Chapter X: GJ

They reached the Possible home just about midnight. After securing the surroundings, (just in case the villains were desperate), they then met at the living room to discuss about the gem.

However, the Preacher and the former Villaness were about to argue to the most important part of the discussion: who gets the bounty.

"It was our call." Shego glared. "So we get the bounty."

"The owners made a personal request through the twins, so technically, we get the bounty," Nicholas said. Returning her glare, he leaned on the table as if making a point. Not to be out done, Shego also leaned on the table. However, she still wore the leathers she had borrowed from the town and it was showing a lot of cleavage. It took everything Nicholas had not to peer deep into them, of course that didn't stop him from glancing from time to time.

"Nicholas-san and Shego-san are acting like koibito," Yori whispered to Ron and Kim.

"More like husband and wife," Kim smiled amused.

"More like children to me," Ron sighed, looking at the two. Earlier it looked like that they respected each other but now they were fighting like children over a piece of candy. Albeit a large candy but the sentiment was the same. "By the way, KP. You're taking in paying clients now?"

"Not really," Kim sighed, forgetting for a moment that Ron had been gone for four years. "But every now and then we get some donations, plus GJ's got us in their payroll. Which is why I don't understand why Shego's arguing with Nicholas for the bounty."

"I think it's more of bragging rights than the actual bounty," Ron smirked at his friend's attitude. "Fouling up a large gathering of bad guys and evil doers and whatnots gets a lot of street cred. And since we're not officially part of Team Possible…"

"But Ron…" Kim looked at him, troubled. Didn't he consider himself a part of her team? But Ron raised his hand to stop her.

"KP, to the world, Ron Stoppable is considered dead. Maybe he is in some way. Let's play with it for a time. It gives us the element of surprise," he smiled at her. His smile was infectious, making her smile as well.

"Just like Nicholas's cross?" Kim teased.

"The Cross Punisher," Ron nodded. "That thing got us out in tight spots before. Though sometimes it's a bit overkill."

"You're telling me," Kim smirked as she remembered what damage the cross had caused. "Are you two Bounty Hunters?"

"You would think that with C.T.'s attitude with bounties," Ron shook his head and sighed. "We do the occasional odd jobs. We're not greedy. We only take jobs when we're kind of strapped for cash and we choose who we work of carefully. Mostly those who can't defend themselves. Though when people recognized me they're all after the bounty on my head. I'm not particularly proud of what I do, Kim. But it helps when you know that you're using your talents for good."

"Does it help, Ron-san?" Yori asked, her face filled with concern.

"Not really," Ron said, looking at his friend. "But I had help." He nodded at Nicholas's direction and both women followed his gaze. Nicholas was still arguing with Shego. Kim was somehow baffled. How did the Preacher help Ron?

"It's midnight, keep it down," Ron said and walked away, leaving the two to their argument. "I need a bath," Ron said much to Kim and Yori's mirth.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Nicholas noticed that their audience was gone but he counted to thirty before he stopped and slumped at the sofa. Shego sighed and sat at the other side of the sofa, relieved that the kiddies were gone.

"Did it work?" Shego asked a tired Nicholas. He looked at her with tired eyes and smirked.

No," he sighed. "Arguing made it worse."

"We'll," Shego huffed. "If you weren't so adamant in declining my offer to get ourselves a room, we wouldn't get all fired up!"

"I wasn't the one who groping like there was no tomorrow," Nicholas mumbled.

"It was just a leg," Shego countered, crossing her arms in irritation.

"The others were beside us," Nicholas said, looking at her with a sullen smile. "Do you know how hard it is to act like nothing's going on?" with that statement, Shego smiled.

"So, you were affected after all," she grinned.

"Dammit Shego, I'm not a monk!"

"Glad to hear that," Shego moved so that she was sitting right beside him. She was about to lean on him when he stood up and left the room. Shego was confused? Did she push too hard? Was he disgusted? Have she made a mistake? Didn't he like her?

Or was there another?

Shego sighed as she leaned on the sofa's backrest. Was she such an idiot to think that he would fall for her? She was simmering in her thoughts that she didn't hear him return.

"Sorry about that," Nicholas said. Shego looked up and gasped. The lights were set on low but she could still see the outline of his body. He was still wearing his pants but he had removed his shoes, socks and shirt, He was wearing a white undershirt and was toweling his wavy hair. "I had to remove the grime from me before you do that."

Shego blinked incredulously and then laughed. Nicholas was concerned. Why was she laughing? Was she going to rip him apart now? Shego stood and walked towards him, swaying her hips as she did. On the surface, it seemed that he was not affected but she knew better. He was terrified.

She took his towel slowly, seductively. Nicholas must have imagined it but did she just purr? "I hope you left some hot water for me," she said. Yep, she was definitely purring. When she was out of sight, Nicholas swallowed audibly.

"Are you kidding," he said softly. "Didn't even use it." he shivered, trying to calm down before Shego returned.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The next morning, two really uncomfortable gentlemen awoke and entered the kitchen. Nicholas sighed as he sat by the counter while Ron was busy making breakfast. Nicholas noticed his partner's dishelved state and wondered what had happened to him.

"Rough night?" he asked, noticing a moan that came from Ron. "What happened?"

"Kim and Yori decided that I made a nice pillow," Ron was facing the stove but Nicholas saw the tips of his ears reddened in embarrassment. "You?" Even though he couldn't see him, Ron knew Nicholas was smiling.

"It took me a while to settle down," he said with a sigh.

"Why's that?" Ron turned around, holding a hot pan, tossing a pancake. When he tossed it a final time, his eyes widened at what he saw. Shego was just entering the kitchen. She was wearing the thinnest chemise he had ever seen. Ron then looked at Nicholas who sat silently, staring into space.

"Good morning," Shego smiled as she went towards the counter and sat beside Nicholas. "I never felt so revived in my life." Ron looked at Nicholas accusingly but he just shrugged.

"Slept on the sofa," he explained. And Ron only nodded. "Outlaw? The flapjack?" Ron blinked and noticed that the pancake that he tossed landed on Nicholas's head.

"Shego!" Kim grumbled as she entered the kitchen. She was wearing a red jersey, something that made Ron smile. Since it was his. He wondered how many jerseys he had left. "Put some clothes on."

"But I do have some clothes on," Kim and Ron looked at Shego's chemise. It was alluring and with the right light one could see through it. With his free hand, Ron touched Nicholas's shoulder and gave it an encouraging squeeze.

"My sympathies, man," Ron smiled sullenly.

"Likewise," Nicholas said as he watched Yori enter the room with her silk robe and smiled at everyone.

"Everyone is so lively," Yori said as she began to make tea.

"Pushing the intimate apparel aside, what now?" Nicholas said, most of his discomfiture was gone.

"Well," Kim took a carton of milk from the fridge and sat by the dining table. "The girls and I should report back to GJ with the gem. Wanna come with?"

"Did they delete my security access?" Ron asked as he placed a plate of pancakes in the middle of the table. Kim shook her head as she took a piece. "What about you, Preacher?"

"I don't think a government agency would want me around," Nicholas smirked and looked at Shego. "Want to do what you're hinting on doing?"

"Sure," Shego smiled as she took his hand. "Let's go."

"Hold it!" Kim glared at the raven-haired vixen. "Where are you two going?"

"Shopping," both said in unison making the rest suspicious of their actions.

"Shopping?" Ron asked, looking at Nicholas as if he was out of his mind.

"I want to try out something in front of him," Shego smiled mischievously, making Nicholas uncomfortable. However, Kim was firm.

"We need to report," Kim said, giving her 'the look'. "How soon can you be ready?" she asked the boys. Ron looked at Nicholas who nodded. They had decided.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Do you really think Dr. Director's going to recognize me?" Ron asked as the five of them descended a special elevator that leads to Global Justice headquarters.

"Not at first," Kim smiled as she took his hand. "But it's better to let her know that you're back."

"It's the way we're doing it that's uncomfortable to us," Nicholas said as he leaned on the wall of the elevator. "Fifty to one, there's an armed platoon waiting for us when the doors open."

"I never bet against a sure thing," Shego smirked, leaning on the opposite side of the elevator.

"Do we go peacefully?" Nicholas asked as the elevator stopped. The doors opened, revealing a small room with a small panel near a large steel door.

"Better must," Ron said as he removed his glove and placed his hand on the scanner.

"Scanning," the computer voice said while the others wait. "Updating. Prepare for DNA sampling."

"Prepare for what?" Ron asked. Suddenly he was pricked. Ron withdrew his hand from the panel and sucked his finger. "Ouch! What's that for?"

"They're updating your file," Kim said as she took his hand and kissed the wound. "They're also comparing you're DNA with the old files."

"Making sure that you're you," Shego said with a smile. But Nicholas was wary. He was standing in front of the doors, getting ready for anything.

"I should have brought my cross," Nicholas said, glaring at the wall.

"It was out of ammo," Ron said, standing beside him, guiding Kim so that she was behind him.

"What is wrong, Ron-san?" Yori asked, confused at his behavior. But her answer was forestalled when the computer verified Ron's DNA.

"Welcome, Lt. Ron Stoppable," Ron blinked at what the computer called him.

"What's going on?" Ron asked as the doors opened. Ron was surprised to see Dr. Director standing in front of the door with a smile.

"So, it's true," Dr. Director gave Ron the once over making him conscious of himself. "You've grown."

"Yes ma'am," Ron tried to look composed but he was embarrassed just the same.

"And you've learned to be humble, that's a new one. Usually you'd get on your high horse and stay there for a while," the leader of Global Justice liked what she saw. Although she had reservations on his outfit.

"I've learned a few things," Ron admitted shyly.

"Very well. It's nice to see you again. Could you persuade your friend to relax? He's like a tightly strung cord ready to snap," Ron looked at Nicholas and saw that she was right. Although Nicholas seemed relax, he's been eyeing what was behind Dr. Director with wary eyes and he knew what was bothering him.

"We'll ma'am. He's always like that," Ron smiled goofily. "Especially with two squads of agents ready to turn us into Swiss cheese." Dr. Director smiled. Ron had grown in more ways than one. The women were looking at the exchange with amusement. Ron did learn a bit of humility. Now she was really curious to what had happened to him. With a not from Dr. Director, the squad lowered their weapons and stood in attention.

"Sorry about that," Dr. Director said as she gestured them in. "We weren't sure who you were. We did catch the battle using satellites and was cautious. Shall we go to my office?" The trip to the office was uneventful, although there were agents that were glancing from time to time. When they reached the office, Dr. Director offered them a seat.

Nicholas couldn't help but notice that Director's office was standard. There was not a single personal item. It was a bit Spartan. A large office table, a sofa and two chairs were the only things in the office, not to mention standard office supplies. He was not surprised to see Ron seated on the sofa with Kim and Yori on either side, Shego was lounging by the filing cabinet and Director got a seat and sat facing the trio.

"So?" Dr. Director couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Where have you been? We searched the entire planet but couldn't find any trace of you."

"Though I doubt that you really scoured the entire planet. Well… it's because that I wasn't on this planet," Ron said calmly. "In fact I don't think it's in the same dimension."

"Really," Director raised an eyebrow, her curiosity peeked.

"Long story short, ma'am. I got suck into a dimensional vortex, landed in a strange planet, learned some badical skills and found a way to return home," Ron said, not wanting to tell her everything yet.

"By the way, this is my friend, Nicholas C.T. Wolfwood II," Ron smiled, presenting the Preacher to her.

"A pleasure," Nicholas smiled and saluted playfully at her.

"Ma'am, change of subject. How did I become a Lieutenant?"

"Oh that," Dr, Director smiled as she leaned on the backrest. "Well, after you disappeared, you were awarded with a medal of honor since you saved the world. I pulled some strings and made it look like that you were an Ensign. In fact, Kim's rank is higher than yours by one."

"So that makes her…" Ron looked at Kim for answers. He really wasn't good at the military ranking.

"Lt. Junior Grade," Nicholas said, looking at his black Personal Diary Assistant/Communicator that the twins gave him. "Assuming you're following the Navy's way of ranking."

"We are," Director nodded. "Anyway, they decided to promote you to Lt. and of course, Kim was promoted too. Right now, She's a Lt. Commander. Shego's A Lt. Senior Grade and Yori's… well, Yori's a special agent. A liaison for Japan's Special Organization."

Ron raised his eyebrow and looked at Yori. "Is she saying what I think she's saying?" Ron asked.

"Yes, Ron." Dr. Director answered for her. "Yamanouchi. However, only the six of us?" she looked at Nicholas who nodded, indicating that he knew what she was talking about. "Right, the six of us are the only ones in this branch that knows what Yamanouchi really is."

"So. Am I still in the payroll?" Ron joked, trying to relieve his confusion.

"As a matter of fact, yes. But we'll dwell on that later. Ms. Possible, file your report later. This takes precedence," Dr. Director said as she got up and took a folder from her table.

"She didn't call you by your rank," Ron murmured under his breath.

"In GJ, we're all agents, no matter the rank held in military," Kim smiled at him, assuring him that it was fine. "It's only a honorary rank in any case."

"Oh," Ron felt more confused as before. Before he fell into more confusion, Dr. Director spoke.

"It's Drakken," she gave the folder to Kim. "He's been on the move again. And, unfortunately, more dangerous."

"What did he do now?" Shego said, kind of irritated at the fact that Drakken was active. Dr. Director was silent. She looked at Shego with such sadness that she knew it wasn't good.

"Is this real?" Kim asked as she read the file. Ron couldn't believe it himself. How could anyone be so demented? Nicholas noticed that the three looked like they were going to be sick. Without a second thought, he took the file from them and looked at it. What he saw enraged him.

From the report, it had said that Drakken had tortured the head of a secret scientific base in his home. Luckily his family was touring abroad and did not see what had happened. Looking at the pictures of the man, he could not believe that a man could be coldhearted to do this heinous crime. Needless to say, the man was butchered.

Shego was about to take the folder from him when he closed it and held it out of her reach. "You don't have to see it," he said. At first, Shego was angry. How dare he decide what she should not see. But then, she saw his eyes. Filled with concern and something that she could not understand. Something that made her heart flutter. Shego took a deep breath and sighed.

Looking at him with serene eyes, she smiled. "Nikki, I need to see it," she said softly. Nicholas was prepared to defy her but with that look, his resolve melted. With a sad sigh, he handed her the folder. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. Nicholas watched her sadly, knowing that it would affect her more than she knew.

Nicholas waited. He knew she was strong but everyone has their limits. Even he.

Shego, without betraying her state of mind, closed the folder a few minutes later and gave it back to Dr. Director. She quietly excused herself and left the office. Kim was concerned. She knew Shego was hurting inside and was showing a brave face. She was about to follow her when Nicholas excused himself and left the office as well, no doubt in her mind where he was going.

Dr. Director sighed as she watched the two leave. Usually, she disapproved at her agents getting personal with the missions but this was a different case. This was personal to Shego.

"We need to find him and fast," she said. "And I hope we find him before he does more damage."

Kim was holding Ron's hand while Yori was holding the other. Drakken be damned. Their first concern was with Shego.

And Ron hoped the Preacher would give her peace of mind.