"Thanks mom that sounds wonderful. But before I change I see we are not alone".
Anne turned around and saw Doctor Director standing a respectful distance away. Both mother and daughter exchanged a knowing glance and Anne moved behind Kim as she approached the one-eyed woman.
"Nice to see you Director. Have you loosened up and ridden Will Du like the wild stallion he is?"
Betty had held back to allow the mother and daughter their reunion. She expected them to talk or do something for a while but she could tell that Kim was all business now. The vulgarity of Kim's comment caught her off guard at first but she regrouped and understood that she was being tested. Well Betty had testified before congress so being grilled by a former teen hero was child's play.
"No our relationship is strictly professional. I only sexual abuse our junior agents. Their younger and can get it up several times in a single night".
"Spankin. Are you looking for a new girlfriend or is there something I can do for you?"
"I thought perhaps there is something I could do for you".
"Like what?" Kim crossed her arms and hardened her glare.
"First off I wanted to know if you've had any contact from any of your former colleges".
"You know I haven't. I haven't seen or spoken to Ron or Wade in years. You would know more of their whereabouts and activity than me".
"Yes I do. Mr. Stoppable is on special retreat in Japan and Mr. Load disappeared soon after you were incarcerated. He went completely off the grid. No one has been able to find him or contact him in all this time".
"Good for him. So what is this offer you have for me?"
"I wanted to offer you a job".
"A job? Really? I though GJ's charter had rules against hiring convicted criminals?"
"I can't offer you field work but as I understand it you have completed your bachelor's degree in criminology?"
"Criminology and criminal psychology actually. It was dual major".
"Even better. I can offer you an investigative position. You'll be behind a desk but with your experience and background I think you can be an asset to GJ".
"Sounds like a good opportunity".
"I agree".
"I meant it sounded like a good opportunity for you to keep an eye on me. I can't imagine GJ is very happy a person with my training and abilities might be out there causing trouble".
"It has crossed our mind".
"Well then I guess I better make myself clear from the start then. I want nothing to do with you or GJ. I've served my time and now owe nothing to you or the justice system. I only ask that you stay out of my way".
"I understand your resentment Kim but…"
"You understand nothing. I did my bid for king, country, and the world and got put in here for it. I'm through serving others and now I'm in business for myself".
"All right but I must warn you that regardless of your past aid to GJ if you cross the legal line out there I will be forced to bring you in".
"What I do now is my own business. But if I do chose to cross that line and you want to stop me. You are welcome to try".
Betty and Kim stared knives at each other for several seconds before Anne stepped between them.
"If it's all the same to you Director, I would like to take my daughter home".
"Of course Anne. I wish you both the best of luck", Betty turned on her heel and strode away without looking back.
"Was that really necessary?" asked Anne.
"I just wanted to get the ground rules straight from the start. If you don't set specific limits with GJ they walk all over you. Now let's go home".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(Present Day - Mount Yamanouchi, Japan)
The path wound up the mountain to the small temple. The blossoms of cherry trees filled the crystal clear air and the evening sun was just barely over the horizon as Yori reached the temple. The young Japanese woman slowed her jogging pace as she reached the open air shrine and bowed respectfully to the altar and to the individual who sat within.
The young master sat within in the lotus position with his hands resting on his knees and his eyes closed. He appeared in a meditative state at one with the universe.
Yori knelt down and steadied her breathing before speaking.
"Forgive my intrusion young master. I am sorry to disturb your meditations but this humble servant of Yamanouchi has news of importance to impart".
"Did I leave instructions for you to disturb me?" said the man without moving his body or opening his eyes.
"You did young master".
"Then you would have been sorrier if you hadn't".
Yori appeared frightened for a moment before Ron Stoppable turned his head smiled and winked at her.
"Your American humor surprises me yet again".
"So whasup", said Ron as he pivoted to face the kneeling Yori.
"You requested that Yamanouchi monitor Kim Possible's incarceration status. I am pleased to inform that today is the day she is scheduled to be released".
"That is good. I feel that her release is rather timely".
"Is there a problem young master?"
Ron lithely leapt up and moved to the edge of the shrine and pointed out to the setting sun and the blazing image it provoked on the horizon.
"I sense a storm is approaching. A great tempest that could encompass the world and like so many tempests in my life before it, I sense Kim Possible is a part of it".
"Is she part of the solution or the problem?"
"Excellent question. But if I know my Kim she may very well be part of both".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(Present Day – Site unknown)
"It's confirmed. Kim Possible is being released from prison today".
"Of course she is. It is exactly as I calculated".
"She could come after us? If she has used this time in prison to put any of that day in perspective, she may suspect someone's outside involvement".
"I'm counting on it".
"Why are you allowing it? She is dangerous and unpredictable. She could undermine the entire operation".
"Yes Ms. Possible is dangerous but she is hardly unpredictable, never the less I have eagerly awaited her release".
"Why?"
"If I am to conquer this pale pathetic orb of dirt, then I chose to do so while being challenged by at least some kind of competent opposition".
"But…"
"Do not worry my pet. Six years ago I was forced to accelerate my plans due to Dr. Possible's research. But our operation that day went off flawlessly and our greatest enemies were eliminated. It even bore the unexpected fruit of incarcerating the young Ms. Possible".
"Thanks to me".
"Yes my dear thanks to you. Six years ago we were but two, but now we are legion and our reach encompasses the globe. No one even remotely suspects our presence and yet we have infiltrated all levels of government, industry, and military infrastructure. Let Ms. Possible and any who would aid her throw their pitiful might against us".
"I have faced Kim Possible before and lost. Many other would be conquerors have said the same thing you have just said and been laid low by her".
"I mean no disrespect my dear but you and the individuals you mentioned are not me. I am the Alpha, the Omega, the beginning and the end. The day I chose to step upon the world stage this pathetic planet will tremble and topple before me. I am the living embodiment of the destroyer, the shatterer of worlds".
"Ooooooh, and not to mention incredibly sexy as well".
"That too".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(Present Day – Site unknown)
The air conditioners were working overtime and the bunker was a little chilly but the computers and the circuits liked the cool air. His lab had expanded many times over the years but he still managed to cram every inch of it with stuff. He was never lacking for something to do but he was incredibly lonely.
With his satellites, monitors, cameras, hacks, viruses, and passcodes there was almost no place on the planet he couldn't get too. But he only saw it from a distance. He could never really go there. Hell he was more introverted now than ever before.
Something was happening out in the world, something truly nefarious that he could never quite get a lock on. Every time he seemed to be closing in it just up and vanished like fog in the sun. It was so damned infuriating.
He needed more agents in the field. He needed her.
He glanced up to the screen and watched the view from the prison cameras he had tasked into weeks before. Kim Possible and her mother were about to walk out of prison together.
Kim looked the same but also different at the same time. Yes she was older but she was also more than before or something like that. He couldn't quite quantify it but Kim looked to be exactly what he needed. But did he have the right to bring her back in. She had been through so much already. What if all she desired was a normal life and a chance to forget?
He needed to know what she wanted to do before he could involve her in his plans. There was only one person who could pull off that task. Fortunately he hand her phone number.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
She liked the feel of the warm water as it cascaded down her body. She hated staying in the pathetic little hotel but it was the closest one she could find. At least the showers worked and the hot water seemed to last a long time.
Probably better than the showers in the prison but then again at least they were group showers. At least you could get some eye candy while you cleaned off. Hah! What was she thinking? Even after just turning thirty she was way hotter than any of the skanks that might be in there. Quality over quantity, but fortunately she had an abundance of both.
She was just rinsing her long dark hair when she heard her phone's ring tone go off. What the fuck? Who would be calling her now?
She stepped out of the shower and used a minute burst of her power to evaporate the water from her skin and hair. The hotel room was dark as the shades were pulled and the lights were off. She strode naked across the room to the dresser and picked up her phone.
A pale green fiery light illuminated the room from her raised hand as she looked to see who had called. The caller ID was blank and no number was listed.
'Why the subterfuge? I know it's you nerdlinger', she thought as she keyed the response and opened the message.
The message was only a single word, 'Today'.
"It's about fucking time", she put the phone down and began to get dressed. It was time for her to go to work.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Anne and Kim stepped through the final prison gate and walked out in the open ground beyond. Kim stopped to breath in the dry but fresh air. She didn't know what she was expecting to feel but the only emotions she felt were relief and anticipation.
She wore a pair of way too tight jeans but her mom hadn't correctly guessed her size. She wore a red shirt with a small black vest which were also way too tight because Kim had filled out during her prison term. Kim looked more like a runway model than a woman just walking out of prison.
"So what are your plans now?" asked Anne.
"I start over and if I'm right, make someone pay".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Author's Notes:
Well there it is the beginning of a whole new story. Kim is back and she is ready to get down and dirty. The action will pick up fast as Kim discovers the world has changed some since she went inside.
I tried to place as many interesting plot bunnies out there to tantalize the readers and to give some hints of things to come.
I want to offer a special thank you to my wonderful wife for her inspiration and instrumental aid with this story.
Since this is the start of my first, total ours, original work I would love any feedback so feel free to review to your hearts content.