Disclaimers. If you saw it on KP, Disney owns it, though McCorkle and Schooley deserve the credit.
My thanks to everyone for reading. And particular thanks to the reviewers: warprince2000, WhiteLadyoftheRing, ron-sama, campy, charizardag, mattb3671, stvbnkz4eva. You may not rap, but you all rock!
I.
A tired but victorious band returned to the school after defeating Monkey Fist and his simian minions. Sensei publicly recognized Ron's role before the assembled students, who cheered the unlikely warrior hero; Ron found the applause to be moving yet discomforting. He may have liked hamming it up in public, and even craved attention, but at heart he could be quite shy, which was one of the reasons he was happy people always focused on Kim's role in their adventures. Besides, deep down, Ron felt she really did all the work and he believed he rarely actually did anything truly worthy of praise.
After the master's remarks, the ninja trainees, including Ron and Rufus, began returning to their rooms to rest or meditate, when Sensei called out, "Stoppable-san."
Ron stopped and turned to look at the wizened teacher. "Yes, Sensei?" he replied.
"Join me," the old man motioned, indicating the bench in the middle of the courtyard. "You did well, today, Stoppable-san. You listened to your heart and you risked yourself for others."
"No big," Ron said with a nervous laugh. He was pleased by Sensei's commendation, but he was so unused to receiving praise. The only person who ever complimented him on anything was Kim, and, well, she was his best friend, so of course she'd say nice things to him. Sensei, however, was a teacher, a wholly unfamiliar source of praise.
"No, you are wrong. It is … big," the old man said with conviction, and a small smile. "Stoppable-san, Yori and I believe in you. So do people you know back home. That is good, but it is not enough. The time has come for you to begin to learn to believe in yourself. You have shown great courage here. And I know you have done so before, even if you did not know it.
Couple a belief in yourself with what you are learning here, and for you anything will be possible …"
II.
Sneaking a quick look behind him, Ron could see Kim and Ed going at it. Ron had total confidence in her ability to take down her adversary. They had agreed that once she'd defeated Ed, he would toss knockout gas into the truck, after which Kim would climb over the cab and into the vehicle. If the window was open, it would be easy; if not, he'd use his grappler to break in.
Things had been going well; Kim looked to be winning. But then, the truck drove over another crushed vehicle, which Ron, driving the scooter, was just able to avoid. He had another chance to look back. From the corner of his eye, Ron noticed that neither Kim nor Ed were any longer visible. Then he saw Ed rising, his back mostly to him – but pointing the cannon in his direction. Ron was worried since he didn't know whether Kim was hurt – but he knew he had to act quickly since Motor Ed's likely next move was all too obvious.
"Couple a belief in yourself with what you are learning here, and for you anything will be possible …" Okay, Sensei, I'll try. Ron thought. I'll try to make Yamanuchi proud. I'll try to make Kim proud. And I'll try to make myself proud.
Ron pulled Rufus out of his pocket. "Time to bail, little buddy. Think you can scare that driver for me?"
"Uh huh!" Rufus responded.
Ron was grateful – the driver's window was open; he tossed the naked mole rat into the cab. Rufus, who bared his buck tooth and opened his claws, frightened the driver, who began to swerve as the little pink creature began to bite and scratch him. Ron, meanwhile, had pulled closer to the truck and jumped onto the vehicle's running board. Rufus was doing his work well; the driver was still distracted and the vehicle was now swerving wildly. Ron tossed Wade's potent knockout gas to Rufus, who shoved it into the driver's face. Ron then pulled open the door, climbed into the cab and pushed the now-unconscious driver aside. The truck continued to veer wildly until Ron, having gained control of the vehicle, brought it to a stop.
Fortunately, Kim had had the advantage of facing forward; Motor Ed, looking over his shoulder, saw the blur of the scooter and the back of Ron's head. He didn't realize that Ron was crouching on the truck's running board, rather than riding the doomed bike, when he fired. What he did not see and Kim did was what Ron was doing. When the scooter exploded, Kim yelled in anguish "Ron! NO!" hoping Motor Ed would be fooled and relax his guard. His playing of the air guitar was sign enough that he thought he'd blown up both driver and bike.
Kim retrieved the cannon with her grappler hook, but saw both the weapon and grappler fly overboard after the truck turned wildly yet again. She turned back to Motor Ed and threw a side kick at him. He sprawled on the truck bed, then banged his head hard against the back of the cab as the vehicle swerved and came to a sudden stop. The mulleted, air guitar-playing villain was out cold.
Kim stood over Motor Ed's unconscious form, her hands on her hips and an eyebrow cocked. "Try to blow up my boyfriend, huh? You are so seriously busted," she said before she bent over and tied him up.
Ron came to the truck and helped Kim out of the cargo bed. He held her hands and looked into her eyes; then they hugged. Kim's eyes began to water. Even pretending that Ron had been hurt had shaken her.
"I'm so glad you're safe, Ron," she murmured.
"Same here, KP, same here," he replied softly.
They'd been on scores of missions before, but this was the first time they had gone into the field as a couple. Having begun to share new parts of themselves with one another, there was already a deeper sense of trust and connection than when they were "just" best friends. But there was also recognition of the possibility of a deeper, more profound kind of loss. They stood there, holding each other for what seemed ages. Finally, the inevitable happened: Ron's pants fell down.
"Aw, man" whined Ron.
A wicked grin spread over Kim's face as she said, "Oooh! The green ones with white polka dots!" then laughed. Ron turned a deep shade of crimson, broke from Kim's embrace, turned around and pulled his pants back up. As he buckled his belt, he felt Kim wrap her arms around him from behind.
"So, uh, KP you want to try having a date without explosions and fights?" he asked.
"I'd like that, Ron," she answered as she rested her head on his shoulder.
III.
They called Kim's dad for a ride home.
Their first stop was the College, where Ron insisted on bringing the Pocket Cold Fusion Generator into the professor on his own. It had been easy to find – it was plugged into the truck's cigarette lighter slot. When Ron came out of the lab, he slid into the car quietly. Kim didn't care that her father was in the front seat. She sat close to Ron in the back, holding his hand, looking at him, curious.
Ron was gazing out the window. Kim wondered what was going through his head. She hoped that he wasn't regretting his decision to date her. The lovely meal he'd made for her had been ruined, his scooter had been blown up – and he almost along with it. Maybe he'd decided that being with her was just too dangerous. Yet, as if sensing these thoughts, Ron put his arm around Kim and pulled her closer.
"Mr. Dr. P," Ron said.
"Yes, Ronald?"
"Kim and I didn't get to eat much before our dinner was interrupted. Would you, uh, mind leaving us at the House of Pizza? I promise I'll have her home by 10:00."
"Of course, Ronald, I'd be happy to stop. And you have till midnight." Kim smiled. Her mother had been obviously pleased by the way the previous night had ended; her dad, even if he was less overt in his feelings, must have felt similarly if he was giving her a midnight curfew on a school night.
Shortly thereafter, James Possible pulled into the parking lot of the pizza parlor.
Ron helped Kim out of the car. The two teens waved at Kim's father as he pulled away.
Ron looked around the restaurant. He took a few moments before settling on a booth. "That one," he said. They walked to the chosen seats; Ron indicated the one Kim was to sit in. She realized that Ron was picking "their" seats in what might well be "their" new hangout and smiled. She liked "Confident Ron." He then walked to the counter and placed the order. A few minutes later he retrieved a pizza box.
Kim was surprised as Ron set the box down. Eat-in pizza usually came on a tray.
"Kim, I really wanted you to have a special meal tonight."
"I know you did, Ron," she said. "And it was special. The appetizer and salad were delicious, and the risotto smelled and looked wonderful. I hope you'll make it again for me some time."
"It would be my pleasure," he said. "I know you were hoping we'd go back to my house to finish dinner, but by now the risotto would be a cold, gooey mess and that's not the memory I wanted you to have of our first dinner date. I, uh, really wanted you to have a special memory of eating a dish made just for you. So, since Plan B didn't work out, we'll have to try Plan C." Ron gave Kim two metal spoons. "Drum roll, please."
Kim, a little bit self-consciously, began drumming the table. Ron might now be her boyfriend, but he was still weird.
Ron then opened the box with a flourish. "For Madamwazelly, Pizza Kimberly!"
Kim looked at the pizza, her pizza, broke into a grin, and said, "Ron, I love it!"
The pizza had the letter "K" formed with mushroom and pepperoni in its middle.
IV.
James Possible smiled as Kim and Ron wave at him as he pulled out of the lot.
"Fighting monster robots. Battling ray-gun wielding monster truck aficionados. We sure didn't do that when I was in High School," he said to himself.
The House of Pizza wasn't all that far from where the Possibles lived; he'd be back at the house in just a few minutes. But as he was driving, thoughts began to cross his mind and he decided he would take a circuitous route back home.
Last night had been a shock to James. First, that one of his research projects would come back to haunt him so personally. He always knew that there was the potential for bad people to gain control of his technology. But what Drew had done was mind-bogglingly insane. And that it could have cost his family their lives …; he shuddered.
Drew. Messing with his little Kimmie-cub. That really steamed him. Drew had stooped to a new low with the synthodrone, using it to manipulate her feelings and in the process almost pushing away her best friend. James had seen how Eric was coming between Kim and Ronald, but he didn't feel it was his place to say anything. He knew now he was wrong. Sometimes parents do need to help their children, even the ones capable of saving the world, see which end is up. Fortunately, Kim discovered the truth before it was too late. And fortunately Ronald had spoken up when he did.
Ronald. James smiled again. What a goofball. And what a brave young man. Last night Dr. Possible felt like a deer in the headlights when Kim said Ron was her boyfriend. Yes, there had been a lot of information to process. Drakken. Synthodrones. Eric. Ronald. But James Timothy Possible was also honest enough to admit that part of him still saw Ronald Stoppable, and thus Kimberly Ann Possible, as pre-K students. But the pre-K students were growing up. And he had to admit that if Kim was going to date someone, seriously date someone, then Ronald would be his choice.
No doubt, Ronald wasn't perfect. He wasn't the best looking boy Kim had ever dated – not that really should matter. And he could be a bit of a mooch. James wondered where Ronald ate more meals: his own house or at the Possible home. He'd occasionally wondered why Ronald spent so much time with the Possibles, but never really pushed the issue. Kim – and his wife, and the twins, and he had to admit, he himself – always liked having him around. He really was part of the family. And finally there was Ronald's penchant for slacking off; there was no way that boy was going to be class valedictorian. Yet Ronald's slothfulness was balanced by the initiative he took when he had hauled himself half-way around the world to save Kim. And he had invented what proved to be the most popular product ever sold by Bueno Nacho. James knew that when Ronald wanted to, he could apply himself and be creative. With some inspiration and encouragement, the kind Kim could offer, he could probably do some impressive things.
And of course there were Ronald's positive traits. Ronald was devoted to his daughter, the way only a best friend could be. He could be trusted (other than with $99,000,000; Dr. Possible had wondered how Mr. and Mrs. Stoppable had allowed their son to blow that much cash so quickly). He was a good person, willing to help out with all sorts of projects; James remembered Ronald giving up a spring break to help move Kim's Nana, Dr. Possible's mother, into her new Florida home.
Mother. And that brought him to the most important reason he would choose Ronald for Kim. For Ronald was always by her side when she went on those missions. He supported her in doing what she believed to be important, often at great personal risk.
Mother hadn't been so lucky. She had to do things on her own. Pop had been a good man, but like his son, was happiest in a lab. He never understood why his wife had to run all over the globe fighting bad guys. And to make things even more difficult, the powers that be were not all that happy that one of the most effective operatives in the field was a woman; it was the 50's and 60's after all, and women were not seen as players in the world of covert operations. Yet it was Nan Possible who time and again defeated the forces of KAOS and SMERSH. She never sought acclaim or rewards. But the fact that her husband was more prone to ask why she couldn't be home to take care of Slim and Squirt than to congratulate her on single-handedly rescuing a Soviet nuclear submarine with a reactor that was about to go critical wore her down. By the late-60's she had stowed her mission clothes for good.
James had vowed that he would not be like his father. He would support the women in his life with all he had. And so he did, encouraging his wife at each step of her career, to the point where she was one of the world's top brain surgeons. And he supported his Kimmie-cub, too. He spoke with conviction when he said "Anything is possible for a Possible," recalling that he first shared those words with Kim when she was just four years old. When she began going on missions he could only offer encouragement, ask her to be careful, and pray that she returned safe. It was one of the weirder twists of fate that a form of safety might appear in the form of Ronald, who loyally offered backup to Kim, even as recently as the previous night, when she went to save her boyfriend, who at that time wasn't Ronald, and tonight, in the middle of what was supposed to be their first real date.
Yes, Kim could do a lot worse than Ronald, James thought as he pulled the car into the driveway. Dr. Possible climbed out his vehicle and went inside, where he found his wife, took her in his arms, and told her how much he loved her and their life together.
V.
That night, Kim fell asleep in her bed holding Pandaroo, imagining that it was Ron she held in her arms. Ron who'd worked up the courage to tell her how he felt. Ron who created special meals just for her. Ron who actually jumped from his scooter to take control of a speeding truck (that really was a spankin' move, she'd thought admiringly). She'd never felt this way before, not with Josh Mankey, not with pre-synthodrone Eric. She was mildly surprised, was a little bit scared, but most of all, she was ferociously happy. She was amazed at how much difference the events of twenty four hours could make in one's life! Best friend, crime fighting partner, boyfriend, all wrapped up in one. And tomorrow she would be walking to school with him. Kim Possible, who had saved the world time and again, who was tough as a Navy SEAL, as brave as a firefighter rushing into the inferno, the girl who could do anything, was a sheep, a crushing sheep. And to her astonishment, she was loving it.
Across town, Ron did not fall asleep with such ease. He, too, was happy, probably happier than he'd ever been. But he was thinking about the future, his future. Sensei's words weighed heavily on his mind. The old master was right, as scary as it was to believe. He had found the courage to seek out the Lotus Blade – and was successful in his quest. He had found the guts to climb aboard a speeding truck that very evening – and had helped Kim take down Motor Ed and return the fusion generator to its owner. And he had found the pluck to tell Kim how he felt – and now they were dating. Tomorrow he would be walking to school with his girlfriend. Who was also his best friend. Who was also his crime fighting partner. Wow. Life was good. But he knew it could be better. And that would take work, real work. Tomorrow he'd start by talking with Mr. Barkin about a study plan so he could improve his grades. Kim deserved that from her boyfriend. And just as important, he realized, he deserved it for himself. Maybe he was growing up. And maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
A few feet away from Ron, Rufus slept soundly. The naked mole rat had had no trouble falling asleep.
And in the Tri-County Correctional Facility, Shego continued to smile as she thought about the last twenty-four hours, give or take a few, and what would unfold in the day to come.
VI.
Shego smiled because the next afternoon she and Dr. D were scheduled to be transferred to another penal facility. At which time she would begin unfolding her plan, and begin the process of taking her revenge on Kim Possible.
She recalled how after what looked to be a promising start to Dr. D's latest take-over-the-world scheme, things quickly went south. To the Doc's credit, he'd actually thought this one through. He'd had a plan, a real plan, one that even she had not been able to unravel. One he took time to implement. One he researched. It was clever, it was evil, and it almost worked. But it had failed, like all the others. Kimmie and her buffoon sidekick had ruined everything, just like they always did. It was as if some great karmic play kept repeating itself over and over. Sort of like the circle of life.
She felt tired and utterly beaten when she was bundled into the back of the police van. They cops had actually been able to handcuff her, because her glow power had been shorted out when Princess slammed her into the signal tower. She had never felt lower.
"This can't be over!" cried Drakken as the panel doors were shut.
It's over, Dr. D. It's over, Shego thought.
But only for a moment.
She still wasn't sure why the inspiration hit her. Maybe it was because one of those dopey henchmen actually began humming "The Circle of Life." She wanted to blast him, but realized she couldn't. And then it occurred to her: that's what I always do when someone annoys me. In fact, we keep doing the same thing over and over and over again. I know we'll break out of whatever jail they put us in. I know he'll hatch a new plan. And I know we'll be foiled. So maybe it's time to do something different. Already, the germ of an idea was forming in her head.
"Dr. D?"
He didn't respond at first.
"Dr. D? Hyello?"
Drakken looked up. "Yes, Shego? What is it?" he asked, sounding perturbed.
She ignored Drakken's tone, then continued. "I want you to think very carefully before you answer this question: Which is more important to you: The process of taking over the world or actually ruling the world?"
He looked at her, blinked a couple of times, then scratched his head. "Hmmm, Shego. An interesting question. I've never really thought about the distinction. I'd definitely say it was the ruling the world part. Then everybody would have to acknowledge my genius, regardless of whether it was my genius that had enabled me to rule the world, because since I was ruling the world I could tell everyone that they had to say it was because of my genius that I was ruling the world!"
Shego stared at Drakken for a moment. Wow, she thought. That was convoluted even for him. Yet it does make a strange kind of sense. The human mind is a truly mysterious thing, she thought.
"Okay, then, so if I said you could rule the world on one condition …"
"And what condition would that be, Shego?" Drakken interrupted, somewhat patronizingly.
"… that we use my plan. I conceive it, I design it, I implement it. I give the orders, you follow. No questions, no arguments. When we succeed, you get to enjoy world domination."
Drakken puckered his lips, trying for a thoughtful look, but appearing as if he'd had one too many bad nacos before unleashing the L'il Diablos. Drakken might be a mad scientist; a raving megalomaniac; a power-hungry, blue skinned villainous freak; but he wasn't stupid. He was most definitely delusional, but not stupid. He knew that he'd never defeated Kim Possible. Even when he thought he had, she'd found a way to prevail in the end. Like Shego, he could predict what would happen if they did things the way they'd always been done before. Perhaps she was on to something. It really didn't matter how he came to rule the world. He'd simply rewrite history when he was in charge and take all the credit.
"One question for you, Shego. What's in it for you?" Drakken asked.
"Kim Possible. She's mine," she said viperishly.
"Kim Possible? That's all? You won't go tell me at the last moment that you want to rule the world yourself?" Drakken replied.
"Nah. Taking over the world's your dream, not mine. For me this is just a job. Though I will admit I do like being evil. No, right now all I want right is want payback. You get the world, I get Princess. And maybe one of those mind-control chips." Shego imagined how much fun she'd have with one of those. Kim Possible, doing my bidding for the rest of her life – unable to resist and fully aware of what was going on. Oh, that would be good, she thought.
Drakken raised an eyebrow and smiled at Shego. "Okay, Shego, I've got game. What, as our teen-aged nemesis would say, is "the sitch"?"
Bueno Nacho had started in a one-stoplight town, and its headquarters remained there even after it became a global conglomerate. The HQ town still had one stop-light, little population other than white collar workers at BN corporate, and one police officer, Barney Fife III. Barney, knowing he had nowhere to put two villains and a bunch of henchmen, called in the Middleton police to take away the prisoners. A 100 mile ride in the back of a police van suited Shego well; it gave her time to describe her plans. As she began to outline her idea to Drakken, his smile grew into one of his trademark villain grins. It was all he could do to not break into full-throated evil laughter.
VII.
Kim and Ron could hardly believe that the Prom had been less than two days ago. Walking to school together holding hands had seemed like something they'd been doing for years. But the smiles, nods, even high fives they received upon entering the halls of Middleton High brought home to them how exciting and fresh what they were experiencing really was. The new couple was the focus of attention; they found themselves blushing at times, giggling at others (with Ron doing most of the blushing and Kim most of the giggling).
On the way to school Ron had told Kim of his plans to ask Mr. Barkin if he would meet with him after school to talk about developing a program to help him improve his grades. Kim had been touched when Ron said, "Hey, Kim Possible deserves to be dating a guy who does well in school." But she was truly delighted when he continued, "And fortunately, the Ron-man wants better grades. So both our needs can be met."
It had taken effort, but they kept their eyes off one another in their classes, and paid attention to their teachers. As they left their last class of the morning, Ron heard his stomach growl and said "KP, I am one hungry man. It's time for us to get some grub!"
Rufus popped out of his pocket and said, "Mmm! Grub!"
Kim, arching an eyebrow, responded, "How about you save me a seat, Hungry Man? Last Friday I promised I would attend a very brief meeting of the Environmental Students Club."
Ron smiled at his girlfriend and said with a bow, "It would be my pleasure, KP."
Kim headed off in one direction to her meeting, while Ron went in the other, running into Monique along the way.
"Hey there, Prom Boy, where's the girlfriend?" she asked.
"Off to a club meeting," Ron answered. "You know KP, she volunteers for six an' all that. She'll be here in a few. Want to join us for lunch?"
"Join you? Join you? Of course I'm going to join you. And you're going to tell all about your big date!" Monique insisted.
The two students grabbed trays and got on line. Monique was served her lunch, then Ron his. He looked with dismay at what was put on his plate. Despite his growling stomach, he eyed the food and marveled at the injustice of his in-school restaurant operation being closed down. There is no way a small mammal serving food could pose more of a health risk than eating what's being served here today, he thought
As Ron was lost in his thoughts about mystery meat, he heard a sing-song voice behind him say, "If it isn't Mr. Rebound!"
Ron looked over his shoulder to see the smirking visage of Bonnie Rockwaller, who continued, "You do realize that Kim is only dating you because she's on the rebound, don't you? I mean, face it, Stoppable, you know you're a loser."
Monique watched with concern. The last thing she wanted to see was Bonnie plant any doubts in Ron's mind about his new relationship with Kim. But Ron surprised her as he lifted his hand, palm out to Bonnie and simply said, "Talk to the hand, Bon-Bon."
You go, Ron! Monique thought.
Not to be deterred, Bonnie changed tactics. "You know Ron, maybe you're right. Maybe Kim actually does like you. Maybe because she's a loser, too. That must be why Josh Mankey "drifted away" from her," she said making air quotes, "And like really, how many girls would be desperate enough to date a synthothing or whatever it was Eric was …"
Ron's eyes opened wide. Bonnie was plumbing new lows, and it was taking him a moment to believe she was actually saying what he was hearing. But when he did, he spun around and slammed his tray down on the counter.
"That's enough, Bonnie!" he roared. "You want to call me a loser? Fine! But don't you ever, ever say anything bad about Kim again! Kim Possible is the biggest winner this school has ever seen but you're too stuck up and self-involved to see that! All you ever seem to want to do is hurt other people. Well, you listen to this loser: you don't know the first thing about what's going on with Kim and me. But I'll tell you this: Even if you're right, and Kim's only dating me on the rebound, I'd rather have two days as her boyfriend and a broken heart than a lifetime of dating you."
Ron's and Bonnie's faces were just inches apart. He was livid; she was slack-jawed. The cafeteria had fallen silent the moment Ron slammed down his tray and had remained that way. Nobody had ever spoken to Bonnie this way.
Then, several things happened all at once:
Sarah Potter, a gangly sophomore who had the misfortune of living across the street from Bonnie and had suffered a lifetime of teasing at the cheerleader's hands called out, "You tell her, Ron!"
Josh Mankey stood up. Despite drifting away from Kim, he never stopped thinking she was a nice person; they really had just grown apart. In the end, he'd been unable to get his mind around the whole teen hero thing, not to mention the role Ron played in her life. And a few dates with Bonnie left him with a very different opinion of Kim's fellow cheerleader, who had proved to be incredibly self-centered, mean spirited, and just plain boring. He clapped, pumped his fist in the air and lustily yelled, "Go, Stoppable!"
Kim Possible, who had stepped into the cafeteria just in time to see the incident, waded through the crowd, which parted as she approached Bonnie and Ron. She looked at Bonnie for just the briefest of moments, then, gently but firmly pushed her aside, turned to Ron and said, "Excuse me while I rebound," pulling him to her and giving him a kiss he would never forget.
The cafeteria erupted in wild cheering. And while Kim and Ron continued to kiss, Monique looked at the still shell-shocked Bonnie and said, "Girl, you've just been served!"
VIII.
Later that day, while Kim and Ron sat through yet another biology class film with poor production values, law enforcement officials prepared to transfer Shego and Drakken to a more secure facility.
Given Drakken and Shego's track record in escaping from the local jails, the police were looking to rid themselves of their responsibility for holding the two and were relieved when the various competing federal and state agencies had finally reached agreement about who would get to incarcerate the villains pending trial.
Shego had been waiting. Her glow power had returned to its former strength, and she was ready to move. As she waited, she looked at her green and black outfit. The authorities hadn't bothered to take her clothes, presumably letting another jurisdiction pick up the tab for a prison uniform. She was comfortable in her Team Go costume, but knew it was as conspicuous as an orange prison jump suit and would have to go. One of the first things she'd have to do on the outside was find different clothes.
Eventually, two guards came for her. She waited for them to enter the cell. When the first moved to handcuff her, Shego struck. The two men were caught completely off-guard by her glowing hands; it was easy to drop them both. Shego stepped over their bodies and into the corridor. Looking both ways to ensure the coast was clear, and making her way down the hall, she ripped open the door of each cell, and, not wanting to leave behind any witnesses to her conversation with Drakken, blasted away the henchmen, one by one. She didn't feel too bad, though, since they were all synthodrones. Finally, coming to the corridor's end she found Drakken's cell and slashed through the lock to gain entry.
"Shego, it's about time!" Drakken said huffily as she looked around quickly. She could hear footsteps coming down the hall. "Shhh!" she ordered. Shego looked at the window: bars and lexan. Gotta love our local correctional facility, she thought. When will they learn? I mean, how many times have Drakken and I busted out of this joint? She swiped her glowing hand through the metal bars and plastic window as if they were butter. Shego then looked through the opening and, noting that it was a good 20 foot drop to the ground decided that she'd have to go first so she could catch Drakken when he jumped.
Shego crouched on the window sill, then made a flying leap to the ground below, landing on her feet with the poise of an Olympic gymnast. She waited impatiently for Drakken, who finally emerged from the window, looked down, looked scared, then noticed Shego glowering at him, closed his eyes and jumped into his henchwoman's waiting arms. Shego let out an "oomph" and felt her knees buckle as she caught Drakken. I think he ate too much product when he was running Bueno Nacho! she thought snidely.
The two villains quickly made for the woods. At the forest's edge Shego said to Drakken, "Remember Dr. D. Follow the plan to the letter. No improvising. You're on your own now; I won't be able to help you." She then disappeared into the trees; Drakken looked about nervously and headed in another direction.
Pandemonium broke out at the jail. Nobody had expected Shego's glow power to return. Local authorities, after consultation with their state and federal counterparts, decided that Drakken's and Shego's escape would best be kept quiet. Coming just two days after the L'il Diablo attacks, they couldn't afford any more assaults on their credibility. They'd let Global Justice handle this one.
IX.
While Ron was meeting with Mr. Barkin, Kim was in the library reviewing her list of Latin nouns. I can understand why I need to know the Latin for "Time," but why "Monkey"? Looking at the clock, she saw she was supposed to meet Ron shortly. She was putting her books into her backpack when the Kimmunicator began to chirp. Miss Hatchett scowled at Kim, who nervously laughed, waved, apologized and ran out the library before being sentenced to some unimaginable purgatory; she shivered at the memory of her last round of punishment in the stacks.
"What's the sitch, Wade?" she asked.
"Kim," he responded breathlessly, "Where are you?"
"Uh, I'm at school. That's where I usually am during the day," she replied.
"No, where at school?" he asked anxiously.
"Leaving the library, going to meet Ron on the front steps," Kim answered, beginning to get worried.
"Uh oh," he said.
"What is it Wade? What's wrong?" Kim demanded.
"You'd better see this!" Wade said before his image was replaced by video footage.
Kim watched as Wade's image was replaced by film of Kim and Ron at the Tri-City Convention Center the previous night. Why was Wade so worried about security tapes? she wondered. The camera swung from Kim to Ron, just before he made the leap from the scooter to the truck. That move really was spankin' Kim thought. Then she noticed that the logo of the Middleton Evening News was on the bottom of the screen. And then she heard the voice of Tricia Labowski, the newscaster.
"… This is exclusive footage of internet cult rap sensation Ron Stoppable going into action with local teen hero Kim Possible..." Labowski announced.
Cult rap sensation? When did this happen? Kim asked herself. Ron never mentioned that. Then again he was surprised that Prof. Hinckley knew who he was. Well, good. People are finally appreciating him. And the TV people should have noticed him a long time ago.
"… We're live at Middleton High School to talk with Ron about his daring exploits. And here he is!" Kim gasped as she saw a clearly unsuspecting Ron emerge from the building.
Kim ran through the empty halls of the school. When she opened the front doors, she was shocked by the media circus, just as Ron had been when he walked through the door moments earlier. Half the school seemed to be crowding about. In the two minutes that had passed before Kim arrived, Ron had been surrounded by cameramen, Labowski – and Bonnie, who was at the reporter's elbow. Kim growled when she saw the brown-haired cheerleader.
"So, Ron," Labowski asked, "I've heard that you had to bail out Kim Possible last night. Is that true?"
"Huh, wha –, " Ron stuttered. He was having unpleasant flashbacks to the last time he was interviewed by this woman. Memories of Project Phoebus, and needing to pretend that it was he and not Rufus who was even smarter than Wade. And what does she mean by bail out Kim? He wondered
"And what about the rumors that you and Britina are going on a date next weekend?"
"B-Britina?" Ron stammered.
"Oh come on, Ron," Bonnie purred, "You can tell the truth. About you and Britina. And how Kim flamed out." Bonnie was enjoying herself. Embarrass me in front of a crowded cafeteria? she crowed to herself. Well, let's see how you and K like being humiliated on TV!
Kim had pushed her way through most of the crowd and was now in Ron's line of site. He looked lost. She was going to kill Bonnie. She waved at him, hoping he might see her. And he did. And then he smiled and slowly he composed himself.
"Oooh-kay, Britina. Yeah, I asked her out," Ron finally said.
A hush fellow over the crowd and Bonnie looked surprised, but then smirked, thinking Ron was about to get big heady and put his moment in the sun ahead of his relationship with Kim.
"About a year and a half ago when Kim and I were on Britina's plane coming back from a mission." Ron looked away and scratched his head, as if he was trying to remember something, then looked at Labowski and deadpanned, "She shot me down." Ron then made silly crashing plane noises and hand movements, then brightened. "But you're right. I do have a girlfriend now!" With great pride he said, "Oh yeah, Ron Stoppable has finally hit a home run! C'mon over, Kim."
Kim smiled ever so serenely at Bonnie as she made her way to Ron. As Kim took Ron's hand, Labowski said, "So you and Kim Possible are dating! That's why you went to save her!"
"Save her? Tricia, Tricia, Tricia," Ron explained. "Kim didn't need to be saved. We're partners …"
At that Kim squeezed his hand and thought, And don't you ever forget that!
"… we go on a mission, she does her thing, I do mine. Did you see when she somersaulted into the back of that truck? Now that was one badical move! You know why we succeed? The Kim Factor," he said grinning, "with just a little bit of Ron splashed in."
Kim sighed and thought, That is still so sweet!
"So speaking of hot, we can fairly say that Ron Stoppable and Kim Possible are a hot item?" the newscaster demanded.
At this, heedless of the fact that they were being watched live on TV, Kim embraced her boyfriend and said with a smile, "We're so hot, we're on fire!"
Ron beamed, punched the air with his fist, and let out a hearty "Boo-yah!"
For the second time that day, everyone cheered them.
Everyone except Bonnie Rockwaller. She fumed.
X.
The story from Middleton High was replayed on the early evening news broadcast.
Brick Flagg, who may have been captain of the football team and blessed with great teeth and hair, was also a point short of a full touchdown. He simply wasn't thinking when he said, "Whoa. Stoppable shoots and scores!" earning him a sucker-punch from Bonnie.
Kim's parents weren't sure how to react. Had their Kimmie actually said "We're so hot, we're on fire!" on television? They couldn't help but be delighted, however, by their daughter's manifest happiness. That Ron had acquitted himself well, making a joke at his own expense and directing praise to Kim when he could have showboated, made them feel especially good about the young man their daughter had chosen to date. Maybe being on fire wasn't a bad thing.
Kim's twin brothers knew exactly how to react. Later, when Kim and Ron came home for dinner, Tim lost no time in saying "We're so hot …" to which Jim responded with, "… We're on fire!" The two boys then yelled "boo-yah", exchanged high-fives, made kissing sounds, and laughed themselves silly.
Ron's parents had a similar reaction to Kim's, though they seemed even more surprised by their son's performance on TV and nonplussed that Ron had become some kind of cult celebrity. When Ron's father said something about his son being a chip off the old block, Mrs. Stoppable smiled indulgently at her husband and simply said, "Yes, dear," hoping he didn't notice her rolling her eyes.
Shego, who had cut her hair and traded her trademark costume for non-descript clothes and was now ensconced in a budget motel in Upperton, merely looked at the screen and said, "Oh look, Kimmie and the buffoon are dating. That's so cute." Then her eyes narrowed as she began to think of more ways she'd enjoy executing her revenge on Kim Possible. She'd joked, if only to push Kim's buttons, about taking Eric from her; Shego really hadn't been interested in a synthodrone. But it would be fun to see how Kim reacted to similar threats about Ron. And she wondered who that girl was who seemed to be feeding questions to the reporter.
And on the other side of the world, an old man watched a satellite video feed. Yamanuchi, though founded more than 1600 years ago, was fully equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology. The ninja had to master an ancient skill, yet be able to function in the modern world. Sensei had instructed appropriate Yamanuchi staff to track all appearances of Stoppable-san in any form of media; they duly reported to him the Middleton Evening News report, which he watched with keen interest. As he viewed the scene in front of the High School he nodded his head and murmured, "The time of testing has arrived."
TBC …