*Starbrand: Destiny*
*Chapter One*
*Agents, Aliens, and Allies*
Middleton, Colorado
Ron Stoppable Residence
Racing as fast as possible, riding atop his stylized 2012 Honda motorcycle with a dark emerald-green, black, silver and azure-blue color scheme, Ron Stoppable finally came to the place of rest that is his home. Activating the garage door with a remote attached to his house keys, he slowly guided his cool machine inside. Placing the bike in its resting place and removing his helmet, he takes his hand over the smooth metal in a gentle caress before placing his headgear on the seat of the vehicle.
He enters the house, making his way to the fridge to get himself a few sandwiches and a beverage before moving to the living room. He seats himself on the sofa, releasing a heavy sigh as he did. For several moments he closes his eyes and begins to think to himself, reliving everything that happened in the past few hours in his mind. Opening his eyes, he glances around his comfortable home.
It wasn't the biggest or most lavish, but it was still more than one would expect him to live in. In many ways, in a sentimental sense, the reason he purchased this house for himself was because it reminded him of his former home and that of the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Dr. Possible. He knew that once he got out of college that it was time for him to have a place of his own, which made him all the more thankful that he still received plenty of money from his Naco Royalty funds that were deposited in his bank account regularly. He was his own man, sharing his home only with that of his best friend Rufus, who unfortunately wasn't there to comfort him. He could only imagine how the naked mole rat would react upon discovering what happened to him.
It was then that he began to wonder. How would his family and friends react to what happened to him? He didn't even know what to make of the event, let alone the strange marking that was etched into his flesh, continuing to pulsate and glow with power from time-to-time. So how would they respond to this? And just as equally uncertain and frustrating, how was he going to explain everything that transpired in order for it to make sense to them when he didn't understand it himself? It was at that instant that he glanced down and opened his right hand, revealing the bizarre insignia.
"How am I going to explain this to my family, let alone everyone else?", Ron inquires to himself, looking down at the star-shaped emblem that marked the palm of his right hand.
"Well, guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.", Ron mused to himself, resuming to eat to his heart's content, turning on the HD television as he settled back against the sofa and began channel surfing.
He stopped for a second, his chocolate-brown irises scanning the surroundings only to find nothing. If Ron Stoppable didn't know any better, he could swear that he was being watched. After a few seconds he merely shrugged his shoulders and resumed eating and watching TV. He was just being paranoid, he thought to himself. Little did he know that his paranoia, or what some would call heightened awareness, was more accurate than he believed.
Several hundred yards away, hidden in the shadows, were several GJ agents. Sent to the location by Dr. Director herself, their mission was to monitor Stoppable's movements and to take action if the situation called for it. One of the agents, Marc Ambrose, was one who prefers action over stealth. It was one of the many reasons why he wasn't particularly enjoying the task at hand. Another reason was because he thought Ron was a pretty cool guy, and the fact that he was pretty good at a card game didn't help ease Ambrose's reluctance in the overall mission regarding Stoppable.
He was an experienced combat agent, having served in the Marines before joining Global Justice. He's an Irish-American in his late thirties with gray-blue eyes and short reddish-brown hair. He was about five-foot-ten in height, his physique more lean and toned than muscular, unlike the fellow agent that accompanied him.
Seated near him was his partner, teammate and fellow GJ agent Ramon Reigns. He's an Italian-Samoan-American in his early thirties with long dark hair and equally dark brown eyes. A former casino bouncer and amateur mixed martial arts fighter, he joined Global Justice after saving a senior GJ agent from being assassinated. He's a large and powerful man, standing at least six-foot-four in height and muscular as any heavyweight in the UFC. And like Marc Ambrose, he wasn't thrilled about this mission because of his friendship with Stoppable.
"Target is in sight. Permission to engage and contain, Ms. Director?", Marc Ambrose inquires, speaking through the mouthpiece.
"Negative. It's too risky. We don't want to cause a scene, let alone let our presence be known to the world. Besides that point, if he's as powerful as our energy readings state he is, it is best if we wait until he leaves the premises. Once we get him in a less populated area, we'll be able to take action and follow through with the procedure. Is that understood, Agent Ambrose?", Dr. Director answers sternly in reply.
"Yes, ma'am.", Agent Ambrose responds, breaking the connection with his commander.
"I still don't get it. Why do we have to bring in Ron like he's a world-class threat?", Agent Reigns asks his teammate, leaning back against the trunk of the tree.
"Well, apparently when someone has enough power to wipe out the entire planet, it puts Ms. Betts on edge. Not that I blame her. If I found out somebody had the power to crack a planet in two, I'd be nervous as hell myself.", Ambrose remarked, cracking his neck as he began to relax in his assigned position.
"Yeah, well, I still don't like it. I mean, this isn't some mad scientist or would-be world-conqueror. This is Ron, man. He's a good guy. A friend. He isn't dangerous, at least not unless you provoke him, but even then it has to be pretty damn extreme to pull that off. We don't even know if he's a threat or not, yet GJ and Betts has labeled him as the most dangerous being on Earth! You cannot tell me that ain't messed up!", Reigns exclaimed, his gaze focused on his partner.
"I know, but we don't exactly have a choice in the matter. I hate this as much as you do, Ramon. But it's Ms. Betts' order, and like it or not, we've gotta follow it through.", Ambrose shot back, releasing a sigh of frustration.
"Still, it isn't right. I mean, it's bad enough for us, but it's even worse for Kate. You know how she feels about Ron. She really, really likes him. She was just about ready to ask him out before all this happened.", Reigns informs, watching as his partner lights a cigar and takes a long puff on it.
"Yeah, I know. I was hoping they'd get together eventually. Tough break for her and him.", Ambrose responds, spewing smoke from his lips before taking another puff.
"And another thing, I can't help but feel that Dr. Director is hiding something from us. There's something she's not telling us, Marc. She knows something.", Ramon stated.
"Of course she is. That's nothing new. There's a lot that Betts and Global Justice keep secret, even from their own agents.", Marc retorts with an amused chuckle, exhaling cigar smoke from his nostrils.
"I know that, man, but this is different. I can feel it in my gut!", Ramon stated in proclamation.
"Whatever you say, Ramon. Whatever you say.", Marc replied, taking another draw from his cigar.
Unknown to the Global Justice Agents, they weren't the only ones spying on the unsuspecting Ron Stoppable. Inside the house, crawling on the walls, was a tiny green and black insectoid robot. It was barely bigger than a house fly, its presence seemingly unnoticeable to anyone who would enter the household. Tiny cameras showed every square inch of the Stoppable residence, leaving nothing out of its sight.
It was through this tiny scientific marvel that allowed Shego to spy on Ron Stoppable from a safe distance without being noticed. She would have preferred to watch him near his estate, like she would normally do whenever she desired, but she was more than aware of those GJ agents that were spying on him. So, at least for now, she would watch over Stoppable through her little insectoid spy as she remained seated in her personal hovercraft that was hidden several miles away.
Zooming in towards the sofa in which Ron was seated upon, watching TV and devouring food with unrivalled passion, she caught sight of the glowing star emblem etched within the palm of his right hand. It was all that she needed to see to know that the visions, her dreams that occurred for years, of the event have already taken place. She wanted nothing more than to sneak inside the house, confront Ron Stoppable face-to-face, and get some answers. Unfortunately, at the present time, such actions would be unwise. She would wait until the time was right. And then nothing, not Global Justice or anything else for that matter, was going to stand in her way!
"I'm not letting you out of my sights, Stoppable. Not until I get you alone.", Shego whispered to herself, keeping her jade eyes focused on the image on her screen.
As her gaze lingered on the screen, watching Ron Stoppable's every movement, an almost unforeseen emotion gleamed in Shego's dark emerald-green irises. It was one of an emotion that one would not expect to see from the villainess in regards to anyone or anything, her gaze softening ever so slightly. Could it be?
Planet Lorwardia
Homeworld of the Lorwardians
The sharpening of a blade echoed through the halls, the sound capable of unnerving even the bravest of souls. The sound came from within a room, one that was currently occupied by six Lorwardians. The warrior, who was sharpening his sword, his favorite weapon of choice, had a physique that was as large and muscular as it was intimidating. Crescent tattoos marked his chest and arms. Yellow eyes and black as death hair marked his appearance, a thin strip of dark facial hair adorning his chin. His name is Talos, and he is the most powerful and formidable of all warriors on the entire planet of Lorwardia.
Several feet away, seated in a chair, was an elder warrior. Long hair as white as that of the glowing stars adorned his skull; flesh a marshy-green in color and riddled with scars and red tattoos; a white beard traveled down past his pectoral muscles; his eyes were that of a fiery orange in coloration. He is Argon, the oldest and most experienced of all Lorwardian warriors. Having fought many wars, even before Lord Zarog became the King, he is one of the most experienced trackers and hunters that's ever graced the galaxy.
Even as Argon remained seated, a fellow Lorwardian comrade lashes out at what appeared to be an armored punching bag made of steel. Unlike the rest of the five warriors who had some form of hair adorning the top of their skulls, the Lorwardian known as Thailog, was completely bald. The only thing present on the flesh of his bald head was the markings, both scars and tattoos that he inflicted on his flesh with an ebony blade. He is the most cunning and cruel of the six, enjoying the thrill of disabling his foes and making them suffer through both physical and psychological attacks.
One of the Lorwardians rested against the wall on the far side of the massive room, devouring the raw flesh of a great beast he slowly killed and butchered with one of his many daggers. His visage was more ghostly and frightening than any of his comrades, a black as death cloak flowing down his entire ghostly green body until it touched the ground. Feared by many, including his own fellow warriors, he enjoys slowly torturing his foes, tearing them apart and butchering their flesh from their bones with twisted glee before enjoying the taste of their blood from his daggers in which he'd clean with his own serpent-like tongue. He is known by many names, but none more feared than Gor, the most sadistic and mentally unstable of all Lorwardians.
Another Lorwardian was seated at a metallic table, examining some unique piece of technology while seemingly working on a complex puzzle. Given the name of Vulcan upon his birth, he became one of the most intelligent and cold-hearted warriors of their race. He would kill anyone or anything without showing the slightest hint of remorse or emotion, earning him the title of the Warrior with a Heart of Ice.
The last of the warriors was a female, one whose past was one of tragedy, loss and pain. However, unlike most of her gender amongst the Lorwardian race, she appeared more feminine and less muscular. She was still quite large, standing over seven feet tall, yet her appearance was capable of deceiving any who would look upon her. For while it was true that she was beautiful, she was equally as deadly. Despite her long flowing raven hair, seductive curves and azure eyes, she was physically trained to be the deadliest female warrior of all-time. Her name is Syn, and she is the youngest and most agile of the Lorwardian gladiators.
It was only when the Royal Adviser of Lord Zarog entered the premises did the six individuals cease their activities, their eyes focused on the intruder. They barely tolerated the existence of each other, let alone that of anyone else. They were killers, monsters, barbarians... all for the exception of one who was more than they appeared.
"What do you want, you little cretin?", Vulcan demanded with a cold glare.
"It's of the most importance, mighty Vulcan.", The Royal Adviser assured with a bow.
"So... let me guess. Our Lord wishes to send us to do his dirty work yet again. That's nothing new.", Syn remarked with barely contained contempt.
"Quit your complaining, Syn. This might have the probability to be something of a challenge.", Talos snarled, placing his mighty sword back in its holder.
"I don't have a problem with a challenge... as long as I get to revel in combat and taste the blood of those I slaughter.", Gor hissed, devouring the last chunk of flesh within his hands with sickening glee, savoring the taste of blood as it ran down his chin.
"Silence! Let the man speak.", Argon roared.
"Thank you, Argon. Lord Zarog wishes to send all of you on a quest.", The Royal Adviser stated to the warriors.
"Where?", Talos inquired.
"And for what reason?", Syn added, narrowing her eyes at Zarog's messenger.
"The planet is called Earth. He wants those who were responsible for killing his beloved son to be dealt with extreme prejudice and brutality.", The Royal Adviser informed.
"Pfft. I should have figured as much. He's too cowardly to see it done by his own hand.", Syn scoffs, not at all surprised.
"Hold your tongue, woman! This could be rather... interesting.", Thailog thundered, a twisted smirk gracing his features.
"What are our targets?", Argon questioned.
"These two earthers. They are the ones whom Lord Zarog wishes to be slaughtered, their skins made into pelts and their skulls brought back as trophies.", The Royal Adviser answered, pulling out a device that revealed the holographic images of a pale green-skinned woman and a young man that was glowing with azure energy.
"Well, that is intriguing.", Vulcan mused, examining the holographic projections more closely.
"Hmm... I don't believe I've ever tasted the blood of humans before.", Gor hissed, his serpent tongue licking blood off the corners of his mouth.
"When do we leave?", Talos demanded.
"Immediately.", The Royal Adviser said in reply.
Yamanouchi Ninja School, Japan
The Dojo of Master Sensei
"Master Sensei.", Yori greeted with a bow.
The old master was seated on the floor, quietly meditating to himself until Yori entered the room. He opened his eyes, a look of serenity and kindness reflecting within his irises. A gentle smile, one hidden by his long white beard, graced his features as he looked upon one of his most talented and cherished female students. She had grown to be such a strong and beautiful young woman, something that he never doubted even when he first took her under his tutelage so many years ago.
"Yes, my loyal pupil?", Master Sensei asks, his voice as gentle as the sound of a flowing stream.
"There's someone who wishes to see you.", Yori informed politely.
"Good. I was expecting the company of a dear friend on this day. Please, send them in.", Master Sensei replied with a slight nod.
"Yes, Master Sensei.", Yori obliged, bowing once more before turning and leaving the room to retrieve the guest.
A few moments passed before the visitor entered, coming to a direct stop in front of where Master Sensei was currently seated. The individual wore a black as night hooded cloak, concealing her features and her attire from all those who lived within the school of Yamanouchi. It had been years since she last visited, years since she seen or conversed with wise Master Sensei. She only hoped that he would still remember her.
"Ah, it is good to see you again, Ms. Remsen. I only hope that you are well, and your arrival is one of good fortune.", Master Sensei said in greeting, his tone as warm and welcoming as she remembered it.
"Yes, Master Sensei, I am well. Still, I would prefer if you would call me by my guardian name instead, if it isn't too much to ask of you. As for the reason that I am here, there is something I must discuss with you. Something that is of great importance to our world.", Elizabeth responds, lowering the hood of her cloak.
"Oh? And what do you wish to discuss that is of such great importance, Nightmask?", Master Sensei inquired, intrigued by her demeanor and that of the forthcoming revelation.
"The White Event has passed. The Universe has finally chosen its Avatar. The Starbrand has come at last.", Elizabeth stated, her news further intriguing the wise old man.
"This news is great indeed.", Master Sensei comments, using his left hand to stroke his long white beard.
"Yes, it is. But there is more information. I've tried to use my telepathy to locate the Starbrand, but for the moment I've been unable to achieve this, most likely due to the individual's transition of becoming an Avatar. However, I did manage to get a glimpse into his mind and discover his identity.", Elizabeth continued in her explanation of the information.
"Then tell me, Nightmask, who is the wielder of the Starbrand?", Master Sensei questions, his gaze locking with that of the young woman's own.
"His name is... Ron Stoppable.", Nightmask revealed.
In that instant Master Sensei's eyes widened for a brief second. He almost couldn't believe what Elizabeth Remsen told him, yet a part of him always knew it was fate that Ron Stoppable, one of his best students and one of the all-time greatest ninja warriors, had been chosen by the Universe to be its avatar. It was upon hearing this grand announcement, this news of vast importance, that the wise and ancient master knew what had to be done. He knew that others would seek out the Starbrand, whether to assist and protect him... or to capture and attempt to harm him.
"Are you certain of this?", Master Sensei inquired sternly.
"Yes, I am.", Nightmask answered, quite certain of her discovery.
"Then we must be swift in our actions. It is up to you, Nightmask, to bring him here so that his training can begin. For only when he masters the power of the Starbrand will he be able to overcome the threats that will seek to destroy our world and unbalance our Universe.", Master Sensei decrees.
Author's Notes
Wow! Over a dozen reviews on the prologue alone! Not to mention the numerous favs and follows! All I've got to say is thanks to all of you! If I would get reviews like that on my other stories, I'd definitely feel more motivated and appreciated. This chapter would've been out sooner, if I wouldn't have come down with a sickness, so much thanks for being patient.
The action and drama begin to intensify in the following chapters! Be sure to stay tuned! And keep those reviews and favorites coming, for they make the hard work worth it!
By the way, did I mention I've got another RonGo story in the works? It's entitled 'The Affections of a Villainess', and it'll be a more of a romance-comedy-drama tale. Still, I'm hoping that it'll garner your interests, along with all my other works of fiction.