Chapter 4

Over the following four hours, the news traveled fast across the airwaves and the Internet. Kids gasped. Adults groaned. Villains cheered. The world struggled to grasp the concept of Kim and Ron as criminals.

****

At Middleton High, Barkin slapped his forehead. He'd been counting on the duo to do a mentoring program for at least part of this summer before this crisis hit. Stoppable seemed to be improving. I'd never have imagined Possible as a bad egg! Maybe too enthused but not a bad egg.

He grumbled while looking for other options.

****

Meantime Monique finished setting up the fall fashions at Club Banana. Given the array of colors and styles, she knew there would be something for every discernable taste. Have to impress Coco! She smiled at her recent promotion to Store Manager following graduation.

At that moment, Bonnie Rockwaller strutted into the store looking absolutely too pleased with herself. She gazed disdainfully at the various clothing racks while making a beeline for the counter. "Oh, Monique! I just heard something really awesome!"

Monique put on her best professional sales face. "Hey, Bonnie! Bet that was the new fall line! We've got stuff that'll make you look killer!"

"Maybe later. What I have is better than fall fashions. Hot news fresh off of the Internet!" Bonnie cheered. "Kim and that loser sidekick of hers have been arrested!"

Monique stared incredulously. "Come again, Bonnie? I could've sworn you said Kim and Ron were arrested."

"They were!" Bonnie acted like a kid who'd just opened the must have toy at Christmas. "Kim actually broke into a bank in Wichita! Knew she was just too phony…."

Monique frowned and narrowed her eyes. She clenched her fists at her sides. "Bonnie, you wanna talk fashions and buy stuff, fine. That's my gig here. But don't you go insulting my girl! I can't believe Kim or Ron would do that!"

"Whatever. Believe what you want, Monique. I know the truth," Bonnie gloated before leaving the store confidently.

Monique called Wade's number but received no answer. She tried to reach Kim's cell but only got a message. Then she called Rick's cell.

"Agent Trouseau," Rick answered.

"Hey, Rick, this is Monique. What's the deal?" Monique wondered.

He sighed, "I can't really discuss the case, Monique. Kim's in a lot of trouble."

"You can't discuss it? Dude, Bonnie Rockwaller just came through here bragging about it being all over the Internet! They have the bank heist footage!" she snapped before calming down. "Are she and Ron okay?"

"It's really all over the Internet?" he queried while noting to have yet another talk with Will Du about security protocols. "Dr. Director's going to love this!"

Monique went into her office and accessed the website. She watched the crime footage. "I don't believe it." Her eyes went wide.

"Well, Kim and Ron are going to headquarters. Yori and I won't allow them to be put in the regular lockup at least not yet. Something stinks. Just have faith, okay? You know I won't let anything happen to Kim," he informed her.

She nodded knowing full well how much Rick cared for her red headed friend. "Just keep your eyes open. If you need help, yell. Got it?"

"In a heartbeat. Thanks, Monique, for the heads up. I know Yori and Rufus will appreciate it. I do too." With that, he hung up.

It looks like them but I can't believe it! She watched the footage again before powering down the computer. I can't bear to watch it anymore. She headed back out to the showroom floor looking for something to get her mind off of her best friend's sitch.

****

[Yamanuchi]

Like Monique, Sensei watched the footage over the computerized connection. His eyebrows furrowed at the scene unfolding on the screen as the two heroes stole the second Tempus Simia. It looked bad at first glance even from his aged perspective.

Except that he knew that Ron had been no where near that bank due to the telepathic connections he maintained with all of the ninja students.

He rubbed his chin in consideration. He'd definitely need the ninja technicians in on this one to construct a defense for Kim and Ron without exposing the school in the process. But he knew he had to make a statement of some kind to the students there. He marched purposefully from his sanctum, down the stairs and out into the courtyard. There he rang the giant gong in summons.

Within minutes, every remaining student stood at attention in front of him.

"What is it, Master?" Hirotaka asked as they all bowed to each other.

"We have a grave emergency, Hirotaka," Sensei declared. "Stoppable San has been arrested by Global Justice. He and Kim Possible supposedly held up a bank."

Despite their outward discipline, a few wide eyed looks and arched eyebrow percolated among the group.

"Supposedly, Master Sensei?" Ayoki inquired in disbelief.

"Hai." Sensei paced across the stones. "I do not wish for any of you to try to help them. We cannot risk exposing the school. Rest assured, I will do what I can. For now, we can support them with positive thoughts and feelings. I wish for you all to meditate."

"Can we speak with Yori? Lend our support?" Nyoki requested.

"Miranda already does so. I will let you know when we might do so. Please go to your meditation," Sensei replied while dismissing the group. He felt the warm summer breeze billowing across his brow. He glanced toward the sky. Yori Chan?