Disclaimer: I do NOT own Kim Possible. These characters belong to Disney.
Disclaimer #2: I'm NOT a writer, I'm an artist. I'm extremely inexperienced in writing fanfics, so I'm so sorry for any inconsistencies in the characters or plot!
Author: iycewing
Story developers: iycewing, PonyCrown
Rating: PG-13
Notice: This will eventually lead to KiGo in later arcs! This is the 1st arc of 6! If you don't like LGBTQ+ pairings, please don't hate. In this story, Season 4 of the show doesn't happen.
Author's preview notes: And so the heist begins :0
Fanart is always welcome and appreciated! Send them to the places listed on my profile!
Please read and review! Your feedback helps keep the story going! :D
Chapter 35
Ron swung open the doors like they were stage curtains, burst into the pet store, and pointed at a hairless, pink rodent that had hopped onto the ground in plain sight to everyone.
"AAAHHHHH! RABID NAKED MOLE RAT!" Ron shrieked in sheer horror. That caught the attention of everyone.
He put a hand over his mouth in a mock gasp and thought, theater classes really did pay off.
DNAmy's employees, some in lab coats and some in employee uniforms, were hauling boxes to the back, but they immediately dropped everything they were doing at the sight of the 'rabid' rodent. An elderly couple, who seemed to be legitimate customers shopping for pet supplies, also halted their browsing to gawk at Rufus who stood at the front of the store.
Rufus waved a tiny paw and took a step forward. About two seconds passed of complete silence before all hell broke loose in the quaint shop.
The employees screamed and started running around like headless chickens. They tossed away their clipboards carelessly, causing multiple containers of live animals to spill onto the floor. Lizards, snakes, mice, rabbits, and other smaller pets were now running loose, free from their containment.
The employees' panic only caused the animals to become more distressed, and they also started making a mess out of everything. It was like a feeding frenzy.
"Everyone get your asses up here and help! All the animals broke loose!" An employee shouted into a walker talkie.
Rows of pet supplies were falling over, bags of pet food tumbled and spilled onto the ground, and dozens of loose animals scrambled around like they'd never experienced freedom before. Shattering glass, crumbling shelves, and endless screams filled the air. And Rufus was having too much fun chasing the workers and lab assistants with bared teeth. They were all truly terrified that the hairless rodent had rabies.
Monique was also in the pet store, staying hidden off to the side and keeping Kim updated from her phone. It was Ron's job to make the mess and noise.
She noticed the elderly couple holding their frightened, yapping chihuahua in the midst of absolute chaos, dumbfounded and terrified to what was unfolding around them.
Monique quickly went over to them and guided them out of the store. She stayed with them until they were far away from danger. She assured them that the authorities have been contacted and everything was going to be taken care of.
Hey, it wasn't a complete lie. Global Justice was on their way, and she and Ron could take care of things.
It was so wild in the store that no one had even noticed Ron. They didn't even give him a second glance when he initially burst into the store. Granted, they probably already forgot his face and the fact he was directly involved in breaking Shego out two weeks earlier. But for once, he wasn't offended as it was giving him a huge advantage to staying unnoticed.
He stepped over a fallen cat scratching post that was crawling with hamsters and gerbils, and he snuck over to the hanging birdcages that were surprisingly still untouched. As if it wasn't already crazy enough in the store, he set the parakeets free for them to torment the employees. The birds immediately flew around the heads of everyone in the store, scratching stunned faces and pooping on everything.
Ron grinned mischievously as he watched all order spiral into insane destruction. He watched all of DNAmy's employees crash into each other as they desperately tried to catch, or run away, from the escaped animals. Somehow, a fire also started near the cash register, and more assistants rushed from the not-so-hidden backdoor to help get things under control.
Things were going smoothly and according to plan so far.
But, when has a plan ever gone this smoothly?
~~~~0~~~~0~~~~0~~~~
"Why'd you make Ron and Monique the distraction?" Kim demanded. "They can do a lot more than that."
"Shh!" Shego hissed. "Do you want us to get caught? God, you'd make a horrible thief."
"Good thing I don't plan on signing up anytime soon then," Kim remarked dryly, though she did lower her voice to a hushed whisper.
Shego snorted and slinked behind the bushes with Kim following closely behind. Her emerald eyes were narrowed and alert, the pupils darting back and forth like a busy bee. They hid there while Wade was staring at his computer screen, thoroughly checking all of the security cameras.
"So about Ron and Monique?" Kim prompted.
"It's safer up here. I figured they'd do a better job than if they came with us," Shego shrugged dismissively.
"They can fight you know," Kim sighed exasperatedly. "Sure, Monique's inexperienced, but Ron's defeated henchmen all the time."
"I get that, Kimmie. But they can easily ditch if something goes wrong, which I'm sure it will, knowing my luck."
"What?" Kim frowned.
Why would Shego care if Ron and Monique could escape? If anything, I'd think she'd try and leave Ron here.
Shego rolled her eyes and spoke slowly as if Kim was a young child. "I don't want to see them get hurt if they go back down to that hellhole."
Kim was taken aback, and she would've reacted more dramatically if they weren't trying to stay hidden behind the bushes.
"I didn't think you cared," Kim said, still a little stunned.
"You do realize we'd have to carry their bodies up like three flights of stairs if something goes wrong."
"Nice coverup," Kim replied slyly.
"Whatever, Princess," Shego huffed, reverting back to her usual abrasive self. "I just don't want them to do something dumb and injure themselves. That'd just get in our way and waste time. You know how dangerous it is down there."
"Oh, but it's perfectly okay if I go down with you?" Kim asked with an amused, daring smile. She flicked the older woman's shoulder playfully.
"Well, did I even have a choice with that one?" Shego grinned a tiny bit.
"Nope. You'd have to murder me for me to let you go by yourself."
"I'll remember that for the next time I want to kill you," Shego nodded, her expression grateful.
A scream followed by a loud crash interrupted their hushed conversation, and Kim had to swallow back a snicker.
"Sounds like Ron and Rufus put up quite the distraction," Kim chuckled, her expression proud.
"So he is useful as live bait," Shego pretended to mock gasp.
Kim scoffed and elbowed the older woman playfully. "Do I need to remind you how they broke you out of your cell and-"
"Okayokay, I get it, jeez stop bringing it up," Shego cut her off with a sigh.
"Kim, Shego, security cameras are clear. I think everyone is on the ground level now to check out what Ron and Rufus started," Wade announced from the Kimmunicator.
"You're positive on that, Nerdlinger?" Shego asked.
"His name's Wade," Kim said through grit teeth.
"I'm double-checking right now," Wade skimmed his computer screen for a few seconds. "It's a bit grainy, but I still don't see any movement. So yeah, I'm like 99% sure you're good."
"99%?" Kim arched an eyebrow.
"Good enough odds for me," Shego shrugged before Wade could reassure them. "Let's go get my flea pelt before your friends demolish everything and everyone."
She barely finished her sentence as a loud avian-like squawk and another bang slashed the chaotic air. Once they caught sight of a few people dressed in lab coats and employee outfits desperately running out of the pet shop, the two girls sprinted past the quaint building. No one even noticed them.
"Behind those leaves, Kim. A few feet on your right," Wade said, studying his computer screen intently.
He had the intricate building layout, ventilation systems, and everything, present on the wide screen along with the full view of the live security footage. It was extremely complex and difficult to map out and keep track of, even for Kim and Shego, but if anyone could crack it, it was the computer genius.
With her Kimmunicator in hand, Wade directed Kim towards a hidden cellar door separate from the main building. It was partially concealed by dried shrubs and fallen leaves the color of a golden sunset, so to a local passerby, it looked just like an innocent bush.
"This crazy bitch seriously thought leaves and a hunk of metal was enough to keep us out?" Shego asked incredulously.
"Well, she's an insane geneticist, not an engineer," Kim pointed out.
Shego brushed away the foliage and sent a small plasma ball towards the metal door. The green flames easily melted its target like a knife through softened butter, and after the flares dissolved into the air, a staircase was revealed.
"Nice job," Kim nodded to which Shego returned the gesture.
"Those stairs should lead you directly to the main underground level. There's a lot of rooms down there, but I'm not sure which one has the creature you're looking for-"
"Creature's name is Lucifer, otherwise known as whiny giant litter box," Shego corrected.
"Don't interrupt him, he's in the zone," Kim chided to which Shego promptly rolled her eyes to. "Sorry, Wade. What were you saying?"
"No problem. I don't see the crea- Lucifer in the security cameras, so either the room has no camera, or there's something blocking my connection to it. You guys are going to have to search yourselves," Wade informed.
"That's okay, we'll be fine on our own for now," Kim nodded.
"Just call me when you need to get out. I'll direct you to the nearest exit."
"Spankin'. Thanks, Wade."
"Good luck, guys," Wade gave an encouraging thumbs-up before hanging up.
"We don't need luck," Shego grumbled under her breath.
Kim stashed her Kimmunicator back in her cargo pants pocket, right next to her hairdryer grappling hook.
"After you," Shego grinned as she stepped to the side, gesturing with a sweep of her arm for Kim to proceed into the unknown.
"This is your mission-" Kim countered.
"Our mission," Shego corrected.
"- Okay, our mission. You lead the way," Kim ordered, urging the cocky villainess down the stairway.
Shego rolled her eyes and looked down the dark hole that she was sure would most certainly lead to hell. She pursed her lips and hesitated.
With a mental slap at herself for having second thoughts, she grudgingly went into the passageway and inwardly said goodbye to the pale rays of sunlight. Kim followed suit and felt the warmth start to slowly slip from her petite body.
Shego lit up her left hand and held it in front of her steely face, letting the green glow wash their surroundings with light. The small spark of energy also warmed the chilly air, which Kim was grateful for since her midriff was exposed and frozen.
It was fairly dark and dank, and the cramped space reeked of mildew. The stone stairs were sleek with condensed dew and mold, and Kim slipped right into Shego's back in front of her. The older woman grunted, staggering forward for a brief second, as Kim found her footing and murmured an apology.
"So scared you needed a hug, eh Princess?" Shego taunted after she quickly regained her composure. Though, she did glance over her shoulder to see if the redhead was alright.
"Haha, very funny," Kim muttered.
"If you wanted one you could've just asked," Shego teased.
The redhead only scoffed in response.
Okay, not gonna lie, but a hug right now does sound kinda nice.
As they walked deeper and deeper underground, the narrow passageway widened. The stone stairs that were glazed with neglect morphed into tile, and the damp air turned cool and crisp. A very familiar bright, artificial light flooded the hallway as they reached the bottom floor, and Shego extinguished her flames.
The girls stood rigidly as they looked at the brightly lit hallway that branched off into multiple directions. It was eerily quiet aside from the even hum of heavy machinery in the distance.
Shego suppressed a shiver, desperately trying with all of her power to push away the memories of this haunting place. They seemed to come in waves, gently lapping at her mind with an almost taunting quality.
"Let's just go get fish sticks and get the fuck out of here," Shego muttered. She shook her head violently to clear the pestering thoughts that just wouldn't go away. "This place is freaking me the hell out."
Kim nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly, and the girls jogged down the hallway. The teen hero glanced at Shego, concern shining in her olive eyes when she noticed the older woman's hesitant movements. She didn't move with her usual brash confidence or make any snide remarks, and that worried Kim.
Shego's expression was tense and her lips were pressed into a tight line.
"You okay?" Kim asked softly as they reached a crossroads.
Shego didn't look at her as she replied in a low voice, "No. I'm not okay."
Kim blinked in astonishment. She was fully expecting a witty or sarcastic retort, but the bluntness and honesty in Shego's voice were so surprising, she didn't even know how to respond for a second.
I wish I could comfort her. But there's no time and what would I even say? 'I know this is the place you were literally locked and tortured in, but don't worry, because everything's gonna be okay in the end.'
Kim wanted to say something, anything really to ease the distressed villainess and see the fiery personality that was burning not even five minutes ago. But time was ticking, Ron and Monique could only keep DNAmy's assistants and employees distracted for so long, and frankly, the two girls had no idea what they were doing.
"Where do you think DNAmy keeps Lucifer?" Kim asked instead. She figured changing the topic would help them stay on task. She peered down the three hallways and inwardly noted how they were pretty much identical.
I really hope we get lucky so we can get out of here asap.
"No fucking clue. Let's just randomly check doors and hope we strike gold. Or in this case, mutant scorpion tiger thing," Shego shrugged. "Split up?"
"Hell no. We're staying together," Kim stated firmly as she brushed past Shego down the left hall.
"I'm not a kid, Kimmie. I don't need you to hold my hand like I'm gonna get lost or something," Shego rolled her eyes but she did follow the teen.
"I know that. But who's gonna hold my hand if I get lost?" Kim asked with a teasing gleam in her eyes.
Shego smiled. A little.
Not that she would ever admit it, but Shego was relieved they were searching together. She wasn't sure if she'd stay sane and reasonable long enough to find Lucifer by herself, so having Kim by her side was mildly comforting. Her presence alone was also keeping the villainess's head fairly clear, so that was a major plus too.
Her very brief moment of optimism diminished once they continued checking doors with such haste they were practically kicking them down. Staying silent wasn't their priority here since Wade had already confirmed he hadn't seen anyone through the security cameras. They had all hounded to the ground level to diffuse the commotion Ron, Monique, and Rufus had caused.
Kim rounded a corner and swung open a set of double doors. It appeared to lead to a huge room. Sure that this was the room Lucifer was being contained in, she was disappointed when there were no traces of the giant creature in the rather large room she revealed.
Her curiosity got the better of her though as she stared at the large, complex machinery laid out on the edges of the room. Multiple examination tables sat near the center, and as Kim stepped in to get a closer look, she noticed all of the notes and Petri dishes littering the countertops. It looked like a high school chemistry project gone wrong.
And they call my room messy.
"Shego! Come look at all this," Kim called. She picked up a piece of paper and read the neatly written notes on it.
"That doesn't look like the giant furball we're looking for, Princess," Shego commented dryly as she entered the room with an exasperated sigh. She gestured at the paper the teen was holding.
"I know, I know. But check this out," Kim started reading. 'Plasma neutrality achieved from substituting venom in viper fangs. Can also double as a sedative and may induce hallucinations if injected too often, similar to the effect an overwhelming amount of electrical shocks has on the brain-"
"- The stabilizer has been upgraded to remain in the test subject's system for only up to 6 hours, as to avoid brain tissue deterioration. After analyzing collected data from further tests, the stabilizer can now also maintain and circulate plasma energy because of the conductivity. Highly effective, according to recent results,'" Shego finished.
"That's…" Kim trailed off. She didn't know what to say.
"Insane?" Shego suggested.
"Was gonna say totally bonkers, but that works too."
Shego frowned and picked up a test tube filled with a strange liquid. "Yeah, the crazy shark cat thing had some sort of serum that blocked my powers and knocked me unconscious if enough was put in my body."
"I remember, I think you told me about that. Then this must be where DNAmy splices DNA and creates her animal hybrids," Kim concluded and took another look around.
"Okay, she seriously needs to get a new hobby," Shego curled her lip in disgust and carelessly tossed the filled test tube over her shoulder, causing the glass to shatter on the floor. The serum sizzled upon leaving its container, and a few wisps of smoke billowed into the air from the small explosion.
"Don't break any more stuff please," Kim sighed.
"Why not? I'm gonna demolish all of her shit after we're done anyway," Shego retorted.
"Well, this shit could be important to changing Lucifer back to his non-mutated self," Kim pointed out. "Plus, we don't know what's in all these flasks and containers. It could be explosives or acids or poisons or something."
"Fine. We change Lucifer back to a boring tiger and then I'll blow all of DNAmy's shit up."
"But we also need to figure out if we even can alter his DNA. I mean, we should probably find him first before changing him back but-"
"Uh, doy! C'mon!" Shego rolled her eyes, and the two girls sped out of the room to continue their hunt. "No more distractions, Princess. I didn't come all the way down here just to sightsee with you as a tour guide-"
"Sorry about that, I tend to ramble when I'm nervous," Kim said sheepishly.
"We'll be fine as long as we don't run into any problems or get distracted-"
"Uh- Shego?" Kim interrupted again and tapped on the villainess's neon green-clad shoulder.
Shego huffed and retracted her head from yet another empty room. "What now? I thought I said no more distractions-"
She didn't finish her sentence. A small, black form lurked among the shadows that seemed to hug the walls of the underground facility. Its ebony fur melted into the darkness, giving it the illusion that it was invisible. Neither girl would've suspected a thing if it wasn't for the piercing gleam of shining white teeth.
Kim sucked air through her teeth as the dark creature stepped into the light. Shego visibly stiffened as well, but a mask of stoic indifference remained on her face.
A very familiar black cat grinned at them with rows of hyper sharp teeth. His shark tail swished mesmerizingly on the ground, and his narrowed eyes radiated a predatory air.
It wouldn't have been too surprising if it wasn't for the fact that the mutant creature was ten times bigger than before. What was once a fun-sized ten-pound feline, looked to now be over 300 strong. He looked more like a panther than a cat.
"Looks like someone hit a growth spurt," Shego remarked in an even voice. She ignored the chill creeping up her spine like pins and needles teasing her sensitive skin.
"Or got injected with like- elephant DNA or something," Kim said, her voice tensing up as Cheshire stalked closer.
"It might explain why its flea-bitten pelt is impenetrable," Shego replied with a scrunched up nose.
"Not a good enough excuse to use the word 'penetrate,'" Kim cringed a bit.
"Does it actually have like 9 lives? Cause I swear to god, it's like this thing won't just fucking die!" Shego snarled vexedly.
Jumping forward, Shego flung a wave of flaring plasma at the creature with a sweep of her arm. She made sure her unleashed power was widespread, blocking any chance of Cheshire dodging the attack.
Kim jumped back from the lack of warning beforehand, even though she was standing behind the villainess, and she flinched away from the intense heat that rippled through the air.
The blanket of green energy struck Cheshire with such force, he skidded a few feet backward. But instead of combusting into flames or fleeing the deadly attack, the mutant big cat stood tall with his black paws planted firmly in the ground. Though his posture screamed angry, his lashing shark tail and flattened ears being a clear indication, he still grinned like the Cheshire Cat.
A smile shouldn't be this damned creepy.
She involuntarily took a step back, noticing how the creature's fangs were dripping with a liquid she suspected was the same plasma-neutralizing serum that was injected into her. It bemused her, even more, to see the cat's unresponsiveness to the several emerald flames dancing like fleas around his body.
He stood menacingly with a triumphant gleam in his eyes, almost daring the girls to attack him first. If he was a person, he would've smirked.
His midnight pelt was sleek and shiny from what she guessed was the same solution that was excreting from his fangs, most likely protecting him from her powers. Not only was he perfectly unharmed by the flames, but it also looked like he was now harnessing their power as they swirled around his untainted fur.
"The stuff on his fur is making him immune to your powers," Kim managed to spit out through her astonishment.
"No fucking shit, Kimmie! Is this hairball made of fucking stone or something?" Shego asked incredulously.
"Honestly, I don't even want to find out," Kim replied, taking a battle stance. Heat still lingered in the humid air, and beads of sweat dotted the edges of her forehead. She brushed away the strands of wild red hair that were plastered against her clammy face. "We're gonna kick this kitty's furry ass anyways- right uhhhh- Shego?"
The pale thief stared blankly at the mutant cat, suddenly remembering the dozens of times those fangs, teeth, and claws slashed her skin. Tore her hair. Spilled her blood.
She remembered that fateful stormy night and how the creature knocked her unconscious with just a single bite. She remembered how helpless she was, cowering on the cold, hard ground of her cell, unable to stop the flurry of painful attacks that was unleashed upon her every day. She remembered how terrified she was that her powers had disappeared. She remembered everything in vivid detail.
And now her attacker was over ten times bigger.
Her breath quickened as she took another step back, looking close to having a panic attack. The creature knew her every move and how to counter it, and now her plasma wasn't even affecting it. How would she fight it?
"Shego? What's wrong?" Kim glanced back and forth between the panicking older woman and Cheshire. She had her arms up and in a defensive stance, ready if the overgrown catshark decided to pounce. "Are we gonna fight or what?"
Shego couldn't take her wide eyes off the four-foot tall mutant cat. He crouched low to the ground, his dark belly fur just barely brushing the floor. Green flames swirled around his pelt as they refused to dissipate into the air, making him appear mystical and deadly at the same time.
If his tainted fangs pierced her skin, not only would her powers be suppressed, but she might actually be knocked unconscious. She may be dauntless, but she wasn't stupid enough to take that risk.
Plus, what if Kim got bit? What would the plasma neutralizing serum do to her normal human body? She doubted it was anything good.
That worry alone made all thoughts of fighting Cheshire flee from Shego's mind.
"No way am I going to let this hairball touch Kimmie," Shego muttered under her breath. Her voice was so low she wasn't even sure if she actually spoke those words or if it was just her thoughts.
"What?" Kim asked. She thought she heard the pale villainess say something.
"WegottagoPrincess!" Shego stammered out hurriedly. She snatched Kim's hand and roughly yanked her back, earning a sharp yelp from the teen.
"Shego!" Kim exclaimed in more surprise than pain. "What're you doing?!"
"Running away, doy!" Shego hissed and tugged her hand. She really hated the idea of fleeing. Really hated it. Like hello? Chickens much? She inwardly scoffed.
Since when does Shego ever run away from a fight?
"But-" Kim didn't have the chance to protest.
"I don't wanna lose my powers and get knocked out again! Or pull your deadass weight around if you get knocked out too!" Shego explained hastily.
In a flash, Shego pulled her around a corner and they were blindly sprinting through the winding corridors. The villainess let go of the teen hero's hand once Kim got the idea that they were running away from the creature.
Shego hated every aspect of the fact they were not the chasers, and were instead, being chased.
Their hasty steps echoed throughout the silent facility, the thundering sound of pawsteps behind them. It was like the crescendoing beat of drums pounding in their ears. They weren't sure where they were running, only that they hoped wherever they were going led them to Lucifer and not a dead end.
However, Shego did feel a second of brief admiration for the teen running next to her. She noted how quickly and gracefully Kim moved, even in baggy clothing, and how well she was keeping up with her.
Kim, on the other hand, glanced at Shego and admired how easily she sprinted in her iconic skin-tight catsuit. Though the villainess had only recently recovered from her major injuries, her strong and fluid movements indicated nothing to the fact she was mortally wounded days ago.
Stop thinking about that! Less ogling, more running for your lives!
Those surprising, but definitely not unwelcomed, thoughts unfortunately had to be pushed to the back of their minds. The low growls of Cheshire were practically vibrating off of their sweaty backs, as they were only separated by a few measly feet. They could even feel the intense heat the plasma bouncing on his fur radiated.
Like a blur of shadowy neon lightning, the creature's midnight pelt laced with raging green flames streaked behind Kim and Shego. It was like they were two frightened mice being chased by a housecat.
A giant, devilish housecat with deadly fangs and plasma powers swirling around his seemingly indestructible body.
The wind whipped through Cheshire's sleek fur, and the lingering plasma still clung onto his limber body. It made his lithe form glow and spark like a firecracker at night.
With every stride of his lean, powerful legs, a trail of jade fire was left. An intricate machine standing quietly to the side fell victim to the sweep of raging flames from Cheshire as he rushed by.
It easily ignited and combusted into a fury of light and heat, pieces of shrapnel flying into the empty hallway. The loud explosion rang through the facility, but the cacophony wasn't enough to make Kim and Shego stop and think twice about it.
"Did you… hear that?" Kim asked in between short, rapid breaths.
"Do you mean… the sound of… my dignity crumbling? I can… hear it loud and clear!" Shego panted.
"No, I thought…I heard a loud 'boom' back there," Kim said, still breathing heavily.
"Well, if we don't getaway… from the fucking Satan cat… we will go 'boom!'" Shego retorted.
A nearby table filled with papers was also touched by the hot ribbons of energy, and it too, burst into flames, starting a chain reaction. More explosions followed, but the girls were already too far away to notice.
Unbeknownst to the two escaping girls and catshark hybrid hot on their heels, the initial burst of sparks was spreading like wildfire.
A giant mutant cat wasn't the only danger following Kim and Shego.
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Author's notes: Of course, something's always gonna go wrong :) Hope you like this chapter y'all!