Disclaimer: No, I do not own Kim Possible. Yes, the series has ended. Yes, I did see the last episode and it kicked a lot of ass. Go Mystical Monkey Powers. Alas, I do not own Shadowrun either. However, 4th Edition SR kicks a lot of ass. You should all really look into it. Give the nice folks at Catalyst some love.
Kim Possible in:
Born to Shadowrun
Chapter 4: Choices
Date: November 17th, 2069, nearly the 18th
Location: Seattle Metroplex, Downtown area, UCAS
"All things considered, I thought a future hospital would be a lot harder to sneak out of," Ron commented as they got out of the cab.
"Tell me about it. That was almost too easy." Kim accepted Ron's help getting out of the cab. While the short skirt of her black dress wouldn't have made it impossible to get out, it was nice to have the help. The thinly heeled shoes held to her feet with straps that traveled halfway up her calf might have made it a bit more awkward without it though. "I also have to remember to thank Wade for leaving us some nuyen," Kim added, after she paid the driver.
"It would be a whole lot harder to have a night on the town without it," Ron agreed. After a moment outside the cab, he took off his dress jacket, slinging it over his arm. He was attired in some of the nicer clothes that Lynn and Bonnie had provided. Well cut slacks in a dark gray and dark red silk shirt. The night had turned out to be a bit warmer than he thought it would be, making the jacket unnecessary. "You sure you're up for this, KP?"
"Ron, I'm feeling great. Better than great, even. Now, in case that, 'spirit' or whatever it was, decided to come back, I want to get out and stretch my legs. See how much has changed for my self," Kim said, as she looked at the strange city looming above them. "Besides, I'm suffering from some serious cabin fever," she said. She turned around, stepping into Ron's arms, which gladly took her in. As she leaned up and gently kissed him, she whispered, "Anyway, what should you be more concerned with?" She trailed more kisses along his jaw, finally ended at his ear. She moved to nuzzling his neck. "The weird instructions of my magic doctor, or keeping you girlfriend happy?" she whispered and kissed into his ear.
"Kim, I love you, and that is even worse then the puppy dog pout," Ron sighed happily.
"I know," she said. She slowly shifted in his embrace, repositioning herself against him, so that Ron could still wrap an arm around her and they both could comfortably walk side by side.
"Besides, I'm overdue for a night out on the town with my boyfriend," she added.
Ron laughed and the two of them began to walk down the street. "Consider all previous objections withdrawn then, milady."
As they continued down the street, Ron began to really look at the new world they'd woken into. Strangely shaped dark towers rose around them, making an alien skyline. Any stars that might have been visible were muted by the light pollution from the city, and a haze of smog higher up. Small machines, "drones" Wade had called them, were flitting about. Glowing signs and advertisements hovered in the air. Overhead, some sort of hovercraft zipped by, light's blazing, "Doc Wagon" scrawled in bright red down its side.
"Sure hasn't changed much, has it?" Ron commented.
"I think there's a bit less smog since last time we were here, actually," Kim replied, leaning her head on Ron's shoulder as they walked.
"Oh yeah, that was Killigan, right?" Ron said as he continued looking at the buildings around them.
"Third anniversary," Kim responded.
"Then we had dinner at the Space Needle. Great night. Decent food," Ron grinned.
A group of teens who were sporting the black on gray fashion were eyed up by a group of adults walking the other direction wearing the same color scheme, on a different style of clothes. Ron chuckled to himself. Those wacky kids and their edgy fashion!
Of course, no sooner had the thought crossed his mind, then another group turned the corner. Sculpted, tattooed, and artistically scarred bodies adorned with clothing that ranged from glowing to all but transparent and in colors that ran in themes that were highlighted by being bright, loud, or both with the hair to match in more cases then not. They were a stark contrast to everyone else on the street. And they reveled in it.
Kim's pinch snapped his attention away from the group. The glare she spared him lacked any real heat. "Head in the game, Ron," she said. "Lynn mentioned that the best way to find someplace 'wiz' was to turn off your spam filters."
"Oh, right," Ron answered. He fiddled with his commlink for a few seconds. He must have done something right with the pesky little thing, because he was suddenly overwhelmed by ads offering him the 'The Best in Bodysculpts: Look Like You've Always Felt You Should' and 'Stuffer Shack! Leave Stuffed!' As cluttered as his view was getting, it looked like it got worse if they took a left at the corner.
"So, left?" Kim winced, overwhelmed by the ads as well.
"Left it is," Ron said. He began to try to adjust the setting on the spam filters back down. He only ended up making it worse.
--
After helping Ron reset his commlink to weed out the ads, they settled back into a steadier pace. Apparently, several monkey heavy ad campaigns had attached themselves to his profile. While his 'monkey phobia' wasn't nearly as bad as it used to be, it was still evident. And funny at times, Kim admitted to herself, chuckling softly.
"Nothing funny about monkeys, KP," Ron mumbled.
"No, baby, nothing at all," she kissed him on the cheek.
They passed more groups of teens and twenty-somethings as they strolled down through Downtown Seattle. It became quickly apparent that fashion had evolved into two major camps: dreary and neon.
As they waited for some traffic to clear at a corner near a club catering to the "neon" set, Kim began to register some of the bold looks coming her way from the club goers lounging next to several parked cars. One in particular, the queen bee of the group, drew her attention. Her hair was a flowing field of bright orange cascading past exposed skin down to nearly her waist. A bodice made of what looked like red tinted, translucent leather gripped her lithe frame. A miniskirt of the same material exposed long legs and black knee-high boots. Her skin was covered in what must have been some of the most elaborate tattoo work Kim had ever seen.
Kim looked on in amazement as she realized that some of the tattoos were moving, writhing in sinuous patterns across her flesh. Even more startling was that some of what she thought were tattoos weren't. Some of the elaborate shapes looked like they were careful scar work, while others looked like they might be complex arrangements of metal in a tribal pattern just below the surface.
At the sly look from the girl she was examining, Kim suddenly realized that she'd been staring. She made eye contact with the heavily decorated girl; Kim realized she'd been staring back. The other girl simply licked her lips seductively and brushed her hands through her hair then down her body. As she did, the orange hair changed to glowing pink, revealing the one other place on her body that still had a brush of hair as well. Kim smiled, a bit embarrassed, feeling her face flush as the girl and her friends laughed. A moment later she started to receive a few text messages.
"Ahh, Kim," Ron nervously muttered.
"Yeah, Ron," Kim said, wondering how she was going to reply to any of it. She didn't know how to operate her commlink enough to even say 'not interested.'
"I think someone from that group over there," said with a small nod, "is hitting on me."
Kim blinked on spun on him. "Who? Pink Hair?" she hissed.
"Ah, no. I think it's the Ork," Ron said with a nervous chuckle.
Kim looked back at the group of club goers along with Ron. Sure enough, an Ork in tight leather pants and elaborate scar work across his chest was eyeing up Ron. Kim was able to stifle her giggle.
"Come on Kim, how is this funny? I mean, I've never been hit on by a guy before, or an Ork."
"It's not that, Ron, it's just the Girl with Pink Hair is asking if we'd like to come along to a little orgy they had planned. Hold on, let me forward you the message," Kim fiddled with her commlink for a moment, finally figuring out how it worked.
Ron's eyes quickly widened at the elaborate and interesting comments that his girlfriend had been getting. She suddenly felt Ron's arm wrap tightly around her. The club goers just laughed.
Finally, the group got up and strolled over to Kim and Ron, led by Pink Hair. They stopped a few comfortable feet away. "Hi, I'm Mindy," the Pink Haired girl said warmly. "And it looks like you two are from out of town."
"That obvious?" Kim asked. "I guess you could say we just kinda ended up here in the last few days. It looks like we're going to be staying too."
"Welcome to Seattle," Mindy said, stepping forward the last few feet and shaking hands with Kim and Ron in turn. "We were just about to head over to the Inferno, you two like to join us? I promise, we'll hold off on propositioning you for a little while," she said with a smile.
"At least until you have a few drinks in you," said another girl with deep blue skin, more moving tattoos, and green hair.
"Thanks, but we're trying to get a feel for the city, and don't want to stay out too late," Kim said.
"That's wiz. Listen, you want some guides around the 'Plex, let me know. We'd be happy to show you two... around," Mindy grinned devilishly.
After a few more minutes of pleasantries, the group of brightly dressed night-lifers left. As their vehicles turned around a corner and out of site, Ron turned to Kim. "So, was she coming on to you, or us?"
"I think us," Kim answered, a little dumbfounded.
"Right. So, think Fox is a hardcore porn channel yet?"
Kim rolled her eyes. "I don't even want to think about it," she laughed as the two finally crossed the street.
Kim continued to look around in amazement at the world she and Ron had woken into. It's not just the fashion either, she thought as a small robot hovered over a crowd of Ork teens. She saw a Troll, a little bigger then Max, in a well cut business suit, speaking rapid Japanese with a group of equally well dressed Japanese businessmen. An elf couple strolled arm in arm down the street, talking animatedly in a language Kim didn't think she'd ever heard before.
"Man, I really did have Elves on the nose, didn't I," Ron muttered. As the two Elves in question walked by and contemptuously turned their nose up at a ragged looking Dwarf pushing a shopping cart full of her worldly possessions down the street. She could feel Ron's anger as he glared at the two Elves. "Be right back, Kim."
Ron ran across the street, dodging a few cars as he went, and stepped up next to the stopped Dwarf. While she shied back at first, Ron was able to calm her down with a few quick words. After a moment, she laughed, and it looked like she said something rude to the Elves, judging from their reaction. Ron joined her in laughter for a moment, and then handed her the jacket he'd been wearing. She tried to protest, but Ron just held up his hands, and with a smile shook his head. Finally, the Dwarf smiled and took the offered jacket. As Ron crossed the street back to where Kim was, she couldn't help but notice the icy glares from the two elves. Ron simply smiled, and casually threw them the bird, before rejoining Kim.
"Feel better now?"
"Yeah, much. And I met a Dwarf," Ron said as he held out his arm.
Kim smiled at him. "Have I told you just how badical you are lately?"
"Maybe not for a few decades," Ron said after a moment's consideration.
"Well, you are," Kim said.
"Help!"
The scream pierced the night, and Kim felt herself coil into readiness. She grinned as adrenaline suddenly flooded her system.
"Never a moment's peace," Ron muttered.
"Would we have it any other way?" Kim asked. "Let's go."
Kim sprinted across the street and down the alley the scream came from. Ron was only a few steps behind her as she skidded to a halt. Being told that magic existed was one thing. Seeing it first hand was another.
--
Ron skidded to a stop behind Kim at the mouth of the ally. "Kim, wha..." he started to ask. He didn't finish when he too saw the source of the screams and the cause.
About thirty feet in, a man in filthy business clothes was huddled against a dumpster. His fearful screams were directed at the form looming over him.
"What the fuck is that?" Kim said.
What stood over the business man was nothing even remotely human, or Metahuman for that matter. As it raised one of its limbs to once again strike the terrified man, Ron saw a rainbow shimmer play across its watery green base. Ron thought for a moment that it would be how Lake Wannaweep might look if you'd spilled oil on its polluted water. In fact, its whole body was made up of the same stuff.
The man screamed again as the watery thing's 'fist' slammed into his ribs. It snapped Kim and Ron out of their daze.
"Head in the game, Ron?" Kim asked.
"Right behind you, KP," he answered.
As one, they ran into the alley to attack the monster. While Ron felt his own fist pass through it, Kim's struck home. As the things staggered back, Kim stepped between it and the business man.
"That was weird," Ron muttered.
"We'll figure it out later, Ron," Kim said, fully into Mission Mode now.
"Right," Ron agreed. As Kim began to punch and kick at the oily green beast, Ron crouched down next to the beaten man. "You ok?"
"I think my ribs are broken," he muttered.
"Try not to move, we're here to help," Ron said, nodding.
"Are you CorpSec?" he asked, startled.
"Nope," Ron said. He stood and moved to join Kim.
"Is he okay?" she asked.
"Will be," Ron replied.
"Good. Let's go," Kim charged in, launching a series of swift kicks and punches as she went.
Ron followed up, trying to call up his monkey powers to no avail. While some of his blows made contact, they didn't do so consistently. "This vexes me a great deal," Ron muttered as yet another punch proved infective.
"New rules to freak fighting, I guess," Kim said as she blocked some of the creature's blows. "I don't think I'm doing much to hurt it either."
Even as she said it, the thing took a step back. Standing in a puddle of stagnant water, it regained some of the cohesion that Kim and Ron's attacks had stripped off it.
"That is so not fair," Ron said.
"Ron, quiet," Kim said, looking around.
"What, I don't think its feelings are going to be hurt," Ron grumbled.
"No, listen. Someone's chanting."
Ron stopped, and tipped his head to the side, finally picking up on it as well.
"Remote control?" Ron grinned.
"Be my guess," Kim grinned back.
Nothing else was needed. With a war cry of "Booyah!" Ron leapt over the dumpster towards the chanting, while Kim unleashed several days worth of bed rest and pent up emotional pain on the monster.
Ron ran nimbly along the top of the dumpster. As he came to the other end, he finally spotted the source of the clumsy Latin that was filling the alley.
"Dude, your enunciation is horrible. 'Water' you think you're doing?" Ron quipped, as he jumped off the dumpster, landing smoothly in front of him.
The person, the magician, doing the chanting didn't look like he was out of his teens yet, and reeked of cheap booze, cigarettes, and being too long separated from soap and water. He took a step back as Ron dropped into a fighting stance in front of him. The chanting trailed off, to be replaced by a startled, "Wait, what? That's weak."
Any other critique he might have offered was cut off by the several rapid punches and a kick Ron delivered to his head. "Hey, they can't all be comedy gold," Ron growled at the unconscious man at his feet.
"Damn, he's right. I just know there's a joke somewhere in there," Ron muttered as he ran back to where Kim was. He arrived just in time to see her foe reduced to a puddle.
"All done?" he asked.
"Gross, but finished. You?" Kim answered.
"Oh yeah! The Ronster took out the trash!"
They grinned at each other for a moment, before turning to the beaten businessman.
"Sir, are you all right?" Kim asked him. She and Ron walked over to him. He was still huddled against the dumpster.
"Yeah. Yeah, I think I am. Probably have a few broken ribs, but I'll live," he answered through clenched teeth.
"Want us to call you an ambulance?" Ron asked.
"No thanks, I just got a hold of Lone Star, they should have a squad here any second now." He leaned forward in a futile attempt to see around the dumpster. He only hissed in pain and leaned back again. "Is that wiz ganger still around?"
"Huh?" Ron eloquently countered.
"The kid that summoned that spirit?" the other man elaborated.
"Oh, him? He's out cold, and should stay that way for a few hours if I know my unconscious states. And I do," Ron cheerily answered.
The businessman sighed in relief, and leaned back against the wall. "Thank the spirits."
As the sound of sirens became more distinct, Kim nudged Ron, and nodded towards the end of the alley. "I don't think we want to answer too many questions right now, do you?"
"An excellent point, but are you sure we can just leave him?" Ron replied.
"SINless, right?" the man asked. Ron and Kim both nodded. "I kind of thought so. I should be okay. I owe you two."
"No big," Kim said, smiling radiantly. "It's what we do. Let's go, Ron." Kim began a brisk walk towards the street.
"Take care, dude!" Ron said, as he sprinted to catch up to his girl.
"You too, omae!" Ron heard him say as he rounded the corner. He took Kim's arm in his, and the two calmly left the scene. Moments later, several cars bearing flashing lights and 'Lone Star' logos emblazoned on their doors screeched to a halt outside the ally. They disgorged several heavily armed officers who rushed into the ally proper, barking commands.
"That would not have been fun," Ron said softly as they rounded a corner and lost sight of the commotion.
"No, that probably wouldn't have. It did feel good to get in a little exercise, though," Kim added, also in a hushed voice.
"I just wish I would have been able to hit the damn thing," Ron muttered.
"Yeah, that was weird. Maybe Wade will know what's going on. For now," Kim said as she once again snuggled up to Ron, "I think it's time to get back to the hospital."
"Might not be a bad idea. I'm kinda pooped from all this walking around and freak fighting," Ron said, pulling Kim closer.
"Better not be too tired, I have some plans for you when we get back," Kim playfully.
Ron looked at his girlfriend's lusty expression, and knew just what she had in mind.
"Booyah!"
--
Date: November 20th, 2069
Location: St. Samuel's Private Clinic, Seattle, UCAS
"How we doing today, guys?" Max said, as he wheeled the cart with breakfast into the room.
"Doing great, Max," Kim said brightly.
"As your doctor, I'd have to agree with that statement, Miss Possible," Dr. Rohr said. "Your lab results are, quite frankly, great. You're recovering much faster than I'd have guessed too. Even little Rufus is doing great," she said with a nod towards the mole rat in question.
"All OK!" Rufus exclaimed. Rufus had taken a bit more effort to get back on his feet after the cryostasis was reversed. When he had been wheeled triumphantly into the hospital room the day before, Ron had barely been able to contain his excitement. After that, the three of them had spent the day with Wade and Tim, catching up a little more on random family stuff they'd missed out on over the years.
"Thanks, doc," Kim said with a grin.
"Hey, Max my man, how's it goin'?" Ron asked cheerily.
"Skraa, chummer, I'm doing good," Max responded cheerfully. "I see they're only going to have to fix up one bed again today," he finished with a wink.
Kim felt herself blush a bit, but Ron just shrugged. "What can I say? I have all kinds of hez."
Kim was startled to see her doctor stifle a quick giggle before she shot both her and Ron a measured look. Max just let out a deep hoot of laughter as he set their food on the table in the room. Ron quickly took a seat and laid into the meal.
"Say no more," Max said.
"Thank you Max, but I need to talk to them for a minute," the doctor said.
"No problem, Dr. Rohr," Max said, still grinning. "'Hez.' I like them kids..." he mumbled as he maneuvered himself out the door.
Dr. Rohr just shook her head, and turned back to her patients. "Well, I guess I don't need to ask how you're both feeling, do I?" she said, grinning. Kim and Ron shook their heads. "Right. Now, Ron, how about you? Besides from being, 'hez,'" again that word, and again that same sly look from her doctor, "how do you feel?"
"I'm feeling great Dr. R!" Ron replied cheerily. Ron had finished off his meal, and passed a plate to Kim now that the doctor was done with her. Kim took the offered plate and eagerly dug in.
"That's good. Have you noticed any lingering side effects? Do you feel dizzy when you exert yourself? Are you having problems walking around?"
"Not really. I get a little tired after I've been up and moving for a bit, is about all."
"Hmm, well, I recommend that the both of you get full nights rest until you're both a little more recovered." The doctor caught Kim's eye and winked. "Especially avoid sneaking out to roam the city, okay?"
Kim almost choked on her food, and Ron began to laugh nervously. "I knew it was too easy," he muttered.
"Surveillance has come a long way in the last seventy years," Dr. Rohr grinned. "All in all, the two of you are coming along well. At this point, unless something comes up, I think we'll be able to discharge you today as planned. You'll be able to spend Thanksgiving with your families that way," Dr. Rohr said with a smile. "That should help you get some calories back into your systems."
"Spank'n doc," Kim said with a grin.
"Just try not to burn through them all, okay?"
"No problem-o Dr. R!" Ron said.
As the door swung closed, Kim turned to Ron and fixed him with a steely glare. "Okay, spill. What does 'hez' mean?"
Before Ron could stammer out an answer, the door again swung open. A hurricane named Lynn Possible roared into the room, dragging in its wake Nate Load and Glynn Possible like flotsam.
"Morning Auntie Kim! Morning Ron!" Lynn said cheerily as she swept into the room. Today she was decked out in skin tight leather pants, a creamy red silk blouse that clung to her in ways that left little to the imagination, and a long fashionable coat. The ensemble was a big change from the more conservative jeans and sweater from a few days ago. Kim wondered for a moment if Tim knew his granddaughter dressed like this. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind, than she felt her calendar age for the first time since waking up. She shuddered a bit. Glynn and Nate on the other hand were much more conservatively dressed. Shirts and pants in dark shades to match their own black leather trench coats. Although, today Nate's eyes were serpent like slits in dark purples and almost sickly yellows.
"Morning, guys," Ron said. He winked at Kim, whispering "Me to know," and then announced to the rest "But if you'll excuse me, I need to use the little boy's room."
After Ron made a bee line to the small bathroom attached to their room, Lynn took the opportunity to sit down next to Kim. "I've been meaning to say that it's nice to see you thawed Auntie Kim," she said, smiling warmly.
"Thawed?" Kim said.
"Well, yeah. Didn't Poppy Tim tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"We're the Runners that got you and Ron out," Lynn said, indicating herself and the two men. "I can't believe he didn't tell you."
"Your Poppy forgot a few little things here and there," Kim said, a hint of sarcasm creeping into her voice.
"Yeah, Poppy can be like that," Lynn said with a laugh.
Lynn was quiet for a moment as Kim got up and began to pack her the clothes that Bonnie and Lynn had brought a few days ago. Since there wasn't much actual luggage, most of it just went back into bags and boxes. Kim found she didn't care though; the comfort of real clothes for the last few days was well worth the minor inconvenience of lugging around a bunch of shopping bags now.
"So, you guys gonna get back into it?" Lynn suddenly asked.
Kim looked around the suddenly silent room.
"What do you mean, 'back in?'" Kim asked.
"You know, Shadowrunning," Glynn said as he and Nate exchanged grins. "All three of us grew up on stories of the first Team Possible. Hell, it's why we call ourselves Team Possible Three Point Zero. We just want to know if you guys are gonna get back into the 'family business.'"
"Well, Ron and I really hadn't discussed it yet," Kim said. "Besides, we didn't exactly do what you guys do."
"How so?" Nate said. "Grandpa Wade fixed you up with jobs and equipment. You did work that most corporations and normal folk just didn't have the skills or gear to do. Sure, you did it pro bono, but it was still Running."
"Well, I guess," Kim said. From that perspective, they had a point.
"Sure. Best job in the world for the SINless! 'Run fast, die hard!'" Lynn added excitedly.
"What's the best for the who now?" Ron said, stepping out of the bathroom. He put on that damn jersey again.
Kim sighed, silently cursing Bonnie. At least this one wasn't ratty yet. "I'm going to get dressed, guys."
--
"Deniable Assets, huh? That doesn't exactly sound like my idea of a dream job," Ron said.
"That's just how the megas carry the expense of Shadowrunners on their balance sheets. They all come to us at some point or another, big to small," Glynn said quietly. "So to keep everything 'above board' they have to say where that money is going somehow. Hence: Deniable Assets."
"Sounds grim," Kim said. Dr. Rohr had just granted the both of them their medical releases, and she and Ron were carrying the various bags that contained their new clothes out to Nat's van.
"It can be, not many in this profession retire out. But those that do, they leave rich and young," Nate said.
"Right, sounds grim," Kim repeated.
"Don't be like that. Besides, our team could use a street sam or two and another sneak," Lynn said.
"What do you mean?" Ron said.
"Well, when it comes to gunplay, that's where I come in. Not that it does very often, luckily. But when it does I'm your girl," Lynn said. "I'm also pretty decent at sneaking around."
"Yeah, sure you are," Glynn said with a soft laugh. Lynn stuck her tongue out at him. "My thing is the breaking and entering," Glynn said. "I deal a little in tactical explosives too."
"Me, I have the safe job," Nate said. "I'm the driver. That and I know people."
"'Know people?' How's that useful?" Ron asked.
"Do you need to sell off some pay data, find a way to spend your Friday night, or need to get some new fake SINs? If you do, I know who to talk to. Like they say, 'knowledge is profit.'"
"I could almost hear Wade saying that," Kim said, grinning.
Kim didn't hear his response though. It was lost in Ron's scream of "Down!"
Years of freak fighting and the faith she had in her friends was all she needed to grab Lynn and pull her behind a nearby support beam. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Ron pull Glynn and Nate down behind a nurse's desk.
A half moment later, they would have all been riddled with bullets from down the hall they had just left.
"Shit! The hell is that?" Nate yelled.
Lynn poked her head around the corner, swiftly pulling back. "Those guys from Denver, I think." A quick burst of weapon fire sprayed off, too slow to hit Lynn.
"What the hell are they here for?" Nate asked.
"I can guess," Glynn said, looking meaningfully at Kim and Ron.
"Like hell," Lynn said. She reached under her coat and pulled out a pair of handguns.
"What, you only brought your Hammerlis?" Nate said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Hey, it was a hospital visit. I thought that packing light would be a bit more appropriate. How was I supposed to know we'd be on the receiving end of a wet work?" Lynn hissed back.
"Less, chit chat and more shooting. Look what I found." Glynn pulled a pair of shotguns out from underneath the desk they'd taken cover behind. He handed one to Nate, the other he kept for himself.
"Ready?" Lynn asked.
Kim was startled by the change that had come over her niece. It was a look of insane peace and perfect confidence. Kim suddenly wondered if this is what she looked like when she slid into what Ron called 'mission mode.'
Lynn suddenly winked at Kim. "We got this one."
Before Kim could say anything, the girl flowed into motion. Diving into the hallway, she didn't even take the time to aim. Despite that, a scream of pain followed the first few muffled shots from her pistols. As if the scream was some sort of grim invitation, both Nate and Glynn rose from behind the desk, shotguns leveled.
Both weapons barked angrily, filling the hallway with shot. Lynn finished her roll, sliding behind the desk, guns still at the ready.
"Glad to see you're not going to run this time, chummer," a voice called from down the hallway.
"You must be glitched, this is a hospital!" Nate said, as he and Glynn ducked back behind the desk.
"We're only here to kick the two that were on ice. Just business," the speaker replied.
"Well, tough shit, cleaner man, not today," Lynn said.
"Have it your way, chummer."
"'Chummer' this, bitch," Kim heard Lynn mumble.
Lynn hurled herself with acrobatic grace into the hallway, her pistols spraying death down the hall as she did. Back flips were followed by hand stands, performed balancing on one gun clutching hand then the other. Finally, she flipped easily into one of the open doors a little further towards the assassins. As she cleared the hallway, Glynn and Nate stood again, unloading more rounds from their shotguns towards the other team. This time, the shotguns were far more effective.
Breaking cover to try and catch Lynn, what looked like an Ork took the blasts from both shotguns to the chest. Before he could even fall, the shotguns found their mark again. Twitching, he finally collapsed down like a puppet with his strings cut.
For a moment, silence filled the hallway, as Glynn and Nate ducked back behind the desk and began to calmly reload.
"Fine, we were going to play nice and only kill the the two who were on ice. But if you're going to be that way about it, fine, we got enough bullets for all of you!" The voice screamed.
The hallway became still for a moment. Then the air stirred. Then it screamed.
"Shit, it's an elemental!" Glynn said.
Even as the words escaped his lips, a humanoid shape shimmered in the air and began to advance down the hall.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit..." Min said as she opened fire.
"Ron, I think I can hurt it," Kim said.
Ron looked at her for a split second. "Like in the ally, when that water thing attacked," he said.
"Yeah, like that," Kim said. She wondered if Ron could see in her eyes the uncertainty that was clawing at her guts.
He looked up and met her gaze, unblinking. She could almost feel the rush of warmth and confidence he had in her. "I know you can. Go for it KP."
Kim nodded, and spun into the hall, leaping towards the monster.
--
"Come on, if Kim can hit it, why can't I?" Ron mumbled to himself.
He peaked around the corner to see Kim fighting the smear in the air. It looked like the smear might be winning. But, Kim being Kim, it wasn't having an easy time doing so. Ron watched as his girl unleashed sixteen kinds of kung-fu on it. However, as well as she was doing now, Ron could feel that her strength was already starting to fail.
The mole rat peaked out of the pocket of his cargo pants. Rufus looked down the hallway and shook his head. "Nah-uh, bad news!"
"Damn it, I need to help Kim," Ron said.
"Chosen One!"
Ron's head snapped around. Coming from one of the other hallways was a black clad ninja. In her hand, she held a blade. A blade Ron knew all too well.
Ron was almost too shocked to do anything for a moment. Then, he hesitantly held up a hand. "Here, magic sword," he whispered.
The Lotus Blade leapt to his waiting grasp.
Rufus let out a surprised yelp, and when Ron looked down at him, he was giving him the thumbs up. "Kick its ass!" Rufus squeaked.
"Booyah!"
--
Kim was being overwhelmed. She'd never fought anything like this before. The blows were more unexpected than Monkey Fist's Tai Shing Pek Kwar. The way her eyes wanted to slide off its form, made the elemental harder to hit then Shego. She had no illusions about the amount of damage one of those blows would do if they hit. She liked her ribs right where they were.
All of that didn't count for much though; she could feel herself slowing down. What she started as an all out assault was rapidly deteriorating. Already, it was a defensive game. One wrong move, and she'd be back in the hospital bed. She was not going back to those backless hospital gowns anytime soon.
Then Ron was there.
"Got your back, KP!"
For a moment, she wondered where the Lotus Blade had come from. She was pretty sure it was the Lotus Blade at least, since she didn't know of that many other shape shifting swords. She decided that it didn't really matter how he got it, or even if it was. He was there, that's what counted. That the shape changing sword was able to strike the elemental was big too.
"So not the drama, Ron," Kim said, dropping into a more aggressive stance. "Let's put it down."
"You got it."
--
"The hell?" Lynn whispered as she watched Kim and Ron attack the elemental. It was nothing short of an incredible sight. When one faltered, the other was there. As Ron threw the spirit off balance with a vicious series of attacks from the sword he suddenly had, Kim was there to take advantage. At other times, Kim flowed into a defensive position between the spirit and Ron as he left himself exposed to strike.
"This is really cool," she heard Glynn mumble.
--
"This is really bad," the Elf said, as he watched the fight unfold. "That spirit is getting its ass handed to it."
"I know," the Troll said. "It can't hold out much longer."
"Can you summon another?" the Human asked.
--
"Did they just say something about another one of these things?" Ron yelped, as the spirit nearly caught him in the head with one of its ghostly claws.
"Let's hope not," Kim said. She unleashed another furious sequence of punches and kicks at the spirit. It felt weird when she impacted. While there was defiantly something solid there to hit, it felt like her blows were sinking into it each time. She ducked and weaved through another few blows, before spinning around to take advantage of an opening Ron made for her.
"I got to tell you Kim, I don't think we've lost our edge," Ron quipped.
"Ron, come on, you know the rules. 'No puns during a fight,'" Kim shot back, grinning as she maneuvered the spirit into position for Ron to attack.
"Aw man, come on KP, cut me some slack," Ron said. The Lotus blade became a spear for a moment, allowing Ron to impale the spirit.
"Watch it, dear, or you're gonna be cut off," Kim said, grinning. She spun into the air, delivering a vicious series of kicks.
"Ouch, honey. You okay? Your nerves seem razor thin right now," Ron said. The Lotus blade twisted, becoming a weighted chain that slammed into it mid body.
"Oh wow, you're so close to the edge right now," Kim deadpanned. She spun into the air, unleashing a fierce high kick. Ron dropped into a wide, floor hugging stance, the Lotus blade becoming a nodachi, which he used low. The Spirit let out one last scream, and collapsed into itself.
Kim landed gracefully, completing her spin. Ron rose smoothly into a ready stance, Lotus blade again in Katana form, held before him.
"Who's next?"
--
"Hurry, summon up something to keep them busy!" the Elf said. "I've been cut off from the hospital node. We need to get out."
"Damn it," the Human cursed. His Ork friend was still bleeding from the shotgun wounds, despite his best efforts. "Is there any chance that spirit's going to be soon?"
"Yes, now shut up," the Troll said. "I'm trying to pull something really big in."
"All right, good. Get ready to leave as soon as it's here. Maybe we'll get lucky and it'll kill them too."
"I do not believe that will be happening," a sourceless woman's voice said.
The Runners looked around, trying to spot the source of the warning. Within moments, the source became clear. Several figures in stealth suits, wielding monoblades and assault rifles separated from the shadows around them.
"Shit," the Human said.
--
"So, think anything else is coming, KP?" Ron said.
"I don't know. If it was, you'd think it'd be here by now," she replied.
"Yeah, you'd think," he said.
"So are we just going to wait it out?" Kim said.
"I was thinking we should go and say 'hi' to them. After all, it seems like they really want to meet us," Ron said. "We just can't ever escape our fans, can we?"
"Tell me about it," Kim muttered.
The two began to cautiously walk down the hall. After a few steps, Lynn, Nate, and Glynn caught up with them.
"So, anything else coming?" Lynn asked.
"We're about to find out," Kim said.
The rounded the corner to find several black garbed figures standing over the bound, gagged, and unconscious hitmen. Those gathered bowed to the woman in the middle of the group. As one, all but the woman stepped out of sight.
"So, I guess this means that either we're fighting an Elemental Spirit of Ninja, or problem's solved," Ron said glibly.
The ninja replied with an amused giggled. "Oh Ron-San, you and your American style humor," she said, removing her mask.
"Yori!" Kim and Ron said.
"Sensei?" Glynn added.
"Should we know her?" Lynn whispered to Nate. Nate just responded with a shrug.
--
Kim was both impressed and a bit unsettled by the efficiency with which the clinics staff had taken care of hauling the assassin somewhere. She was told they'd be turned over to Lone Star. Apparently, this particular clinic preferred not to come to the attention of local law enforcement when select patients were involved.
"We have a few beds set aside for some 'Shadow clinic' work, helps support the rest of the hospital," Max explained. "However, we do need to be ready for trouble due to that. Hence, the shotguns."
Max and several orderlies had shown up moments after the crisis had been resolved. They had come well armed. After they discovered that the situation was under control, Max had walked Kim and Ron to one of the lounges, accompanied by Lynn, Yori, Glynn, and Nate. On the way he had explained the weapons.
"Good to know," Ron said.
"I'm still wondering how they got as far into the clinic as they did," Dr. Rohr, who had met them in the lounge, said.
From the corner, Yori softly said, "They masked their presence with magic."
"Well, that's nerve-wracking," Kim said, looking over to Yori. The ninja looked back calmly, a smile lighting up her face. The face that the smile graced was of a pretty Japanese woman who looked to be in her early or mid thirties. "Very nerve-wracking."
"Well, the two of you look none the worse for wear," Dr. Rohr said to Kim and Ron. "I still see no reason why you shouldn't be allowed to check out on schedule."
"That's great," Kim said.
"You two stay out of trouble, at least for a few weeks, and get plenty of exercise. That's an order," Dr. Rohr said as she left the room with Max in tow.
Kim let the door close fully before she turned to Yori. "How?"
"How what, Kim-san?" Yori replied calmly.
"You know what I mean, how are you still so young?" Kim demanded.
"Of course, forgive my bit of fun Kim-san," Yori said with a small laugh. "I have undergone Leónization treatment. Before you ask, it is a form of cellular rejuvenation. In other words, it restores youth. I received the treatment a little over ten years ago. While it is an expensive process it has impressive results."
"They can do that?" Ron said, amazed.
"As I said, it is an expensive process that few can opt for, but yes. It is a combination of nanite gene therapy and cellular repair that requires several months of intense treatment, and semi-annual touch-ups for several years," Yori added.
"That's incredible," Kim said.
"More so then shape changing swords, mystical martial arts, and summoned spirits?" Yori asked slyly.
"Well, huh, I guess not," Ron said.
"So why did Glynn call you Sensei?" Kim said.
"Simple, he spent some time as one of my students," Yori said, a pleased smile crossing her face. "He was an excellent student. I am most glad that Hana contacted me about him."
"So I guess that Sensei has passed on then?" Ron asked quietly.
Yori nodded, "He passed on in Twenty Twenty-One."
"I'm sorry to hear that Sensei died," Ron said. "He taught me a lot, and had more patience with me then I probably deserved."
"Sensei only spoke highly of you, Ron-san," Yori said. "But, that was nearly fifty years ago, I have long since done my mourning. However, I respect that you have not." Yori paused for a moment, looking them both in the eye, than continued. "I imagine that there are many that you are in need of mourning though."
"Yeah, there are," Ron said softly.
Kim wrapped her arm around Ron, holding him tightly. "Not that I mind the assist, Yori, but how did you know we were going to be attacked?" Kim said.
"I did not, Kim-San. I was here to give the Chosen One the Lotus Blade," Yori said. "I am simply glad that Wade contacted me when he did. Any later and I might not have arrived in time."
"So are we, Yori," Ron said. He still held the Lotus blade, now sheathed, in his lap. Kim didn't think he was quite sure what to do with it.
"I am most impressed though, Kim-San, you handled yourself well against the Spirit," Yori said. "I am not surprised that you've Awakened into an adept."
"Thanks, Yori, but it's not just me with the mystic skills," Kim said.
"Yeah, I just wish I knew what to do with them," Ron said. "Ever since I woke up, my Mystic Monkey Mojo seems as come and go as when I was in High School. Which, ya know, is really annoying."
"Perhaps then, I can help?" Yori said. She walked over to the chair that Dr. Rohr had recently abandoned, and sat cross-legged on it. "Yamanochi can do without me for a few weeks, and I am in need of a vacation. While I cannot teach you the spells that I believe you'll be able to cast Ron-San, I do know those who will be able to help."
"Wait, spells?" Ron's confusion evident. "You mean I'm not just going to get some mad fu skills?"
"I do not believe so, no. While your aura is strong, you display few adapts powers compared to Kim-San, whose aura is just as potent. My guess is that now that there is sufficient energy in the mana fields, the Mystical Monkey Power has changed. If the legends are true, it will not only give you access to the deeper mysteries of Tai Shing Pek Kwar as before, but access to spells, similar to a magician, as well."
"Booyah! I get to be a wizard!" Ron said.
Kim and Yori laughed for a moment before Kim caught the other girl's eye. "So, you don't mind staying here for awhile? It's not going to disrupt anything, is it?"
"As I said, Yamanochi should be able handle my absence for a few weeks at least. Besides, I think that I would be delighted to spend time with my old friends," Yori said. A playful grin lit her face. "It will be, as you American's say, 'just like old times' again?"
"That sounds great, Yori," Kim said, smiling even more than before.
Another old friend. Kim was beginning to really appreciate that surprise. She looked over at an equally grinning Ron. "Wipe that smile off your face, Stoppable, I'm not going to share."
Ron had the good grace to blush a little, while stammering protests about how he was thinking no such things. Yori hid a giggle behind her hand. Rufus just shook his head. Just like old times.
The door to the lounge opened, and Lynn poked her head through. "Hey, sorry to break up the reunion, but Uncle Wade just called me. He wants to know if there's any particular sort of programs you want on your commlinks."
Kim thought for a moment, and then looked at Ron.
"I'm in if you are, KP," he said.
"You sure? This is our chance to live a normal life," Kim said softly. "Leave some of the crazy behind."
"Are you kidding," Ron said just as softly. He shifted slightly to look her in the eyes. He cupped her face in his hand and continued, "Besides, you know me better than that. Never be normal."
"This is pretty next level weird though," Kim said, resting her hand on his. "It's going to end up being some real scary stuff." She could feel the excited grin lighting up her face.
"Come on, Kim, I've been overcoming my fears on a daily basis for years now," Ron said. A similar grin was already spreading across his face as well. "I've gotten pretty good at it too, so why change gears? Besides, whoever sent those guys is probably going to come at us again. What better way to be ready?"
"Listen, if you two are just going to start making out, I'll just come back later," Lynn said, sounding a bit uncomfortable.
"Lynn, tell Wade to put whatever he thinks a couple of Shadowrunners are going to need onto those commlinks," Kim said.
"Really?" Lynn said, excitement replacing the discomfort. "So, does this mean that Team Possible is back in business then?"
"We are so back in business," Kim said.
"Booyah!" Rufus exclaimed.
To be continued...
Well, my plan to get this out last week was foiled by my birthday. I really didn't think it would take up as much time as it did, but Saturday ended up being almost completely chewed up by it. Not that this was a bad thing mind you, it was a good thing really, it just didn't let me get at this as fast as I'd like. I've started in on the next chapter, so I'm hoping to get that out in about a month, considering my writing speed and the about to start new job phase I'm still stuck in. Also, I want to get started on a few Holiday themed stories now so I won't be late on 'em. I can hope...
While still a little rough in places, I generally like how this one went. Except for the bit with Yori and the Lotus blade at the end, as it does just feel rushed. I'm hoping I worked the rest of the choppy out... and failing that, at least down to a manageable amount.
Last, but far from least, big thanks to my proofreaders. "Font Size 26" (aka Pete!) whose knowledge of the Shadowrun world, and his willingness to point out those words I take a shine to chapter by chapter, helps to not only keep the feel right, but keep me looking like less of an idiot. Your Queen of Fanfiction and Mine, Cyberwraith 9 for being all too happy to point out when my stuff stinks, as well as what works for him, and when I do stuff like mix up my 'then' and 'than.' Someday I might get 'em right. Someday. I promise there will be more of the wondering around future Seattle as time goes by. And you're right, she would remember. Big round of applause for them both!
Until next time: Water and Shade All
(Woot! Under 10,000!)