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Thanks to campy for proofreading this chapter.
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KP © Disney
I.
Yori was sure that she was alone and confident that she'd successfully evaded the museum's security measures. But then she heard the feather-light footsteps approaching, and experience told her that someone was now just feet behind her. She knew of only two people who were capable of sneaking up on her, and one of them was now dead while the other was back in Japan feeding a school of hungry ninja trainees. She ruefully added a third person to that select cohort.
For a fleeting moment Yori wondered if her stealthy companion was either Ron or Kim, but she quickly dismissed the idea: neither had any reason to approach her in such a manner. Professional that she was, the ninja acknowledged that someone had followed and successfully cornered her without being detected and decided to do the only thing she could do under such circumstances: she turned to the stranger and bowed.
As anticipated, her unexpected action surprised her pursuer. What she hadn't counted on – and considered to be an instance of great good fortune – was the stranger's reflexive bow in return. Recognizing an opportunity, she kicked straight up, driving her foot into the man's jaw, and sent him sprawling.
It was then that she recognized her victim: Phin Du.
She was at a loss as to why he was in the museum wearing a Global Justice uniform and wondered about that for a moment. Unfortunately for her, she was about to learn that those were moments she didn't have to spare.
II.
"You want me to do what?" Wally sputtered.
"You heard me," Bonnie said, her tone that of a parent speaking to an especially dull child.
"But they're men … and I'm a man … and … and …"
"Would you have any problem if it were me coming on to a bunch of female guards?"
"Well, no," Wally said, immediately regretting his honesty.
"Why?" Bonnie asked, her arms crossed over her chest. Her failure to immediately lash out told Wally he was probably being led into a trap. Unfortunately, he could discern neither its form nor location. "Well?" she demanded.
"Because it's different," he said lamely.
"How so?" she asked.
"Because it is," he said as beads of sweat began to form on his forehead.
"Because it is why?" she asked sharply.
"Just because," he said, gulping as Bonnie glowered at him.
As the brunette continued to stare at him, the young pretender became increasingly uneasy. "Fine!" he finally blurted out as he folded like a deck of cards beneath her hostile gaze. "It's because with two girls it's hot and with two men it's …" He shuddered.
"No different," Bonnie interjected.
"It most certainly is!" Wally said indignantly.
"How so?" she asked. "We're talking about two people of the same sex getting all hot and heavy, right?"
"Yes, but, but …" Wally stammered.
"So it's okay for two women to lock lips but not two guys," she sneered. "You men are all, like, such hypocrites."
"We are not," Wally said haughtily. "I just have different standards."
"You mean double standards," Bonnie snarked.
"I don't care what you say," Wally said, his arms crossed and his jaw set. "I am not going to flirt with a man."
"Fine," Bonnie said. "Then you can say goodbye to your precious yacht and helicopter and castles and the incredible hotness that is me."
"What do you mean? You can't go anywhere. You're a prisoner, too!"
"That doesn't mean I have to let you kiss me. I'm going on strike."
"You wouldn't dare!"
"I would," Bonnie said as she walked away, wiggling her hips suggestively to torment the deposed prince.
Wally gulped. He knew that Bonnie was manipulative and mean. But she was also incredibly attractive. Being deprived of her charms was something he didn't want to contemplate. "Fine," he relented. "I'll do it."
"Good," Bonnie said triumphantly. "I think you should talk to the guard in that museumy part of the castle, you know, with all those pictures of dead guys wearing wigs."
"You mean the Picture Gallery," Wally said. "And those are my ancestors."
"Whatever," Bonnie said dismissively. "That guard seems kind of lonely."
"This had better be worth it," Wally groused.
"Oh, it'll be worth it," Bonnie purred as she wrapped her arms around the prince's neck and brushed her lips across his. "I promise it."
III.
"You took that pretty well, KP," Ron said as he gently played with a lock of his girlfriend's hair.
Kim, who had her head in her BF's lap, looked up. "What do you mean?"
"Wade leaving the team," he said.
"It's no big," she said casually.
"Really?"
Kim nodded, then sat up. "Really," she said. "Wade's growing up. We all are."
"Yeah, I know, but this just seems so big, so end of the line, so …"
"I know what you mean," Kim said as she stayed Ron's litany by placing a finger on his lips. "But things change."
"Maybe," Ron said. "But change tanks."
"Not always," she countered. "We changed from best friends to lovers."
Ron blinked at Kim. "Wow. You've never called me that before."
Kim shrugged – and smiled seductively. "I guess we've moved beyond being just BF and GF."
"So what does that mean?"
"More Essential Ronness for me," she said with a leer that turned into something far sterner and much less amorous as she sat up and added, "And more honesty between the two of us."
"You're still tweaked about my grades, aren't you?"
"So tweaked. And about BB," she said. Then she took his hands in hers. "I love you, Ron, and I want to help you."
"But I thought you said you wouldn't do my homework!" Ron replied.
Kim rolled her eyes. "Hello! I can help with the restaurant so you have more time to do your homework. And have a little fun, too."
"Look," he said. "I know you're smart and you can do anything, but the boat can't sail with too many chefs in the kitchen."
"Meaning?" she asked, her eyebrow arched.
Ron gulped. "Well, you kind of like to run things …"
Kim crossed her arms. "You think if you let me help you with BB, I'll try to take over."
Ron replied by rubbing the nape of his neck nervously.
"Would you like to know what's been one of the most valuable learning experiences for me this year?" she asked.
"Uh, sure," Ron said.
"Cheerleading."
"Okay, you've lost me."
"Where am I in the pyramid?"
"The bottom," he said. "Which, I would add, vexes me since you are without doubt the most bon-diggity, babelicious cheerleader in the history of Middleton College."
"You know what? I think I'll keep you around," she said, giving him a buss on the cheek, then continuing in a more serious tone. "Ron, I'm at the bottom because I'm a first year student. I know this is going to sound big-heady, but I know I'm the best cheerleader on the squad. The other girls know it, too."
"Then why aren't you captain?"
"Because it's not my turn," Kim said. "And you know what? I'm okay with the sitch."
"Really?"
Kim nodded. "I wasn't at first …"
Ron recalled how tetchy his girlfriend was after those first practices at the beginning of the school year. Wisely, he refrained from saying anything, knowing she had raised the issue for a reason.
"… But I realized that there was something more important than being in charge, and that was the squad being the best it could be. For that to happen, everybody had to get along and have a good time."
"So you took one for the team."
"It's actually no big," she said with a wave of the hand. "Tracey's turned out to be a ferociously good leader, and it's good for me to remember what it's like to be at the bottom. It will make me a better captain if I get a chance to lead the squad."
"Don't you mean 'when'?"
"The captain's chosen by the squad – and thanks to a certain best friend I've learned not to take elections for granted," she said wryly.
"Yeah …" Ron agreed nervously, hoping his girlfriend wasn't about to work herself up over his abandonment of her in favor of her royal rival during their sophomore year.
Kim watched her BF squirm for a few seconds. Satisfied he remained sufficiently contrite for his long-ago transgression, she said reassuringly, "It's okay. I forgave you for that a long time ago."
"Whew," Ron said, relaxing.
"Just don't do it again," she said impishly, smiling as he tensed. "Gotcha," she added with a wink. The she placed her hands on his shoulders and looked him in the eye. "Ron, let me help you with BB. I could be your, well, business sidekick. Make copies, run papers down to city hall, help you prep for zoning board hearings …"
"I don't know, KP," he said. "You're not sidekick material. Partner maybe."
To his surprise, she shook her head in disagreement. "Maybe in the future I can be your partner. For now, I want to be your sidekick. You were willing to be mine in saving the world."
"That's because I'm da master of distraction," Ron said jauntily. "Besides, you're a much better hero than I am."
"That may have been true in the past, but it's not true anymore, Hero Boy. There's a reason you've been my partner since the Diablo sitch. You earned it. Let me earn this. Besides," she continued with a sly grin, "one of the other things I've learned over the past few months is that it can be nice to let someone else be in charge. It gives me a chance to … marinate."
"Why do I feel like I'm being played?" Ron asked.
"Do you have a problem with that?" Kim replied as she once again laid her head in Ron's lap.
"Nah," he said. "The Ronster may need better gradage but he's smart enough to know when to surrender. Sidekick it is."
"Spankin'," Kim said.
"Hey," he said brightly, "since I'm the boss, I guess that means I can tell you to do my homework …"
Kim gave Ron a look that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up on end. "Don't push it."
"Gotcha," Ron said. "Copying and zoning boards it is."
"Smart boss," Kim said before she wrapped her arms around Ron's neck, pulled him down and brought his lips to hers.
IV.
Will was surprised that his assailant had not departed after taking him down. But he was grateful, too, as it afforded him the opportunity to atone for his earlier lapse. He quickly brought up his wrist and fired his stun watch at the black-clad woman. Much to his consternation, she jumped out of the way and evaded his shot. Still, the GJ agent had time to jump to his feet, ensuring that the intruder would not be able to escape unchallenged.
Will dropped into a defensive crouch and waited for his opponent to make her move. She responded by mirroring his action, assuming a battle stance, waiting for her adversary to attack. Will looked at the ninja evenly. He was willing to wait as long as necessary for her to make the first move, knowing that the one who struck first under these conditions would be ceding an important advantage. She apparently knew this too, for, rather than act, she held her position and remained perfectly still.
Finally, the ninja cocked her head. "You are not Phin Du," she observed.
Will arched an eyebrow. He wondered what dealings this woman had had with his wayward brother.
"You are his brother, Will," she added neutrally.
"I am," he answered in a similarly cool manner.
The ninja removed her mask and bowed again. "Then I must apologize for attacking you."
"Your apology is accepted," he said.
"Domo," she said.
"And now I must inform you that you are under arrest."
"May I ask why?"
"You are in possession of stolen property," he said, pointing to the Mona Lisa.
"You are aware that the painting was stolen by your brother?" she replied.
Will nodded grimly.
"The theft was perpetrated on behalf of my late grandfather," she explained. "I am merely restoring the painting to its rightful owners – and thus restoring the honor of both of our families."
"A most interesting perspective on your actions," Will observed. "One that does not address the matter of your unauthorized, after-hours entry into the museum. You could always have brought the painting in during business hours."
"True," Yori said. "But the only way I could return the artwork with a minimum of attention was to gain access to the gallery after the museum had closed. However, you are correct. I have broken the law," she said with a slight bow of the head. "It would appear that you have me – how do you Americans put it? – dead to rights." A serene expression on her face, she extended her wrists. "It would be my honor to be arrested by you."
Will knew his duty: apprehend the intruder, ensure the security of the missing artwork, and file a report to his superiors. It was, after all, what was expected of a Top Agent. He looked at the painting, then at the young woman.
"I believe there may be another course of action open to us," he said, surprising himself.
"Oh?" Yori asked.
"Yes," Will said as he approached her and took her hand in his. "Might I interest you in dinner after I finish my rounds? I know of a most agreeable bistro in the Seventh Arrondissement."
Yori considered the Global Justice agent, then bowed. "It would be my honor to dine with you, Du-san," she said.
"Excellent," he said.
"Before we go, will you help me hang the picture?" she asked, gesturing to the Mona Lisa.
"It would be my honor," he said without a hint of irony.
V.
Bonnie looked up from her nails to see an incensed Wally standing before her.
"The nerve of that man!" he fumed.
"Someone a bit too receptive to your come on?" she asked as she continued to apply polish.
"No!" he snapped. "He turned me down!"
Her attention fully engaged, Bonnie looked up to the deposed prince. "And you're, like, upset?" she asked, completely befuddled.
"Well, wouldn't you be?" he huffed.
"I thought you didn't like the idea of being with a man," she said.
"I loathe it," he replied. "But look at me! How could that commoner spurn my advances? I'm a prince! A royal stud muffin! A—"
"Delusional little twerp," a deep basso voice intoned.
"Rodrigo!" Wally said nervously.
"It's Ernesto," the man said coolly as he shut the door behind him and advanced on Wally. "Now tell me, what's your game?"
"Game? Game?" Wally sputtered. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Ernesto sneered at Wally, then turned to Bonnie. "Is he always this pathetic?"
Bonnie shrugged. "Only on his good days."
"Bon Bon!" Wally protested, only to be met with her upraised hand.
"Shut up, Wally," she ordered. Then she turned her attention to the visitor. "What do you want?"
The man looked around furtively and then looked Bonnie in the eye. "The same thing you want: power."
"Well, get in line," she said caustically.
"Or behind you," he said.
"Oh?" Bonnie said.
"Yes," he replied. "I can help you achieve your goals."
"And what would those be?" she asked.
"You want to regain control of the country," he said. "I can help you."
"For a price," she added.
Ernesto nodded. "The Army. I want to be the commander."
Bonnie looked at Ernesto with interest. He was tall, good looking, had a strong jaw and a full head of hair. She thought it was a pity that he was gay – it would have been fun to see him glisten. She set that thought aside, however, and considered Ernesto. Bonnie grinned – for while she knew nothing about military affairs or strategy, she knew all about appearances. And Ernesto looked like a soldier's soldier. He might prove to be a dud on the battlefield but he'd be a star on television.
"Done," Bonnie said, extending her hand.
"What?" Wally shrieked. "A member of the royal family has always led the armed forces!"
"Times change, Wally," Bonnie said, her tone making clear that her decision was firm and final.
"Fine, you can have the Army," he sighed with resignation. "But I insist that I get my yacht back!"
"I'm not sure that will be possible," Ernesto said.
"Why?" Wally demanded.
"Humberto."
"Humberto?"
"Another of the guards. He's willing to join us as long as he gets to be Admiral of the Fleet."
"But we don't have a Navy!"
"Actually, we do," Ernesto said. "If your yacht is the fleet."
"This is an outrage!" Wally said. "I refuse!"
"Then I guess I'll have to tell the knights what you're up to," Ernesto said with a shrug.
"You wouldn't dare," Wally said, horrified.
"Yes, I would," Ernesto replied. "We either all get what we want or you get nothing."
"But I love that yacht …" Wally whined.
"Give it up," Bonnie said. "Your stupid boat is so unimportant. If you want to go out on the water you can ride the ferry."
"The ferry! That's for the little people!"
"Deal," Bonnie ordered. "I want out of here and if your toys are the price we have to pay, then so be it."
"You're heartless," Wally sulked.
"Which is way better than you being hottieless," she retorted.
"Fine," Wally groused.
"So, we have a deal then?" Ernesto asked.
"Yes," Bonnie said. "Now here's what I have in mind …" she said as she began to outline her plan.
Ernesto nodded approvingly. "All of this will take time," he observed.
"Yes, well, thanks to those dorks of Rhodegan I've got lots of that," she said acidly.
"True," Ernesto agreed. He turned to leave, then looked back at Bonnie and the prince. "Just one more thing."
"Yes?"
"It's Alberto. He'll also help …"
"Good."
"… For a price."
Wally began to twitch. "What does he want?"
"The Maserati …"
Wally was about to protest when he saw the expression on Bonnie's face. "Oh, snap," he grumbled. "He can have it. At least I still have the go carts."
"About that …"
VI.
"Pick you up for breakfast at eight?" Ron asked Kim as they stood before her dorm. She grinned as her BF tried, unsuccessfully, to stifle a yawn. They'd returned to campus later than expected, not having planned on dinner with their families, Rufus, and Rufina. While the meal and company were appreciated, the two students were tired after their long journey and eventful adventure and were happy to be back on campus.
"Sounds like a plan," she said, taking his hands in hers.
"The Rondo's all about plans," he said.
"Spankin'," she replied. "As long as they involve me."
"Hey, Ron Stoppable may be flunking all of his classes, but he's not dumb enough to leave out his bon-diggity girlfriend."
"Good," she said, kissing him on the lips. "Keep it that way. Except for the flunking part," she said as she gave him another kiss. "We are so going to change that." Then she embraced him.
"Man, that feels good," he said.
"So good," she agreed. Then she yawned. "Well, I guess I'd better turn in."
Ron kissed her on the forehead and pulled away. "Keep the dreams sweet and real, KP."
"I will," she said as she opened the front door to her building. "See you tomorrow," Kim added with a wave as she went in. She closed the door behind her and walked down the corridor. When she arrived at her room, she suppressed a groan. The last person she wanted to see at this late hour was Ashley; however, her desire to sleep was greater than her wish to avoid her snarky roommate. Since she didn't have a key, she activated the Kimmunicator, which she was able to use to trip the electronic security lock to her room. She turned the knob and opened the door.
"Hey!" Ashley protested. "Do you mind?"
"Actually, I do," a very tired Kim said as she walked in, not caring that her roommate was in the midst of an intense lip-smacking session with a member of the football team. "Time to go, Bobby. You've been intercepted."
"Aw, come on," the large boy whined. "This was just getting good. I was just getting to the red zone."
"Now," Kim said sternly as she pointed toward the door. "Consider yourself benched."
"You know, you're as tough as Coach," he grumbled as he disentangled himself from Ashley, got up, and left.
"Was that really necessary?" Ashley asked after Bobby had departed.
"Newsflash, Ashley, this is a double. As in two people, one of whom is not your BF du jour, live here."
"At least I have a BF."
Kim groaned. "I am so not in the mood for this."
"I bet you didn't say that to Shego," Ashley said with a knowing smirk.
"Excuse me?" Kim said as she opened her desk drawer and pulled out her prom picture.
"You've been gone for days. I'll bet you and Shego were going at it the whole time."
Kim rolled her eyes. "I was so not 'going at it' with Shego. I was with Ron."
"Sure, whatever you say," she said dismissively. "You and Ron. Away. Together."
"Hello? Boyfriend, remember?" Kim said as she held up the photograph, sounding more defensive than she preferred, frustrated that she could beat supervillains on a regular basis but had so much trouble dealing with one attitude-challenged co-ed.
"Don't you mean 'distraction'?" Ashley sniped. "And didn't you two supposedly have a fight? Probably because he's tired of covering up for you."
"You are so flawed," Kim growled,
"Better than being in denial," Ashley retorted as she turned over on her side, pulled up her blanket, and turned off her light.
To Be Continued …
