Disclaimer: I still don't own anything. Seriously, every time I say this, a little piece of me dies. Well, not really, but I like to exaggerate.

Chapter 9: Counting Your Saints (or The End is Nigh)

~Titan's Tower Common Room~

"Wally, what's on your mind?" Robin had tried to keep from broaching the subject with his teammate but after three straight hours of watching the red haired young man stare out the Common Room window, the Titans' Leader had to do something. Of course he knew what was on the other teen's mind but it was the best opening line he could think of without being too direct.

"Have you ever wondered what life would be like on the other side?" Kid Flash replied quietly, his empty gaze never moving from whatever had held his attention for the past three hours. Robin, unsure to what, exactly, he was referring to, stayed silent and waited for an eventual elaboration. "Jinx and I, we used to talk about it. What would it be like to be a 'normal' person? I mean, we were normal once, but, it's been a while. We used to joke about being the helpless people, saved by some other hero, or wronged by some villain. We wondered what it would be like. I guess you know, don't you? I mean, you were there once, the onlooker wanting to stop what you were seeing but being unable to do it." Robin's fists clenched, anger bubbling inside him at the mention of his family's demise. It took everything he had to keep from lashing out at his teammate but he managed it. He just hoped Kid Flash had a point to this. There was a few seconds' pause in his little speech but Kid Flash did continue, still quiet and somber in tone, still staring at whatever was out there, across the bay. "I got a taste of it. It's not a good feeling, watching, knowing you can't stop what you're seeing no matter how badly you want to, it's not a good feeling." He blinked a few times, trying to hold back tears. He'd cried enough the night before. Jinx would tease him about going soft, or softer, if she was there. But she wasn't there. "Kim probably feels the same way. She doesn't have any super powers, just that suit. Suits only do so much. We can only do so much."

"Does this mean you've forgiven her?" Robin winced at the question. Raven had explained Jinx's order to leave her behind and none of the Titans part of the assault held Kim accountable, but Kid Flash had yet to state his opinion on the matter. In fact, this was the first time Robin had heard the young woman's name from his friend's lips. Somewhere, he hoped that Kid Flash saw it the same way the rest of them did: a risky mission that could've ended a lot worse than it did. But rationally, Robin knew forgiveness was awhile away.

Kid Flash never gave Robin an answer though, simply tearing his gaze away and leaving the Common Room in silence, and at normal speed, which was beyond strange. Robin just watched him go, wondering how they'd be able to defend the city, better yet the world, from the horsemen with their team in total disarray, not to mention short a member. Actually, short three members. The Teen Titans had faced rough odds before but this... was completely different.

"But there's still hope," Robin assured himself. Hope was something that always helped them in the past. He had to believe it would help them now. "As long as there's hope, we have a chance."

~Off in Jump City~

"You barely touched your pizza," Shego watched Kim's eyes flicker up to meet hers, just briefly, before falling back to her food. Man, she's taking this hard. It didn't take Shego long to learn what had happened after she passed out the night before and while the entire Tower was taking Jinx's death hard, Shego could argue that Kim was suffering most of the group. She internally winced. Okay, maybe the Kid is feeling this just as bad. But still... she's taking this way too hard. It was bound to happen. Shego had been in the game for too long, perhaps, and on both sides of the fight, but no one could look at the life of a superhero, or villain, and not expect death to hover close by. Plus, Raven had already warned them that someone was going to die. If anything, they should take this as a good sign. However, that thought Shego kept to herself, knowing that no one was in the mood to hear it. "You really should eat, Princess."

"I know," Kim supplied, making an attempt, for Shego's sake, to finish- or, rather, start- her meal. The two had decided to spend the day hanging around Jump City, wanting to be away from the others as everyone grieved. Actually, Shego had decided that; Kim just didn't argue with the idea. "It's weird seeing you, ya know... without green skin."

Shego just smiled. They were both testing out the holo-rings Cyborg had whipped up for them. It was a small relief, being able to walk around in public without being recognized, but strange too, for both of them. While Kim wasn't used to seeing Shego without green skin, Shego wasn't used to seeing Kim with blonde hair and blue eyes. I usually don't go for blondes, but she pulls it off quite well. I should start calling her Lemon. "Can you believe, if not for that stupid comet, I'd look like this all the time?"

"Hmmm, but then, would we have ever met?" Kim gave a halfhearted laugh, pushing away the half eaten pizza. "Guess that's what they mean by 'every cloud has a silver lining', huh?"

"Guess so. I know I wouldn't change it for anything," Shego sincerely replied, running her hand through her ebony locks. While Kim had requested her hair and eye color changed, for obvious reasons, Shego had chosen to keep everything but her skin tone. Now, she was a healthy looking tan, close to what she suspected her 'real' skin tone would be. "Did you want to catch a movie, Kimmie?"

"Nah, not really," Kim gave Shego the best fake smile the younger woman could muster. Of course, Shego saw straight through the weak attempt. Damnit, must she be so difficult?

"Kimmie... Kim," Shego reached across the table and took her hand, forcing their eyes to meet. Even though they were blue at the moment, Shego could still see the doubt and fear, plus an overwhelming amount of guilt, swirling in those orbs. "Beating yourself up isn't going to bring Jinx back to life. You've got to move past this."

"Shego, you just-" Kim sighed, pulling her hand free and standing up. "I don't want to talk about it right now. Let's go for a walk, okay?"

Why do you always have to be the headstrong hero, Kimmie? Shego growled to herself, annoyed with Kim's demeanor. Yet, she did as instructed, abandoning the table and walking next to the younger woman, trying to think of something to say to soothe the pain she knew Kim was trying to bottle up. Think, Shego, what would you want to hear if- Nevermind, can't try that approach. Damnit, think! An uneasy silence settled over the couple as they walked, both in deep thought though over totally different matters.

~Off in Nevermore~

"Raven, why does this place get creepier every time we come here?" Beastboy gulped loudly, eying the birds perched on dead trees that surrounded them with a slight amount of dread. He never liked this part of Raven's mind. For the record, neither did she.

"Probably because we keep coming," Raven replied sourly, more annoyed that the area seemed bigger than the last time they'd visited. A sure sign her uninvited guest was gaining more power, which was never good news. Fortunately, she could still easily banish him if she chose to do so. Unfortunately, she still needed her father's assistance. "Trigon, show yourself!"

"Hmph, such an insolent child," a voice rumbled from nowhere, yet seemingly everywhere, causing the birds to stir on their branches. As was his custom, Trigon appeared before his daughter and her mate in the only form he could muster in his current state: four glowing red eyes that hovered there, just out of reach, of the two Titans.

"An absentee father can do that to a kid," Raven replied tersely, choosing to use her anger to keep her father in check. While it had once been part of his hold on her, the older and wiser Raven now knew how to turn it into her own weapon, one that she knew Trigon feared in his currently weakened state. "You lied to me."

"You sound surprised," Trigon's tone reflected boredom, as if he wasn't too concerned with his daughter's friends. That was probably true but it wasn't something that would ever be asked or said outright. "I warned you the Titans would face loss."

"You said that would happen during the final battle, not before it!" Raven spoke through tightly clenched teeth. Beastboy moved closer to her and took one of her hands in his, trying to remind her they needed Trigon's cooperation for a while yet. His lover understood the message and tried to keep her demeanor calm and collected despite her rage. "So tell me, Father, why didn't you think to divulge this information, that one of us would die before the final battle? Is there more you are hiding?"

Trigon sighed, both in frustration and annoyance. "I am not hiding anything. I gave you all that I had to give, Seed. I showed you those who were bound to come before they arrived, did I not? I warned you of the dangers you are now facing, did I not?"

"You didn't tell me we'd be fighting our own," Raven cut in, taking a step towards her father's visage. "You didn't tell me Commando and Pantha would be fighting against us. You also didn't tell me that Jinx was going to die."

"That is because I didn't know," Trigon replied evenly, though growling with each word. "If it has not escaped your notice, my strength is nowhere near what it was before your friends banished me. I am no longer the Lord I once was. Now, I, the great Trigon, am merely a... servant."

"Servant? Servant to who?" Beastboy spoke up, forgetting who he was talking to momentarily. He knew Trigon hated to be addressed by any but his daughter but, at the moment, the changeling couldn't really care. The focus of those burning red eyes turned on Beastboy, conveying contempt.

"I... cannot say. My Master had forbidden it," the words dripped with anger and disgust but that only served to make the two Titans feel better about Trigon's sudden reappearance. Hopefully, his 'Master' would keep his leash short and his power minimal. At least until he could be dealt with in his own turn.

"Tell your Master that, once we've defeated the horsemen, we'll be coming after him next," Raven stated, feeling Beastboy nod, agreeing with her promise. Trigon gave a throaty laugh.

"Are you so certain of victory? You've seen for yourself that the future can always change. Maybe the Titans will fall."

"I sincerely doubt that," Raven gave her father a smile and waved her hand, instantly shattering the reality Trigon had formed for himself in the deepest corner of Nevermore. Engulfed in black, Raven and Beastboy found themselves reappearing in Happy's domain, surrounded by bright colors with faint laughter coming from just behind a far hill. They stayed silent a moment, thinking over everything that had transpired since Trigon's sudden emergence in Nevermore. Watching flashes of a world like their own but belonging to their newest friends, the fights between Kim and Shego, Drakken's failed attempts at world domination, Ron and Rufus chowing down on nacos or playing video games, learning who they were without ever meeting them. Then, of course, meeting the four, er, five strangers to their world and really getting to know them... and, so soon after making these new friends, losing others.

"I'm glad he's gone," Beastboy finally stated, sitting down in the brightly colored grass. Raven just watched him a moment, a faint smile on her lips.

"Do you think he was right?" she spoke softly, so softly Beastboy wasn't sure he'd heard her correctly.

"Rae, I'm not going to lie to you, things are probably going to get worse for us," forest green eyes met violet, inviting the young woman to join him on the grass. As she sat herself down, Raven noticed Beastboy grabbing her hand once more. However, he didn't continue speaking and, after a minute of silence, Raven decided to prompt him.

"But?" her voice was hopeful, wanting to hear whatever reassurance he could offer her. Beastboy flashed her a toothy smile.

"Well, so far, the record for Trigon's end-of-the-world proclamations stands at one-nothing, Titans with the lead. I think it's safe to say the guy has no idea what he's talking about."

"Yeah, I guess you have a point there," Raven mumbled, wishing for something a little more concrete. But, she was willing to believe, unlike last time, that the Titans were ready and would triumph once more. Laying back on the grass, the two stared at the sky, hearing Happy's laughter draw closer. "Do you want to go back yet?"

"Nah, let's stay here a little longer," Beastboy suddenly sat bolt upright. "You think our little girl's gonna have her own little place like Nevermore?"

"Certain it's a girl, aren't we?" Raven raised a brow and laughed, thinking a moment. "Maybe, if she inherits my powers. But, she might be a Daddy's girl and be a shapeshifter."

"I hope she gets your powers though," Beastboy smiled devilishly, eyebrow raised. "She'll never be able to hide anything from us if we keep her portal until she's a safe age."

"Safe age?" Raven cocked her head to the side. "Like when?"

"Like, thirty?"

~Off in Jump City Again~

"Hey, is that Tin Man over there?" Shego pointed across the street to a young man in a light blue hoodie and faded jeans. She probably wouldn't have noticed him except that the man in question looked a bit bigger than your average Jump City resident Though she wasn't sure why, the fact she'd recognized the disguised Titan had her slightly worried. This place is starting to feel so much like home...

"Looks like." Kim's reply was almost automatic. She hadn't said much since they'd left the pizza place, much to Shego's dismay.

"Well, let's go over and see if it is!" Shego took firm hold of Kim's hand and practically dragged her across the street. Avoiding the Titans isn't going to help matters, Kimmie. You're going to have to face it and move on or, so help me God, I'll make you! "Well, look who left the garage for a bit."

"Hey there, Kim and Sh-, uh, Kim's girlfriend," Cyborg recovered just in time, putting on his best apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name. Bad memory, heh."

"Oh, that's alright," Shego pretended to brush it off without supplying a name. She had hoped to get a reaction out of Kim but she was more concerned with looking anywhere but at Cyborg. This is going to take forever! Damnit! "Hookay, well, what're you doing out and about?"

Cyborg frowned. "Honestly, we should be back at the garage, what with all the work we've got piled up, but Rufus was insistent we help him find a mate since Beastboy is M.I.A. at the moment. So, uh, Drew and I are helping the little guy. You'd be surprised how persuasive Rufus can be. Drew's in the pet shop right now."

"A mate for the naked mole rat?" Shego shook her head a little, trying to get the thought out of her mind. "I can barely stand one of those creepy little things!"

"Everyone deserves to be happy, Shego," Kim's voice nearly caused Shego to jump. She speaks! Someone, call off the National Guard! The former villainess instantly regretted her comment, though it went unvoiced, by the tears threatening to roll down Kim's cheeks. "Everyone deserves to be happy."

"Calm down, Cupcake, I was just kidding," Shego offered the younger woman a soft smile, knowing that the conversation now had nothing to do with naked mole rats. Reaching out to Kim didn't help as the heroine moved just out of range and started walking away, leaving Shego and Cyborg standing there.

"She's taking this pretty hard." Cyborg's words were soft and matter-of-fact, confirmed by a simple nod of Shego's head. The young man sighed, looking up to the sky. "I don't know what to tell her."

"Neither do I," Shego mumbled, honestly unsure of what it would take to calm her beloved redhead down. It's weird for Kimmie to be this... emotional. She's usually calm and cool. I mean, sure, she would still feel bad if something like this had happened a year ago, but she didn't bat an eyelash at the Lowardians' deaths. It had to be done. I wish I could just smack some sense into her! Suddenly, something occurred to her and she flashed Cyborg a smile. "I think I might have an idea though." With that, Shego raced after Kim, determined to improve the younger woman's mood. Or at least have some fun in the process. When the green skinned woman caught up to her redhead, who had slowed to a walk not twenty meters away, Shego grabbed Kim's wrist and tugged her along, forcing the younger woman to run with her.

"Sh-! Damnit, what the-"

"Run now, questions later!"

~Off By the Bay~

"Is it bad that I'm not extremely upset?" Terra questioned softly, hugging her knees to her chest. The water's surface was unusually still, as if, by silent agreement, the entire bay had agreed to mourn Jinx's passing. Ron gave her a long and measured look before replying.

"You're not as upset as you could be but... I think you're just a bit more used to loss than the rest of us," Ron tilted his head back slightly, looking at the towering building behind him. "Well, I should say, I think you're more aware of utter lose than the rest of us."

"Utter lose?" Terra met his brown eyes with her darkened blue ones, trying to decode his statement. In true Ron fashion, the young man gave her an easy smile and shrugged.

"Hey, you lost every home you had, lost your friends, then lost your mentor, and after all that, lost your life in some sense. I think that constitutes 'utter loss' right?" Terra chuckled, a slight grin to her lips, though all too brief.

"But I got it all back, Ron. My home, my friends, my life- I got it back. There's no way..."

"Hey, didn't Raven say that it looked like a lot of the Titans died during her dream, but they all ended up being alive at the end, right?" Ron hoped beyond hope that Terra would momentarily forget about the one Raven thought was missing. The worry in those blue eyes quickly dashed that hope though. However, being the good sidekick and companion he was, Ron continued trying to make the young woman feel better. "There's always a chance-"

"Are you always this optimistic?" Terra cut in, more out of annoyance than anything else. The young man beside her gave a thoughtful pause before flashing her the goofiest grin she'd ever seen.

"Only when my pants are on." Terra blinked. Then, she erupted in a fit of giggles.

"That is the worst pick up line I've ever heard!"

"It wasn't a pick up line!" Ron replied defensively, indicating his belt line. "Do you realize how many times my pants have fallen down during a mission? Seriously, it's like I'm cursed!"

"Yet you always prevailed, is that what you're saying?" Terra managed, clearing her throat a little to try and stem any more laughter. Ron smiled for a moment, then frowned, looking out across the bay.

"Honestly? I completely forgot where I was going with this," Ron scratched his head, trying to remember what point he had been trying to prove. Terra just watched him, her mind wandering to what else Raven had predicted.

"Do you think you're going to die, Ron?" A lengthy silence followed, Terra still looking at Ron who was still looking across the bay. When those muddy brown eyes met her somber blues, the young woman drew back slightly at the calm, quiet defiance she saw there.

"No, Terra, I'm not going to die. Before you ask, I know I'm not going to die because I know you're going to live, and as long as one of us survives the fight, the rest of us won't die either. We'll live on in the memories of those we leave behind. My family, my friends, those people back home who know me as Kim's bumbling sidekick, they'll remember me. We are all immortal, so long as we choose to keep those who have gone before us in our hearts," Ron laughed at the shock on Terra's face, reaching out to touch her shoulder lightly. "You alright, Terra?"

"Yeah, I just... never expected you to say something so deep," she blinked a few times before scooting herself over next to Ron and leaning her head on his shoulder. Ron wrapped a protective arm around the young woman as they watched Jump City in the distance. "Where did that come from, anyway?"

"Something my Rabbi said at a funeral once or twice. I know I didn't really know Jinx too well, but I'll always have those few memories of her to keep her alive. Maybe once it's all settled, the Titans can hold a proper funeral, maybe build a monument to her or something."

"That's what they did for me, when they thought I had died," Terra closed her eyes, trying to remember what it was like, being trapped in that stone prison. She couldn't, of course, she could barely remember those first few days after her revival, but she still tried. "They even put a plaque up. I go back there and read it from time to time. It's a good idea; I'll bring it up to Robin. Thanks Ron."

"Hey, being the helpful sidekick is what I do, remember?" Ron leaned his head on top of Terra's and they stayed like that for a bit, watching as the water started to roll, small waves splashing up on the rocks of the Tower's small island. In his head, Ron was wondering if Shego was having any luck pulling Kim out of her depression. He had thought about joining the two on their excursion to Jump City but somewhere in the back of his head, he knew he couldn't. He had Terra now, just like Shego had Kim, and though his heart went out to his best friend, he wasn't the one she needed to soothe her pain. If Shego failed, he would step in with his usual Ron-ness but he doubted the former villainess would allow herself to fail. She was just as headstrong as Kim and wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. A small part of him still wanted to be there, to know how everything played out, but Ron knew better. Besides, they were running out of time. Little moments like these, where he could just sit and watch the bay with Terra, were in limited supply.

The young man squeezed Terra a little tighter then, hoping against hope he wouldn't have to let go. It was perhaps a little selfish but Ron didn't really care at that moment. He could afford to be a little selfish every now and again, right?

~Off in Jump City Park~

Alright, phase one out of the way, now for phase two! Shego was panting heavily by the time they reached the park but she still had a wide grin on her lips, proving she was in far better spirits than Kim.

"Shego, what the HELL was that all about?" the younger woman was bent over, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath. The two had literally ran three city blocks to reach the park and, while they were both very fit, it still wasn't exactly a walk in the park... so to speak. Rather than answer her, Shego took a second to collect herself, then launched into a wicked roundhouse kick that should have landed on the right side of Kim's head. However, instincts kicked in just in time and the younger woman dodged the attack, cocking back her fist to give Shego a piece of her mind.

It went on for about twenty minutes, the two women trading blows just like the old days. Huh, she must be training on the side. That, or I'm getting soft. Shego couldn't help but smile as she blocked a particularly vicious kick. She thought that maybe Kim had let her training slide now that she had Cyborg's suit to multiply her strength, but not so. Though the little bout lacked their usual playful banter, Shego could see the thoughts flashing in Kim's eyes. It was a strange and beautiful thing, fighting Kim Possible when she was upset. Before, the emerald villainess had never needed to know what had the redhead upset. Now, with a much more... intimate knowledge of the younger woman, Shego wanted to know what those eyes were trying to say. Come on, Kim. Tell me how I can help you help yourself!

Finally, Shego saw the opening she'd been waiting for and lunged, catching the former cheerleader off guard and tackling both of them to the ground. It took less than a second for Kim to react, instantly trying to gain dominance as they rolled across the grass. That's it, almost there! Shego waited, bucking her hips up and flipping them just before Kim could gain the mounted position, once again pinning the younger woman beneath her. That was all she really needed; Kim was sufficiently distracted with trying to escape or fight back. Now was the time to make her move, so Shego went for it, abandoning her hold on her lovely opponent and dropping her body down, her lips seeking out her lover's. Initially, Kim tried fighting back but, as their lips met in a passionate kiss, the younger woman stilled out of shock for a few moments before returning Shego's advances. Heh, and here I thought I'd be doing all the work myself.

Though not as violent as their fight, their impromptu make-out session was just as intense and passionate and it eventually got to the point where Shego had to put a stop to it before they went too far. With a somewhat disappointed sigh, from both parties, they separated, laying on their backs and staring up at the clear, midday sky. They were partially shaded by a nearby oak tree and as the sunlight danced between the leaves, Shego gathered up her thoughts, looking for somewhere to start.

"Guadalupe," Shego managed slightly above a whisper, though still catching Kim's attention effectively.

"What?" Kim turned on her side and Shego did the same, a soft smile on the older woman's lips.

"You've been asking for my name, right?" Shego rolled her eyes, letting out a heavy sigh. "Guess it wasn't that important."

"Don't even start that with me, Shego!" Kim returned Shego's smile, reaching out with her right hand to hold Shego's left, their other arms acting as pillows for their heads. "Guadalupe... It's Spanish, right? What's it mean?"

"Honestly, it literally translates to 'valley of wolves' but its historically referring to the Virgin Mary, in some weird way. I forget how though," Shego frowned, her brows furrowing as she tried to remember all the stories she'd heard as a child. She was distracted by Kim bursting out in laughter. "What? What's so funny, Kim?" In her head, Shego was getting more than a little annoyed. I didn't tell you so you could laugh at me, Princess! Kim managed to calm down enough to explain herself, just barely.

"I'm s-sorry, She- Guadalupe. It's just that, I think it's funny: you're a hardcore, no-one-messes-with-me superhero, and your name is either the badass 'valley of wolves' or the 'Virgin Mary'?" Kim started giggling again, trying hard to keep them unnoticeable, and failing miserably.

"Hey, the Virgin Mary is pretty badass! She gave birth to the Son of God for Christ's sake!" Shego replied defensively. Kim stopped giggling long enough to notice what Shego had just said, the two looking at each other for a long moment before bursting into laughter.

"We're so going to Hell for this."

"Probably," Shego stopped laughing and looked into Kim's eyes, her tone as sincere as possible. "I don't care where I go, as long as we're together."

"That's sweet," Kim whispered, grinning. "Cheesy, but sweet." Shego could see Kim's mind turning to darker matters and knew her time was starting to run out. Now or never.

"Kim, I'm sorry."

There was a slight silence, a pause both could feel, before Kim answered, turning her gaze skyward once more. "What are you sorry for, Shego?"

"For not being there for you," Shego had to force the words out. She rarely apologized but the situation called for something drastic. "For putting the pressure on you. You shouldn't... feel solely responsible, Kimmie. If anyone deserves the blame, it should be me."

Another silence, this one stretching longer than the last. Kim still wasn't looking at her. Damnit, Kim, work with me here! I can't do this all by myself! Come on! Shego was about to say something else when Kim finally spoke up, her tone soft, almost to the point where Shego couldn't hear her. "I don't want any of us to die, Lupe." Shego couldn't help but smirk at that. Already starting with the pet names? Guess I have rubbed off on her. "Not Ron, or Drakken, surely not you. I'm scared. Aren't you?" Kim turned then, meeting Shego's eyes with tears in her own. "How can you act like it's nothing? Jinx died yesterday! We might all die! How can you be so strong?"

Well, wasn't expecting that. "It had to happen, Pumpkin. Fate is against us and we can't change it. The best thing we can do is keep living and make sure the horsemen are stopped." Shego sighed. It had been years since she'd even thought about giving a 'brave hero in the face of danger' speech but it seemed that was the only option left to her at this point. "Even if it costs us our lives. At least we'll save other people, and that's what heroes do, remember?"

Kim mumbled something to the affirmative, blinking back tears. Without having to put the thoughts to voice, Shego knew what Kim wanted to say. Here was a young woman who, since a very young age, had been shouldering the responsibilities most adults couldn't even fathom. Without asking for anything in return, either! Of course, when faced with something of this magnitude, the famous Kim Possible would feel scared and, also because she was the famous Kim Possible, feel obligated to not be scared.

"Kimmie-"

"Shego, are we-" Kim cut Shego off then stopped, trying to word whatever she had to say in the best way possible. "Are we going... be together... if we get back?"

Of course she has to ask that... damnit... what do I say? Shego swallowed. Of course she wanted them to still be together but... damnit, at one point, she knew why that could not happen. She couldn't remember her own reasoning though. The silence stretched as Shego tried to think quickly; Kim was waiting for an answer and Shego had to say something. Finally, she managed the only thing she knew for sure. "I don't know, Princess."

~Off The Street~

"Dick? What are you doing here?" Drakken raised a brow to the young man approaching them, dressed similarly to Cyborg but with a gray hoodie and an oversized pair of shades. Though there was nothing to distinguish the young man from any other Jump City denizen, the scientist could tell by the way he walked that it was none other than Robin approaching Cyborg and himself.

"I was trying to track down Wally. I talked to him a little bit earlier but then he just... left," worry predominated the young man's tone, betraying the concern he refused to allow show on his face. Cyborg and Drakken looked to each other and shrugged.

"We haven't seen him out. Did you try tracking his communicator?" Cyborg offered, trying not to be too worried by Robin's anxious demeanor. With a nod and a quick explanation that the device in question was left at the Tower, powered down no less, Cyborg frowned, convinced there was something his friend was hiding. "What did you two talk about?"

"A little about Jinx," Robin grudgingly admitted, hoping, for both their sakes', that Kid Flash wasn't going to do anything stupid. Scanning the area like he had throughout the city, the Boy Wonder could tell Cyborg was waiting for further explanation. The younger man sighed, knowing his occasionally over emotional half metal friend was about to give him a rather winded speech, or rant rather. "I asked him if he had forgiven Kim yet."

"You did what?" Cyborg blinked a moment, then waved his hand to dismiss the question. "What did he say?"

"Nothing," Robin shook his head, unsure what else to say. "He just walked away."

Drakken looked between the two young men, trying to read the expressions on their faces. There was worry there, in abundance, but something else too. Concentration, he realized, having seen the look on Cyborg's face before.

"Wally's usually so... talkative. He just walked away?"

"Yeah... Vic-"

"I know," Cyborg cut Robin off, rolling up one sleeve and partially deactivating his holo-ring to access his interface. "If we can't find Wally, we should find Kim."

"You don't think he'd do anything to hurt her, do you?" Drakken suddenly felt an overwhelming amount of concern for his former arch nemesis. It was more for Shego's sake than for the redhead's but that wasn't important.

"I don't think so," Robin spoke slowly, rubbing his temples. At this point, things could not get any worse. "But, a month ago, I didn't think Commando would be trying to kill us. Things change."

"Yeah, but some things don't. He's still a Titan." Cyborg tried his best to sound confident in that phrase but it faltered slightly. They'd said it before; they'd been proven wrong before. And proven right though the score of one to the other wasn't exactly clear. "Let's try to find Kim."

~Off In The Park~

This is not good... Shego's fists were clenched, her body ready to launch into a fighter's stance at the first indication of trouble. She was only dimly aware of the people at the edges of the park, pointing and talking excitedly, unaware of the extreme danger of the situation. Normally, the emerald woman wouldn't wait- she'd go on the offensive and use every advantage available to her- but that simply wasn't practical at the moment. For one, they were in public and in disguise. For another, Kim didn't have her super suit and Shego herself wouldn't stand a chance against the woman before her.

"You two look so shocked. It is rather amusing." War sat before them, astride a large white horse, decked out as she'd been last they saw her. To the people in the distance, she was still Commando, Teen Titan, heroine and savior of the city. They had no idea she wanted them, and the rest of the planet for that matter, dead. "You should relax. Anyone else would be absolutely ecstatic to talk to a famous Teen Titan."

"What the Hell do you want, War?" Shego spat, her anger rising. Damnit! I can't take her one-on-one... Damnit! I hate being this... helpless! She was about three seconds from igniting her plasma, to Hell with the odds, and charging the woman in front of her. Then, just as she started to raise her fists, Kim laid a hand on her shoulder, softly. Neither woman dared take their eyes off War but Shego could see those fake blonde locks shift side-to-side, like Kim was shaking her head. Son of a- REALLY!

"Seems someone has sense." War sighed, a gesture that was becoming more and more an automatic response to any external stimuli rather than a way to express a particular emotion. The horse mimicked her, noisily exhaling and shaking himself, though War didn't seem to move. Damnit, another hologram? No, the wind is moving her hair, I think... God I hate this chick! "I came to deliver a message; I will not fight you."

"I have a question for you first, War," Kim had her teeth clenched, her expression more serious than ever before. Shego didn't even need to see her lover's face to feel the power of that look. She remembered that special brand of anger; it rarely came out but God help its target. The horseman didn't seem fazed though. Typical. Can't catch a break. "Who did it?"

"Who did it?" War parroted the phrase, raising a brow as she crossed her arms. "I assume you are referring to which of us activated the self destruction of the facility." Kim nodded subtly, obviously struggling to keep her anger in check. That was unusual; even when angry, Kim always appeared to be in control of her emotions. Not good. Definitely not good. "Death activated the detonation devices. I would like to say I gave her that command but, unfortunately, she made that decision on her own."

Kim nodded and Shego held her breath. Since their arrival in Jump City, Shego noticed a change in her former rival, as well as herself, and braced for what she feared was coming: a promise from the young redhead that she would kill Death in revenge. To her great relief, it never came, though the anger was still obviously there, and instead War was invited to deliver her message.

"In your religions, the Horsemen signal the arrival of the Apocalypse, the End of Days." War stated, her lips slightly turned into a smile. "I figured I might as well take that literally. So here before you is a Horseman, delivering that signal. Today is the twenty seventh. On the thirty first, we will come to Jump City to destroy the Titans and the city. By midnight, when the New Year arrives, the world will know their fate is sealed."

Definitely doesn't beat around the bush. Shego's eyes narrowed slightly. Something about this didn't make any sense. Why would they tell us? Wouldn't it be better to just pop up, like they usually do? Kim, obviously, was wondering the exact same thing.

"Since when do the horsemen give us fair warning? Were you afraid we'd miss your party?" Shego couldn't help but feel slightly relieved, hearing more taunting in her tone than anger. Looks like Kimmie's feeling better. War didn't seem amused by the slight taunt though.

"Something like that." Taking the cue, the horse turned away, already walking away from the two young women. War casually talked one last comment over her shoulder before leaving. "Consider yourselves formally invited to your own funerals."

Kim and Shego watched War ride off, tossing smiles to the adoring public, even waving to some, as she rode down the street. Well, that was weird. Finally convinced there was no danger present, Shego and Kim dropped their stances and started breathing a little easier.

"So, Death did it?" Shego whirled, once again ready to fight, but quickly dropped her stance when she noticed who was speaking. While she had never seen the young man out of uniform, the absolutely broken expression on his face could only belong to Kid Flash. Kim, who instantly recognized the voice, turned slower, a slight dread registering on her features. She couldn't even speak, giving a simple nod instead. "Huh. Makes sense, I guess." A tense silence filled the void between the two redheads before Kid Flash spoke again. "I don't know what I would've done. I'd like to say I would've been able to save everyone but I know there's a difference between theoretically doing something and realistically doing it. In my head, I know you did everything you could... but somewhere inside, I wish it was you."

"That was completely uncalled for!" Shego snapped, taking a step towards the young man. Maybe Shego wasn't conscious for the whole ordeal, and to some extent the cause of it, but there was no reason for him to say that. Who the Hell does this kid think he is?

Kid Flash gave her a small smile. "You're probably right... but... I just felt like... like it needed to be said before..." The young man was suddenly cut off when Kim lunged forward and hugged him, softly sobbing into his shoulder. Shego was mildly alarmed- or perhaps jealous, she wasn't entirely sure- but managed to keep it to herself. If this is what she needs... After about half a minute, the young woman managed to choke out two words.

"I'm... sorry." Only then did the Titan return the hug, a few tears of his own leaking out, the first since passing out the night before.

"Yeah... I know."

Shego, unable to do anything else, watched and waited. She hoped the two would reconcile now, that Kim's mood would improve and the wounds would heal, but with the horsemen's deadline now looming in the all too near future, the former villainess had to concern herself with other things as well.

We can't just show up with ten people and expect to win. We need some sort of leverage, a plan... and more people. She stood, deep in thought, trying her hardest to work out a plan. Kim had done the planning for the last fight and, considering the results, was certain the redhead wouldn't be stepping back up to the plate any time soon. There was always the option of leaving the planning up to the Titans- it was their world and all- but Shego had a feeling deep in the pit of her stomach. There's got to be something I can do... I've never been the religious sort but... there just has to be a reason for all this! Some reason, something that we can do that they can't! But what? WHAT IS-

"Uh, everything cool over here?" Cyborg's voice cut through Shego's thoughts. At some point, Cyborg, Robin, and Drakken had all arrived at the park. Either they're very quiet or I'm losing my touch. Shego thought wryly, nodding as she gestured towards Kim and Kid Flash.

"They'll be fine. Did you make it in time for War's little speech?" When three sets of eyebrows went up, Shego quickly explained the former Titan's proclamation. Without hesitation, Cyborg and Drakken left, most likely to return to their lab and work as hard as they could to finish Kim's supersuit, among other things, leaving Robin and Shego standing off to the side while Kim and Kid Flash continued their embrace. Shego was trying not to watch, that same feeling of alarm/jealousy lingering. When she finally spoke, it was so abrupt she nearly caught herself off guard. "Think we'll be ready, Gel Boy?"

Robin stayed silent, reviewing everything that had happened in his entire career as a crime fighter, from becoming 'Robin' to becoming a Titan. Five minutes later, when he walked away to retrieve his motorcycle, he still hadn't answered her.

Huh, alone again it seems. Shego smiled wryly once more, shaking her head. True, she'd never been the socialite, and she wasn't too fond of Robin of all the Titans, but he could've said something. Now she was stuck standing there, watching the woman she loved embrace another. Oh, there was nothing more to it than that, and deep down she knew it, but Shego was possessive too and as prone to jealousy as just about every other person on the planet. A planet that might be uninhabited in a very short time, if the horsemen have their way. To think, I went from heroine to international thief to heroine again just to die in an another universe. How funny is Fate?

Emerald eyes widened as something occurred to her, a thought so simple, she was certain some higher power must be laughing that it took until now for her to see it. Everything was falling into place- Raven's vision, the battles, the calls, the little things she'd overlooked until now- everything was coming together and it just fit so perfectly! Yeah... that's it! That's how we can beat them! It's gotta be! Her lips quirked up in her signature smirk, the plan already forming in her head. Sometimes, being a former villainess had its perks; none of the Titans would think to even try what she had up her sleeve. The smirk died as a sobering thought crossed her mind though. Jinx... you would've seen this too. We would've seen it but... I never said it, but I really liked you, kid. Kimmie might be too good to do it, but I promise, we'll get revenge... we'll stop them. Her thoughts grew even more somber as she came to her final conclusion. There was only one way she could figure it all playing out. Only one way to make the dominoes fall just the right way. And that way would be damn near devastating to the young woman desperately trying to piece herself back together. Princess will take it hard... but she's strong. She'll pull through. I know she will. She's Kim Possible! She can and will do anything! I have to believe that, even when everything else goes to shit, she'll still do what needs to be done. God, I hope she can forgive me...

"Lupe?" Emerald eyes snapped up to meet bright blue, slightly mired by red as Kim wiped away the last traces of her tears. Hearing the new pet name put a lump in Shego's throat, knowing what would come next, but the decision was made. She had to go through with it. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah. Are you cool with Ki- Wally?"

"Uh, yeah... he's going to be okay. He's just going someplace quiet for a little while. I hope he isn't gone for too long though; it's not good for us to split up knowing... what's going to happen."

"..."

~Off on the Roof, Later~

"Wha-what do you mean you're leaving?" Kim tried to keep her voice from sounding too frantic but failed. Shego could hear the pleading, the distress, and knew it was tearing them both apart, but it had to be done. At least, that's what she kept telling herself.

"Princess..." Shego pulled Kim into a fierce hug, trying her hardest to keep from just breaking down. Somewhere, she wondered when she'd become so soft but she already knew the answer to that question. Come on, Kimmie... be strong for me, please! "I don't want to leave but I know what I have to do."

"But why, Shego? Why do you have to leave?" Kim was definitely crying now though Shego couldn't feel the younger woman's tears through her suit. My poor Kimmie.

"Princess, I don't want to, trust me-" Damnit! What a time for my voice to crack! "-but I gotta do this."

"Do what Shego?" Kim pushed back, fierce, glowing bright green eyes meeting sorrow filled emerald ones. This was becoming increasingly difficult. Then again, nothing is ever easy, especially the things that matter most, right? Shego swallowed, forcing herself to stay unmoved by Kim's pleas. "Why can't I come? I could help you do whatever you need to do!"

"Kimmie," Shego sighed, breaking eye contact, unable to keep her resolve while looking into those beautiful orbs. However, after a moment of gathering her thoughts, Shego met Kim's gaze, determined to make the younger woman see, understand what was coming and face it the way Kim Possible always faced things. "Kim, listen to me. This is something I have to do on my own. I know... I think I know my fate, Kim. The part I play in all of this. Now it's time for us to face that. We've had some wonderful moments, Kim, but we knew what it would all come down to eventually."

For a long minute, Kim said nothing, tears streaming down her face as she just stared at Shego. Finally, those brilliant green orbs softened and the redhead deflated slightly. Something within Shego wanted nothing more than to stay and comfort her but there wasn't time for that. If I stay one minute more, I'm not sure I'll ever leave... I gotta go... it's for the best. No matter how much she repeated it though, it didn't comfort her. Shego stepped back, activating her suit and gliding away from Kim. I should tell her I love her... Just in case... at least one more time... "Kimmie-"

"No, Shego," Kim stated, turning her back to Shego. "Whatever you have to say, you can say it when you get back."

For a moment, Shego thought Kim had meant that in a spiteful way but, after a moment's reflection, figured it had a different meaning. It was her way of asking Shego to promise that she would be coming back. "As you wish, Princess."

With that, Shego turned and flew up into the evening sky, marking the second time she'd left behind a team of heroes depending on her. The only difference is that this time, she was doing it to save the world. Life's little ironies.

Continued In Chapter 10: Repeating History (or Fear the Pumpkin)

Author's Note: Oh... My... God... I can't believe this took so long to write! I'd like to blame the lack of time... but at the same time... well... I had a terrific amount of difficulty working on this particular chapter, for some reason. Like abnormally annoying writer's block or something... very upsetting. I am hoping the last three chapters won't take so long but, as they'll be covering A LOT, no promises. For those who have been waiting, thank you so much for your patience and I ask that you bear with me just a little longer.