2nd Warning: Please be advised that 'The Hunter' is going to explore some very edgy material, or as some would say dark, during the course of the story (although not yet). Dark enough that we are going to leave 'black' behind somewhere in this cave that is the idea for the concept. This is about what happens when two people try to help others but step on the toes of groups of people who fight them tooth and nail to have their own way. It's about betrayal by ones closest and survival against all odds and the support that helps them from the most unusual places. There will be injuries and death of characters (some of them good guys too) before this done and put away. But there will be an underlying goodness throughout and hopefully by the end it will turn out for the better for those who matter most, though not for all. This tale will begin rated as 'T' and later it will move up when we get to the more adult parts of the tale.
It will include some adult themes so please bear with me that is if you decide to follow this because there will be places where it will become quite nasty to explore everything that I want to. CajunBear73 will beta as his time allows, but be assured that this tale is my idea so don't harsh on him. He may help in places, but I am responsible for the idea and ultimately what and how it gets posted. While he deserve praise for helping, I should be the one catching any and all flames, not him. Also please note that since this is going to take a while to tell this tale it might be a while between updates so that I can calm myself down. Some authors are able to step back and tell the story and make it interesting, I do not have that ability. I have to immerse myself inside the tale and agonize through the story through it just as the characters do.
Yes this is an AU, but if you think about it, it may be not as far out an AU as you watch it unfold. The bumbling Disney Villains are not going to be so bumbling in this tale; as a matter of fact one group will be quite nasty, ruthless and efficient. The heroes will do their best under circumstances that are more real worldly and hopefully you will give them some leeway as their worlds fall apart and they grasp for anything that will keep them sane and allow them to continue with life. There are times that our heroes will want to curl up and die, but something will keep them going for they are heroes, not quitters.
Since this is so dark I do NOT lightly recommend this as a read and I completely understand if no one does. I don't know how long it's going to go either, but I can tell you that the story spans from the aftermath of StD to a time much later, maybe ten or twelve years down the road. The main characters will change; but will it be for the better? You'll have to judge that for yourselves. Though I am an avid Kim and Ron supporter I cannot say that this will end that way. Is there going to be a happy ending? I just don't know, I know what the ending is, but I just don't know if you will consider it a happy one.
On one note I am not a Joshua Mankey hater. What happened to him in the 'OA' ARC I didn't really plan on that early on and though I will play him again later in another story a little bit, I promise not to do what I did to him in the other ARC again. So Mr. Artist you have your shot at least of being a minor hero BUT DO NOT SCREW THIS UP. I make no such promises for Dr. Hall.
ST-103
T H: Book One
Chapter 2
Lake Middleton:
"Rub some lotion onto my back boyfriend.", Kim asked in a sultry voice; glad that they had decided to continue with their day together.
"Yes dear.", Ron responded as he picked up the tube and squirted some of the white cream onto his hand to warm it up before applying it to his girlfriend's back.
"It'd better not be cold.", the red head warned.
"It'll be just fine, don't worry."
In a few moments the large, sun block filled hands were softly rubbing their contents into Kim's back.
"Ahhhh that's nice.", the red headed teen moaned in pleasure.
"Are you sure you don't want to remove you're muscle shirt?", she teased silently wanting to rub her hands across his wiry chest.
"Nah KP, you know how easy I burn.", the blond smiled.
"I can put some sun block on you."
"Doesn't work as good for me...for some reason.", he replied still worried about the hinted threats from Kim's rocket scientist and very protective father.
"Suit yourself Ronnie."
It turned out to be a sunny and warm day. Kim was happy that they'd decided to come to the lake to swim and sunbathe. She knew that she wouldn't have Ron with her after Friday and she was determined to enjoy being with him as much as possible. After she lay back down on her towel she quietly found his hand and grasped it, interlacing her fingers with his, exhaling a sigh of contentment.
While Kim was the epitome of serenity, Ron Stoppable was troubled, 'Why does Sensei want me back at Yamanouchi? The Lotus Blade is safe, ole Monty and Fukushima both discredited. Yori is engaged to Hiro…Something is going on, but what? Yamanouchi's existence or what they really teach is known to KP...well sorta, and some of the villains. I guess I'll find out more when I get there.'
Looking over and his long time best friend as she lay basking in the sun he asked himself how everything worked out, 'Maybe I'll get lucky and have a meaningful life with her. I want it, but am I just the rebound from the synthodrone?.. Does she really want me, or am I just a pause in her quest to find the right guy?..There are way too many people that don't want us together. Sensei, though, seems to be in full support, so do Mom and Dad. Mr. and Mrs. Dr P...I don't know. Her Dad sure gives me the evil eye every time I put my arms around KP. Man what can I do?'
Suddenly he felt a light squeeze on his large paw, "Are you alright honey?"
"Yeah KP, was just thinking ya know. Mom and Dad left me some extra money since they're out of town...I thought maybe we could go out for dinner and dancing...That is if you want..."
"Mmmmm, sounds great. I'll ask Mom, you know how Dad is.", she replied softly.
"Yeah I know how Mr. P is.", Ron sighed, "I'm not the right guy for you in his mind."
"He's real protective of me honey, but don't worry he'll come around. Anyway after your little announcement this morning he's going to be real happy.", Kim responded.
"Yeah I guess.", Ron said as he laid down on his back and lowered his shades.
XX
"Bye kids have fun tonight.", Anne wave from the front door as the teens got into the car for the drive to the restaurant.
"Annie I don't like her dating Ronald!", James told her after the kids had left.
"It's just dancing and dinner, James. You don't have a problem with Kim being with Ronald when they're infiltrating some bad guy's lair or flying off to some place to rescue people, so why is this a problem with you?", Anne asked still waving as the van disappeared down the street before turning back to face her husband.
"I'm telling you she can do better than Ronald, Annie. Kimmie-cub should be dating some guy who is her mental equivalent. Some guy like..."
"Like who...Eric? Remember what he did to her? Remember how you fawned all over him and he was a fake? Do yourself a favor give it a rest Jimmie..that is unless you want to have your daughter end up hating you. Ronald has supported Kimmie forever and I think that he's the right guy for her.", Anne frowned at him pushing him back into the house.
"Well maybe Eric was a robot, but then we'd never have to worry about Kimmie-cub ever getting pregnant. Heck maybe that would be the way of the future.", James stopped and smiled.
Now looking incredulously at her husband, "No babies? No children? Sure Mr. Scientist. You don't get to bounce grandchildren on your knee and the human race dies out in less than fifty years.", Anne looked at her suddenly delusional husband, well aware that once he got an idea into his head there was nothing going to get it out just like her pre-teen twins.
"Well we could make babies...Like in laboratories."
"Manufacture children? I think I can tell you where the medical community will come down on this as well as most of the religions.", Anne snorted not knowing if James Possible as kidding or not.
"But it would be better...It could be the future...It..."
"Did you like making babies James?", Dr. Anne Possible's tone became cold.
"Well yeah."
"That's the basic reason for sex isn't it? Think of this if we make babies in labs then the next thing you do know is that the government will end up banning sex, not to mention the edicts from various religions. Also while you're at it think of this: what would you have thought if my father, you know the man that you promised to love and take care of me,", Anne grated out, "told you to keep your hands and other things off me? Anyway why would anyone need or even want to get married then?", Anne posed her ideas and questions to her overprotective husband.
"Well I..."
"And how about our boys or is this just for Daddy's little girl? You see if Jim and Tim get girlfriends or wives someday, those females have to come from somewhere; but not if the fathers of those girls have the same ideas as you. And you are leaving Kimberly's feelings out of this too, so I think you might want to spend the night on the couch to think about this.", Anne replied, "Just to give you an idea of what the future is going to be like for your sons."
"But honey."
"No 'but honey' here James; I'm not taking that as an answer here. I'll be right back after I get you a blanket and a pillow.", Anne smiled knowing that she was going have to show some 'tough love'.
"Damn.", James muttered as he began to make up a plan utterly terrified of what his wonderful daughter and her goofy sidekick slash boyfriend might end up doing together as a form of recreation in a few hours, 'There is no way that Ronald Stoppable is going to handle Kimmie-cub in that way.'
XXX
Pace's Italian Restaurant:
"KP this a pretty nice place. Your Mom was right it is romantic.", the blond teen told his girlfriend as the waiter lit the candle at their table; set back from the couple, the dim light hiding from view the prep work done at the table. Ron did not reveal that he had done some background work for the eatery and just bided his time.
"Mom and Dad come here when they want to get in the mood, if you know what I mean Ronnie.", the red head replied.
"KP are you saying what I think you're saying?", Ron Stoppable asked, suddenly nervous.
"Yeah but not for us, not tonight. Neither of us are ready for that step.", Kim assured her anxious date.
"Whew thanks KP, for a minute there I was worried…hopeful but worried…"
"But that doesn't mean that I don't want to spend some time in your arms on and off the dance floor.", Kim cut him off.
"Man KP I don't deserve you...
"Ssshh Ronnie, we've only got a few days together before we have to say goodbye to each other for six weeks. Let's just snuggle and dance..."
"I like the way you think KP..."
"Good let's wake up Rufus and order. I've got a night of slow dancing to enjoy with my boyfriend and his always sleeping mole rat.", she leaned across the table to give him a light kiss.
Beep-Beep-De-Beep.
"Mannnnn great timing.", Ron moaned at the interruption in his frustration showing. For a moment wondering if James Possible had Wade Load on retainer with some missions on backlog to keep the two teens busy.
"Well it has been quiet since the semester ended Ron, let's see what Wade wants.", Kim's tone lowered as she pushed the connect button on her Kimmunicator.
"KP it's only been one stinkin' week…."
"Hey Kim...Ron sorry to interrupt, I hope you guys weren't doing anything.", the African-American genius started.
"Yeah sure, and we were till a second ago.", the junior member of Team Possible replied with a hint of frustration in his voice.
"Well that's what happens when Kim's a teen hero ya know.", Wade humored Ron or at least tried to.
"Thanks Wade what's the sitch?", asked Kim interrupting the back-and-forth.
"Austrian Alps, and its Dementor again. He just stole the Pan Dimensional Vortex Inducer again and he's trying to use it to bring aliens to the Earth. So you guys have to stop him.", Wade explained trying to keep things simple, "you guys probably have had enough of them to last a life time."
"OK Wade, we have to go back to my house and get our mission gear. Can we have thirty minutes?"
Wade informed then warned the two heroes, "I can have a ride there in thirty-five minutes guys. After you get back Dr. Director is going to want you in a debriefing session when you turn the inducer in since this is a GJ mission."
"Alright see ya later Wade."
While Kim finished up with Wade, Ron called the waiter over and told him that they had to leave.
After they left Kim turned to a subdued Ron in the passenger seat. "Ron I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. This is what we do. If it hadn't been this I probably would have gotten mugged on the way home by a couple of ten year olds wanting milk shake money. Anyway I get to spend even more time this way with my bondiggity girlfriend.", he grinned, "Maybe I should send a thank you note to the shrimp."
"You must be feeling better.", she deadpanned.
"Hey I spent most the afternoon sunbathing next to the most beautiful girl in the state, maybe even the Midwest, so I ought to be feeling better. I'll bet I'm the most envied guy in the country.", Ron chuckles.
"I'm not that pretty.", Kim blushed.
"Yeah you are, you're not vain that's all.", Ron told her as he reached out to touch her hand.
Kim responded by holding his huge paw in her much smaller hand.
The rest of the drive to the Possible's was done without speaking, just enjoying holding hands. Twice Kim glanced over with a smile to see her blond boyfriend looking out his window at the warm summer evening in the diminishing light.
A few minutes later Kim pulled into her driveway. While exiting the car, "KP make sure you have the battle suit on for this one.", he advised.
Kim frowned, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"What about you?", she asked.
"The team only has one of those things and Wade made it to keep you safe. Wear it, we might need it. Not only that, but it might give us the edge we need.", Ron urged.
"OK, if you're sure."
"It's better to be safe KP.", Ron told her, "Put your regular mission gear on over it, but use one of my old sweaters...Hey your Dad should be cool with that. He won't make a comment about me making eyes at your belly button."
"Rooonnnnn this is serious.", Kim growled.
"And I am KP, the goons won't know you have the suit on...And your Dad will like it that you're dressing more modestly."
"OK Ron...", Kim's voice trailed off as she opened the door.
"We're back Mom and Dad.", Kim called out at Ron ran upstairs to get his mission gear so that he could get ready.
"What happened? Are you kids alright?", Anne asked, surprised they were home so early.
The younger red head replied, "We got called out on a mission. Ron's getting his stuff so he can get dressed in the guest room. I have to go change Mom, I'll be right back." Kim ran up the stairs to her room avoiding Ron as he was returning with his arms loaded down.
After the blond teen disappeared into the guest room James Possible came up from the basement, "What's the commotion Annie?"
"You got your wish James, the kids are going on a mission, not a date.", Anne stared at him.
"Gee that's too bad.", he smiled.
"Yes I really think you're broken up by the turn of events aren't you?"
"Honey this isn't the time or place to discuss this..."
"Go and see if Ronald needs anything, he's in the guest room.", Anne ordered pointing to the guest room.
"Yes Dear.", he responded, then turned to do as she directed, and to avoid another argument with his Wife.
Upon reaching the door, he knocked and opened it, "Ronald?"
"Sir?", Ron replied, taken by surprise by the visit.
Stunned, James Possible froze when he caught sight of Ron. He had just finished tying his boots over his tucked in cargo pant legs, but what shocked him was what he saw before Ron pulled his long-sleeved black sweater over his head: scattered all over the front of his torso were scars, some quite recent and many, seeming the result of some vicious encounters with others who meant him harm.
His voice hushed, in awe, "Where did you get those Ronald?"
"Huh?"
"Those ah scars."
"Just stuff ya pick up over the years if ya don't have the agility to get out of the way.", he informed his girlfriend's father.
"Does Kimmie-cub have any of those scars?"
"Sir, I don't know, but she can wear two piece swimsuits.", Ron smiled when he saw Kim's Dad cringe, "I haven't been able to really enjoy swimming without a tee shirt on for some time now…don't wanna gross people out you know." The teen then paused, lost in thought for a moment.
"Since I haven't seen any on KP, I guess I'm doing my job right?", Ron continues.
"Job?"
"Having her back Sir, like I promised you and Mrs. P remember?", the teen asked seeing the older man's confusion.
"I thought that was just something you said..."
"Sir a promise is a promise ya know…like a vow.", Ron informed him as he finished pulling the sweater over his head and getting up. "Excuse me I have to get the packs out with the climbing gear, its mission time."
By the time Ron left the guest room Kim was downstairs and in the basement pulling out their packs.
XX
"OK Wade, let's see what we're facing this time.", Kim told her tech guru after the GJ hover jet had reached cruising altitude; Ron, looking over her shoulder.
"Kim it looks like Dementor has a new lair. Now in the past you've had to climb up to a couple of his, but I think when you see the 3D image of the site you'll want to rappel down to the main entrance instead."
"How wide are those ventilation shafts Wade?", Ron asked.
"They're pretty big for some reason, maybe thirty inches in diameter I guess.", the genius informed him.
"Well we're good enough to climb down something like that and do a jamming technique. Maybe with having a belay we can pull it off.", Kim told both boys.
"Guys I included a real thin line that's super strong, you have two reels each is over fifteen hundred feet long. Do you think that will work Kim?"
"Well it should if we connect them. We'll have three thousand feet if we need it though I don't think we will here. I can go down first then Ron can follow with Rufus.", the red head suggested.
"I could let Rufus down first to scout KP."
"No I don't want to risk a friend in something that I won't risk myself.", she replied.
"Kim Rufus is better qualified to hide than you are..."
"I've made my mind up Ron. We'll have the hover jet drop us off about eight hundred feet above vent on the mountain side and we'll climb down to it then we'll anchor off and go down in the lair and take Dementor and his henchmen down and recover the inducer.", Kim told them.
"OK KP, I guess it's as good as anything else. Let's get some rest.", Ron leaned back and relaxed.
"I agree. We'll call you back Wade when we're an hour out.", Kim broke the connection and looked over at her boyfriend who motioned her to come over and lay her head on his shoulder.
"Rest easy KP.", Ron whispered softly
XX
The Possible Home:
"Honey did you know about the scars on Ronald?", the flabbergasted Possible asked his wife.
"Yes dear, every month or so there are usually new ones. I used to stitch Ronald up until I taught him how to do his own, but now I think he prefers staples. Rufus helps him now.", Anne told her husband.
Cough, "Ronald fixes himself up? Does Kimberly know?"
"I don't think so. If she saw what he went through to keep her from getting hurt I highly doubt if she would let him continue to help her.", explained the surgeon.
'Hummm maybe if Kimmie-cub refused to take him on her missions, she'd stop going and Ronald wouldn't have to hang around her anymore.', he mused.
"Annie, do you think that if Ronald didn't go with Kimmie on her missions she'd still be dating him?"
"Of course dear; if she found out how much he got hurt she'd try to keep him safe so that her boyfriend wouldn't get hurt. She'd still go out after the bad guys James, then our daughter would be in even more danger.", Anne burst his bubble as she saw his shoulders sag.
"Sigh, I guess you're right. Well maybe she'll come to her senses soon.", James replied under his breath.
"What did you say dear?"
"Oh nothing honey.", James smiled.
XXX
Global Justice:
"When are they going to insert?", the one eyed woman inquired.
"Two hours and twelve minutes Ma'am.", Agent Les Smith updated his Agency Director.
"And they are going in by a ventilation shaft?", she continued.
"Yes Ma'am the high strength cable we gave the team's tech person will give them the edge here."
"Does Professor Dementor have his usual compliment of large goons surrounding him?"
"Yes Ma'am, though they have a newer more advanced shock baton that HenchCo has provided, as long as Possible and Stoppable avoid them they should be alright.", Smith told her.
"What are the rest of his defenses?", she asked.
"Well the short guy doesn't have his giant dogs with him this time. It seems that they didn't have their shots in time and he had to leave them home. So that's one thing that Possible won't have to worry about. But knowing short stuff he's got something in store for them.", Smith surmised.
"Well let's hope not. I'd like to have Kimberly survive this operation. And maybe join GJ in a year or two.", she explained.
Agent Du asked, "What about her partner? We've called both of them amateurs and tossed them oddball missions to see how they'd handle it. We agree that Possible is really who we want, but Stoppable has come along in the last year. He's not very consistent yet, but he's doing pretty well. The only reason he looks as bad as he does is because who he's partnered with."
"I agree Will; if Stoppable had anyone but Kim Possible as a partner he would have shown his true colors a long time ago. Maybe he's too laid back. If Kimberly cut him loose I wonder how he'd fare.", Dr. Director pondered.
"Well according to the missions he's performed on his own he has a higher success rate than Possible does when she's solo...I wonder why?", Smith observed.
"I don't know, but according to that call earlier today he's going back to Japan, Kimberly is going to a month long cheerleader camp. Maybe being away from each other will make them both mature.", Betty told them, "Make sure you scare up a mission or two for him while they are apart."
"Yes Ma'am.", Smith and Du both responded.
After the other two agents left her office the Director of Global Justice picked up her phone. After scanning down a list she quickly found the number that she wanted and dialed it. "Hello, James Possible.", the voice stated in the handset.
"Dr. Possible? This is Doctor Elizabeth Director here at Global Justice, how are you today?"
"Doctor Director? Oh yes, Kimberly has told us about you. What can I do for you Ma'am?", he replied.
"Well I have an idea..."
XX
Aboard the GJ hover jet:
She opened her eyes to gaze at her blond boyfriend, 'He hardly ever talks back to people. I wonder why he did today? Mannn...I just hope that we can spend some time together before he leaves; this summer is gonna be worse than the one where he went to Wannaweep. I was sooooo lonely then.' Kim sadly reminisced for a moment before she nestled into his neck and gave Ron a light kiss to wake him up.
Ron's eyes opened on a slit as he glanced around him before his breathing changed. "Hey KP, uh are we getting close?"
"Yeah Ronnie I think we're just about an hour out. Did ya get any sleep?", she asked the blond boy.
"Yeah I did, how about you?", he asked with a slight grin on his face.
"Yea some; now are you ready to kick some bad guy butt?", she smiled.
"Sure..Ron Stoppable kicking anybody's butt? I can't even bully my cousin Shawn without Zorpox helping me.", he replied.
"You did a pretty good job on Brick earlier today."
"I got lucky, if we went again he'd cream me. Then your little blond love machine will be a grease stain somewhere.", Ron replied hoping that Kim wouldn't dissect what really happened and begin to ask a lot more questions, "Mr. P would be happy again..."
"Maybe Ron, but you should have gotten better by now. So it's not as big of a surprise as you'd think. By the way don't worry about Dad, he's harmless."
"Sure KP, don't worry about a man who can launch rockets and send them on a one way trip to Mars.", Ron snorted back.
"Anyway, ya think we'd better get ready to punch the shrimp's ticket. I'll bet GJ has a nice cozy cell for him somewhere."
"Yea we should get everything ready to go Ronnie."
Team Possible did one more run-through and went over the mission again to make sure that they were as ready as they could be. Then they both stretched and loosened up so that they were ready to deal with all the hazards facing them.
XXX
"Brick you should have beaten Stoppable up.", the brunette ranted as Brick's car pulled into her neighborhood; their movie date now coming to a close.
"Bonnie he didn't attack us, you attacked him. Now please let's leave this discussion behind us. We don't want to get in trouble with the Police.", Brick Flagg explained to her.
"But it's not right..."
"Is it illegal for Ron to date Kim? Is it immoral? What would happen if some aliens came to Earth and told you who you could have as friends?", he reasoned.
"It's not the same.", Bonnie hissed.
"It is the same. We live in a free country. This is what my grandfather fought for.", Brick said as he hoped he was getting through to her on the subject.
"If it is then it shouldn't be. The favored ones like me and my friends are supposed to keep order.", Bonnie now sat facing her boyfriend with her arms crossed.
"Oh and who decides who is in the chosen group? You and your friends? What about majority rule?", Brick could see Bonnie visibly pale, "What would happen if someone with power over you and your posse decided that you could only go out with who they said was right?"
"They can't do that. Connie and Lonnie put the food chain together..."
"And what do they get out of it? They should be out of college having careers, but where are they? Still living at home, tormenting you with all of this out of date BS. You know there are a lot of people in what you describe as the lower class of Middleton High. Just because they don't have athletic prowess or are pretty at a fairly young age, you just dismiss them.", Brick told her nearly having enough of her attitude.
"Or have money either. If they can't afford nice clothes then they're losers too.", the brunette corrected.
"And if that rich guy or girl wants...what do you do?"
"Well if they're rich enough I'll make them popular.", she confided.
"So money is the overriding factor here?", he asked, "I don't have a lot of money. So I'm low class too right?", Brick said to her, trying to make his point.
"You play football Brick.", Bonnie's eyes began to narrow.
"And if I got injured and wasn't able to play anymore? I mean all I have is my rugged looks then..."
"Then that might be a problem, but we wouldn't let you be a loser like Stoppable.", she smiled.
"Oh how is that? I don't have money, I'm not that handsome, I'm not smart so all I have is my athletic ability which could fall down like a house of cards if I get hurt. I doubt if I deserve to date you Bonnie. Look, I have some thinking to do. Listen here we are at your house. I'll call you tomorrow.", he told her as he pulled in the driveway and got out to open her door.
"Brick you know that if you think too hard you get headaches, I'll do your thinking for you.", the cheerleader told him as she leaned up against his chest seductively.
"I think I need to make my own decisions from now on Bonnie...I'll talk to you tomorrow.", he half smiled.
"Suit yourself Brick.", she turned away miffed at him and putting on an act to get his attention.
"Yeah I think I will suit myself.", the buff and blond teenaged athlete muttered half under his breath.
"What did you say?", Bonnie asked.
"Nothing Bonnie.", he made to get in his car and start it up.
"Are you sure that you don't want something?", Bonnie left the last part hanging
"Yeah I'm pretty sure of that right now. Goodnight.", he told her as put it the car gear and began to back out of the Rockwaller driveway and on to the well maintained street.
"Damn. It's all Stoppable's fault.", Bonnie stomped her foot in frustration as her boyfriend disappeared. 'It's all Possible's boyfriend's fault. Something more needs to be done to that cry baby teen.'
XXX
Maui:
"Well honey how do you like the vacation so far?", Dean asked his wife.
The taller blonde woman replied as they walked off the dance floor, "Sigh, I guess it's alright, but I wish we were there when that school from Japan called."
"Well the headmaster wanted to break the news to Ronald without us around. I suppose it's for the best.", the short pudgy man replied, "He did say it was best for Ronald this way."
"I suppose you're right Dean, but I wanted to say goodbye to Ronald for the summer.", she reflected.
"He'll be back soon enough. He'd be lonely anyway.", seeing Barbara's confused look, "Remember, Kim has that national cheerleader camp that James signed her up for."
"I remember neither Anne or Kimberly was real thrilled about that.", the taller woman replied as they sat down at their table.
"Well we both know how James thinks of teenaged boys in general and Ronald specifically, don't we? He's got a cob up his posterior about a hundred yards deep. Honey don't plan on Kim and Ronald ending up together if James has anything to say about him dating her.", Dean informed her, "Somehow he will try to break them up."
Barb frowned, "Anne will kill him...Or neuter him."
"Only if she can catch him acting up. Well all we can do is watch and then pick up the pieces of our son. Maybe Ronald will find another girlfriend after it happens so it won't hurt so much.", he told her.
"Yes the only boy that totally supports his daughter and he wants to tear them apart. Well we'll just have to wait for it to come crashing down.", she replied. Barb worried to herself, 'I just hope that both Kim and Ronald can survive this.'
XXX
On the hover jet:
"In five, when the green light comes on. We'll be in a hover for twenty seconds and then we'll be gone to await the signal. Make sure you get the signal out so the cleanup team knows you have them in custody.", the agent in charge told them.
"Why doesn't GJ go in to dig these guys out? They have the weapons all we have are our toys.", Ron Stoppable grumbled to his girlfriend.
Kim bit her lower lip, "I...I don't know Ronnie, we'll ask when we go through the debriefing session later. Now head in the game." Kim turned around and gave the guy she was dating a hug and a light kiss, "Thanks for coming with me."
"I'll have your back KP till I'm dead or you don't need me anymore.", the blond vowed softly after she turned back around.
"Did you say something Ron?"
"Nothing important KP. Let's go."
As the door opened the two teens watched as the jet began to quickly descend towards a spot on the mountainside.
Kim glanced up as the light went from red to green. The red head bounded out of the hatch skidding to a stop some ten yards down slope as her blond partner hit the ground next to her and promptly landed on his butt.
"Graceful Ron.", Kim chided him as he got up.
"Yeah you know me, comic relief and all.", the blond teen griped lowly then feeling around he continued, "Mannnnn I don't believe it I ripped the seat out of my cargoes."
Kim snorted, "Don't worry about it skid boy, you'll probably lose them anyway before we head out."
"Yeah, OK let's get down to one of those vents. My butt is getting cold.", he chuckles.
Kim took a second and looked, "Yeah you lost some padding back there too, but I'll make it better when we get done. Let's go."
A half hour later the teens were standing next to one of four very large vents. Kim secured the wire cable with a carabiner clip to the a mounting bracket of some kind on the side of one of the vents while Ron worked on getting the cover off and using his flashlight to peer inside.
"Looks dark and foreboding KP.", he told her.
"Nothing like we haven't encountered before anyway.", Kim replied as she hooked in and after adjusting the tension on the reel she began to descend into the shaft.
X
Twenty minutes later Ron heard over his Kimmunicator, "I'm down."
Ron replied back, "I'm going to rappel KP, I'll be down in a few."
"OK, but hurry. There's no one in sight right now."
X
Ten minutes later Ron Stoppable slowly landed next to his partner and unclipped himself from the cable.
He then had Kim stand on his shoulders so that she could anchor the cable back up in the ventilation shaft so that no roving patrol of guards would see it. After Kim jumped off Ron's shoulders she tapped him on the shoulder to follow her as they began to search the tunnel staying to the sides. Since it was only half lit the two teens were able to stay in the shadows blending in with the uneven walls.
Once they had to seek concealment when they came across four guards in a cross tunnel. After nearly an hour the walls of the tunnel became smooth and the floor as flat and even.
Eventually Kim and Ron could see a wall in front of them. Sneaking up to it the red head motioned to her partner to stay where he was. Seeing him nod, Kim touched a button on her suit and faded from view. The red head entered what looked to be a large lab and she could see the diminutive genius working on a machine.
"Hahahaha. Now all ve have to do es try this out.", Professor Dementor laughed as he walked back to a row of large computers.
Kim seeing it was time to do something retreated. "Ron.", Kim whispered, "Let me have Rufus. Then give me a couple of minutes and enter and do something to distract Dementor."
"Sure KP.", Ron whispered back as he reached into his pocket for his rodent friend.
"Thanks honey and be careful.", she replied after he felt a kiss on his lips.
"Mannnnn.", he said lowly savoring the feel on his lips and the scent of his girl, "That suit is gonna be the death of me." He touched the button for the light on his watch and looked down to see what time it was while he was thinking about what to do.
With a growing smile, Ron 'the distraction' Stoppable kneeled down and removed his pack and rummaged through it taking out several items. Seeing what he could use in there, he smiled even further. 'I'll probably be hit with a library fine for this, but it will be worth it to see the look on the shrimp's face.'
Checking his watch again Ron knew it was time and took a deep breath to center himself as he stood up and walked casually into Professor Dementor's lab.
"Hey Dude.", the blond asked loudly, "Do you know where Professor Isaacs is? I got a problem with the assignment."
"Vho are vou? Vhat are vou doing here?", Dementor asked surprised seeing a blond teen in his 'secret' lab carrying a large book.
"Hey I'm just looking for the Professor, he promised to help me with the 'Iliad' I have a major test coming up in class and I'm just not getting this.", Ron stalled.
"Huh vhat es problem vou are having?", the diminutive scientist asked thinking maybe he could help the youth and send him on his way.
"Well OK now I've read through this who thing...three times, and I don't see anything about a 'great sea journey'.", Ron confided, "It's like all this thing about a battle."
"No, no you have 'Odyssey' confused with the one you are assigned to read. Does that answer question?", the short guy pointed out wondering how someone could be so dense.
"Yeah except that Kim, you know Kim Possible told me that it's time to kick your short butt.", Ron laughed as he threw the book at the German madman and rushed him hitting Dementor in the helmet with his shoulder and knocking him into a bank of computers.
Dementor, stunned for a moment, pushed a button on his jacket from the prone position he suddenly found himself in. "Guards! Laboratory!...Now!"
Unknown to Dementor or Ron, Kim, still in invisible mode, had set Rufus down near an access panel to get inside of the device that Dementor was working on before her boyfriend made his appearance. Then while Ron engaged the short scientist in conversation she positioned herself ready to ambush any and all reinforcements that were soon to come.
Ron got up rubbing his now numb shoulder while opening and closing his hand, "Well that hurts. No wonder football players wear shoulder pads." Then turning his attention to Dementor, "Do you give up yet?"
"Nein, vho are vou?"
"The teenager who's gonna kick your ass. You ruined my date jerkwad.", Ron swung with his right fist now having some feeling back in that shoulder connecting with Dementor's helmet and knocking him down again.
At that moment twelve large henchmen ran into the lab only to run into an invisible Kim Possible.
"Ron when you're done with shorty can you give me a hand over here?", the invisible red head asked as she kicked the largest goon with a front snap kick to the knee cap driving the knee backward and putting its owner out of the fight.
"Sure thing KP.", Ron called out as he whipped a pair of handcuffs out of his pants pocket and secured the dazed criminal mastermind's hands behind his back.
Now that Dementor was out of action Ron turned to help his not so overwhelmed girlfriend. He picked out his targets and sprinted into the flank of the mass that was trying to subdue the red head.
The blond teen landed his flying side kick in the ribs of the closest adversary. Ron could feel them give as the large man went down to his knees in obvious pain.
'Hate to do this to you bud, but you're getting paid.', Ron mused as he kicked another large henchman in the groin with enough power to lift the unfortunate crony off the floor by nearly a foot.
"Hey KP how are we doing?", Ron shouted not seeing her as one large man come up behind Ron and wrapped him in a massive bear hug.
"Average.", a disembodied voice told him calmly having been in this situation a number of times before.
"Uh oh.", Ron muttered as he saw a large fist heading for him.
The blond teen had just enough time to turn his head slightly so instead of his nose being driven into his brain it just laid over to the side spewing blood over four other men.
"Asswipe.", Ron muttered in pain as something that he felt before and he could never call upon willfully began to flow through his body...something that he really couldn't tell his girlfriend about because of a promise he made.
XX
The pink mole rat looked at a couple of computer hookups as he studied the configuration. He paused for a moment and then began pulling the plugs out of the sockets and began putting them back in randomly.
After a couple of moments he could smell the ozone as electronics began to fry and back feed. Rufus then climbed up the machine and disconnected the inducer and lowered it down inside. The heroic rodent then scampered to the access hole and made his escape carrying the much sought after cylinder from the doomed device and headed to the melee where he could feel his Master's Mystical Power begin to rise.
Rufus, always cautious, decided that this was not the place to be and ran to the large man who was holding Ron from behind and bit the large man on the lower leg. Immediately the henchman grabbed his ankle, letting go of Ron.
Using knowledge of martial arts that Kim neither knew of, nor was aware he had, Ron jabbed his thumb into a pressure point under the goon's jaw, stunning him and dropping the blond to the floor. Rufus feeling what his Master was going to do jumped away and scampered for the door chittering as he left.
"KP we gotta go, this place is gonna blow up.", Ron yelled for his girlfriend as he looked around and began to feel for her chi.
Kim, still cloaked, gasped as her boyfriend grabbed her arm and yanked her away from the two she was tangled with.
"What are you doing Ron?", Kim struggled until she realized what he shouted earlier. 'How did he know where my hand was?'
"This place is gonna blow. See the goons are already hightailing it.", Ron explained as the blood continued to flow from his nose.
By now Dementor and his henchmen were heading for a small door.
"That must be their escape route.", Ron told her as he swept his rodent buddy up along with the PDVI and put them both in his thigh pocket.
"Come on KP let's get the packs and get out of here.", Ron urged feeling the danger close at hand. They ran together for about two more minutes before they could both feel the concussion. Ron pushed Kim in front of him automatically shielding her from the fireball that was coming towards them. The blond teen knocked her to the floor of the tunnel as a burning sensation seared into his back.
Kim Possible struggled under her boyfriend's weight as her suit's force field activated throwing him into the air and away from her and bounced him off the ceiling into the rest of the blast.
Suddenly the blast reversed itself and sucked the blond teen back the way that they had run.
Kim lay in the now silence as she looked around for her partner/boyfriend. She got up screaming, "Ronnnnn."
Quietly the heroine got up afraid of what she'd find next and began to walk back towards the lab. "Ronnnn.", Kim called again as she saw him trying to get up.
'Why is he glowing blue like that?', Kim wondered.
It only took a couple of moments for her to get to his side. She helped him to his feet as he began to feel his pocket that was Rufus's home when on a mission.
Ignoring her for a moment he opened the pocket and pulled out the mole rat, "You OK Rufus buddy?"
The pink bald rat squeaked, "Hnk yeah Ron...Fun."
"Yeah fun buddy.", Ron snorted as he put the mole rat back in his cargoes and put his arms around his girlfriend and hugged her tightly.
"Come on Ron let's get out of this death trap.", Kim urged softly silently dreading that she almost lost him, "I'll fix your face."
"Yeah KP, I'm with ya, don't worry about the nose I'll take care of it later.", he replied as he leaned on her momentarily drained.
X
Ron looked up as he noticed where they had entered from, "Uh KP...do you want to unfasten the cable?"
"Ron we can let that go.", she replied.
"I don't wanna lose those, you can stand on my shoulders again.", he offered.
"But you're hurt."
"Not as bad as you think, come on we might need it later. You know me, I don't like to throw anything away.", Ron reminded her.
"Are you sure you're up to it Ron.", Kim asked.
"Yeah I can handle it.", he replied.
"OK then stand up against the wall and let me climb up on your shoulders."
The tow headed teen did as instructed as the red head climbed up on his shoulders. Balancing her up there he walked over to the hole in the wall so Kim could unfasten the cable.
"I'll only be a minute.", Kim assured him as she stood erect in the ventilation shaft and began to undo the carabiner from where she had attached it earlier.
"I am sure glad you're not wearing cleats KP.", Ron told her causing the red head to snort as her hundred and twenty pounds dug into his shoulders.
"You're not making this any easier.", Kim called down, "OK I'm done, crouch down and I'll jump off."
After she was standing on the floor of the tunnel she leaned and kissed him again. "Thanks honey I don't like leaving equipment behind either, now let's get out of here and call for pick up."
"Right behind you KP.", Ron replied as he reached into his cargo pants pocket to make sure that he still had the PDVI.
The two quickly found their way out quite easily because Dementor had maps mounted in pedestals every so often and printed in English because most of his Henchmen were Americans.
With all the guards having left the two heroes didn't need to fight their way out and once they had climbed back up the mountainside they made contact with Wade who told them that their ride would be back within the hour. Kim stayed on a flat spot on the hillside while Ron went to retrieve the cables from the top of the ventilation shaft.
Ron just barely made it back to Kim as the hover jet landed.
"Let's go home Ronnie, it's been a long day for us.", Kim instructed.
"Yeah sure KP, but remember Dr. Director wants a debrief session when we get in.", Ron told her.
"Sigh, I remember. We haven't even had dinner from last night either. Now let's clean up our gear and get some rest.", she instructed as she watched him turn away and put both hands to his face.
'I wonder what he's doing?'
XXX
So, here's the disclaimer guys. Neither Kim Possible, Ron Stoppable nor any of the other characters or places and events mentioned in the show 'Kim Possible' belong to me or my illustrious beta Cajun Bear.
Neither of us make any money off this writing either. It's just a hobby which we enjoy and hopefully entertain you the reader (and hopefully reviewer too.)
See ya down the road,
ST-103