Many thanks, as always, to: WhiteLadyoftheRing, Zaratan, oneredneckgoddess, mattb3671, campy, IncrediRaider8, demon-sword, SirDucksworthy, warprince2000, x-forgotten-angel-x, the real Violent Parr, AndrewMcGuckin, and demiryu. And thanks to those who've recently added Epic Sitch to their favs and alert lists.
Special thanks to campy, of Team Possible – Editorial Division. He wins the Wade Load "back office" award.
And, like the "heroes" at Team Impossible, I, too, say what my lawyers tell me to say … just in case: If you saw it on KP, Disney owns it.
I.
Bonnie smiled malevolently. "Happy Valentine's Day, K!"
She smirked as she looked at Kim. Bonnie reveled in the knowledge that she could make her long-time rival do anything. She was tempted to have Kim take off all her clothes and run through the school clucking like a chicken. Maybe later, she thought. But first she wanted Kim to do something else. Something she knew would hurt both Kim and Ron.
"Kim, I want you to find Ron Stoppable. And then I want you to beat the stuffing out of him. And at all costs, do not let him take the chip off of you. You got that?"
In a syrupy monotone, Kim repeated Bonnie's instructions.
"Oh, and you can give me those pearls." Kim removed the necklace and earrings and handed them to Bonnie, who grinned. "Go to it, Possible."
Kim headed off down the hallway to find Ron. She raged in frustration at her own impotence. She wanted to warn Ron. She wanted to strike out at Bonnie. But she knew what she was going to do: find her best friend/boyfriend and attack him.
II.
Ron was at his locker, retrieving one of the little surprises he had for Kim. He knew he was being corny, but he'd never had the chance to give a girlfriend Valentine's Day chocolates; that he was giving them to Kim made the whole experience that much more special. He was just taking the heart shaped box from the locker when he heard Kim say his name. Wearing his big goofy grin, he turned and looked to her.
"Hey, K …"
He never finished the sentence. Kim's perfect uppercut had just connected cleanly with Ron's jaw.
Ron stumbled backwards. Kim then pivoted and kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying down the corridor. Students scattered. They were accustomed to odd things happening around Kim and Ron but this seemed particularly bizarre, especially on Valentine's Day.
Kim charged Ron. Rufus picked that moment to pop out of Ron's pocket. The naked mole rat saw Kim attacking; utterly confused, he screamed before withdrawing to safety. Before Kim could kick Ron again, he rolled to the side, barely avoiding a foot to the groin. He didn't know what was going on but he knew something was very, very wrong.
Ron sprung to his feet and assumed a fighting stance. This was the first chance he had to look at Kim since she'd assaulted him; he immediately noticed the mind control chip. He wondered if this was the syntho-Kim. Dressed up exactly like Kim's dressed today? Not likely, he told himself
Kim threw a punch; Ron blocked. She pivoted and kicked, he jumped backwards. Fuji. This is Kim, my Kim, he thought. He knew he had to get his Kimmunicator out so he could zap her with the silicon phase disruptor that Wade had installed after their last encounter with Cyrus Bortel's invention.
Ron backed away from Kim and reached into his pocket as she advanced on him. He whipped out his Kimmunicator and pointed it at Kim; but before he could press the button and use the silicon phase disruptor to jam the chip, she had launched a perfectly aimed kick and knocked the device out of his hand. As Ron turned to retrieve the fallen unit, Kim did a handspring, reaching the Kimmunicator first. She violently smashed the unit into the floor, then withdrew hers and did the same. Sensing Ron behind her, Kim quickly got up and turned to face him.
So much for the easy way, Ron thought. He had to get that chip off of her. He knew he couldn't bring himself to hurt her. And he was worried about her leg; she wasn't supposed to be engaging in this kind of activity, not yet. That limited his options. He remembered how the mind control chips worked. He knew she was following somebody's orders, acting against her own will.
"KP, I know you're in there," he said, "I love you. And, uh, I'm not taking this personally."
Ron received no response, not that he expected one. But at least she would know he knew why she was attacking and that he wasn't angry with her. Whether that would help her restrain herself remained to be seen.
He lunged at her; she dodged, and tripped him. Then she pounced. She was hammering him; he deflected most, but not all of the blows. Man, this has got to be hurting her worse than it's hurting me! he thought. And that's saying a lot!
Ron was right. Kim was trapped in a nightmare. Bonnie had deprived her of her autonomy and set her against the person she loved most in the world. Kim knew she was hurting Ron. And she knew he was holding back, because he didn't want to hurt her. Yet she couldn't help herself – she continued to pummel him.
Ron managed to wriggle free. He began running. Kim followed in hot pursuit, but her path was momentarily blocked by the football team, which happened to pass between her and her quarry. Ron hoped to lead her out of the building, maybe tire her out so it would be easier to remove the chip, but the corridor in that direction was too crowded. He'd reached a T. He considered doubling back, but there were too many students in that direction so he headed to the cafeteria – and ran straight into Steve Barkin.
"Stoppable! No running in the halls!" the military man-turned educator barked.
"Don't have time for this Mr. B!" he snapped as he pushed the hulking teacher out of the way.
"You'll have time in detention!" he yelled after Ron.
"Great! See you there," he called over his shoulder.
Ron burst into the large room. Students had begun to arrive for lunch, but it wasn't yet full, which was good. He hoped he could find a place to hide for a few moments so he could gather his thoughts and come up with a plan. Ron was just about to duck behind the food service counter when Barkin reappeared and clamped a large, beefy hand on his shoulder.
"I do not like being pushed by students, Stoppable!" Barkin growled.
"Mr. B., please, trust me. Let go of me, now!" Ron insisted.
"Why …" Barkin replied before he felt two hands on his arm, forcefully pulling, then tossing, him aside; it was Kim. Somehow, he thought, I should have known if something weird was happening and it involved Stoppable, Possible couldn't be far behind.
Kim came straight at Ron, who did a double back flip. That elicited some "oooos" from students who didn't know what was going on. She jumped onto a table, planning to attack Ron from above. Ron hopped onto a table, too. He then skipped from one to the next. Kim followed him. Trays went flying, students began screaming. As they mayhem unfolded, Ron began to form an idea. But his nascent plan was laid aside as he placed his foot in a serving of mystery meat, lost his footing and was pitched to the floor. Kim pounced, raining down more blows upon a momentarily dazed Ron. She then picked him up, spun him around over her head and threw him into the wall. He forced himself to get up.
As if things couldn't get worse, the hockey team walked in, and they were carrying their sticks. Kim wrenched one away from a player. Ron quickly did the same. The two teens began clashing, thrusting and parrying with their wooden weapons. Ron slowly moved backwards towards the door, drawing Kim out of the cafeteria.
"Rufus!" Ron called out. "Get up here!"
The naked mole rat clambered up to Ron's shoulder; he was still scared, he knew this was sick and wrong.
"Okay, little buddy, here's the score," Ron explained. "Kim's in trouble. I'm going to let her take me down. I'm betting that she'll jump me and start hitting me again. When the time's right, you HAVE to get that chip off her forehead."
Rufus nodded and leapt to the floor.
Ron was tempted to just stop fighting and let Kim come at him; this was all so much worse than fighting the syntho-Kim and he wanted to be done with it. But he knew that his girlfriend would smell a trap. Just because Kim was fighting against her will didn't mean she wouldn't draw on all her experience and skills. Ron knew he would have to make this look natural.
He let her take a swing with her stick; the hall was clear and nobody would be hit. He then used his Yamanuchi training to his advantage, hooking Kim's hockey stick and yanking it from her hands, then tossing it behind him. Then he dropped his, kicked it away, and dropped into a crouch. Kim followed suit.
Ron continued to fight, but finally let her get a kick in, and went down. Kim fell upon Ron and immediately began punching him. Rufus ran over and jumped up on Ron's shoulder. Ron grasped Kim's arms and pulled her closer to him, giving Rufus a better chance of reaching Kim's forehead; she tried to free herself by kicking away, but Ron held fast and Rufus, after some effort, was able to remove the chip.
Ron fell back on the floor and Kim collapsed onto him, stunned. Then she began sobbing. He wrapped his arms around her.
"Ron, I'm so sorry. I, I couldn't stop. I had no control …"
"I know, KP, I know. Don't worry. It's okay, it's okay." This wasn't the time to tell her about his jaw; which really hurt. He was sure that some teeth were loose. That he'd have a shiner was a foregone conclusion; she'd landed a wicked punch to his left eye.
She was convulsed by her crying. Ron could only imagine how awful she felt and for so many different reasons. To have her free will taken from her. To be set against her boyfriend. To be forced to humiliate herself in front of the whole school. He lay there holding her, stroking her hair and whispering that he loved her.
Steve Barkin approached them.
"Stoppable! Possible! I …" He looked down at Ron; he'd never seen an expression like that on the boy's face before. It brooked no disagreement. Ron slowly shook his head. Barkin understood and backed away. He turned and began shouting at the gathering crowd of students. "Okay people! Move on. Get to class!"
Kim was slowly getting her crying under control.
"B-Bonnie," she whispered, barely audible.
Ron was shocked.
"Ron," Kim said, "Bonnie did this. I am so sorry!" She began to cry again. He held her even closer.
Kim was miserable. She hated herself. This was supposed to be the most special Valentine's Day ever, and she'd just beaten up her boyfriend, in public, at Bonnie Rockwaller's behest.
"Hey, KP," Ron said, finding it a bit more difficult to talk as his jaw swelled and he tried not to loosen his teeth any more. "Let's go back to our lockers. I've got some chocolates I was planning to give you ..."
She was amazed that he could he even think about that now. She just looked at him.
"… I'm not gonna let Bonnie ruin my Valentine's Day. I was having the best Valentine's Day of my life and I plan to continue to have the best Valentine's Day of my life."
"Ron, I love you so much."
"I know, KP, I know." Kim got up and helped a woozy Ron to his feet. Barkin turned to the two students. "You two okay?"
"Yeah, Mr. B., we're okay," Ron answered, his arm around Kim. "Just a mind control chip. You know the drill." Ron looked down at the device, then at Kim. "You want to do the honors?"
She nodded, then crushed the chip beneath her heel.
"Get some medical treatment, Stoppable. You look like a mess."
As Kim and Ron walked away, Steve Barkin shook his head. Life would be much quieter when those two graduated. But it would be a whole lot less interesting.
Ron found the box of sweets he had dropped a few feet away from his locker and gave it to Kim. "Kim Possible, would you be my Valentine?"
She smiled as she took the heart shaped box. "Yes, I'd love that, Ron Stoppable." She looked at him with red-rimmed eyes, then shifting into take-charge mode said, "Now let's get you to the hospital. I think Mr. Barkin's right; you need someone to look at you."
Kim drove Ron to the Medical Center; on the way there she called her mother and told her what had happened and asked if she could somehow expedite treatment so she could take Ron to the dance that night. Ann said she'd make the arrangements but only on the condition that Kim had her leg examined.
After Kim had her x-ray, she went to see Ron, who was receiving a more thorough examination. She said she would be back for him later; she had something to attend to. Ron didn't have to ask what it was. He knew she was headed back to the High School. Kim Possible had a score to settle.
III.
She found Bonnie in D Hall.
"Hello Bonnie," she said as vapidly as possible. Kim had taped a small square of red paper to her forehead; it would fool Bonnie for only a second or two, but that was all the time Kim would need.
Bonnie turned around. Kim resisted the urge to sucker punch her rival; that would be stooping to Bonnie's level. Instead, she grabbed her surprised classmate by the arms and pushed her up against the wall.
"I don't know what your game is Bonnie,' Kim growled, "but I will never, ever forget what you did to me and Ron today. I'm only going to say this once: Stay away from us."
"Or what, Kim? You'll beat me up the way you did Ron?" Bonnie relied.
Kim was momentarily taken aback by Bonnie's brashness, but quickly recovered. She let her grip on the brunette loosen, then she slammed the girl back into the wall, gaining Bonnie's full attention.
"You like what I did to Ron?" Kim snarled. "Well, what I'll do to you will make that pale in comparison. Don't mess with me, Bonnie. You don't want to find out what it's like to be on the receiving end of sixteen kinds of kung fu." Kim took a moment to stare into Bonnie's large, frightened eyes. "Where are my pearls?"
"P-pocket …" Bonnie stammered.
Kim reached in and retrieved her necklace and earrings. She then glared at Bonnie a final time and stormed off. Bonnie was shaken. She'd never seen Kim so enraged before. She resolved that the next time she'd be able to fight back.
IV.
Ron's jaw was not broken, though he did lose two teeth; fortunately, they weren't in the front. He also had a black eye and some minor cuts and bruises. And his body was sore. But he was able to take Kim to the dance. When they arrived, they were relieved that people acted as if nothing had happened earlier in the day. Steve Barkin had spread the word that the ruckus involving Kim and Ron was due to a garden variety mind control accident and that there was no need to panic. It also helped that Kim and Ron's classmates were more interested in talking about the new couple that showed up at the gym that night: Brick Flagg and Justine Flanner.
As Ron led Kim around the dance floor, he was as happy as he'd ever been. Kim rested her head on his shoulder and enjoyed being held by him. They danced that way all night, even during the fast songs, alone in their own world.
At the end of the evening, Ron led Kim to the car.
"I have one more surprise for you, KP."
"You sure we haven't had enough for one day, Ron?"
"Nah, I think you'll like this one."
Kim was indeed surprised when Ron pulled into the lot of Bueno Nacho. The building had sat derelict for months; the old taco sign still lay across the parking lot and the windows were boarded up.
He got out of the car, came around and opened the door for Kim. "C'mon," he said taking her hand. He led her to the front of the restaurant, reached into his pocket and retrieved a key. He opened the lock and led them inside. They walked to their old booth, which was clean. "Please, sit down."
As Kim looked around, memories began flooding back. "Ron, how …"
"I bought it," he explained, looking very pleased with himself.
Kim just stared at him.
"Kind of ironic," Ron said. "Drakken comes up with that shampoo scheme and raps on TV. I rap after him. Drakken destroys Bueno Nacho. But then I rap again and win a lot of money and I'm able to buy a little bit of Bueno Nacho, at least partially restoring order to the universe. Sadly, we'll have to rename it, maybe the Happy Taco …"
Kim shook her head.
"Mucho Munchos?"
Another shake of head.
"Casa de la Kimberly House?"
A big thumbs down.
"Okay, smarty pants. You try!"
Kim thought for a moment, then smiled smugly. "Badical Burrito."
"Badical Burrito. Hmm. BB. Not bad, KP, not bad at all," he said with a grin. "Badical Burrito it is!"
Kim beamed.
"I thought I'd put Ned in charge," Ron added. "He hates working at the Middleton House of Pizza. I can make some money and we can sit in our old booth any time we want. Whaddya think?"
"Ron Stoppable, you are too much!" she said reaching across the table and curling her pinky with his. "This started as the best Valentine's day of my life. Then it became the worst. And now it's the best again."
"Not yet it isn't. I'll be right back."
He walked behind the counter, went to the refrigerator and removed a bag. Then he walked to the microwave. A moment later he returned to the table. "KP, it's Naco Night, and I'm finally treating! Though they're not nacos anymore; the name was copyrighted. Think I'll call them Kimaritos. Care for one?"
Kim smiled and nodded. They sat there, quietly eating their food. Then Ron reached beneath the table and pressed a button.
"Care to dance?" he asked as Could it Be? began to play. Kim happily took his hand, and let him lead her around the dusty, grimy floor of the place that had given them so many wonderful memories and she knew would surely give them many more.
V.
Shego looked around the abandoned lair. She couldn't help but smile as she was filled with nostalgia. Even if every single one of their plots ended the same way, she and Dr. D had had some good times here. She picked up the story boards from one of her favorites of his dopey plans – the one where he was going to fill a bottomless pit with water and drop Possible in to be savaged by a shark and giant squid. She was chuckling when she heard a familiar voice.
"Ah, Shego. So good to see you." She turned around. A tall man with a receding hairline, aquiline nose, light tan, and impeccably tailored double-breasted suit stood before her.
"Good to see you too, Doctor D." She was impressed with what a trip to the plastic surgeon, some treatments with a Complexionator, and a really good tailor could do. He actually looked distinguished. "You're looking pretty good."
"Why, thank you, Shego. As are you." Drakken noted that his onetime sidekick was a killer dresser. He nodded appreciatively as she sat on a desk and crossed her legs. She smiled briefly, then put on her business face.
"Okay, enough with the chit chat," she said impatiently, though she was still smiling. "How's it going on your end?"
"Excellently, Shego. I must confess your plan was brilliant. We will have total strategic control of outer space in six weeks. The Drake Star will be operational on April 1."
Shego began laughing. "Drake Star? Where do you come up with these names for your toys?"
Drakken pouted. "Well, you have to admit. It is catchier than Non-Geosynchronous Orbital Platform-based Particle Cannon."
"Whatever," she said with a roll of the eyes. "Next. You really plan to go live on April Fool's Day, Doc? You consider the possibility that you'll broadcast your demand for the world to surrender and everybody'll think it was some kind of gag?"
Drakken pulled a face. He hadn't missed the sass; well maybe he had a little. Snap. She's right, he thought "You have a suggestion?" he asked.
"Yeah, I do. May 15."
"Why?"
"I told you when we started. I want one thing: Princess. I think it would be perfect to slam her the night of her senior prom …"
"Shego, you are a bad girl."
"I know … Drew … that's why you like me." Much to their surprise, the two villains found themselves exchanging looks wholly appropriate for Valentine's Day.
VI.
Kim, Ron, Wade, and Rufus were gathered around the Possibles' kitchen table. Kim had decided she wanted Team Possible to meet in person each month to review their cases; it was good freak-fighting practice and it forced Wade to go out in public without first having his system spiked or a friend hospitalized, which, to Kim's best knowledge, had been the only two reasons, and instances, Wade had ever ventured outside his room. Since it was a Saturday morning, Ron had offered to make breakfast for everyone. He was relieved to see Wade eat; he had long wondered whether the young computer genius lived on soda alone.
Wade couldn't help but admire Ron's shiner. "That's quite a black eye you've got."
"Yeah, well KP knows how to deliver one badical roundhouse."
She winced; Ron's attempt to make light of the previous day's event had only made her revisit the beating she'd inflicted on him.
He tried to recover. "But that's nothing compared to her kisses!" He leaned over, lips puckered.
"Nice try, lover boy!" she said with a laugh, before rewarding him with a peck on the lips. Then she whispered into his ear, "Even when you're all black and blue you're still a hottie."
Wade saw a huge smile spread over Ron's face. He was watching all of this with bemusement. He'd gotten use to the sight of his two friends playing kissy face. "You two want Rufus and me to leave so you can have your privacy?" he asked.
Kim looked into Ron's eyes for a second more, then turned to the pad of paper before her. "No need. We're ready to get our heads in the game, Wade. Right, Ron?"
"You got it, KP. Head in the game. Head. In. The. Game." he said wearing his goofy grin.
Kim rolled her eyes, then patted Ron's knee.
"Wade, do we have anything new on Shego?"
"GJ forwarded the DNA analysis as requested, though I could tell they weren't pleased. I've rechecked the data three times. I have to agree with them. It was her. I hate to say it, Kim, but sometimes the easy answer is the right answer and sometimes a coincidence is just a coincidence."
Kim sighed. More than a month after she received the news, she still found it hard to believe that her nemesis had died in something as mundane as a car crash within hours of trying to freeze the Seniors' assets. She knew she'd been obsessing ever since. Ron had been sweet, not saying a word, letting her wonder and speculate as much as she wanted to. But Wade was right. She made her decision: it was time to move on from this case. She crossed it off her list.
"Okay, what's the sitch with that missing idol in Belize …"
VII.
After Wade left, James Possible came into the kitchen. "May I talk with you two?"
"Of course, Dad, what up?" Kim asked.
"It's about yesterday," he said, joining them at the table. "What are you planning to do?"
"Do?" Kim asked.
"Yes, 'do.' About Bonnie," James said as his normally open face hardened. "Kimmie-cub, what she did yesterday was horrible. It would be bad enough if it was an isolated incident, but it wasn't. That girl has been making trouble for you for years and she only seems to have become more spiteful with time."
"I don't know if there's anything to do, Dad." Kim replied. "I did talk with her afterwards,"she added, though she didn't think her father would want to know that she'd threatened Bonnie with bodily harm if she so much as came near her or Ron again.
James raised an eyebrow. "You talked to her? Kimberly Ann …"
Both Kim and Ron now knew he was very agitated.
"… she put you under the influence of a mind control device so you would beat your boyfriend silly. And no offence to you or your fighting abilities Ronald, but you're lucky your injuries weren't more severe. Bonnie should be expelled from school and charges should be brought against her …"
"Dad! That could ruin her life!"
"Like she hasn't tried to ruin ours," Ron said quietly.
Kim looked at her boyfriend, who was sporting a black eye and would have to visit an oral surgeon for dental implants. She took his hand.
"What do you want to do, Ron?"
"I don't know, KP. What I want is for Bon-Bon to get a nice transplant. Ya know, if the Attitudinator hadn't blown after the last time I used it on my cousin Sean, I'd say you could jump Bonnie and I could slap it on her and drain all the nastiness from her." Ron chuckled. "Geez, KP I am such a dope. I should have thought of that months ago. Then again, I'd still have the cousin Sean problem …"
Kim watched with affection as her boyfriend's unique thought processes unfolded. She knew Ron was going somewhere with this, especially when Ron's expression turned serious.
"… Your dad has a point. But so do you. I almost feel like we can't win. If we go after her, she gets tossed from school, has no future, and torments us. If we leave her alone, she does what she wants, thinks she can get away with anything, and still torments us. I just don't know …"
"Kimmie-cub," James said, getting up, "Your mother and I will support you, whatever you choose to do. But you know how we feel. That girl is trouble …"
VIII.
"You what!"
Bonnie had never seen Shego so angry before.
"Do you know what you did?"
"You don't have to be so upset. You've still got your own mind control chip to use on Kim."
"Doy! That's not the issue, cheerleader, though Princess was mine to take down! I ought to slap my chip on you instead!" Shego's hands erupted into balls of plasma; she hurled two bolts at a spot very near Bonnie's feet, and watched with satisfaction as her protégé screamed in terror.
Shego let Bonnie tremble for two very long minutes. Part of her wanted to finish the brat off now. But another part of her approved of the guts and venom that obviously motivated her protégé. And she did like the idea of Kimmie beating on her beloved Stoppable. That said, there would be serious repercussions that would require immediate attention.
"You're as bad as Dr. D!" Shego snapped, though she couldn't help but smile. Last night had turned out pleasantly different than she'd expected, though that didn't stop her from wanting a dollar for every time he did something without considering the consequences. She quickly returned her thoughts to the business at hand. "What do you think is going to happen when you go back to school on Monday? I'm the joker running that place, and I'm collecting evidence to have you thrown out. And since Kimmie didn't drop kick you to Kansas, that's probably because she's got the cops going to your house right now. And have you thought about Stoppable?" Shego was waving her arms now. "You messed with his precious girlfriend. In case you didn't remember, he's gotten pretty dangerous lately."
Bonnie really had not thought all of this through; she'd been too focused on what she would have Kim do once she had placed the chip on her rival's forehead. All of her careful planning had been towards one thing: getting the chip onto Kim. Beyond what she would tell Kim to do, Bonnie hadn't given any thought to what would happen afterwards. She had been scared for a moment after the incident in D Hall, but her fear had quickly been replaced by fury over being bested. Brazenly, Bonnie went to the dance, hung with her posse and made snarky remarks about people, especially her one-time boyfriend Brick. Bonnie had hoped Kim would make a scene, but she was too busy hanging all over Ron. When the party was over Bonnie went home. Her parents were away for the weekend, and her sisters away at college. In the morning, she came over to Shego's to tell her about what she'd done; Bonnie thought her mentor might enjoy hearing about the incident and she knew she'd have to tell Shego sooner or later, anyway.
But now Bonnie was worried. She realized that there were going to be serious consequences stemming from what she did.
"So what do you suggest I do?" she asked. "Apologize and promise to never do something like that again?" The idea made Bonnie ill.
Shego laughed derisively. "Even Princess wouldn't believe that, cheerleader."
Bonnie wasn't so sure; Kim was such a goody-goody. But she knew Ron would now never trust her, which was just as much a problem, since he and Kim were joined at the hip.
"Cheerleader," Shego said, "it looks like your time of decision has arrived. You said you wanted to do evil. Now's your time to decide if you really meant that. If you do, it'll mean disappearing. Leaving school, your family, your cheerleading, your little posse, any plans you had for college."
Bonnie frowned. This didn't sound appealing.
"Is there, like, an upside to this?" she asked petulantly.
Shego smiled. "Oh yes. You can help me take over the world. And if you're really lucky, I'll let you help me take down Kimmie and Stoppable, once and for all."
Bonnie looked at the woman who she had come to see as her benefactor. It was only last summer that Shego had appeared on her door step, peddling dreams of glamour. She'd delivered those. But she'd also introduced her to something dark and sinister. Bonnie knew she could leave now and hope that Shego didn't come after her. She could take her chances with Kim, Barkin, the police, if it came to that. She could straighten out her life. And then what? Continue to live in the shadow of her sisters? Grow up to be an ex-cheerleader? Be an annoying suburban housewife like her mother?
"You're serious? Take over the world as in really take over the world?"
Shego grinned wickedly. "Oh yeah, cheerleader. Take over the world as in we rule and all the little people out there – all six billion of 'em – do what we want them to do take over the world."
"And just when is this supposedly going to happen?"
"May 15."
Prom night. Bonnie thought back to last year. Of Kim and Ron's arrival. Of her mockery of them. Of how instead of joining her, the rest of the student body cheered the two losers. Of how they then danced the night away and lived happily ever after. She then recalled the adrenaline rush in the warehouse as she stood over Kim who was lying on the floor with a broken leg. Of the satisfaction she felt as she watched Ron give up his precious sword. Of the power she enjoyed when she put the chip on Kim's forehead. She craved that rush …
"Okay. I'm in."
IX.
Kim and Ron talked more about the Bonnie situation over the weekend. They reluctantly agreed that formal action needed to be taken against their classmate. She had crossed a line, endangering not only Kim and Ron, but others, too. They both had particularly vivid memories of the part of their fight that unfolded in the cafeteria.
They went to talk to Mr. Barkin on Monday; he was shocked to learn that it was a Middleton High student and not some freak like DNAmy who had been behind the Valentine's Day mayhem. He agreed that something needed to be done. When he summoned Bonnie to the administrative offices, she didn't appear. When Barkin learned that she didn't show up for home room that morning, he called her parents. He learned that they hadn't seen her since they'd gone away on Friday; they then called the police. Kim and Ron became worried; Bonnie may have been incredibly cruel to them, but they didn't actually want her to be hurt or in danger. Mr. Barkin said he'd keep them apprised of any news.
The police began searching for Bonnie, but found no trace of her whereabouts. Not surprisingly, they didn't think to look in an abandoned villain's lair on the outskirts of the Tri-City area.
X.
"Kimmie-cub." Kim looked up from the book she was reading. It was her father, standing on the stairs to her room. "May I come in?"
"Sure, Dad," she said warmly. She patted the bed, inviting her to join him. He came in and sat down.
"You're worried that Bonnie will become another Drew?"
"I know it's crazy Dad, but yes, I am."
"Kimmie-cub, I'm proud of you for worrying about a classmate, even one who has been so awful to you. But Bonnie is not Drew. Drew had his problems, and they were obviously brewing long before my posse and I laughed at him. But let's say that Saturday night in college was the sole reason he went bad. That's still not the same as your Bonnie situation. Unless I've missed something, you've never done anything bad to her, have you?"
"No, I haven't. That's what's so ferociously weird about it, Dad. Bonnie's pretty, she's bright, she's athletic and popular. She used to sit at the senior table when we were sophomores! She has a lot going for her. I really don't know why she has a problem with me."
"I don't know either, Kimmie-cub. Maybe she's just not a happy person." He paused for a moment. Then, a little awkwardly, he continued. "I'm sorry if I was a bit vehement the other day …
"It's no big, Dad," Kim said with a wave of her hand.
"... It's just that I worry about you. And I worry about Ronald, too. You're our children, and I don't want you to get hurt."
James saw Kim's eyes open wide in reaction to his last words. You're our children … Did I just say that? He thought about what he'd just said for what seemed an eternity but was really just a minute.
He looked at the prom picture by the bed. "I know I used to grumble about all the food he eats here. But for years he really has been part of our family. Then last year he offered me his friendship." He looked away for a moment as he thought of the magnificent gift Ron had given him last fall. "You know that I worry that the two of you are moving too quickly in your relationship. But after what he did at the Super Bowl and then the way he took that beating from you because he didn't want to do anything to hurt you …," James just shook his head. "Every father dreams that his little girl will find a man who is as devoted to her as Ronald is to you." James sat quietly for a moment, knowing he was about to pass a milestone with his daughter. "I'd be proud to have him as my son-in-law." He paused, then smiling, added with a chuckle, "Just try to take your time and please, don't rush off and elope!"
Kim embraced her father and softly whispered, "I love you, Daddy."
"I love you too, Kimmie-cub. Good night."
XI.
Kim and Ron were at their monthly meeting with Rabbi Katz; they were discussing the idea of "in sickness and in health." They may not have been doing formal marriage counseling, but Rabbi K. thought this section of the wedding vows would be a good topic to explore.
After they'd spent some time talking about honoring one's commitment to an ill partner, Ron looked at Kim and asked nervously, "You'd really still love me if I lost my monkey power and became clumsy and useless again?" Kim looked at Ron. She could see he was worried; despite all he had achieved he still harbored a kernel of self-doubt.
"Of course I will, Ron. Though you've never been useless. I love you because of what's in here," she said patting his chest. Then, taking his hand she asked, "Will you stick by me if Monkey Fist finds another one of those amulets and turns me into a monkey again?" Kim had her own fears; while Ron dreaded no longer being the person he had become and thus no longer being worthy of Kim, she dreaded becoming the thing Ron feared most.
"You can count on it, KP," he said with a reassuring tenderness.
Lose my monkey power? Turn me into a monkey again? Rabbi Katz could see that they weren't kidding.
As they left his study, Rabbi Katz shook his head in wonder. He was glad he'd been in Vegas for the vortex inducer incident; otherwise, he would be worried that Kim and Ron were either seriously delusional or abusing drugs.
XII.
Shego had made it very clear to Bonnie that she was not going to be allowed to sit around all day doing her nails. She was going to work. And work hard. Bonnie had to do research on villain-related web sites. And she willingly spent hours each day in training when Shego reminded her that this was the only way she'd ever have a chance against Kim. Shego was particularly pleased with the progress Bonnie was making in integrating her martial arts, cheerleading, and ballet. Kimmie might have more experience and more moves, but Bonnie could have her own special edge.
Shego alternated Bonnie's training between the syntho-Kim and Fukushima, who seemed as angry as ever. She wondered whether anything was going on between the two – they fought with an incredible intensity that was either unadulterated rage or animal magnetism. She knew she'd need to keep an eye on them. That kind of intensity could be good – she'd seen the way Princess and Stoppable now fed off one another in a fight – or a really big distraction.
XIII.
The Stoppables and Possibles went to the airport to see Ron, Kim, and Rufus off to Japan. The time had come for the trio to go to their gate.
"Now Ronald, I'm trusting you to take care of my Kimmie-cub while you're in Japan."
"Nothing to worry about, Mr. Dr. P. I'm on the case."
"I'm sure you are. And no funny ninja moves with my daughter, if you get my drift. I'm trusting you," James said before pausing. "Besides, I have a spaceship that'll be ready for a test flight pretty soon. Got it?"
Ron gulped.
Kim's father smiled. "Gotcha, Ronald!" He put his arm around the stunned young man's shoulder. "I hope you know that I do trust you."
Ron was speechless for a moment as he digested what had just happened. He looked at James, then Kim. "He played me! Your dad just played me!"
They had a restful flight to Japan and an uneventful trip to the school. Ron was very pleased when the new shuttle bus picked them up and drove them to the gates of Yamanuchi.
It was late when they arrived. Kim and Ron settled into their respective rooms. Ron was putting his bag down when Kim ran into his room and threw his arms around him. "I love it!"
Ron smiled. "Well, why don't you try it on? I'd like to see you in it."
Kim went back to her room, then returned a few minutes later.
"Nice, KP. Very, very nice." A proud Kim Possible stood in front of her boyfriend wearing her very own black ninja suit. She looked forward to showing off the white one next.
XIV.
Frederick decided that whatever was happening on the far side of the station required further investigation. That meant the time for a space walk had arrived. And that would require careful planning and preparation if he was going to do so undetected.
XV.
"Go away," Kim mumbled.
"Rise and shine, KP! It's ninja time!"
"I'll ninja you. I'm sleeping," she said groggily.
Ron entered Kim's room to see her curled up in his jersey on her tatami mat; he took a moment to appreciate how beautiful she was, knelt down and kissed her on the head. "C'mon, Kim. Training starts at 4:00."
"Ron, I'm so tired. Besides, I'm not ready to do hard training yet." She tried the Puppy Dog Pout, hoping that sooner or later she'd overwhelm Ron's defenses.
"Nice try, KP. We start the day with tai chi and meditation. The hard stuff doesn't come till 7:00. And remember, Sensei has that special program for you and we have that special leg brace your Mom made, just to be safe."
Kim reached up and pulled Ron down, giving him a slow kiss. "I hate you, ninja boy."
He grinned. This was why they were staying in separate rooms. He knew he had to keep his head in the game if he was to get the most out of his time at Yamanuchi. That and the fact that he still harbored a suspicion that Kim's father might be spying on him with a satellite.
"I'll see you in a few, KP," he said as he got up and left her to get dressed.
Kim shook herself awake and stretched, put on her ninja whites and went to Ron's room. He and Rufus were already stretching, moving in perfect unison. She watched with a smile.
The three went out to the courtyard, where they had a brief reunion with Yori and Hirotaka. "So, dude, what's the score with you and Yori?" Ron asked Hirotaka.
The young ninja grinned. "I have followed your advice Ron-san. Let me simply say that you are indeed wise."
Ron noticed that Kim and Yori were talking animatedly. He was glad that they seemed to be getting along so well, though he wondered for a moment if that was a good thing when he heard the words "Ron-san" followed by laughter from both Kim and Yori.
The student body assembled and began their exercises. More than once, Kim and Ron exchanged appreciative looks with one another. Ron was thrilled to be sharing this experience with Kim and she was excited to now be included in this very special part of Ron's life.
Kim was startled when during the meditation exercise she opened her eyes and noticed that both Ron and Rufus were floating above the ground. No way! she thought. That is so ferociously cool!
When 7:00 arrived, Kim was led off by Yori for special training that would take account of her leg. Ron and Sensei retreated to the bench beneath the yew tree.
"It is good to see you, Stoppable-san."
"Thank you, Sensei. It's good to be back."
"I see that Possible-san is quickly adjusting."
"Yeah, she is. Though I thought she was going to try some kung-fu on me when I woke her up this morning!"
"I recall that you were not enthusiastic about the hour at which we begin training your first morning here, either," the old master said wryly. "Ah, I see you have brought the staff. May I see it?"
Ron handed Sensei the Kimstick. His teacher handled it reverently, appreciating the wood grain, running his finger over the inscription. "It is a worthy conduit for the power of the Lotus Blade, Stoppable-san."
"So, Sensei, did you know that I was the Lotus Blade?" Ron, even after three months, was still awed by that knowledge.
"No, I did not. Not even Toshimiru achieved the level of intimacy with the Lotus Blade that you have attained. But Toshimiru never had a companion as you do. And while he and the Blade worked as one, you and the Blade have become one."
"Uh, yeah." Ron wasn't feeling any more enlightened. "So where do I go from here?"
"I believe that there are certain arts you should now begin to study …"
XVI.
Later that day, during their lunch break, Kim and Ron walked around the courtyard, holding hands.
Ron could sense that Kim wanted to ask something, but was holding back.
"'Sup, KP? You can talk with the Ron-man."
She looked at him and smiled. She'd been feeling a little hesitant about broaching the topic, but when Ron began to refer to himself in the third person, she always relaxed and felt like laughing.
"Okay, 'Ron-man', I hope I'm not prying, but how do you and Rufus levitate when you meditate?"
"I dunno," Ron answered honestly. "It just kind of happens. Rufus did it the first time we were here. I wasn't able to until …" She saw a look of realization cross his face.
"What? Until when, Ron?"
"Until you and I began dating. Huh." Ron stopped and just looked at the sky, as if he might find the answers there. He had no luck. He turned to his girlfriend. "Why don't you just try?"
"Really? You think I can?"
"You learned how to cook!"
Kim scowled. "You are so going to regret that crack someday, ninja boy."
They sat on the ground, both assuming the Lotus position. "'Kay, KP. Here's what I do. I clear my head, then think of happy things …
"Like me in my cheer uniform?" she said with a sly grin.
"… I am never going to live that down, am I?"
Kim shook her head, but continued to smile. She had to admit that she was flattered by the idea that thought of her could actually enable Ron to float. That really was a compliment.
"… So, yes, you in that bon-diggity cheer uniform. Sometimes. I've also thought of our wedding. Other times, other things."
"And?"
"And that's it. Let's try."
Within moments Ron was floating a good six inches above the ground. Kim, much to her disappointment, was still earthbound.
"It's not working," she said, disappointed.
Ron continued to meditate. He didn't say anything, but he stretched out his hands to Kim, all of his fingers, save his pinkies, folded in. She understood and reached out to Ron, twining her pinkies with his. She closed her eyes, emptied her mind, then began to think of something pleasant. A broad grin spread across her face. Then, remarkably, she could no longer feel anything beneath her. She was floating. The sensation startled her. Her eyes popped open, she lost her concentration, and immediately dropped back to the ground, pulling Ron down with her.
"Ron, that was so amazing! Can we try that again?"
"Sure, KP. Just one question: what did you think of?"
She giggled as she answered. "Green polka dot boxers!"
Ron's eyes opened wide, then he laughed.
Sensei had been watching from his study. He was very impressed by what he had just seen. Very impressed indeed.
XVII.
Harris walked into his boss's office. "The Drone-Sats are deployed and fully operational. We can schedule the demonstration for any time you choose."
"Excellent, Harris. And the other part of Project Ares?"
"Is still on target for April 1."
"Good. Very good. Arrangements will need to be made. We'll want maximum exposure for our roll-out. And I'll want everything tested and re-tested. Let's shoot for May 15. Oh, and let's integrate the Drone-Sats' stealth technology into our little show. I really want to impress our audience."
"You got it, Mr. Drake."
Drakken smiled. Oh, I've got it. And in two months, I'm going to have it all. If only I could laugh my evil laugh right now. Sigh …
XVIII.
It was their last night at Yamanuchi. Kim and Ron had just finished dinner; they had invited Yori and Hirotaka to Middleton for the Senior Prom. "Hey, dude," he said looking at Hirotaka, "You're one of us. You spent a week in Middleton. You've got to be there. And you count by association, Yori. KP's in charge so I can promise you it'll be one bon-diggity party. And I can guarantee you that you'll get permission to come."
The two ninjas enthusiastically accepted the invitation.
Kim and Ron wandered out into the courtyard and found their way to the bench beneath the ancient yew tree. They sat quietly, Kim leaning against Ron, his arm around her. Kim looked up at the starry sky.
"It's beautiful."
Ron looked over at Kim, kissed her and said, "Yeah, it is."
She groaned and rolled her eyes. "Cor-ny!"
"Oh geez, I wish you hadn't said that!"
"Why?"
"Because now I want some of Pop-Pop Porter's Mini Corn Dogs." Ron patted his stomach.
Kim laughed. "You are too much. Where did I find you and can I bring you back?"
"You found me in a playground. I think the return date was, oh, thirteen years ago. Too late. You're stuck with me, KP."
"Oh well," she said as she reached up, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed him.
XIX.
"Good night, KP."
"Good night, Ron." Ron slid the door closed behind him and went to his cell.
The week had been invigorating, yet also exhausting. Mr. Dr. P. never had to worry about us fooling around, Ron thought. We're too tired to do anything! He stretched out on his tatami mat, put his arms behind his head, looked over to Rufus, said good night, and closed his eyes. He quickly fell asleep, his head filled with thoughts of the beautiful girl next door.
Kim had curled up into a ball, happy as usual to be sleeping in Ron's jersey, thinking of its former owner, who was just next door. She soon fell asleep, a smile on her face.
XX.
"Lon! Stop playing around!" Priscilla Possible chided as her companion's breeches fell to the ground.
Zebulon Stoppabilski wondered just what his companion was thinking. "Pim! I cannot believe you thought I did that for fun," he said through chattering teeth as he gathered up his breeches. "'Tis freezing!"
His auburn-haired best friend tried to seem put out, but he could detect a note of fond amusement in her large green eyes. She reached and took his hand, blushing as she did so. "Come, Lon, we must be quick if we are to help!"
Lon was grateful to Pim's family for all they had done for him, the orphaned son of casualties of the French and Indian War. But he couldn't help but question the wisdom of sneaking behind British lines in the early, night-shrouded hours of the day after Christmas to steal a tree from drunken German mercenaries. Of course, the operation was not his idea; it was Colonel Possible who insisted that the diversion would be of great help to General Washington's surprise attack on Trenton. And when Pim insisted on participating in the mission, he joined her. If Pim was going into the field, there was no question that Lon would be by her side. The reason for that was simple – Lon loved the young woman.
He loved her spunk, her sense of adventure, her openness to the world, her beautiful hair and eyes. And he knew she loved him. Yet for all the change sweeping the world in 1776, a Christian girl from a family of the Possibles' standing was not going to be allowed to marry a poor Jewish boy. And since Pim's hand in marriage had already been offered to the local squire, a development that both Lon and Pim found highly objectionable, Lon wanted to spend every moment he could with her before she started her new life – even if it meant participating in a military operation on the coldest night in years.
Pim and Lon quietly made their way to the edge of the cluster of buildings. She turned, looking over her shoulder at her brown-eyed, straw-haired companion. Awkward, but loyal. Easily scared, yet willing to do anything to help her. Selfless. Funny. Happy to indulge her by calling her Pim, and not Priscilla, a name that she hated. Not classically handsome, but attractive in his own special way. Yes, Lon does have his charms, she thought. Especially those large but very cute ears! Pim suddenly found herself unable to stifle a giggle as her eyes focused on his ears. Lon was everything the squire was not. Pim so wished that she were marrying Lon. She knew they would be happy together. But, she reflected bitterly, the choice about her future had been taken out of her hands and made for her by her father. So she treasured every minute she could with her Lon.
She smiled, then hefted a rock that had been secured in hemp and attached to a rope over the eave of an outbuilding, made it fast, then began climbing. Lon watched admiringly, convinced his best friend really could do anything.
XXI.
"KP?" Ron asked softly as he opened the door to her cell.
Kim rolled onto her stomach and looked up at Ron. "Mmmm," she said groggily. "Hi. C'mon in."
He sat down next to her. "I had the most vivid dream, KP."
Her curiosity was piqued. "Really? I did too. Spill!"
"Well, it was kind of weird. It was during the Revolution and our ancestors …"
Kim was fully awake now. "… Pim Possible and Lon Stoppabilski …"
Ron's eyes were now opened wide. "… helped Zin Possible steal a Christmas tree …"
They sat quietly. This had happened once before, at the Tri-City History Museum. Once was a wild coincidence. Twice was something wholly different.
"Wow," said Ron. "I wonder how …"
"I don't know," Kim admitted. She thought a bit more. "Maybe we still have some connection from when we switched bodies … but why now?"
"Maybe it's my mystical monkey power. Maybe it's just us." Ron suggested. "It isn't freaking you out, is it?"
"No," Kim said reassuringly. "It's just something else we share." Then she laughed.
"What?"
"It doesn't seem to matter what century you're in. You can't help but lose your pants ..."
"Hey!"
"... and you're cute when you lose your pants. And cute's good," Kim said as she kissed her boyfriend, then began to explore the contours of his face with her fingers. "And your ears are ferociously cute …"
XXII.
James Possible was talking with the engineers. His new space ship was taking shape. He'd always known that there was a way to build one faster, cheaper, and better than had been standard practice. Now that he was the bureaucracy, he was able to put his ideas into action.
The craft was more than 150 feet long, could be flown by three crew and carry up to eight, and had an ample cargo bay. He was particularly proud of the artificial gravity plating his team had developed. He looked forward to trying it out. Hopefully, the ship would be ready for trials in June. Soon, he'd have Ronald over to take a look at it, and give it a name. James secretly hoped he'd choose Avenger. He had loved Space Passage when he was a kid.
XXIII.
Bonnie had never been so fit in her life. Shego couldn't help but marvel at her student's progress. Once Bonnie had cast her lot with Shego, she began to bring the same single-minded discipline to her combat cross training as she had to her ballet. As a sign of confidence in Bonnie's abilities, Shego began working out with her.
She had been impressed when she saw that Bonnie was able to take down Fukushima on a regular basis. She knew part of that was due to the erstwhile ninja's lack of discipline. But she gave credit to the cheerleader, too. The girl had natural talent and amazing coordination.
Shego and Bonnie warily circled each other. Bonnie kicked, Shego dodged, Bonnie punched, landing a blow on Shego's blocking arm. The cheerleader was still no match for her. But she was learning the moves. The reflexes and speed would come with time and practice.
XXIV.
Ron had been nervous the past few days and Kim could do nothing to settle his nerves. She knew he was anxiously awaiting news from Middleton College. It was a Saturday and she knew he'd spend the entire morning fretting until the mail arrived. If it arrived without news from the College, his anxiety would continue unabated for the rest of the weekend.
"Ron, why don't we go to BB and do some work. Maybe that will help you relax." The Tex-Mex restaurant was scheduled to open in just a few weeks.
Ron knew what Kim was trying to do and he was grateful.
When they came home later that day he found a thin envelope waiting for him. Oh no …
Dejected, he slumped down to the floor. Thick envelopes contained materials for new students. Thin ones, rejection letters.
Kim sat down next to Ron and put her arm around him.
Ron was crushed. He handed the envelope to Kim. "Open it for me, KP? I just can't."
She took the letter and ripped it open. Stupid admissions people! she groused to herself. They so don't deserve Ron!
Kim withdrew a piece of paper and began reading. Then she screamed. "Ron! You're in! You're in!"
"Huh?"
"This letter is from the housing office. 'Dear Mr. Stoppable, we are pleased to welcome you as a new student. Please indicate whether you will need on-campus housing …'"
"Maybe it's a mistake or something …"
"Or maybe they just put this in the mail early. Look at the date. This shouldn't have gone out for another week!"
Ron was a bundle of nerves for the next day and a half. On Monday at 9:00, rather than arriving at Middleton High School, he went to the Middleton College Admissions Office, his letter in hand. He asked if someone could help him. Dean Crawford came out; he showed her the letter.
"Oh dear. You weren't supposed to receive this."
Ron's heart fell into his stomach. The dean turned and fished out something for Ron. "You were supposed to get this."
She handed Ron a thick envelope. "Congratulations, Ron. Welcome to Middleton College!
Ron just stared at the packet for a moment, then let out a "Boo-yah!" that the dean was sure was heard half way across campus.
XXV.
Kim kept looking at the homeroom clock. Where is Ron? she wondered.
As the minutes ticked by, she became increasingly concerned. She worried that his fears had been confirmed and that he'd gone off somewhere in a funk. The moment class ended, she jumped out of her chair and rushed out of the classroom. There, leaning against the wall, was Ron, wearing sunglasses and a new sweatshirt. And poking his head out of his pocket was Rufus, who was holding a little purple pennant.
"Hey, beautiful," he said in his best cool voice. "You down on dating a Middleton College man?"
Kim let out an enthusiastic "Yessss!" and threw herself at Ron. "I am so down with that, college boy!" she said before giving him a huge kiss.
"Wow," Ron stammered. "Knowledge IS good! And I am wanting some more!" he said as he returned Kim's attentions.
Steve Barkin, who saw all this from afar, decided to give this instance of PDA a pass. He was just too darned proud of Middleton College's newest student.
TBC …