My thanks to mattb3671, WhiteLadyoftheRing, campy, Zaratan, Spitfire F.22, charizardag, Newpoint, ron-sama, IncrediRaider8, oneredneckgoddess, warprince2000, jasminevr, and TexasDad for their reviews and to everyone else for reading. And, oh yes, a muy bueno day to everyone who has put this story on their favorites and alert lists.
Special note to campy: I really do owe you a naco …
You know the bit that makes the lawyers happy. You saw it on KP, Disney owns it. And now let's get on with the show …
I.
Christmas had come to Middleton. The town was covered in a fresh blanket of snow, the skies were crystal clear, the December air crisp and cold. And, as if offering final confirmation that the holiday season had indeed arrived, the Possibles' Christmas lights once again won the Middleton Examiner's annual award for "Display Most Likely To Be Seen From Outer Space."
Kim always enjoyed Christmas, but this year would be extra special. It was the first time that Ron, who had spent the holiday with her family since they were in pre-K, would be there as her boyfriend. Tim and Jim had already been warned to keep the cootie comments in check, which of course merely inspired them to begin thinking of more.
As an added bonus, Nana Possible was visiting from Florida, which gave Kim the opportunity to learn more about her grandmother's time at Yamanuchi.
Kim was in her room, putting on the Middleton College sweater Ron had given her, when she heard the doorbell ring. She raced down the stairs. Kim knew that her leg wasn't fully healed, and had to be careful about what she did, but it was a great feeling to be able to move again. She reached the door, out of breath, barely managing to compose herself as she opened it to welcome Ron. He stepped over the threshold, carrying a bag of presents.
"Merry Christmas!" Ron said, joined by Rufus, who wearing a little Santa hat, cheerily squeaked "Ho! Ho! Ho!"
Kim planted a big kiss on Ron's lips, much to his happy surprise. When she pulled away, she pointed above and giggled, "Mistletoe. Merry Christmas, Ron."
Ron took Kim's hand and walked her into the family room, where the rest of the Possibles had gathered. Ann got up and gave Ron a motherly kiss on the cheek, James slapped Ron on the back, and the boys asked if there was anything good in the bag for them, which prompted Kim, Ann and Nana to glare.
Nana Possible then got up, approached Ron and bowed, saying, "Welcome, Master Ronald."
Ron returned the bow, responding, "Thank you, Venerable Nana."
The tweebs stared.
"This is so cool," Jim said.
"Yeah, Nana's gone ninja for Christmas!" Tim added.
Kim looked left out; Ron responded by taking her hand.
The old woman winked at her granddaughter. "Sorry, Kimberly Ann, but it's a Yamanuchi thing," Nana said gently before turning to Ron, "It was about time someone arranged for transportation up that mountain. And that was a very flattering photo of you in the alumni magazine."
Ron blushed.
The family began singing carols, with Ron in the lead, a role he'd filled for years. No one any longer thought it odd that it was the one Jewish person in the group who could be counted on to know the words to every piece of Christmas music ever composed.
After the caroling, Rufus' favorite part of the evening arrived: egg nog. He had enough for everyone in the house and let everyone know of his satisfaction by letting out a belch worthy of, well, Ron.
After Mr. Dr. P. read the story of Zin Possible's Christmas escapades with George Washington, Kim pulled out a small gift for Ron. "This doesn't count as your present. Open it now." Rufus sprung into action, tearing off the paper for Ron.
"Hank the Snowman: The Director's Cut 3 Disc Special Edition With Commentary. Badical!" Ron enthused.
The boys frowned as Kim popped a DVD into the player, pre-empting Xtreme Xmas, and apologized, "Sorry, tweebs, but remember what happened the year we didn't watch Snowman Hank!"
Jim and Tim huffed; they recalled wrestling an anaconda, thought that was pretty cool, and wondered why they couldn't do it again. They were further put out when Ron and Kim curled up on the couch together to watch the show, only to be joined by their parents, who sat closely, holding hands. Jim and Tim stared imploringly at their grandmother, looking for deliverance from all of the mushiness.
Nana looked fondly at her grandsons. "Okay, into the other room and I'll tell you some more stories about my time with the Shao-lin monks."
"Hicka-bicka-boo," Jim said.
To which Tim replied "Hoo-shah," as they exchanged high-fives.
Rufus, though happy that his two humans were so happy, could only take so much lip-smacking and cuddling. He scampered along after Nana, Jim, and Tim.
After the viewing of Snowman Hank, the Possibles' staged their traditional family skit; then everyone gathered together for the exchanging of presents. Ron was especially pleased with the gifts he'd chosen. There would be no Bueno Nacho Bueno Bucks this year. He'd actually spent time thinking about the presents he was going to give. Besides, there was no longer a Bueno Nacho where Ron could buy Bueno Bucks.
"For Mr. and Mrs. Dr. P.," he said handing them an envelope.
"Ooooh, look at this, Honey," Ann said, after she opened the present, which she then handed to James.
"Dinner at Chez Henri. Very nice, Ronald. And, what's this, you'll be our chef? Outstanding!"
Kim pouted, albeit playfully. "You better save some of that home cooking for me chef boy," she whispered into his ear.
"For Nana Possible." He gave her a beautiful coffee table book about pioneering women aviators, which had been signed by the author. A bookmark had been inserted to note the chapter about Nan Possible.
"Why Ronald, this is so thoughtful," she said. "Thank you."
Ron gave the twins authentic Fearless Ferret props, autographed by Timothy North.
"These are so cool!" Jim said.
"Let's play with them!" Tim urged.
"Then we can sell them on the Internet!" Jim suggested enthusiastically.
"We'll make a killing!" Tim cried out.
"Now boys, you know what I told you about selling things online …" their mother said, recalling the problems that arose when the twins tried to peddle the family car to raise money to buy spare rocket parts for one of their projects.
Ron then looked in his bag, acting as if he'd discovered it was empty. "Sorry, KP. My bad. Guess I forgot your present."
She looked at him with narrowed eyes, then wrapped her arms around his waist and began tickling him. As Ron, giggling uncontrollably, tried to fight her off, Kim grabbed the bag and reached in, to much laughter. "Mine!" she exclaimed, holding up the box triumphantly and pointing to the tag with her name. Ever the elegant young lady, she demurely stuck out her tongue at Ron, who smiled in return.
"Go ahead, open it!" he said.
Kim opened the package and her face lit up. "Pandaroo Super Star Edition! There were only twelve of these made!" she squealed with delight.
Everybody but Ron was staring at her; he was looking at the ceiling, whistling.
Kim was blushing. "Well, they're a great investment …"
Ann slapped her forehead while Nana pointed at the Cuddle-Buddy. "Kimberly Ann, I think it's, uh, accessorized."
Kim looked again at the stuffed animal. Kim's status as bona-fide, die-hard, dyed-in-the-wool, get-a-life "Cuddler" was confirmed by her being so excited by her new Cuddle-Buddy that she somehow managed not to notice that the plush toy was wearing a string of pearls and matching earrings. "Ron! They're beautiful! You shouldn't have!"
"Uh, okay, KP, I can return them …" he said grinning.
"Touch them and I'll show you some ninja moves!" Kim growled before putting them on and giving Ron a peck on the nose.
The family continued exchanging gifts. When they were all but done, Kim, a little bit nervously, handed Ron a long, narrow box; it was almost as tall as her. "This is for you. I hope you like it."
"Hey, if it's from you, I'm sure it'll be badical, KP," Ron replied, squeezing her hand.
He first opened the card, which simply said, "To my Warrior Hero: I couldn't – and wouldn't – want to save the world without you, love Kim." He looked at Rufus and said he'd unwrap this present himself; the naked mole rat sensed this was something special and nodded. Ron carefully removed the paper and opened the box.
Ron was speechless as he lifted a beautifully turned bo staff from the box. He began to run a finger along the grain, then noticed words carved in the wood: "KP+RS: Together Anything is Possible for Team Possible" and "Team Possible: Unstoppable." Ron began to choke up. He lay the staff down and quietly said, "Excuse me," got up and left the room.
Kim looked worried. She had thought he'd like the gift; she'd even consulted with Sensei, who told her it was an excellent idea. But now she wondered if she'd merely reopened an old wound. Kim's mother motioned for her to go find Ron.
He was in the kitchen, crying. She slid into the breakfast nook and put her arm around him. "I'm so sorry, Ron. I thought you'd like it. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Ron looked up at Kim. "Hurt me?" he said, shaking his head. "Kim, this is going to sound lame, but when the Lotus Blade disappeared, it was like a hole opened up in me. But when I saw that staff, I realized how completely you've been filling it. You've done so much that way since I lost …"
"Ron Stoppable," Kim said gently but firmly, "you did not lose the Lotus Blade. You gave it up. For me. Always remember that, because I always will."
"Thanks, KP." Ron, beginning to choke up again, took a deep breath. "Anyway, this is kind of overwhelming and, well, to be honest, I just didn't want to lose it in front of your entire family." He smiled wryly. "You really think your brothers would ever let me forget the year I cried on Christmas?"
"Not in a million years," Kim answered, grinning; she then asked, with just a little uncertainty in her voice, "You really like it?"
Ron took Kim's hands. "It's the most awesome gift anyone has ever given me. And it's better than the Lotus Blade because it's from you. Thanks, KP. For everything."
She embraced Ron and held him closely and gently whispered, "Merry Christmas, Warrior Hero!"
II.
The morning after Christmas Day, Kim and Monique went to the Club Banana After-Holiday sale. They were walking home, carrying their packages, dishing the dirt and catching up.
"So, what's up with you and Brick these days?" Kim asked.
"Still tight, but just friends. He's a great guy, but there's no spark there," Monique sighed.
"You'll find someone, Mon. Though I'm probably not the one to give advice on finding a boyfriend. It only took me twelve years to realize the perfect guy for me was by my side the whole time."
"Heck, girl, if it means waiting twelve years to find someone as wild about me as Ron is about you and you're about him, maybe I should wait!"
The two girls laughed. Kim then stopped.
"Did you hear …" she asked before she was interrupted by the very well-dressed figures who burst out of the snow banks, surrounding them. Kim looked around. "Euro-androids!"
Monique was completely lost; she'd never been ambushed by twelve identical androids of vaguely Mediterranean appearance, wearing the latest European fashions and really cool sunglasses. All she could do was scream.
"You are Kim Possible. You will come with us," one said in a metallic, French-accented voice.
"I so don't think so," Kim growled, as she dropped her packages and assumed a fighting stance. She knew she couldn't endure a prolonged fight with her still-healing leg, but she could try to take down enough of them so she and Monique could make a run for it.
Kim kicked out at the android directly ahead of her, striking it in the chest; it staggered backwards. She then did a flip, making sure to put as much of her weight as she could on her good leg as she landed behind the attacker. She threw a quick one-two punch to the back of its head, and it collapsed. She then pivoted and kicked a second android. She was readying herself to finish it off when she heard her friend.
"Kim!" Monique cried out. She had been seized from behind by one of the androids.
"Let her go!" Kim demanded, still positioned to strike.
"We will take her with us. You will come or you will not see her again." Monique looked terrified.
Kim dropped out of her stance, knowing she'd have to surrender. She couldn't put Monique at risk. "Okay, I'll go," the teen hero said. "Just release her. This isn't her fight."
"No. She will come too, to ensure that you do not try to escape."
Kim looked around, wondering how they were going to take them anywhere. Eleven androids, with a damaged twelfth, holding two teenage girls captive, would be a strange sight even in Middleton, which had experienced more than its share of weirdness over the years. Then she heard a noise from above. A hole opened from the sky and a ladder descended. She was looking into the entry hatch of a stealth hoverjet.
Kim realized that there was no chance of making a break for it, not without leaving Monique behind. "Have it your way," she growled. "But you won't get away with this."
III.
That year, Hanukkah began the night of December 26. Ron was busy making a special holiday dinner for his family and the Possibles when the telephone rang.
"Hola, Stoppable residence."
"Ron."
"Hi Mrs. Dr. P., what up?"
"Is Kim at your house?" her mother asked.
"No, I thought she was going to come over with you. She was supposed to shop till she dropped while I slaved away in the kitchen all day."
"We haven't heard from her; it's already 4:00 and I thought she'd be home by now."
Ron detected the note of concern in Ann Possible's voice. "Did you try calling her Kimmunicator?"
"Yes, but there was no answer," she answered, sounding really worried.
"Okay, I'll contact Wade and see if he can track her down. I'll call you back in a few."
"Thanks, Ron."
IV.
Andrew Drake, he of the surprisingly small, delicate hands, was enjoying his Christmas holiday. He had read Harris' reports and reviewed the latest updates from the Space Station before heading to the control room. There, he pressed a button, activating a three-dimensional representation of the Earth. Circling the globe were little blue dots representing every military and commercial satellite in orbit. There were also a fair number of green dots representing Drone-Sats, though not anywhere near the number that would ultimately be deployed. And in red was a growing space station. It was an impressive display of the defense technology the X Institute could offer. Only a megalomaniac would look at the holographic projection and see a blueprint for total global domination.
Andrew Drake decided that he could treat himself to a little belated Christmas treat. He threw back his head, held out his hands as if poised to clutch something, and let out a laugh. One that some people would have said sounded strikingly similar to that of one Drew Theodore P. Lipsky, who also went by the name of Dr. Drakken.
Of course, everyone knew he was dead. It was on the TV news. And everything one sees on TV is true, right?
V.
Kim had been abducted before, but never in such style. The cabin of the hoverjet was lavishly appointed. She and Monique were seated in oversized leather chairs and had been offered food and drink. The androids had even given her an ice pack for her sore leg. Monique had been suspicious, but Kim suggested they eat; if the kidnappers had wanted to hurt them, they could have done so without going to the trouble of poisoning their meal.
Kim looked around the aircraft, assessing the possibility of escape. She quickly concluded that they were trapped. Most discouraging was the force field at the front of the cabin. So much for trying to storm the cockpit.
"Monique, I'm really sorry about this," Kim apologized.
"Hey, girl, I've always wondered what you did on these missions," Kim's friend said gamely.
Kim could tell that under the bravado, Monique was scared. She didn't blame her. They still didn't know where they were going or what was going to happen to them.
"So," Monique asked sassily, "when you and Ron come back from one of these things, do you, uh … well, do you qualify for the Mile High Club?"
"The what?"
"You know, when you do it on an airplane, girl!"
"Monique!"
"Well," Monique laughed. "You can't blame me for asking. And I want an answer, girl. You owe me that after getting me into this mess!"
"No. We're not like that," Kim said, her face turning as red as her hair. "We're going to wait until we're married."
Monique screamed with joy. "Married! Married! When? I get to be a bride's maid! No, after this, girl, I'm the maid of honor!"
"Amp down, Monique," Kim said with a laugh. "We haven't actually talked about it …" Kim then filled her friend in on the conversations she'd had with Major Weber and her mother.
"Girl, you are so gone. You are so DTBMTR."
Kim looked at her quizzically.
"Destined to be married to Ron!"
"Well, I hope so. Someday. But we're still in high school, Monique. We're so not ready."
"Well then you take your time. That way I'll have a chance to find me my own Ron to bring to the wedding!"
Kim couldn't help but smile. She liked thinking about her future with Ron. Which was far preferable to thinking about her future on the mystery plane.
VI.
Kim had given Ron a Kimmunicator of his own after Japan. She said it was to confirm their partnership, which he knew to be true, but he also suspected it was her way of being able to find him. Ron knew how agitated she'd been when she had to rely on a truculent Sensei to locate him. Right now he had a much better understanding of her concern, now that she was the missing party.
He called Wade and filled him in.
"Can you get a GPS lock?"
"I'm on it. Uh-oh."
"What do you mean, uh-oh. Uh-oh is NOT good Wade."
"Ron, she's over the Atlantic moving at high speed towards, let's see, the trajectory indicates the northern coast of Spain."
"Señor Senior, Sr.? Ron asked.
"As good a guess as any," Wade admitted while thinking, Ron's actually getting good at this.
"Wade, stay in touch. I have to go tell Kim's parents. And Monique's."
"Got it. And I'll work on a ride for you."
"Thanks. But I think I might be set on that front."
VII.
Bonnie was not having an enjoyable Christmas. She had to spend it with her family, which meant her sisters could mock her for losing her billionaire boyfriend. Her parents were sympathetic, but they were also growing impatient with their daughter's petulance and incessant complaining. They could not understand how someone with a blossoming career as an international model could be so morose. Of course, they did not know that their daughter was brooding over a snarling ninja who had caught her fancy, a fellow Middleton High student she wanted to break, and her slowly growing evil ambitions.
VIII.
Ron was at Kim's house when the message came through. Wade sent the streaming video directly to Ron's Kimmunicator.
"Ah, hello …"
"Señor Senior, Sr. I knew it." Ron said.
"… I am sending this message to let you know that Kim Possible and her friend are enjoying my hospitality. If you want her, Ron Stoppable, you may come get her. But do not bring anyone else, including your naked pink rodent. Otherwise, I will have to cut off Europe's energy supply, which would be most unfortunate given the Arctic air mass that has settled over the Continent.
"You know where to find us. And remember. Our lair is well equipped.
"Oh, and Happy Hanukkah."
The screen went blank.
"That man is as whacked as Drew Lipsky!" James said. "Cut off Europe's power supply, who does he think he is – Jim and Tim?"
"Uh, Dr. P., he's done it before. I'm going."
"Alone?" Ann asked.
"Got no choice. We've been there. That place is very well defended." Thanks to my big mouth. Nice work Rondo. "One person will actually have a better chance of slipping in."
Ann hugged Ron. "Be safe, Ron."
"I will Mrs. Dr. P. And I'll bring Kim – and Monique – back home."
IX.
Ron was right; he was set on the ride front. "Squirt" Possible once again turned to his friend "Stinky" Reid. And once again Major Weber was ready to pilot a B-1B to deliver one member of Team Possible to the aid of another.
They'd been airborne for more than an hour and would reach their destination in a bit over four and half. Other than a polite "Thanks, I owe you," Ron had sat quietly, saying nothing since boarding the bomber. Major Weber had only met him once, but she'd come away with the impression that silence was not his natural state. He struck her as being a talker. A happy, chatty, garrulous talker.
"She'll be okay, Tiger."
Ron, roused from his reverie, looked at the pilot. "I hope so."
"That girlfriend of yours is pretty resourceful. And I suspect you are too, otherwise she wouldn't be so gaga over you. You'll get her out."
Ron was silent for a few moments, then began to speak. "Y'know, there was a time, back when KP and I were just friends – that sounds wrong, we were never 'just' friends, but we weren't dating – that more than anything, I wanted to be a hero. She'd saved my butt so many times, that more than anything I wanted to step up to the plate and be the big man. I wanted to have a chance to save her. And I got it." He told the woman from Texas the story of the Fearless Ferret. "So, I got to be the hero." For a moment, Ron had a faraway look in his eyes. "I'll always remember her hugging me and saying, 'Nice work, hero.' It meant the world to me.
"Now all I want is to get her out of there, get her home, and watch TV with her. Maybe Agony County or Pals. I don't need to be a hero."
"Tiger, you ask me, you're really a hero now. And as for the boob tube, you two have done enough saving of each other, not to mention other people, that you deserve some quality time with the idiot box. Though if I were choosing what to watch, it would be GWA. Boy, do I love that Steel Toe!" she said, chuckling.
"You're a wrestling fan?"
"Totally!" The conversation turned to less emotionally charged issues and helped Ron to relax.
After a while, Ron asked to excuse himself. "I have to prepare."
Major Weber was mildly surprised; they wouldn't reach their destination for another two hours.
Rons, seeing her puzzlement, explained "Meditation."
Ron went aft to the flight deck, sat down, and assumed the Lotus position. He tried without success to clear his mind. Finally, he decided to try another tack. He began to think of Kim. First her face, then her entire body. Then situations they'd shared over the years. He thought of pre-K, of fun things they'd done together, of dancing at the prom, and of the kiss. He remembered wearing rally caps and sitting in the tree house and watching her make a mess of herself as she ate a baco. Ron was beginning to feel a sense of deep, inner peace. His mind continued wandering. He began to think of the future. He imagined graduation. And moving into dorm rooms at college. Of proposing. And of watching Kim walk down an aisle to him, gorgeous in a white taffeta wedding gown, backlit by the sun, as soft light streamed in through the windows.
Major Weber happened to turn back at that moment to check on Ron. Her jaw dropped when she saw that he was floating a good six inches above the deck.
X.
"Kim Possible. My feisty teen-aged foe."
"Señor Senior, Sr.. And Señor Senior, Jr.," Kim said flatly.
"You know these guys?" Monique asked incredulously.
"Ah, and what is your lovely friend called?"
"My name is Monique," she snapped.
"Let us be civilized and enjoy one another's company," the old billionaire said urbanely.
"What do you want Señor Senior?" Kim asked brusquely.
"I want you to make yourself comfortable. You have had a long journey. We shall change for dinner, then prepare for our entertainment."
"I already have dinner plans in Middleton. And I like what I am wearing just fine, thank you."
"But Miss Possible, the villain handbook says this is what is supposed to happen next. Besides, I see you are already wearing lovely jewelry."
Kim unconsciously reached to the pearls Ron had given her; she had been wearing them constantly since Christmas. Ron, I miss you. Get here soon. There was no doubt in Kim's mind that her boyfriend would track her down and come for her.
"Besides," Señor Senior continued menacingly, "if you do not heed my wishes, I will have to cut off the power to, oh, Luxembourg."
Monique snorted. "Brother, you are so MD. Like you could turn out the lights on an entire country!"
"MD?" Señor Senior asked.
"Majorly delusional," Kim suggested, once again surprised by her ever increasing ability to decode Monique-speak. "Monique," she said seriously, "he's actually done that before."
"Oh," was all a suddenly-chastened and now far more worried Monique could muster in reply.
"Yes," Señor Senior said, resuming his villain's diatribe. "And I believe the forecast for Western Europe for tonight is for sub-freezing temperatures. So go hungry and wear your rumpled clothing if you choose. And the let those poor people shiver in the dark."
Kim rolled the eyes. "Amp down the drama, Señor Senior. We'll change."
A short time later, the two young women returned to the great hall. They couldn't help but admire each other's gowns; they had both presented with a wide selection of the latest and most beautiful European designs.
"Oooh, looking good girl! And your man really did well with the pearls," Monique cooed.
Kim was impressed. She could see that her friend, even though still on edge, continued to put on a brave face. "Thanks, you look pretty badical, too."
Monique's eye brows shot up; she squealed, "Girl, you're even talking like him! You are so definitely DTBMTR."
Kim smiled, then looked around, a more serious expression on her face. Hmm, I wonder what he has planned?
The old billionaire made his entrance, wearing a traditional black tuxedo with black bow tie. Junior was wearing a more fashion-forward collarless shirt with gold stud in place of tie.
"Please, sit," Señor Senior said, gesturing to the table.
Reluctantly, Kim and Monique sat in the chairs indicated by Señor Senior. No sooner had they taken their seats than wrist and ankle restraints emerged to prevent them from moving.
"Your hospitality is heartwarming," Kim said, sarcasm in her voice.
"But Miss Possible, I must make sure you stay and enjoy yourself."
"You know you won't get away with whatever you're planning. Ron will come and get us." Kim said defiantly.
"That, Miss Possible, is what I am counting on," Senior replied with a malicious gleam in his eye.
There was nothing else Señor Senior could have said that could have been better calculated to make Kim uneasy.
XI.
Shego looked at one of the Christmas presents she'd given herself: one of Cyrus Bortel's mind control chips. She was tempted to find Kimmie and slip it on her forehead immediately but restrained herself. Shego's professional pride drove her to defeat a fully functional Kim Possible. Only after Princess had failed to stop Shego's scheme and endured the pain of seeing her prevail would Shego use the chip. The villainess took great pleasure from the knowledge that by this time next year, Kimmie would be wearing the device.
XII.
Ron waited in the bomb bay. He checked his gear; all was in order. He planned on trying something that he was pretty sure even Kim had not done; he couldn't see any other way of reaching the island undetected. Ideally, he would have infiltrated from a spy sub, but that would have taken too long. He felt prepared, having reviewed all of the home improvements he'd recommended to Señor Senior: self-activated lasers, piranha, missiles, spinning tops of doom. Geez, what was I thinking? he chided himself. Then he spent time trying to think of ideas he didn't suggest but probably would have had Kim on that first visit not dragged him from the room when she did.
His battle plan was simple: come in low under the radar and land on the island. He'd wing it from there.
Ron pressed the intercom button on the bulkhead beside him. "I'm ready."
"Ok, Tiger. We're approaching the drop zone."
"Thanks."
"Oh, and I'll tell you what I told your gal: I want an invitation to the wedding."
"You got it." I wonder how many other people think we're going to get hitched. Man, Mr. Dr. P.'s gonna want to pack me off to Saturn, he mused. He wondered what Kim would think about being married to him. Someday. In the future. When they were older.
Ron's increasingly panicked thoughts about matrimony were blissfully interrupted by the sound of the giant hatch doors swinging open. He looked down at the inky dark ocean below.
"Okay, KP. This one's for you," he said aloud
Ron jumped. And screamed. Very loudly. He hated free-falling. He pulled his chute cord; the silk fabric billowed out above him, rapidly slowing his descent. Then he did something he never before imagined doing of his own free will: he released the parachute harness and began to fall again. He quickly deployed his jet pack. The wings sprung out, the helmet popped onto his head, and the engines roared to life. He was jerked up, then quickly gained control.
"Boo-yah!" He yelled exultantly. "Houston, we have lift off!"
He headed down to the waves, flying just 20 feet above the water, almost skimming the surface. In the cold night air he could make out the silhouette of Original Senior Island five miles dead ahead.
I'm coming, KP, he thought. I've got your back.
XIII.
"The time has come to settle accounts, Kim Possible," Senior announced.
"What have we done to you?" she asked, puzzled.
"Ah, you feign ignorance. But if you had minded your own business and not come here to lecture me about energy-saving light bulbs and low-flow faucets …"
"I did not lecture," Kim said indignantly.
"Girl, you probably lectured," Monique offered.
"You're not being helpful, Mon. Besides. I do not lecture. Though sometimes I may speak passionately. Energy conservation is very …"
"Enough!" Señor Senior roared, slamming the palms of his hands on the table.
Monique looked at her host. At first he had seemed mostly harmless, like the white suited man with the funny little sidekick on that show about the island. But now he reminded her of the guy in Space Passage II: The Ire of Cohen – enraged and very capable of hurting people.
"You," he continued, "are the reason I set out on the path to villainy. You and your partner, Ron Stoppable."
"What?" Kim exclaimed.
"Yes, if you had never come here, I would still be nothing more than a bored, simple multi-billionaire and Junior would not have a broken heart.
"So today you pay. You know the ignominy of being captured and unable to resist. I find that satisfying. Soon you will watch your partner contend with the evil equipment he suggested I install. Then you will know true defeat."
"This is so ferociously unfair!" Kim said. "We were just trying to help. Well, I was." She paused. "Ron was just babbling," she added sheepishly, unable to help but smile fondly as she thought of one of Ron's oddly endearing quirks.
The smile set Junior off. "Help, Kim Possible?" he wailed plaintively. "First, I discover that you are my Blue Fox …"
Oh no, not Animology, Kim thought. That is so last year. Though I did get my Pink Sloth. And Junior should know that Blue Fox goes with Pink Sloth and Yellow Trout with Black Panther. Trivia. She felt a deep longing to be home playing Strategories with her family and Ron.
"… but nothing was to come of that."
"The flowers were sweet, Junior," Kim said, trying to be conciliatory.
"Thank you. But I must continue with my rant," he said politely. "My ardor went unanswered!" he wailed.
"Junior, it never would have worked. You know, the whole teen hero/junior villain thing. It's just not a good match …" Kim said, trying to be reasonable.
"Oh, of course it would not have worked, though not for that reason. The Yellow Trout belongs not with the Blue Fox, but with the Black Panther.
"And I met one. She was my dream, my soulmate. But then my Bonnie abandoned me …"
Kim and Monique exchanged "He can't mean …" glances.
It was Monique who asked, "Bonnie Rockwaller, Brunette, Middleton?"
"Yes, the up-and-coming fashion model and Middleton's greatest cheerleader."
Monique noticed Kim twitch at the last comment. "Down girl," Monique said.
Kim took a couple of deep breaths to settle herself.
"My life is now an empty vessel, drained of all meaning." Junior declared before sighing melodramatically.
Monique rolled her eyes, having heard enough. Maybe Kim could tolerate these loony tunes, but she'd had her fill.
"Brother, get a grip!" she snapped.
Junior locked shocked. Nobody other than Shego had ever spoken to him that way.
"Let's get a couple of things straight. First Yellow Trout Boy, did you ever consider that there may be more than one Black Panther out there? Bonnie ain't the only one, you know.
"Second, Animology is a crock and I know from experience! I'm a Black Panther. I dated three, count 'em three, Yellow Trouts, and I'm still alone, washing my hair on Saturday nights."
Junior looked at Monique like she'd just revealed one of the great truths of life.
"Three, Mister Mister Junior, or whatever your name is, news flash: Bonnie is FHMBR."
Kim, Señor Senior, Sr. and Junior all looked at her, clearly puzzled. She looked back. "What? Five hundred miles of bad road."
Junior continued to look at Monique. "I will think about what you say, Monique Black Panther."
Kim noticed the way Junior was looking at Monique. Her weirdar began to go off.
"Well," Señor Senior, Sr. interrupted. "This has all been very enlightening. But I believe it is time to begin our evening's entertainment." He had noticed that a green light next to the twenty foot viewing screen had come on. "I believe our final guest has arrived."
XIV.
Ron had made landfall. He removed the jet pack and stowed it away. He then did a check of his equipment. Ferret Claw grappler, the staff he'd been given for Christmas (which he'd already begun to think of as the Kimstick), and shuriken were all in order. He checked the Kimmunicator. Nothing. The signal was jammed. If he needed to, he couldn't contact Wade or call for help. At least he knew the score going in. Ron was ready to set out.
He slowly began to crawl along the rocky shore.
XV.
Kim gasped. There, larger than life, was Ron's image, beamed live into the Seniors' Great Hall.
"Yes, Miss Possible. We will watch your partner come to save you. Reality TV has come to Original Senior Island, thought I cannot tell you whether the program will have a happy or a tragic ending." He let out an evil chuckle.
Kim shuddered. There was something unusually sinister about all this. Señor Senior was still following his code of villainy, but it was if everything had been amped up. And that frightened her. Because a self-made billionaire was by definition smart. Señor Senior would have the intelligence to think through, and the resources to implement, a plot. But whereas in the past he seemed more interested in the process, tonight he seemed focused on the end result. Something was very, very wrong. She began to suspect that Ron was going to encounter obstacles that had not been present on their last visit.
Please, Ron, she thought as she looked at the screen, be careful. Kim watched as Ron made his way among the rocks. Then she saw the incoming rocket.
XVI.
"Yow!" Ron cried out, covering his head. "Incoming!"
He lay flat on his stomach as a volley of rockets, painting red tails across the night sky, flew towards him. He rolled to his left, just avoiding the explosion. Ron had read enough science fiction, played enough video games, and been on enough missions with Kim to have some hunches. Plus, he could draw on his own experience as Zorpox. Ron knew he'd been good, very good, at the bad guy thing. To know your enemy, think like him. Rich guy. Buys top of the line. Automated motion-detecting rocket launcher. Maybe I can fake it out. He pulled out a star and tossed it to his right; it quickly drew a fusillade of rockets. Boo-yah! he exulted. Señor Senior gets too clever and the Ron-man gets lucky.
Ron began a mad dash across the shore to the wall, running a serpentine pattern and tossing shuriken like flak to his left and right, drawing off the rockets. He had to dive to the rocky ground once or twice, but he safely reached the wall, with just a few cuts and bruises.
XVII.
Kim was biting her lip. She was anxious. She'd been in bad scrapes before; so had Ron. But neither of them ever had to watch the other, not like this. Watching this sitch unfold, unable to help, was gut wrenching. Ron was endangering himself for her. Go back, Ron. You don't have to do this. I'll still love you. She willed him to hear her, but knew he wouldn't. She also knew that even if he could hear her, he would still proceed with his infiltration. She knew she would do the same if their roles were reversed.
XVIII.
The rockets were no longer able to target Ron, allowing him to scale the wall with ease. He surveyed his surroundings. The entrance was on the far side of the courtyard. All was quiet. But he wasn't complacent. In fact, he expected something to come for him. He wasn't disappointed.
He heard the threat before he saw it, discerning an eerie whining sound coming from afar. The noise quickly grew louder. He knew he was exposed and that he had to get off the wall, quickly.
Ron was checking to make sure the Ferret Claw hook was securely in place so he could rappel down the inner wall when the first objects appeared.
Baseballs? he thought, surprised.
One of them flew into Ron at high speed and with great force.
"Ow!Flying Spheres of Pain … No fair!" he complained.
Ron was about to grab onto the line and head down to the ground when he was hit by a barrage of the objects. He began running along the wall; it did no good. The objects relentlessly pursued him. He swatted them away with his hand and with the Kimstick, knocking down quite a few, but there were far too many. They swarmed him, flying into him at all angles, banging his head, his arms, his legs, his torso. He felt like he was being beaten. The pain was incredible, but he kept fighting, even as he dropped to his knees.
XIX.
Kim grimaced as she watched the screen. She struggled against the restraints, wanting to rush out to help Ron, to share the danger and fight by his side. Kim had been in great peril herself on many occasions; she'd seen Ron at risk before, too. They'd both faced the prospect of death. But there always seemed to be a way out. But this time seemed different. She was scared for Ron. "Please, Señor Senior, stop this …" she pleaded.
Señor Senior ignored Kim, remaining focused on the screen.
"You are one sick dude, Old Guy," Monique said angrily. She turned to Junior. "And, yeah, I can see how you're a Yellow Trout. You got a big yellow stripe running down your back, you coward. Can't even go fight Ron on your own, you hide here and let these weird machines do your dirty work for you. Trout Boy, you are pathetic."
Junior, shame faced, looked away from Monique.
Monique wanted to comfort Kim, but couldn't hold her because of the restraints and couldn't say anything without sounding trite. Poor Ron looked like he was going down for the count. She looked at her friend. Though Kim's eyes were filled with tears, she refused to look away from the screen. Monique knew this was Kim's way of being with Ron. She saw her mouth his name.
XX.
Ron was battered and bruised. The pain was intense and he was having trouble concentrating.
Focus, Rondo. Set the pain aside, he told himself. Give yourself something to look forward to, something happy. You and Kim. You're going to grow old together. You're going to go to college, get engaged, get married, have children. A boy and a girl, twins. They'll be named Jonathan and Miriam and everybody will call them Jon and Mim. He knew in his heart that that was what was supposed to happen. He was not going down for the count on this wall, not while Kim was being held prisoner.
Ron clutched the bo staff Kim had given him just a couple of days earlier. He was swinging it at yet another of the spheres when he saw the inscription "KP+RS: Anything is Possible for Team Possible" flash by and thought , Sure would be nice if we could turn this stick into a really big shield.
Suddenly, Ron felt an odd sensation tear through his body.
XXI.
Kim had been staring at the screen, tears streaming down her cheeks, watching Ron Stoppable, her best friend, her partner, the one she loved, be battered by Señor Senior's diabolical spheres. But then suddenly she found herself filled with a sense of wonder.
Ron's staff was turning into a large shield, one large enough to cover his body and offer him protection.
XXII.
Ron quickly recognized what had happened. He saw that his hand was gripping – a handle. And the handle was attached to a very large shield. Which moments ago was his Kimstick. Which could mean only one thing …
XXIII.
Kim whispered to Ron's image on the screen. "It's you, Ron. You're the Lotus Blade." She felt like she'd been falling into a ravine, only to be thrown a lifeline. Her spirits began to revive. She was still terribly worried about Ron, but she believed in him. If he could do this …
Monique stared, open mouthed, at the screen.
Señor Senior glared, his jaw set angrily.
Junior nodded approvingly, "That is very cool," earning a surprised look from Monique and a scowl from his father.
"Uh, Kim, you want to tell me what happened," a shaken Monique asked.
"The Ron Factor," Kim answered, excitement in her voice.
XXIV.
"This is sooo cool," Ron said to no-one in particular, slowly reviving. "The power of the Lotus Blade was in me … Badical!" Ron had dropped to the wall and curled up beneath the shield; he lay there a long while, regaining his strength. He listened to the spheres bang away at the metal surface; slowly the sound tapered off, then finally stopped. Out of nowhere, he decided he never needed to play another violent video game again. He knew he'd have to talk with Sensei about this Lotus Blade thing. And he couldn't wait to thank Kim, again, for the staff. Somehow, she was an integral part of this. She really had filled his hole. He grinned as he also contemplated her giving him a really long massage.
He stood up slowly, feeling sore all over. He looked around, amazed by how many of the spheres littered the wall. Where does he get this stuff? he wondered. And if he buys in bulk, does he get a discount?
Ron took a moment to gather himself. Finally, feeling more centered, he looked at his objective, then, raising his arms, he defiantly cried, out, "I am da man!" XXV.
Kim watched as Ron celebrated. He was prancing, kicking the spheres off the wall. When he began singing, "I'm hot, you're not, I'm bad, you're sad," she couldn't help but laugh. Then, looking to her captor, Kim said, "Señor Senior, you are so going to be busted."
XXVI.
Ron made his way down to the courtyard and over to the door. It didn't open. He willed the shield into the sharpest, strongest sword imaginable, then took a swing, cutting through the metal surface like a knife through butter. He proceeded to carve out a hole, and climbed through.
He recognized the operations center from his last visit. He would have to cross this space to go anywhere else in the house. That meant dealing with self-activated lasers, a piranha pool, and spinning tops of doom.
The self-activated lasers were the first system to come on-line. Ron would have felt like a million dollars if he knew that Kim was filled with pride as she watched him evade the rays, leaping, jumping, rolling, then using his sword, which gleamed like a mirror, to turn the lasers back on themselves, leading in turn to a series of small explosions that rocked the room. KP was right, Ron told himself. Cheerleading can save the day. Especially when it's spiced up with a bit of the ol' mystical monkey power and some badical ninja moves!
Moments later, the spinning tops of doom emerged from their alcoves. Ron found himself bobbing and weaving, as he made his way around the giant objects. He found a good place from which to jump, flinging himself onto one. He positioned himself on top, and, using his feet like a lumberjack rolling a log, guided the massive device into another; moments before impact, he jumped off.
XXVII.
"Father, perhaps it is time to end this? You have surely made your point by now."
"Junior, the villain never ends his evil scheme until it is completed," he said sagely.
"But Father, I do not want to be a villain. I do not care about evil plots. I have told you this before …" the young man said peevishly.
Monique could not believe she was hearing this. Glad you're waking up, Trout Boy, she thought. Better late than never.
The family discussion was interrupted by events unfolding on screen.
XXVIII.
Ron landed on the floor, immediately leapt to the wall, sprung off, and did a flip so his feet faced forward. Using his momentum and body weight, he was able to deflect another top, sending it into a pillar.
Upon impact, the pillar buckled. Then the balcony above collapsed.
XXIX.
"Ron!" Kim cried out as she watched the collapse.
A huge cloud of dust billowed out, blocking the camera's view. But the dust slowly cleared. And when it did, clearly visible was a very dirty, debris-covered Ron Stoppable, standing and brushing himself off. Kim couldn't restrain her relief and joy, letting out an exultant "Boo-yah!"
Monique smiled at her friend. "Girl, that boy is unstoppable!"
Kim proudly riposted, "Actually, his name is Stoppable. Ron Stoppable. But it's a common mistake!"
XXX.
Ron turned; one top remained and it was coming towards him. He ran from it, heading towards the piranha pool. I cannot believe I'm going to do this. He raced to the water, plunged the Kimstick in, and vaulted to the other side. The moment he landed he extended his hand and called out, "Here, magic stick!" It flew into his hand. "Boo-yah! The Ron-man has got the power!" he called out as he continued running. The top spun into the pool, sending up a wave of water and dead fish. Ron waited a moment, turned back, vaulted to the other side and continued his mission.
It was then that he noticed the video camera. Yeah, if I were a villain, he mused, I'd be watching. And I'd make my prisoners watch, too.
XXXI.
Ron's image appeared on the twenty foot screen; to anyone watching, it was obvious he was staring directly into the lens.
"Yo, Señor Senior. Note serious face. Rondo is NOT happy. I'm coming for you, dude." Ron then broke into a goofy grin. "Hey, Monique, hope you're enjoying hangin' with Kim." Finally, he smiled warmly and blew an air kiss at the camera. "I love ya, KP!"
Kim's eyes shone brightly. Monique shook her head and sighed. "That is so romantic. And you dated other guys, why?"
Kim sheepishly shrugged her shoulders. "Uh, I was letting him find himself?"
"Girl, nice try," Monique said with an arched eyebrow. "You are soooo lucky nobody else snatched him up!"
XXXII.
If I were an evil villain, I'd probably be all dressed up now … sitting in a big room where I could laugh my evil laugh and make my prisoners watch my scheme unfold. Ron looked around; he located a security map of the lair. There. That's the room I'd be in.
Ron quickly found the Great Hall. His eyes immediately focused on Kim. He was furious when he saw she was shackled to the chair. "You ok, KP, Monique?"
Kim was relieved to see Ron before her, but very concerned by his appearance; he looked dreadful. But she couldn't show her anxiety since he needed to remain focused; she knew if she looked worried, he'd begin to worry. Kim simply answered, "Everything's spankin', Ron."
Ron nodded. He began trotting to Kim and Monique, intent on removing their shackles. As he approached them, he looked over to the Seniors. "Boys, get ready, because you are going down."
"Ah, I do not think so, Ron Stoppable," Señor Senior said as the room quickly filled with Euro-androids. Ron assumed a fighting stance. Synthodrones. Androids. Ninjas, he thought. At least it's not the bullies in D Hall.
They androids began attacking. Ron was surprised by neither their speed nor their agility. He found himself kicking, pivoting, flying, throwing punches, rolling, and diving, alternately wielding the Kimstick as a staff and a sword. As he went by Kim, he complimented her on her dress. She smiled. Then, coming back, fighting off another android, he complimented her on the pearls. She blushed. A third time he rolled by and made sure to compliment Monique on her dress.
She turned to Kim. "He's good!"
"Oh, wait till he gets warmed up!" Kim replied.
Ron wasn't sure how much longer he could keep up the fight. Then he caught motion from the corner of his eye. It was Junior, wielding a floor lamp, rushing into the melee. This tanks, he thought. I'm gonna be finished off by the least serious member of Club Evil. Geez, not even Frugal Lucre.
What happened next came as a complete surprise to Ron, Kim, Monique, but especially Señor Senior. Junior swung the lamp wildly, knocking down one android and denting the head off another. He beamed with pride. Ron gawped for a moment, then dove to the floor, tackling Junior. As they went down an android's arms swiped the air where Junior's head had just been. "Lesson one, dude. Do not stand still in the middle of a fight. Hit or run away. Got it?"
Junior nodded his understanding.
Ron then got up and extended his hand to the other young man. "Junior – thanks," he said, before pushing the younger Senior out of the scrum as he resumed the fight.
Ron sized up the situation. Seeing an opportunity, he ran to the chairs and, with lighting fast slashes of his sword, cut through the shackles. "Go! Go! Go!" he yelled at Kim and Monique.
The two young women ran to the side of the hall
Away from the fight, Kim looked down at her dress. She was grateful for the slit on its side. She grabbed the material and tore – her gown had just become a short cocktail dress, which would give her much greater freedom of movement. She looked at Monique and said, "Gotta go!" then ran to join the fight.
Kim did a double flip. Her leg hurt, but she didn't care. This is where she wanted to be, fighting by Ron's side.
"Hey, KP, you're showing some leg. Nice!" Ron said with a wolfish grin as he wielded his sword, taking down an android. He knew her well enough not to chide her for fighting on a still-healing leg.
"Keep your head in the game, Bad Boy!" Kim replied with a smile of her own, grabbing the arm of another android and using its momentum to toss it over her shoulder. She loved him for not chiding her for fighting on a still-healing leg.
"Aww man, you're taking away all my fun." Ron said as he dodged a hit from an attacker, then pivoted and kicked out at another.
"How about I'm saving it up for later?" Kim suggested as she reached down, took a severed android arm and began swinging it like a club, knocking off the head of one of its fellows.
"Boo-yah!" Ron exclaimed.
Monique watched with awe as her two friends battled the androids. They worked together, anticipating each other's moves, ever ready to help the other. They made what they did together seem easy and natural. And Monique knew that was anything but the truth; what they did required hard work and a great deal of trust.
She could see that Kim was trying her best not to overwork her leg. She wanted to help. Then, as she saw an android head roll in her direction she noticed the scrap of fabric Kim had torn off from her dress and realized she had now had a weapon and ammunition. She readied her weapon, swung it around her head a few times and let the projectile fly, perfectly aiming it at the head of one of Kim's attackers, which collapsed to the ground.
"Thanks, Mon! You rock!" Kim called out.
Junior nodded approvingly. "That was very cool, Monique Black Panther."
She looked at the younger Senior for a moment. Maybe with some direction he could turn out okay, she mused, then surprised herself by thinking, He is kind of cute. "Thanks, Trout Boy. You looked pretty good yourself."
Monique's compliment was all the incentive Junior needed to rejoin the fight. Unfortunately, he was no match for the androids. One grabbed him and hurled him across the room and into the wall; Ron spun around and hacked off its head with his sword.
A shaken Señor Senior went over to his son. "Junior, are you alright?"
"Yes, Father, I am," he said, rubbing his head, before groaning.
"Why? Why did you do this?"
"Because, Father, I have told you. I do not want to be a villain. I tried to be evil. It is not for me. All I have ever really wanted was to be an international teen pop star." He paused. "And I want to have friends. Real friends. My own age. Like them," he said, pointing at Monique, Kim, and Ron. He then looked into the old man's eyes. "And Father, I do not want you to be a villain. I just want you to be my Father. Please, no more evil."
XXXIII.
After Ron and Kim had defeated the androids, she wasted no time in throwing her arms around his neck and giving him a passionate kiss.
"Wow. Can we do that again?" he asked.
"My pleasure," Kim said with a happy grin, before honoring Ron's request. They slowly pulled out of their kiss, but not out of the embrace.
At that moment, Ron was not only grateful for Kim's attentions, but for the Yamanuchi training that was helping him suppress his pain; he knew he'd taken a beating and sooner or later his body would begin complaining. Very, very loudly.
"I was so worried about you, Ron. I thought, when you were on the wall, you were going …" tears began to well up in Kim's eyes; even thinking that Ron might die tore at her. She had never considered herself to be emotional, but dating Ron had brought out this side of her. It was a price she willingly paid.
Gently, he stroked her hair.
"Hey, hey, it's alright, KP. I'm okay, I'm here. And man, was I worried about you." Ron grew quiet, then spoke softly. "You know, you saved me out there."
Kim pulled back and looked at Ron. "What do you mean?"
"KP, I thought I was a goner up on that wall. But I happened to see the inscription on the Kimstick," – when Kim looked puzzled, he explained that that was how he thought of the staff she'd given him – "about anything being possible for us. And then for some reason I thought of turning it into a shield. If you hadn't given me the Kimstick for Christmas …" He just shook his head.
Kim held him close. "I love you so much, Ron."
XXXIV.
The room had grown quiet.
Señor Senior was still kneeling by Junior when Kim, Ron, and Monique came over.
"It's over Señor Senior. You've had your fun," Kim said icily.
"Uh, KP, isn't there usually like another part of the plot we have to deal with. You know, while we're fighting he's busy sending some doomsday thingie into orbit?"
Kim shook her head. "Not today, Ron."
"What? No fiendish plot?" he exclaimed. "This was for nothing?"
"No! It was not for nothing," Señor Senior responded. "You may now do with me what you will. I have had my satisfaction. By capturing Kim Possible I have taught her humility and you, Ron Stoppable, the importance of watching what you say."
Ron stared goggle eyed at the elder Senior before he snapped. "Dude, if I want fatherly advice, I can get it from my Dad or Mr. Dr. P. I don't need it from you."
"There is no need to be hostile. We can talk reasonably, like civilized people," the old billionaire said, rising to his feet, at ease now that he knew Junior had not suffered serious harm.
"Civilized!" Ron exclaimed. "You kidnap Kim and Monique and make me run through your Obstacle Course of Doom and you're talking to me about civilized? Dude, you've got some nerve!" Ron's breathing was growing heavy and he was clenching his fist.
Kim put her hand on his arm and squeezed gently which helped to calm him down. "Señor Senior, we have nothing to discuss with you. We want to leave. Now."
"But I disagree. We have much to discuss …"
Monique watched the two teen heroes and the old villain. Something was bothering her. Something that she'd set aside as the evening's 'entertainment' began. "Excuse me …" she said. But the trio was too absorbed in its own verbal sparring to take note of her. She went over to Junior, who was still sitting on the floor, his back against the wall.
"Trout Boy, how'd you meet Bonnie?"
"She came to our other island on a visit with Shego."
"You sure your head wasn't hurt when you hit that wall? Isn't Shego that woman Kim's always fighting?"
"My head is fine, though my hair is mussed up. It was Shego."
Monique stood up and called to her friend. "Yo, Kim!"
Kim didn't respond, still lost in heated argument with Señor Senior. Her anger over the evening's events had only been mounting. Now it was Ron's turn to help her stay calm, though he was having little success given his own feelings at the moment.
Monique walked over and grabbed her friend's arm.
"What?" Kim asked.
"I don't know what you're all fussing about over here, but I've some dirt to dish. Junior says Bonnie knows Shego!"
Kim and Ron stood, stunned. Kim looked to Señor Senior. "Any other secrets we should get from Junior?"
"Secrets? I have been trying to tell you this for the past ten minutes, but you kept saying you had nothing to say to me. I was trying to convince you otherwise."
"Oy," Kim said while Ron slapped his forehead.
"Shego is the reason I came to regret my turn to villainy. She was the one who introduced Junior to that Bonnie. And she has been threatening my fortune; she has already extorted 5 billion from me.
"That is why I sought to settle accounts with you. Had you never meddled in my affairs, I would never have met Shego."
"Uh, you really have to learn not to blame other people for the consequences of your decisions." Ron said, inadvertently changing the direction of the conversation. "And while you're at it, you might want to do something about your anger management issues ..."
"I still don't understand why Bonnie was with Shego," Kim interjected, hoping to head off another row.
Junior had gotten up and joined the group. "Do you not know? Shego has a business now. She calls herself Ella Va and runs an international modeling agency. I believe it is quite successful."
Kim forced herself to ask a question to which she feared she knew, but didn't want to hear, the answer. "Junior, did you ever tell Bonnie that Ella Va was actually Shego?"
"Oh yes."
Kim thought about Junior's answer. Bonnie must be so infatuated with being a model that she doesn't care who she works for. She can't actually be heading down the road to big time evil, can she? Even Bonnie's not that rotten. Either way, this is not good. Kim was sure there was no way Bonnie could know the danger she was in. She'd have to talk with her when they returned to Middleton.
"Junior, one more question. I hate to pry, but this may be important. Did Bonnie say why she wasn't dating you any more?"
"No, she did not." He sighed, "But perhaps it is for the best."
Kim remembered that she had a follow up question for Junior's father. "Señor Senior, why did Shego come to the island? Did she say what she was going to do with your money?"
The old billionaire's brow furrowed. "Yes. She said she would be using it to fund something called the X Institute."
XXXV.
They stood at the hatch to the hoverjet.
Señor Senior looked at Kim and Ron. "You have been worthy foes."
"Thank you Señor Senior," Kim replied. "But perhaps it's time to change our relationship. You should listen to Junior. You'll be a lot happier giving up villainy."
"You are probably right," he sighed. "But what will I do with my time?"
"You could try volunteering. My Nana is always busy. Book Club, Election Board, Chez Leisure Activities Committee …"
"Hmm. An interesting idea. I will consider it," he said, looking thoughtful. "Now, if I may, I would like to ask a request of you."
Ron's jaw dropped. After what he put us through, he's asking us for favors? He sure has nerve.
Kim knew what Ron was thinking. But she still felt it was worth hearing him out. He had told them about Shego and the X Institute. Something told her that that piece of information was going to prove invaluable. "Let's listen, Ron."
Señor Senior bowed his head slightly. "Junior is right. He needs to be with people his own age. I think I should send him to a school. Perhaps Middleton High, where at least he will know somebody. I know I cannot assume that you will be his friends, especially after today, but if I did send him, would you at least be a guide?"
Kim couldn't help but smile. "I think he already has someone who will do that for him," she said, shaking her head as she looked at Monique and Junior in deep conversation. This is so ferociously weird, she thought. But I think we may just have moved these two out of the bad guy column. If so, not bad for a day's work.
XXXVI.
Junior was excited by the prospect of going to school in the States. Monique thought it was an excellent idea; growing up super rich without anyone his own age around must have been really weird. She thought this would be good for him. It was agreed that Señor Senior would investigate the possibility of Junior spending the semester at Middleton High School.
As Kim, Ron, and Monique got ready to board the hoverjet, Junior cleared his voice.
"I would like to say something.
"I am sorry for what happened here. I am sorry Kim Possible, that you were kidnapped and forced to watch your boyfriend, I will assume he is a Pink Sloth, run through fields of doom." He looked at Ron. "And I am sorry that you had to do that. Though it was very romantic to see how much you love your Blue Fox. By the way, you looked very cool out there."
"Uh, thanks." Ron said, increasingly unsure of what to make of the day's events. It has just been one strange thing after another since Wade called.
"And Monique Black Panther, I must confess that I am pleased you were drawn into this. You said things that Father and I both needed to hear. Thank you."
Monique couldn't help but smile,thinking, The big lug might really have some potential. "You're welcome, Junior," she said, thinking the time had come to stop calling him names.
"Please, if we are to be friends, call me Trout Boy," he said flashing a rakish grin at Monique.
XXXVII.
"Man, I am glad to be leaving that weirdness behind," Ron said as the three teens began settling into their seats on the hoverjet. "This is, however, one bon-diggity airplane!" he exclaimed, looking around. "We are flying in style," he added as he put up his feet. "This sure beats jumping out of a bomber!"
Kim rolled her eyes. "So not the drama, Ron. I did it first, you know. It's no big."
"Oh yeah, KP? Well, did you jump out of the plane, free fall, deploy your chute," she nodded with an air of 'been there, done that', "then dump your chute and use your jet pack to skim just 20 feet over the ocean for five miles?" Ron spread out his arms and made flying noises.
Kim was very impressed; she hadn't yet had the chance to ask him how he actually got to the island. "Spankin', Ron!"
"Anything to get to my KP," he answered, feeling pleased.
"Awww, you are soo sweet," Kim cooed. She then turned to Monique. "Well, now you've been on a mission. And you were great. So, you want to join Team Possible?" she asked.
"Ha!" Monique responded.
"We've got a great employee discount program!" Ron added.
"Boy, I'll stick with Club Banana. You are two of the best friends I have ever had but I never want to do this again."
"Twenty percent off save-the-world gadgets, plus a preview of all the latest villain fashions …" Ron said.
Monique laughed as Kim then tousled his hair.
"Hey, don't mess with the do," Ron protested. "You'll throw my essential Ron-ness out of balance."
"Your do is already a mess," Kim replied. "And your essential Ron-ness has been out of balance since pre-K."
"You two are really something, you know that?" Monique said. "And that something is nuts. You know that? N-U-T-S!"
Kim laughed; Ron did too, but then he winced. Kim looked at him, concern on her face. "Okay, extreme sports boy, back into the cabin. I'm checking you out."
"Yes, ma'am," Ron said, heading aft to the small bedroom. "But you have to promise you'll ice that beautiful leg of yours."
"Deal," she said, following him.
"Yo, Kim, "Monique said, "Looks like a good place to join the MHC!" She then winked at her friend.
Kim looked at her blankly, then realized what MHC meant. She turned a bright shade of red and hissed, "Monique!" Kim then hurried a suddenly confused Ron back to the room. Kim closed the door.
"Okay, Ron, take it all off."
"Huh?"
"Your clothes, take them off. I want to check your injuries."
Kim knew enough about first aid and medicine that she had even been asked to volunteer in the Middleton Medical Center ER; she was well qualified to give Ron an initial once-over. Ron, for his part, knew it was wise to listen to Kim when she was in mission mode; she would be relentless until she achieved her goal. He complied without protest, taking off everything but his boxers.
Kim gasped, "Oh, Ron …" as she saw how his body was covered with bruises, cuts and scrapes. She quietly examined him; he flinched and gritted his teeth when she pressed his ribs on his right side. When she was done, she asked him to stay seated. She went to the small restroom and retrieved the things she needed to clean him up and provide basic care for his wounds. She worked quickly but gently. Ron sat quietly, enjoying the attention and the feel of Kim's touch, allowing his mind to wander.
"So, what's MHC?" he asked, surprised to see Kim reddened. "Hey, you got me down to my boxers, KP. I'm the one who should be blushing. No secrets."
As Kim began to tell him, Ron promptly blushed. As she spoke, her words came coming out increasingly fast until she was not even pausing between words and phrases. "… Monique asked on the way over if we were members and I said no that we would wait until we were married to do that kind of thing."
Ron blinked a couple of times as his brain attempted to makes sense of what he thought he had just heard. Whoa. Did she just say married? Like in she wants to spend the rest of her life with me? Lots of information to process here, Rondo. Finally, he was able to stammer, "Married?"
Kim began wringing her hands, suddenly worried that she had said the wrong thing. "I, well, uh, kind of hope that, someday, maybe, you know, you'd want to …" She then flopped down backwards on the bed and let out a frustrated "Aaaargh." This wasn't how she had wanted to talk about this. Ron is probably freaking. I hope I haven't scared him off. Like he needs to be worrying about a marriage-crazy girlfriend before he even graduates from high school. Nice work, Possible!
"Spend the rest of my life with you?" Ron replied. A moment passed, then he said, "I'd like that, KP."
Kim sat up, a hopeful expression on her face.
"Really?" she asked.
Ron gently rested his hand on Kim's leg; she covered his hand with hers. "KP, I can't just jump out of an airplane the way you do. I'm still scared silly every time I do it. You do know the reason I like you to go first is so you can't hear me scream?"
Kim responded by squeezing his hand.
"Anyway, to get ready on the way over here I decided to meditate. Set my fears aside. I couldn't empty my head, which is kind of funny, since some people would say there's nothing there already …"
That earned him a scowl. Kim did not like Ron dissing himself.
"… so I began to think of you. And after a while, I just imagined our wedding. You were so beautiful as you walked down the aisle." He paused, looking down at their hands, and smiled. "And when I was on that wall, I found myself thinking of being married to you again. Even got to the part where we have kids. So when did you first start thinking about it?"
"On the way to Japan," she answered.
The light bulb went on over Ron's head. Now he understood Major Weber's comments. "So that plane seems to have some real love mojo. Anyone other than Monique and Bomber Pilot Lady know?"
She nodded. "Mom." Kim saw Ron's eyes bulge. "Mom, not Mom and Dad. You're not going to space yet. Just Mom knows ..."
Relief swept over Ron's face.
"… And Wade," she added.
"Let me guess. You're still keeping your diary on-line. Man, I thought I you were supposed to be the smart one!"
Kim pulled a face. "So, tell me about our family."
"We have twins."
"Twins. Or tweebs?"
Ron laughed, then winced. "Oh, man, that really hurts. Uh, since you'd be contributing one half of the gene pool, I'd be careful and prepare for the latter."
Kim groaned, but then smiled.
"They're named Jonathan and Miriam," Ron noted.
Kim nodded, thinking of the history behind those choices. "I like those names."
"We call them Jon and Mim," he said grinning.
"Wait a minute. So when we get the families together, we can have Jim, Jim, Tim, Kim, Mim, Ron, Jon, Ann and Nan?"
"Don't forget my parents …"
"Of course not … Don. Goes well with Ron and Jon."
"Ah yes. And Mom – Barbara Jo! She is gonna feel so left out!"
The two teen heroes looked warmly at one another. Kim leaned in to Ron and kissed him. "Jon and Mim. Yes. Those will be their names."
"KP, you mean everything to me. But I want us to do things right. If I'm lucky enough to marry you someday, I want it to last for the rest of our lives. And to do that I, at least, need to do some more growing up. Maybe we could talk with someone like Rabbi Katz, get some advice on how not to mess things up. I'm not exactly Mr. Experience in the relationship department."
"You could fool me based on the last few months," she said with a smile. She looked at Ron affectionately. "So tell me Ron Stoppable, when did you first start being wise?"
"Uh, let's see," he replied, gazing up at the cabin ceiling, as if looking for the answer there. "Oh, that's easy, KP. It was the night I was tied up to a giant cactus at Bueno Nacho headquarters, smartened up and told you how I felt …"
Kim took Ron's hand and lifted it to her lips, kissing it gently. "Ron, I agree with everything you've said about waiting. I know need to do some more growing up, too." Kim then found herself wearing a shy smile. "But then maybe that means we could do some silly teen thing, like, say, be engaged to be engaged?"
"Badical!" Ron replied with enthusiasm; Kim giggled. "Oh, and we need to be able to do something really sappy to show our love for one another." He screwed up his face, trying to appear as if he was thinking great thoughts. "How about this?" he asked, holding out a hooked pinky. Kim followed his lead, hooking her pinky around his.
"I love you," they both said simultaneously. They laughed; once again Kim beat Ron to the punch.
"Jinx. You owe me chicken Kimberly!"
"Someday, Kim Possible," Rom said in his best Zorpox voice, "I will beat you to the jinx button."
"Promise?"
"Promise. Even if it takes the rest of my life."
XXXVIII.
The hoverjet reached Middleton in just under five and a half hours, making its first stop at Monique's house. Kim had called ahead so her friend's parents could greet their daughter – and not be surprised by the arrival of a stealth aircraft above their driveway. The next stop was the Stoppables. Kim's parents had come over to wait with Mr. and Mrs. Stoppable.
The two teens disembarked from the aircraft. Their parents were standing in the driveway, Rufus by their side. Everyone's first reaction was one of relief. But concern soon spread over their faces. Kim had done her best to clean Ron up, but there was nothing she could do to hide his injuries. His mother began fussing over him, as did Rufus.
"Hey, Mom, I'm okay, really. Got the best nurse in the world here," he said, his arm around Kim. That didn't stop Ron's mother from looking at him and saying, "I'm sure you do, Ronnie. But your nurse's mother happens to be one of the world's best doctors. Perhaps she can take a look at you."
Ann Possible voiced her unambiguous agreement with this suggestion.
After a brief examination, Ann decided she wanted Ron to go to the hospital for X-rays. When she heard about the fight, she insisted that pictures of Kim's leg be taken, too. Ann shook her head as she looked at the results, which in Ron's case revealed some seriously bruised ribs, but thankfully nothing more. Based on what he endured, she was impressed that Ron's injuries were not more severe. And she was relieved that Kim's x-rays showed no new damage and that her daughter had not been dealt a set-back. Ann told Ron that she wanted him to stay in the hospital overnight for observation and had him admitted. Kim was told she'd have to rest the leg. "You see any androids and you're calling 911," Ann ordered. "Got it?"
The two sets of parents visited for a short while, then said goodnight, and left Ron's room. Kim followed them, but returned a few moments later. Rufus had already curled up discreetly in a corner, which gave Kim and Ron some privacy. She stood by his bed, running two fingers along his cheek and to his lips; he gave Kim's fingers a gentle kiss.
"Well, you should probably go home and get some sleep; it's late and you don't want to keep the 'rents waiting," Ron said. "See you tomorrow, KP?"
"The second you wake up, Ron," she replied as she took the seat next to his bedside. "I spent enough time in one of those beds. Now I'm going to find out what it's like to sleep in the chair!" Kim reached up and hooked her pinky with Ron's, and sat there quietly, watching as he fell asleep.
XXXIX.
Shego, having to deal with two moopy teenagers, was beginning to feel like a den mother.
There was Fukushima, who months later was still fuming over the failure of the Lotus Blade to respond to his command. He was convinced that he'd been tricked by the Outsider. Shego had considered disabusing him of that notion; she'd seen Stoppable make the sword dance. Whatever it was he had, Fukushima didn't. But she kept quiet. An angry Fukushima could be a more useful Fukushima.
Then there was her protégé, Bonnie. Shego could see the young woman was in a funk. So, two days after Christmas, Shego invited Bonnie over for dinner. She thought she knew how to improve her spirits. She welcomed Bonnie into her penthouse and asked her to take a seat. Shego then excused herself and left the room. A couple of minutes later, she returned with a small box. She opened it and placed it in front of Bonnie. Bonnie looked at its contents: a small square red object that looked like a ruby.
"It's a mind control chip, cheerleader. Now imagine it on Kimmie's forehead."
Bonnie did, and she smiled. Her spirits continued to rise as Shego told her in great detail the story of the time Kim had worn one; she would have enjoyed seeing Kim go out to capture Ron Stoppable.
Which helped Bonnie make a decision. She wanted to be the one putting the chip to use.
TBC …