Here's an Idea: People have asked me recently what I think of using self-inserts in fan fiction. First of all, I don't believe there are any hard set criteria for writing, so do whatever you enjoy. Personally, I have no problem with them so long as they don't hijack the story. This conversation gave me an idea for an interesting game: I myself have used a self-insert in this very story and I wonder if any of you can guess who it is. Good luck.
Kim Possible: Necessary Changes Season 3 Chapter 4
The blue-uniformed guards stood as close to Kim as possible as they walked her through yet another winding hallway. How far was this interview room? She was certain they were just trying to fray her nerves with their extended tour and insisted silence. Global Justice wasn't known for its kind hospitality, especially for someone that they had recently accused of manslaughter. She almost chuckled out loud at that prospect, something she hoped the rest of her team was attempting as they were split and questioned individually.
From that night at Bueno Nacho a week ago, when Betty had disclosed what Will had told her and Bonnie, up to now she'd encouraged her team to not be afraid.
"Let them come," she'd said.
She knew what they wanted them to do: panic, behave suspiciously, do anything that would color them in the negative light they were attempting to cast upon them. Kim knew most agents were simply trying to do their job, but Will had also said there were multiple higher ups that were out to set an example with this arrest. Well, technically they were only under suspicion. At least they'd been kind enough to forego handcuffing them.
Some had wanted to panic, she could see it in their eyes, but Team Possible would not fall again under her watch. They were stronger than that and, more importantly, they had nothing to fear. She believed with every fiber of her being that no one within their team had done what they were being accused of. That left the very real questions of, not only who did, but were they actively trying to sabotage Team Possible in the process?
She put these difficult to answer questions on the back burner as they finally entered into a tiny, undecorated room with two chairs, a folding table, and a two-way mirror. The guards beckoned her sit as they stood file next to the door. A new, older man entered seconds later, her interrogator no doubt. He was in his thirties with slicked, immaculately combed, black hair and a baby face that betrayed his age worn features.
He produced a pen and small slip of paper and slid them towards her, "Please sign here, Ms. Possible."
"Permission to be questioned?" she asked.
"Autograph for my daughter. She's quite the little fan."
She snickered, obliged with her best handwriting, and slid it back to him. He gave a satisfactory nod and tucked it away before taking that serious face.
"You know why you're here," it wasn't a question.
"Your boys were tight lipped, but I get the gist of it. Carlos Guerrero is dead and you believe you have reason enough to suspect us of doing the deed."
"I have the feeling my boys weren't the ones who gave you that much info. But, yes, that's the gist of it. I just want you to know, they've hired me to be impartial in this, so let's work together to sort this out."
"Do I get to hear or see any of this proof you have we may have done this?"
"A player doesn't reveal his hand until the game's over, Ms. Possible."
"So," she smiled kindly at him, "there isn't any, then."
He chuckled and adjusted in the less than comfortable, solid steel folding chair, "Everyone in this building knows you didn't do this, Kim. What we do believe is that you're protecting the suspect as some kind of ill-advised play at camaraderie."
"Then you're wrong. I know none of my people are capable of murdering someone in cold blood."
He leaned forward, clasping his hands together and giving a smile that would have unnerved a person lesser in moxie than Kim Possible, "How sure are you? In times like these, dirty laundry is going to be brought out in the open and I don't think you're aware of how much laundry your team possesses."
"Does it rival Global Justice's?" Kim couldn't help but let that one slip.
"No," he answered honestly, "but it doesn't have to. A little is more than enough. They'll be finding out soon."
"They can handle themselves," Kim kept her slight tension close to her chest.
The interviewer only smirked in response, "Enough about everyone. Let's talk about Shego."
The soldier for hire read out a list that pleased Shego every time she heard it. The arrest warrants, the felonies, the thieveries, the veritable phone book sized rap sheet she'd accumulated over her diverse and successful villain career had been expunged after her turn to good, but there was no way it would be destroyed. Her file was the stuff of legends, the things you told new recruits of to scare them. The soldier went for almost five minutes straight listing her accomplishments.
When he'd finished, Shego stood and gave two dramatic bows, imagining the cheering audience as they stood and applauded her as the greatest that had ever existed.
"I'd like to thank the little people," she pursed her lips and winked before a guard forced her back down by the shoulder.
"You have a shady past, Ms. Go," he ignored her showmanship. "You have a record very befitting of a professional killer."
"Funny, I don't remember you reading off any accusations of murder."
"Perhaps it's because there was never any proof."
"I bet you've spilled more blood than anyone knows," the second interviewer leaned over her.
She'd been honored to have been assigned two interrogators. GJ had done this song and dance with her on multiple occasions and she always made them appear to have two left feet. It would be interesting to see just how good these boys were.
"Why kill Guerrero?" the first asked.
"Why assume I did?" she responded.
"He had dirt on you," the second towered over her. "We know you have been in recent dealings with Guerrero, after your pardon, as recently as three months ago. That's intent to commit crime."
"Oh," Shego playfully placed a hand to her chest, "and when will Mr. Guerrero's corpse be coming in to offer testimony?"
The first man grimaced, but the second guy was playing it much cooler. He was clearly older and much more accustomed to mouthy prisoners.
"What were you two planning?" first asked.
"Where are we?" she avoided the question. "I didn't think GJ had a base only an hour from Middleton. Wonder if Betty knew about this."
"Work with us and we won't have to drag your friends through anything," second growled.
"My 'friends' have survived worse than you. How is GJ's backside after getting thoroughly spanked by Dementor? Is ointment still necessary or can you sit without it?"
"Funny you should bring the late professor up," second walked to a bag and fished out several folders before splaying them across the desk. "Some of your 'friends' seem to have been comfy with him in recent times, before he went missing in Canada."
Shego appeared nonchalant as she scanned the names on the folders, all Team Possible members along with Yoko's.
"Yoko Carolan," he noticed her gaze and opened the girl's folder. "Offered false information of employment papers for Global Justice, actively assisted in Dementor's takeover of Branch 15 of Global Justice, and committed innumerable acts of internet terrorism against anyone who attempted to bypass her security into Dementor's net space."
"She's diligent for her age," Shego grinned.
"She's also close allies with Camille Leon, also guilty of assisting GJ takeover. These girls are responsible for the injury of over one hundred and thirty Global Justice agents."
"Then why not arrest them?" Shego yawned.
First answered, "Because they got lucky, just like you. They offered up information on Dementor's scheme in exchange for immunity, along with the location of the underground base he used."
"All that evil," second leaned over her again, "just swept under the rug because they sold out their former employer. Just like you: you make people miserable for so long and then you get a pass just cause you helped stop an invasion. How do you sleep at night?"
"On my side," she answered. "Usually spooning Ki…"
She clammed up instantly and the men were clearly interested in where that line of dialogue was going. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction of even imagining her being with Kimmie.
"Why go over these oh so interesting tidbits?" she segued.
"Glad you asked," second grinned. "See, these history files are useless as long as you kids are playing nice and obeying Johnny Law. However, when any previous offender commits a federal crime, we're allowed to reinsert these files as evidence against them."
"Which means all your little skeletons get dragged out of the closet for a jury to see," first added.
Shego scowled.
"Flag on the play, dude!" Ron slammed a folder shut. "You got nothing on Wade!"
"But we do," his interviewer pushed his hand aside and casually reopened the folder. "We have extensive proof of your little friend's frighteningly illegal use of privately owned satellites for his own devices. We have documented history telling us he's illegally hacked into government websites on no less than three hundred separate occasions in a five year time span."
"Sounds like the only crime here is you're continuing to pay your webmaster."
He nodded, "Can't argue with that. Still, Betty Director actively overlooked these occurrences, but she is no longer in charge."
"From what we've heard, no one's in charge."
"Ain't that the truth," he whispered. "Mr. Stoppable, we don't expect you to admit to these allegations, but we do believe you can point us to the culprit. I can make Mr. Lode's folder disappear as long as you give me something substantial to work with."
Ron leaned back and sighed, "Can't help you, bro. If I suspected anybody did that, I'd hand 'em to you in a heartbeat, but nobody on this team did that."
The interviewer gave him a quizzical look and Ron couldn't read people well enough to gauge if he was curious or just questioning the blond's testimony. He gave a despondent headshake before opening another folder, this one with Yori's name.
"Yori Seijitsuna," he read aloud. "Transfer student, attending college in America, and daughter of middle class construction worker; well, those are clearly all lies, so let's look at the bottom. Ah, here we are: Yamanouchi spy."
Ron blinked several times, "Yamawhatty?"
The man gave him a tired look, "Yamanouchi: secret mountaintop society dedicated to studying and training in the art of ninjutsu and several unknown styles of martial arts."
"Ninjas?" Ron laughed. "You're a little too old to be believing in that stuff."
"So, it's just a fantasy of ours that your girlfriend is making frequent reports to her handlers in Japan? Because that doesn't sound like a joke, that sounds like espionage. And if she's reporting things about our government, then that's a federal crime."
Ron had no response, as his anger was suddenly showing too much to trust himself to speak. He chanted internally, recalled every instance of patience training he'd endured to help control his rather unpredictable outbursts. When chanting didn't work, he sang the Hank the Snowman theme in his head, which surprisingly worked wonders.
"Ms. Seijitsuna's role will be brought into question, but I recommend you think over who's more important: a killer in your midst or the girl you claim to love. Betty isn't here to protect you kids from the law anymore, so I suggest giving considerable thought to your options. No one is going to be saving you from this."
High heels clicked hollowly throughout the makeshift lobby of the newly opened Middleton Branch of Global Justice. A secretary of sorts minded the counter, too caught up in a magazine to hear the approaching visitors. The man and woman made it to the oval desk and stood for several seconds without acknowledgement.
Myra Go grabbed the magazine and tossed it across the room with a less than sincere, "Excuse me."
"How did you get in here?" the secretary asked.
"Connections," Myra scowled with a look that could curdle milk. "Now, if you'd be so kind, I want to see the leader of this pitiful excuse of a government facility."
"All supervisors are busy," the false sincerity in the secretary's voice was palpable. "Please make an appointment and come back another time."
Myra's nostril twitched once before she turned to her husband, "She doesn't want to make this easy. Let's introduce her to our friends."
Ouren Go winked at his wife before throwing an arm out, finger pointed towards the inside of the facility, "Release the lawyers!"
A group of well-dressed, well-groomed men appeared from the entrance and made past the secretary and into the heart of the base. Several armed guards moved, clearly having seen this commotion coming from security footage, but an aging man in GJ uniform threw a hand in a lackadaisical show for them to stand down. The man gave off a friendlier atmosphere than everyone else, but he also looked prepared for opposition if need be.
"Mayor Go," he held out a hand. "Your reputation precedes you."
Myra didn't bother uncrossing her arms, "Deputy Director Bullock, I presume. I gave you all the introduction I intend over the phone on my ride here. I'm flanked by every overpaid lawyer my city has ever employed and I'm not leaving until Team Possible and everyone associated with them is freed from your custody."
"And why would you facilitate the release of suspected murderers?"
"You have no substantial proof anyone here is involved."
"We've held people on far less."
"Those people didn't have us," Ouren held his charming exterior. "I hate politics as much as the next sensible man, but I must insist you hand over Kim and her friends before we give Global Justice far more to worry about than just choosing a new director."
Three lawyers stepped forward and began to hand out the first of many folders bursting with paperwork of the less than legal actions taken thus far. Bullock merely waved them away and stepped aside as he beckoned the group to follow.
"You sicced the mayor of Go City on this place?" Will was flabbergasted from amusement.
Betty walked beside him as she tried to appear as if she weren't bee lining for a particular room, "They shouldn't have offered me that one phone call. What do you think I've been doing as Team Possible's handler all these months? I've taken every precaution necessary to make sure we're protected by allies who are higher up on the importance totem pole."
He smiled, "You're never going to not be that same old director."
"No matter how hard I try," she mumbled and stopped at the interrogation room she'd been searching for.
She threw open the door, fully intent on rescuing the person inside…when she saw the scene before her and froze. Her eyes immediately went to the man designated as interviewer: Duper, a beast of a man, all muscle and vinegar, with a single scar running from his bottom lip to his ear. His eyes were cold and calculating, an asset he'd adopted on the way to becoming the most brutal interrogator they'd ever employed.
His current victim wasn't touched physically, no that wasn't his style; but she instead had her head buried for safety into her arms and was weeping deeply in the most pitiful way possible. Bonnie's anguish was evident with every sob and Betty felt her teeth clench painfully. More than the pain was her intense and sudden flare of anger.
Another GJ agent watched the dirty work from the side of the room, a weasel-like son of a bitch named Smith who seemed to be enjoying the front row view of a teenage girl being systematically broken. Betty was across the room before she'd had time to think.
"Bastard!" she had his collar and took satisfaction from slamming him against the wall.
Will attempted to placate her, but she'd have none of it. Smith sneered at the woman before him, his disgust and dislike for her never hidden or avoided. They'd detested each other from the moment they'd locked eyes and he'd resented her ever seen she'd made director over him.
"SOP, Betty," he said calmly.
"This is standard procedure for a hardened criminal!" Betty growled. "What made you think to unleash our best interrogator on a teenager!?"
"She has the least attachment emotionally to the group. She made the most sense to easily betray the rest. She just needed a little help."
Bonnie's sobs didn't stop and every second of them drew forth a fury Betty wasn't aware she possessed. Will finally succeeded in separating the two and standing slightly between them.
"I'm taking her," Betty managed as she turned to Duper. "You should be ashamed."
"Just doing my job, Betty," his bassy voice was unnaturally calm.
He clearly hadn't enjoyed it, but it didn't excuse what he'd done. She reached out and rested a hand on Bonnie's shoulder. Immediately, she physically flinched away, digging her nails into the table and looking at her supposed attacker. The immense pain in her young eyes tore holes in Betty. What had they told her, threatened her with, to do this to her? Psychological warfare was intense, especially on those who weren't used to it. They'd had hours to break Bonnie and her brokenness was evident in the glassy stare she offered Betty.
Still, it took her little time to realize who stood before her and she practically latched onto Betty with a strength that defied her small frame. Director rubbed her head soothingly, gently whispering nothing specific in an attempt to calm her. Her sobs eventually died out, but it did little to stem the tide of Betty's anger.
"Take her then," Smith signaled for Duper to leave. "She was useless anyway; nothing worth hearing besides pitiful moans of family and friends. She actually tried to cock an attitude with us. Seems she wasn't as brave as she'd believed."
Betty almost felt a tooth crack from her jaw locking. He sounded so smug, so self-righteous in what he'd done. Her pain meant nothing to him. Will pleaded for them to simply go, but Betty was running on autopilot now. She gently pried Bonnie from her, slowly pushed Will to the side to give her ample room to spin and land a devastatingly hard blow into Smith's nose.
She winced at the very real feeling of one of her knuckles fracturing slightly and she'd managed to punch him hard enough to make herself stumble backward. Will caught her and she swore she heard the departing Duper chuckle before seeing Smith's body crumple unconsciously to the floor.
After years of being a good soldier, of doing everything with sufficient forethought, Betty Director had made the first rash decision since being a recruit and it felt more glorious than anything before it. She only had seconds to bask in that glow before Bonnie reclaimed that grip and buried her head in Betty's neck, hiding from the world.
She returned to soothing speech as she led the teen away from the unconscious agent and back towards anywhere that she could consider safe. From the way she stayed attached to Betty, she only found one place acceptable at the moment. She led them through back to the main foyer, an expansive room dedicated to navigating the facility by way of multiple tubes akin to the ones they used to transport people.
The entire team was waiting, everyone accounted for and looking none the worse for wear. The Go parents talked with Kim and Shego while the lawyers spoke with Will, Bullock and a female agent she didn't recognize. At once, most of the team saw Bonnie's condition and gave similar looks of worry. Unconsciously, Betty tightened her own grip out of protection for the barrage of questions she knew was coming.
"Will told us," Kim said as she approached first. "Are you okay, B?"
Bonnie didn't respond, barely moved as she only breathed heavily and hid like a frightened child.
"She needs rest," Betty said and walked them to the Deputy Directors. "I hold you responsible for this, Bullock."
Bullock appeared uneasy, but he held himself admirably.
One of the lawyers spoke up, "I'd recommend avoiding direct contact between our two groups."
"Team Possible is free to leave," Bullock spoke to the lawyer, but held eyes on Betty. "However, our condition stands. They are to remain within Middleton city limits until the investigation is finished."
"Wait," Kim interrupted. "How are we supposed to do our jobs if we can't leave the city?"
"You can't," he said matter-of-factly. "You have more things to worry over than saving the world now, Ms. Possible."
"We'll leave it to you, then," Shego mused. "You guys have such good track records after all."
Bullock dismissed them by merely walking away with Will and the unknown woman in tow.
"I love it when you're snarky," Kim said to Shego.
"I love the way you love it," Shego purred.
Kim chuckled and broke their eye contact, but Betty saw the redhead unconsciously play with a strand of hair. She might have been happy for such a clear sign of improvement between them, but right now Bonnie's well-being was her most pressing matter. She walked with the group as they exited the building and stepped out into a blank expanse of unpopulated land.
The facility was nestled between mountain ranges, hidden from view and surrounded by electrified fencing and twenty four hour security. Betty saw how the Go's had been able to enter: a gigantic Chinook sat on the grounds, surrounded by guards. Driver hopped from the pilot's seat and slid the side view door open to allow entrance.
"Is there anything you can't drive?" Ron asked the chauffer.
"No, sir," he answered without an ounce of smugness, "there isn't."
They piled in one by one, taking seats and buckling in, all besides Betty. She couldn't coax Bonnie to release her enough to secure them, which was fine. They lifted off into the air and made for home, a whole slew of problems and conversations awaiting them. At least, for the moment, Team Possible was free.
Betty's house was crowded, but it was necessary for the time being. The isolation was a godsend for the moment, as word had already spread throughout most of Middleton of the charges brought on against Team Possible. They were having no chance of peace with the multitude of paparazzi awaiting every individual's home, apartment, and even the old base. Very few people knew the former director's home's location and she obviously intended on keeping it that way.
Kim sat in the dining room, which connected directly to a cozy living room and den. Ron, Yori and Shego sat with her and Wade, Drakken Yoko, and Monique sat close by in the living room. Wade and Mon attempted to reassure Yoko, who, after discovering the threats made against her, was worrying to the point of wringing wrinkles into her shirt. The ambient noise of the television was barely audible over everyone's small conversations.
Yori was lost in her own thoughts and Kim knew exactly why. Ron had revealed GJ's knowledge of not only her clan, but the amount of factoids known was disheartening to the ninja. She worried over her people's desire and necessity for privacy and how little it might take to force Global Justice to break that isolation.
Betty appeared from a separate bedroom, anger on her features as she walked into the den and leaned against the wall.
"How is she?" Mon asked.
"She's finally asleep," Betty spoke through her teeth.
Bonnie had been bad off and Kim actually surprised herself with how worried she'd been for the brunette. Bon wasn't a flower and she certainly didn't wilt under pressure, but whatever they'd done to her was significant and it had lit a fire inside Betty that unsettled anyone who made eye contact with her.
"Ms. Director," Yoko barely squeaked out. "How likely are they to go through with their threats?"
Betty took a moment to answer, "I don't know. It seems like we have enough people on our side that that can deter them, but it all depends on what they want from us."
"They don't just want justice for this murder," Yori added. "They are establishing dominance, reminding us that we are not as invincible as we may believe."
"They lost face tremendously after the Dementor attack," Betty mumbled just loud enough. "Their bruised egos need tending."
"So, it's nothing personal against us?" Wade asked.
"No," Betty winced as she played with the makeshift cast she'd placed over her hand, a Velcro wrist band that held her fingers in place. "They couldn't care less about us, just as long as we acknowledge who the big dogs are."
"But that's just some of them," Kim added. "Ron and I had very…friendly interrogators."
"KP's right?" her best friend said. "I had the feeling these guys were only doing this because they were ordered to."
"Maybe we have more allies than we believe," Yoko sounded hopeful.
Betty lifted a remote and raised the TV's volume, "Could have fooled me."
Everyone's attention was drawn to a mass group convergence of Middleton citizens outside city hall. Hundreds of people, along with many different news outlets, stood and apparently protested something in the streets. Signs were just now being introduced into the crowd and Kim's heart nearly broke while reading them.
'Team Murder', 'We Want Justice', and Kim had to shut her eyes from the last one she saw. It was a picture of her, smiling and innocent, with the words 'The Girl Who Can Do Anything; Even Kill' proudly displayed beneath it. The cameras were close enough to overhear many of the random chants the audience was spouting, but they all mixed together and made it difficult to hear. Above all else, anger reigned throughout the throng of onlookers.
"So that's all it takes," Shego mused with slight anger. "No proof, no facts outside of hearsay, but that's all they need to turn on us. Sorry, Princess, but it looks like you've been wasting your time."
Kim shot her a look, but she couldn't hold any sort of resentment along with it. Shego hadn't said it out of hate or malice; her face wore the same betrayal they all felt and it hurt Kim deeply. The woman had changed her life to fight for these very same people who now took no effort in flipping sides on a whim.
"Shock of shocks," Drakken added sarcastically. "People need a villain and they don't care who it is. Their loyalty only extends as far as their willingness to lay blame to make themselves feel superior."
Kim wanted to protest this, but the sight of most of her team nodding in agreement made her feel like it was all ending again. Their spirits were being broken one by one and that would not happen while she still breathed.
"It isn't all of them. Like Global Justice, it's just a few angry ones," Kim spoke confidently.
No one seemed to respond, but she could see they wanted to believe it. They were good people and they wanted to see that same goodness in the citizens, but the rally before them stemmed any hope they might achieve.
The cameras were suddenly overcome by a burst as something sped by overhead, causing the throng to look up as a single entity. A futuristic jet, though much larger than a standard fighter, zoomed overhead, stopped midair as thrusters allowed it to hover, and slowly settled onto a blank expanse of pavement near city hall. Struts softened its landing and the engines cut, sending the surroundings into stunned silence.
A familiar Chinook eventually appeared and settled next to the jet. Driver could be seen through the glass but he appeared to be waiting as the jet's side door slid upward and a ramp extended to the ground below. Her stomach went into knots at the sight of the people who exited the craft.
They were led by Jack Hench, decked out in a black business suit and dark sunglasses, looking as expensive as he could afford. He swept his hair back as he stepped onto the pavement below. A similarly dressed, but much more animated, Junior followed and waved double hands at the crowd and gave a winning, pearly white smile. The vampire, Nos, followed after in a less fancy, but form fitting vest, button up shirt, and slacks combination, but he seemed to be less enthused than his cohorts. Adrena followed decked in a women's tuxedo, though her bowtie was missing and her shirt was unbuttoned just enough to show skin underneath. Her dress shoes were also switched for riding boots.
Kim's eyes narrowed at the last member, the dusty blonde Iris dressed in much less impressive apparel. Her blood red riding jacket stopped midway down her torso, her tight tee shirt sponsored a band Kim didn't recognize, and her baggy, black pants made her look more normal than the rest as she gave the crowd a backward peace sign.
In sections, the crowd began to become excited as they realized who these people were. Small cheers began, but erupted further when Junior began blowing kisses and even Nos could be bothered to give a halfhearted, Queen of England style hand wave. The reporters bum rushed the group as they progressed for city hall and Jack clearly was expecting this; he was already removing his sunglasses as they approached.
Questions assaulted him, all pertaining to this new super group he'd formed. Junior stepped forward to absorb some of the attention and Jack seemed to allow this, though the leader still remained to appear in charge and willing to speak.
"Please, please, good people," Junior began with practiced glee, "we have important business to attend to with your kind mayor. Please make your questions short and concise."
The expected questions followed: what was the group called, what were their intentions, did they intend to be rivals or allies to the current Team Possible. Junior and Jack took turns answering, assuring everyone that their intentions were already being made known by the amount of villains they'd arrested and the multitude of civilians saved from disasters. They had no name and encouraged the press to apply anything they deemed appropriate.
Then, as expected, the one speaker rose above the others with a question most seemingly wanted answered.
"Are you here to investigate Team Possible?"
Jack's group, as a whole, gave full attention to this interviewer, whose microphone stuck out as far as possible to receive the answer. There were glances amongst the group, but it was Jack who leaned into the mic with a serious expression.
"The charges brought against Team Possible are sketchy at best and I believe Global Justice has full jurisdiction over the investigation. The matter is out of our hands."
This displeased the audience, who clearly wanted a more resolute answer, especially the uppity members who carried the signs. The yells of 'we want justice' and accusations of murder didn't go unnoticed. As the group continued their walk to city hall, Iris grabbed one of the microphones and pointed at the audience.
"You want justice!? If I'm not mistaken, Kim Possible has been giving you that for five years! You call for her head just because Global justice tells you to!? Where were they when Dementor was causing a ruckus!? Where were they when The Political Statement took a city intersection hostage!? Where were they when The Technomancer was leveling your city and destroying your stuff!?"
The throng was obviously flabbergasted by this tirade. Surprisingly, Jack Hench was grinning and even the remainder of his group stood behind Iris as a unit, in solidarity over her words. Junior took the microphone and gave a look of seriousness and sexuality, eliciting a murmur of sighs from the females of the audience.
"Team Possible were there," he added. "And, just as importantly, we were there. We saw Team Possible fight and struggle for this city and we are prepared to do the same. We have no proof either way if Kim and her friends are guilty or innocent, but, if you ask us our opinion…"
Iris pressed a fist outward, facing towards the nearest camera and staring into it with utmost seriousness.
"We believe in Team Possible," she said as Kim almost felt she could see her through the broadcast.
"We believe in Team Possible," Junior repeated and raised his fist as well.
Adrena followed, then Nos, and finally Jack. At once, the crowd began to rise in fervor. At first, only a mumble of unintelligible speaking could be heard; soon, it rose into a clear chant.
"We believe!" echoed throughout the streets as the onlookers raised their fists in unison and cheered in random intervals.
"What just happened?" Ron was bewildered.
"I believe we were just vouched for," Yori replied.
"Wait, why?! They're supposed to be the bad guys right!? Does everyone else remember Carlos' speech!? He and Jack were making a group to replace ours!"
Kim slowly stood and walked to the TV, mesmerized by what she saw.
"Kimmie?" Shego walked after her, worry in her voice.
"Look," Kim said to everyone and pointed at the screen.
The shot moved through the chorus of people, each one raising a fist and chanting or cheering after Jack's group. The small collection of sign holders were despondent, slowly lowering their signs as their effort was clearly outmatched by the overall emotion of the crowd.
"Forget Jack and the others," the redhead continued. "Look at the people. They still believe in us and not just because they're told to. The few naysayers are lost to the ones we should be noticing."
She turned to the group as they watched as instructed, "We've always done this for those people. There have been and will always be the ones who decry us, but they're a speck in that crowd, a grain of sand in the desert. We'll still help them because it's what we do. We don't do this for the adulation or the attention; just remember: the haters are only loudest in short bursts. The rest…"
She looked again to the innumerable mass that pumped fists and voiced their faith in their home team.
"…the rest are louder than anything else."
"You're talking like we were on the verge of giving up," Shego said.
Kim gave her a look that practically asked, "Weren't you?"
Shego stepped up to her as close as she dared, but still close enough to feel her heat, "I didn't like the world before all this, so nothing's different now. Anywhere you go, I'll follow you there. That will never change."
"Thank you," Kim whispered.
"Anybody else?" Shego asked and surveyed the room. "We all have something to lose, so nobody's special in that regard."
The room as a whole gave nods and affirmations, which fixed anything that those signs had done to Kim. Never lose sight; that was she always told herself. The only thing now was to find out what they could do. They were trapped in Middleton until further notice.
Kim's kimmunicator sounded and she fumbled for it, "Hello?"
"Ms. Possible," Senior's voice answered. "So nice to hear your voice."
"Senior? Where are you?"
"On my way to you, my dear. Please have everyone prepared, as I'm bringing along important guests, amongst them the mayor of your fair city."
"Why?"
"To strategize, my dear. To strategize."
Despite the cold, the team stood outside Betty's house and watched as the jet and Chinook took turns landing in what little empty land happened to be nearby. Mountain ranges and trees obscured most of the property, but luckily small patches of grass were littered throughout. Jack and his team exited just as suavely as they had in Middleton, but Kim was focused on Driver exiting the copter, opening the door, and assisting Senior, Senior in exiting. They were followed by the mayor of Middleton, someone that Kim hadn't realized held that position and someone she thought she'd never have to see again after high school.
Her groan was lost to Ron's exclamation, "Barkin!?"
Steve Barkin hadn't visibly aged a bit since they'd last seen him and still carried himself like a drill sergeant. Now dressed in his navy blue business suit, he commanded the same presence of dominant power he always had.
"Guess we should have paid attention to last month's elections," Kim nudged Ron who returned a pitiful pout.
The newcomers approached, but Jack's crew held back.
"Possible, Stoppable," Barkin's voice boomed naturally. "Ms. Go."
"Hey Stevie," Shego wiggled her fingers.
"Congratulations on winning office," Kim offered.
Steve inhaled proudly, "Yes, well it seems my years of substituting multiple subjects and dealing with rowdy children has made me very…multifaceted. Perfect for politics at least."
"The good mayor and I," Senior interrupted, eager to get to the point, "have spoken at length about what we may do to take people's attention away from these…baseless rumors and accusations. Team Possible, now more than ever, must show the world at large that we are still champions for them and them alone."
"Which is why I've taken it upon myself to schedule a little event to restore the community's faith in your team. Years ago, Middleton used to hold galas for fundraisers or important banquets to raise awareness. Team Possible will be hosting their own gala to show everyone in the city that you're still part of the solution and not the problem."
"What point does that prove?" Betty balked. "We aren't aristocrats or social conmen; we're heroes."
"As of right now," Barkin grimaced at her, "you're confined to city limits and not much help to anyone. Instead of hiding in the mountains and looking suspicious, why not do something good for the community that doesn't involve risking your health and safety?"
Some of the group made motions to argue, but Kim held up a silencing hand, "We'll do it. Just give us a time and a place."
"Team Possible's old base; we'll cordon off the streets around it for the event. December fifteenth; you have two weeks to prepare for a Christmas themed gala."
"That's nowhere near enough time," Mon said.
"You'll have plenty of help, including Jack's team. Even the mayor of Go City has offered her and her husband's services," Barkin leaned in menacingly. "You'll manage."
Kim only nodded and walked past Steve, making for Jack Hench. Jack didn't so much as flinch from her approach, but openly welcomed it with a greasy smile.
"What's in this for you?" Kim asked.
"The same thing," he answered. "We need people's trust more than anything and people are so easily swayed by special events."
"Why should we even begin to trust you knowing what we know about you and your scheme?"
He frowned, "I defended you for a reason, Kim. I know you didn't kill Carlos and I don't want anyone else thinking it either. It takes away from the investigators finding who actually killed a friend of mine. I want their heads far more than anyone else."
"What are they for?" she nodded to the group behind him and let her gaze linger on Iris for a moment.
"I certainly can't fight crime alone, can I?" he chuckled. "They're just like yours. Good people with bad past decisions who are dedicated to making things right in the world. Sometimes for a nominal fee, of course."
"You're up to something," she said plainly.
"Aren't we all," he muttered. "Still, I suggest taking up the offer. You have nothing to lose."
Iris was between them before they knew it and Jack reflexively stepped back. She stood only inches from Kim, arm behind her back and gripping her other arm in a nervous fashion. She gave the redhead a sincere look.
"Can we talk? Alone?"
Kim nodded and beckoned her follow to Betty's house, stopping at Ron to say, "Get everyone acquainted, but don't let your guards down. Make sure everyone's on board as well. I'll be back."
"Roger," he saluted and took his role as leader pro temp seriously enough.
They entered into the house and took the room furthest from the front door, what Kim assumed was Betty's bedroom. Iris closed the door and leaned against it, giving a nervous smile to the suspicious redhead.
"Hey, you," she attempted to sound playful.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Kim asked.
"Right. Like I'd interrupt your anger session towards Shego lying to you by announcing that I was also withholding important information. Would you have? Don't answer that; of course you would."
"What does Jack want? Please, don't lie to me."
Iris moved across the room and stood inches away from the other girl, "Money. Lots of it and the tout and power to back it up. You showed him that heroics could be profitable without all the legal threat that villainy causes. He's making bank on people's suffering: charging people to exterminate militants and terrorists in their countries, eliminating war criminals and dictators; we do the dirty work no one asks your team to do."
"And?"
"And? And that's it. He may be a scumbag, but he doesn't always have to be up to something. He doesn't mean your team any harm, Kim…I wouldn't let him."
"Your vampire friend brought harm to Shego."
"He challenged her to a fight and she accepted. He never forced her into a confrontation."
Kim narrowed her eyes, "You're better than this."
Iris' eyes widened just enough to appear cross with that statement before her hands shot out and shoved Kim to the bed behind her. Kim grunted and was about to regain herself when the blonde powered her back down and pinned her to the mattress. Kim grit her teeth from the firm grip.
"I was on my best behavior around you, Possible," Iris growled. "You don't know who I really am."
"You never bothered to tell me," Kim didn't struggle.
"I wasn't supposed to stay that close to you! I was supposed to study you, learn you inside and out so that I could one day be better than you. For years all I've ever been is the replacement for Kim Possible!"
"What do you mean?" Kim was suddenly confused.
"After my parents died, I took it out on the world. I was already a freshly teenaged, rebellious little bitch. I picked fights at school and eventually out on the streets, trying to find someone to hurt in retaliation for my parents!"
"What happened to them?" Kim said softly.
Iris laughed bitterly, "Nothing I could blame. They died of an illness, some stupid disease they never even knew they had. And they loved me to the very end, Kim. They told me they loved me up to their deaths. I was even sent to live with my grandparents, who loved me just as much. I didn't have terrible parents to hate, I didn't have a worthless family to resent, and I couldn't even blame anything specific for losing them. Do you have any idea how that feels? To have so much anger and resentment and nothing to direct it towards?"
"No," she answered simply.
"You aren't supposed to be honest!" Iris yelled at her. "You aren't supposed to be so understanding!"
Her grip loosened, but she still hovered over Kim as a tear raced down one of her cheeks.
"I was so good at fighting," she continued. "I was so good at hurting people that I had to leave my family in fear I'd hurt them as soon as beating up strangers didn't satisfy me anymore. I wandered for so long, like some little bum, until he found me. Nos changed everything. He didn't feel, so he didn't try to comfort me with useless, loving bull crap. Instead, he gave me an outlet and I followed him ever since. He's the one who introduced me to Jack Hench, told me of his plan."
Kim allowed the girl the time to sniffle, to try and play tough and hide her emotions like she'd done for years it seemed.
"Jack wanted a team. He'd seen you for years defying all expectations and you made him believe it could be duplicated. He and Carlos hatched a scheme that would take years to come to fruition, a little betting game to pass their time. He'd seen what I could do even at a young age and he told Nos 'make her as good as Kim, then maybe she'll be of use'."
She tumbled over onto the bed next to Kim, finally releasing her despite Kim never feeling very threatened from the display. The blonde lay on her side and stared at the redhead.
"I hated you before I even met you," she continued. "I was always compared to you, always tormented whenever Nos told me Kim was faster or knew more forms of martial arts. You were my white whale. Finally, they let me meet you and let me enroll at college just for a chance to study you. I decided to play a game as well, pretend to befriend you just to make it sting that much fiercer when I turned on you."
Iris scooted closer to her, eyes still glossy from tears she refused to shed any further, "And you turned out to be nothing I expected. They called you a prude, they called you high and mighty, and they swore you would look down on me because I was gay or rude or outspoken. Then you have the gall to be everything that's good in this world."
Kim chuckled, causing Iris to grimace. She believed she was making light of her story, but Kim was just shocked she was this intent on pretending any further.
"Is all that supposed to scare me?" Kim asked. "I'm really quite used to people acting tough when all they need is someone to be there. I seem to attract them."
Iris rolled away, uninterested in being analyzed, but Kim just scooted closer, "I'm sorry about your parents and what you've been through, but don't think for a second I'm falling for this irredeemable stuff. I've seen you at your sweetest and I know the real Iris. You can claim to be all bad and emotionless, but I've seen you for who you really are: a friend."
"You're so annoying," Iris swung a halfhearted fist at her and missed.
Kim laughed and she somehow coaxed a chuckle from the other girl as well.
They were both silent for a few moments before Iris mumbled, "I'm sorry for kissing you."
"You should be," Kim playfully reprimanded. "Stealing kisses is so unattractive."
They both laughed a bit more honestly at that one.
Kim sighed, "I'm flattered, I really am, but I still love Shego. I think I'm always going to be in love with her."
"Then why are you in bed with me, you tramp? Go get her."
"I wish it were that simple."
Iris rolled over, "It usually is that simple. What's wrong? Afraid she's gonna' betray you again and all that melodramatic, girly crap?"
Kim pursed her lips, "Now who's being annoying?"
Iris glared at her for some time, gauging her for something Kim had no clue about. Finally, she sighed, reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a DVD case with a disc inside it. She handed it to Kim, who only accepted it with a confused eyebrow raised.
"I know you love her, I knew from the moment I saw you two on campus. Everyone else sees it but you and, quite frankly, it's stomach churning. That disc has everything you need to see on it."
Kim stared at it, "What do I need to see?"
"What kind of person Shego really is."
Betty watched as the groups finally began to disperse, Team Possible and Team Hench somehow finding a sense of peace enough to speak to one another and make friendly at least for the time being. She couldn't be bothered to do much fraternizing, as she was too busy watching, calculating, and making sure something wasn't attempted while they were evenly matched in power.
She was like that, would always be like that, and she was just angry enough to try physically tossing intruders off of her property should they appear disrespectful. Shockingly that didn't occur. Jack and his crew were cordial, if not pompous at times. Adrena and Ron seemed to be friendly, though the girl did take perverse joy in referring to him as the boy who ruined her career. She seemed lackadaisical of it as she laughed at his sputtering.
Junior and Senior talked most and it seemed like whatever was between them now was still friendly or at least in the process of repairing. Funnily, she'd never seen the younger Senior so…confident. Whatever he'd been doing for Jack had him looking more self-assured than ever and not in his usual cocky demeanor.
Nos was an enigma. He merely stood by and listened, every now and then glancing in the direction of the departed Kim and Iris. Sometimes, she'd catch him looking at her, they'd lock gazes for a moment, each one wearing that same calculating visage, and they'd simultaneously break eye contact. He was dangerous, that much was evident even in the way he stood, but he made no threatening gestures towards the group.
Jack was actually the most surprising, as he was not only friendly in that oil salesmen kind of way, but he also had the most heartfelt moment of the group. As they were dispersing, Jack neared Monique and kept a safe distance, clearly not intending to frighten the girl.
"Monique Symone?" he asked.
She merely nodded suspiciously.
"Have you spoken to Leon recently?"
Her face softened, "No. Not since he left."
"Shame. I worry about him, but…he doesn't exactly return my calls. Perhaps he'll contact you soon."
"Maybe," was all she could offer.
He actually looked a tad despondent as he signaled for his people to load into the jet, "He had many good things to say about you and him, Ms. Symone. He was quite fond of you."
She didn't have much to say to that, but he wasn't expecting much it seemed. He was merely removing something from his chest that had seemed to be there for some time.
"For what it's worth," he returned his sunglasses to his eyes and gave her one last nod before walking away, "thank you for making my nephew happy."
Almost as if rehearsed, Iris walked out of Betty's home mere seconds later and bid them all a slightly friendly farewell. And with that, they were gone. Senior beckoned the group goodbye with promises that he would assist with the gala as much as possible. Driver swore the same and offered everyone rides back home. All left with an air of positivity about them and why wouldn't they? The whole group was so charmingly optimistic it was heartwarming.
Kim exited last and actually stopped to give Betty a hug before leaving, asking her to take care of Bonnie and be safe. Director chuckled and returned the affection, glad they could be so informal with one another. She watched the Chinook fly safely back towards the city before escaping that biting cold and returning to her warm, safe home.
This just might work. The gala idea was insincere, but she thought if anyone could pull it off believably, then Team Possible was the only option. It wasn't as if they had much else to maintain their time over the next few days or even weeks. This investigation was going to get ugly unless something came up soon. Bring it on, she thought.
She changed into her spaghetti strap and lounge pants, intent on getting the rest she'd been denied from worry. She was going to get wrinkly if this nonsense persisted. Still, she swooped by Bonnie's room to check on her before lying down herself. The girl appeared fast asleep, unmoving in her bed and curled into her blankets like an infant. She looked vulnerable, weak, and Betty felt a bit of anger return.
"They gone?" Bonnie suddenly asked without looking up.
"Didn't mean to wake you," Betty entered and sat on the bed. "Yeah, they're gone. You have a ton to catch up on. I'll tell you after you've slept some more."
Bonnie opened her eyes but just stared at nothing as she lay in that little bundle. The look on her young face was a mixture of sadness and shame and Betty could tell she had more to say.
"I hate being the weakest link," she muttered.
"You aren't," Director reassured.
"I didn't see anyone else crying."
"Everyone else didn't have a world class interrogator giving them the fifth degree. You came out of that amazingly well considering the state I've seen Duper instill in some soldiers."
"He knew exactly what buttons to push," she sounded afraid even now. "He talked about my school life like he'd been there. He talked about my sisters like he'd personally watched them make my life Hell. He called me a drama queen and incapable of forming deep bonds and self-absorbed and…he was right about everything."
She was on the verge of tears again, but Betty was prepared to quash that at first sight, "A drama queen would have demanded consolation from everyone after what happened to you. You bucked up and dealt with it yourself. You have bonds with our team, whether you realize it or not. Kim even made sure to tell me to take care of you before she left. And she supposedly hates you. Let's not forget me in that little 'no deep bonds' nonsense."
She ran her fingers through Bonnie's hair playfully. She didn't smile, but she did close her eyes and seem to enjoy the contact. That encouraged Betty to continue at a lighter pace.
"And no one who's self-absorbed would have taken so much time on someone else's appearance. Besides, that's not exactly a trait specific to Bonnie Rockwaller. Even if Duper was right about all that stuff, who cares? I like you just the way you are."
Bonnie gave her the most sincere, grateful look she'd ever been given by a human and she did adore it. Something about the girl being happy definitely sparked a warm feeling inside her. After so many years of focusing on the world's benefit as a whole, it was refreshing to have someone specific to concentrate her efforts onto.
"Get some sleep, sweetie," Betty patted her once more and began to stand, but Bonnie deftly grabbed her wrist.
She saw the teen bite her lip nervously, "Could you…keep me company?"
A nervous flutter accompanied that request, "I might fall asleep if I sit here any longer."
Bonnie opened her blanket cocoon in offering, "Then sleep."
The implication was…a tad more uncouth than she was expecting, but why was she so intent on declining? It was just sleeping next to a female friend; nothing out of the ordinary, right? Wait, why was she trying to justify this in any form? The girl needed her because she was distraught and nothing more.
She told herself that as she accepted the place next to Bonnie, told herself it was only a gesture of kindness even when the teen saddled up next to her and placed her head comfortably in the crook of Betty's neck. Betty told herself it was just how they were, nothing more, even when she felt Bonnie's body heat next to her and felt a slight flush cover her face before closing her eyes and wondering why this felt so comfortable.
Kim didn't bother giving it much thought before popping the DVD into her player and taking a seat on the couch. She'd decided if their old base was to be the future site of the gala, she might as well make sure everything was in working order. That and she wanted complete privacy for whatever she was about to witness. From the way Iris spoke, she assumed this disc held something purely for her.
She pulled her legs up and curled into herself, nervous tension bringing her hammering heart to a fever pitch. Nervous couldn't begin to describe her current emotional state, but a stronger word either didn't exist or she simply didn't know of it. The only thing that pushed her forward was, like always, the hope that something worthwhile could be drawn from the disc.
A black screen welcomed her and soon a series of numbers began to count upward. White text at the bottom read "SpyCam VIPSEC1" and a date read off that was set several months ago. The screen suddenly flared to life and focused in on a restaurant table inside a building she didn't recognize. She did, however, recognize the man seated at the table, the shot showing him from slightly above and to his side.
Carlos delicately and aristocratically dabbled at the expensive food set before him and randomly checked his watch, apparently awaiting someone's arrival. It was this shot for almost five minutes before someone did show up and Kim's heart skipped a beat as the familiar, beautiful green tinted woman approached the table.
Shego was dressed in the motorcycle leathers she rarely ever wore, which would help Kim put the timeframe for this footage sometime around the day Shego had saved her from those goons after she was injured.
"Shego," Carlos stood. "As radiant as ever."
"Carlos," the woman cooed back. "As honest as ever."
He kissed her hand and she laughed in that totally fake way Kim had noticed over the months whenever she was utterly unimpressed with someone. They each took a seat as Carlos ordered her meal and drink, seemingly familiar enough with her to know her likes.
"So," Carlos began, "small talk or straight to business?"
"Business. I have a shopping trip to prepare for tomorrow."
"You're taking her shopping? I can assume everything went swimmingly then."
"Hook, line and sink," Shego seemed overly proud of herself. "She barely questioned my showing up randomly and seems willing to form a team."
"She seems incompetently naïve," he laughed.
"Incompotent? No. Too trusting for her own good? Definitely. Little Ms. Perfect is always out to prove that people are naturally good and everyone is redeemable."
Kim winced from the severe mocking tone the woman took as Carlos laughed along. They were clearly talking about her and that sat uneasily in her craw. She'd known of their little ploy to trick Kim into joining their little team, but hearing Shego's hateful and derisive words twisted a knife she still felt from time to time.
"I still don't see the point in having her around," Carlos sipped a wine. "She'll flip on us the moment she believes something is amiss."
"Then we'll have to make sure she doesn't suspect a thing," Shego purred. "It's really too bad, though. If only she wasn't so incorruptible. She and I could rule this world."
"You sound almost fond of her."
Shego frowned, "She's intolerable, but she's talented. I can stand being around her and that's enough. I just have to remain on my best behavior while we're together. Be everything she wishes me to be and she'll be putty in my hands."
They exchanged a knowing and evil grin between each other before the footage cut. Kim felt sick to her stomach and desired to shut it off immediately. She gripped the arm of the couch and tried to rationalize that this was the old Shego, the one who hadn't changed for her. She swore to herself that Sheridan's feelings were sincere now, no matter what she intended before. She mostly believed herself.
The video flickered and cut to the same setting, this time the date was days later. Carlos had taken the same seat, was eating and drinking the same items; he appeared to be a man of habit. Minutes passed again before Shego appeared onscreen. She still wore that cocky, devil may care smirk she always possessed whenever they used to fight one another.
"Good to see you uninjured," Carlos greeted her the same way. "I heard about your run in with the two brutes outside the mall the other day."
"They were easy," Shego shrugged and took her seat. "They also offered a rare chance to show my 'loyalty' towards Princess."
"She's still falling for it?"
Shego laughed, "You should have seen her. She wouldn't let me go she was so grateful. If I'd had food in my hand, she would have eaten from it."
Carlos seemed to say the next words carefully, "I hear you've been speaking with Jack."
Shego physically swept her hand, deflecting the subject, "Ugh, Hench has been bugging me to set his nephew up with Kim for some time now. I'm only doing it so Jack will get off my back about all these favors I don't remember I owe him. I tried at the mall, but noooooo, Kimmie has to be all introverted and mopey about her ex. Pisses me off."
"Why?" he seemed befuddled.
Shego glanced away then, almost avoiding eye contact, "She deserves so much better than that blond doofus. She could literally have any guy she wanted and she goes for Mr. Still Proudly Takes Part in Kid's Recreations. She's so boring even with who she loves."
"Well, Jack's nephew should suffice, as long as he's nothing like his uncle."
"He isn't or I wouldn't bother doing this. I'm gonna try to set them up again, maybe have a nice dinner out."
"Sounds splendid, though I recommend making it a group date. She might be suspicious otherwise."
Shego twirled a finger on her cheek mockingly, "Oh gee whiz, I would never have thought of that."
"Charming," he grinned and then beamed as though an idea just came to him. "I would love to accompany you; as assistance, of course. I'd recommend also inviting one of her friends along. I'm sure Jack's nephew knows someone."
Shego leaned into him and smiled seductively, "You must have a ton of connections. Any chance we can get VIP seating in Upperton?"
He leaned into her advance, "I wouldn't allow anything less."
The scene cut and Kim couldn't fight the fit of slight jealousy at how flirtatious Shego behaved with Carlos. She also hurt much more noticeably from this little revelation. Kim had looked back on that moment, when Shego burned that check and chose her over money, as a turning point in their friendship and eventual relationship. Was it all just meaningless after all?
The next scene popped in and this was dated only a week afterward and set early morning. Same location, same food and drink, same greeting between the two, but this time Shego looked…apprehensive? She certainly didn't look as confident or cocky as she had thus far. She took her seat and Carlos shot straight to the point.
"You sounded uneasy on the phone. Is everything alright?"
Shego took a moment to finally meet his eyes and there was clear worry in them, "I've been having second thoughts about including Kimmie in our team."
Carlos didn't look pleased by this, "I don't understand. You're the one who convinced me to include her from the beginning. What's changed?"
"She just doesn't fit in the plans anymore," she was avoiding his eyes now.
Carlos set his utensils down, "You're becoming attached."
Shego's hand slammed against the table, forcing the man to jump slightly, "I'm not…becoming…attached. She's still just as infuriating as she's ever been, it's just…"
Even Kim could see through the video that Shego didn't mean it. She was nervous, fidgety, struggling for words and that was so unlike the quick witted woman. Carlos could tell too, as he developed a mock, sympathetic tone as they spoke.
"It will be impossible to replace her."
"We'll find someone," Shego was adamant. "It doesn't have to be her. There are plenty of people who deserve what we're going to do. She doesn't deserve that."
Carlos didn't respond, but simply leaned back and continued his meal. Neither spoke for some time as Sheridan visibly warred with herself internally and Kim wished she could read her mind at that moment. Shego finally checked her watch and stood abruptly.
"Leaving already?" Carlos asked.
"I have plans today."
"With Kim?"
Shego scowled before answering, "We're going to the fair."
"How romantic," he mumbled and she simply walked away. "Don't forget what we stand to gain from this, Shego. Is that all worth one little girl's happiness?"
The video cut and Kim immediately knew something was different. Shego had changed in the most subtle way and it had everything to do with Kim. That had been right after their first kiss, when Kim had revealed her feelings for the thief and they'd been reciprocated with joy. She'd feared even those memories were false, another ruse by a master manipulator.
No. Something was different now and she leaned into the next image, reading the date and recognizing it immediately. It was a date she held closest to her heart, a time she stored eternally in the deepest parts of herself. It was the morning after they'd made love for the first time. It was the same scenario as all the other mornings, save for a clear apprehension on Carlos' handsome face.
Shego appeared almost immediately and didn't bother sitting next to him; she merely tossed a card of some kind on the table.
"I'm out," she said matter-of-factly.
Carlos closed his eyes and set his utensils down calmly, "Excuse me?"
"I'm out," she didn't waver in her words. "There's all your money, plus the advance you gave me. I'm done. I don't expect we'll see each other again."
She turned to leave, but he halted her, "I implore you reconsider. You're just tired from that Dementor nonsense. You just need to refocus."
She spun, "Read my lips, Guerrero. We're…done…I'm…out."
"What has that little girl done to you?"
She was in his face in an instant, "Nothing. As far as you're concerned, Kim Possible is off limits. You threaten her, you have anything to do with her, and you'll answer to me. Clear?"
"Crystal," he sipped his wine and she nodded before standing upright. "You won't escape this life, Shego. You belong here."
"I found where I belong."
"And what happens when she sees you for what you are?"
"She'll accept me, because that's who she is."
"And if she doesn't?"
Shego's eyes swam with emotion, "Then at least I had her this long. No regrets, Carlos. I'm done with regrets."
She stood and walked away and Kim couldn't see what happened afterwards because tears flooded her sight. She barely noticed the DVD ending, switching to a blank image that indicated the end of the series of recordings.
She protected me. She chose me and she defended me and oh God how could I have turned her away!?
She controlled her sobs, only allowing a few sniveling convulsions to take her before she toughened up through the rest. This wasn't the time for sorrow. Weeping was the last resort for those out of options. She had options and she was finished wasting the opportunity.
Shego had never been her perfect soul mate, if a thing even existed. In fact, she was so different from anything Kim had ever fantasized about that it took her by surprise how every thought of her was accompanied by butterflies. She'd lied and she'd hidden the truth, but that didn't matter now. No more doubt; Kim was so fed up with doubting. The wonderful creature on that tape deserved more than her suspicions and hesitation.
Kim dried her tears and composed herself before picking up her kimmunicator and hoping Wade was still awake. She had an idea for the gala and it was going to be a long shot, but it was so worth the effort. One person mattered most now and Kim would no longer be content with simply having her near. Sheridan Go was the most precious thing in her existence; it was time Kim reminded her of that fact.
A/N: American readers may take unkindly to my use of protesters due to current events in their country, but I promise I wasn't trying to make a social commentary on current happenings. It was just a coincidence and I wasn't out to offend anyone.
Please bear with me, as the next chapter is special and will be sizable, so I won't have it out in the normal time frame. Sorry for the wait. Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2015!