There's a little homage/reference in this chapter. Depending on what goes on your TV screen or monitor, you might be able to pick it up immediately, if not already. See if you can find it.
The next morning was a busy one. Just about everyone on the team was doing whatever they could for information.
"Dive." The name given to Kim and Ron from the enemy himself.
Wade and Nev were both busy pretty much hacking into any worldwide database any and everywhere they could to find anything. Yori was inspecting the hotel she was at, such as any equipment that was given to her, who checked her into the hotel, who paid, and so on. Mysteriously, a laptop computer was also given to her with detailed profiles of her 'targets,' which consisted only of Ron, and Kim if she interfered. She allowed Wade and Nev to hack into the computer, but it was clean of any other kind of information. Jen hacked into Bay City's city database to see if she could find anything, even going through all kinds of corporate office systems. She wasn't a techno whiz like Wade or Nev, but she could easily access any information in Bay City that she wanted. Kim and Ron tried to see if they could put a puzzle together with all the information everyone gathered..
Most of this was done through some kind of huge online meeting. Desktop computers on Wade and Nev's side, laptops on Jen and Yori's, and the Kimmunicator on Kim and Ron's end. The screens on all devices were split into five, Kim and Ron sharing one screen.
But they all got the same thing. Nothing.
Jen was just one of the many frustrated at the results. "Hmm, most of the Forefather's assassins I've had to fight and take out have had a lot of bizarre names, but Dive isn't one of them."
"So we're talking about some noob?" Ron asked, who was barely visible on anyone else's screen.
"Probably the other way around, Ron." Wade answered. "When you can't find any information on anyone, it means one of two things: They're new, or they're an expert, and we're probably talking the latter."
"So we have nothing?" Yori asked on her end.
Nev shook his head. "Pretty much. What's even more bizarre is that we've hacked into every computer database in the world and I haven't found anything that may be of use."
Wade rose an eyebrow. "You have been looking for information on this Dive guy and not just hack into every government records computer for the fun of it, right?"
Nev let out a whistle. "I'd prefer the term 'multitasking'. You'd think Japan would be interested in building giant robots and not female companion marionettes that… never mind, going off topic."
Kim was just laying on the bed, putting her Kimmunicator on the phone so that it stood up straight. She had been letting the techno guys and girl talk most of the time. Something then came to her; Everyone had been looking only for the name for the last two or three hours. There was no mention or asking of a physical appearance, no methods of attack, nothing at all. Everyone just went ballistic on a name. That was almost always good enough for a lead, but not this time.
"Wade, got a question. What do you know about optic camouflage technology?"
Typing ensued. "You guys all know it exists, but right now it's only capable of hiding large objects, such as enemy lairs, weapons facilities, planes and such. It can only handle mechanical weapons, like I used with my Wadebot 2.0."
Nev sounded a bit concerned. "That's not entirely accurate…"
Everyone in the chat room focused on him. The tone had an obvious meaning.
Nev sighed. "You've got me. In fact, optic camouflage has been capable of hiding non-mechanical weapons, just like us humans. I'm assuming Dive had some on him, right?"
"He was invisible most of the time." Ron answered.
Nev was silent for a few seconds.
"Nev, what do you know?" Wade demanded. "Don't tell me you had anything to do with its creation…"
"No, but it's a bit of a long story. You see, a few months ago I kind of heard about it on a message board that some scientist in Alaska managed to create some kind of optic camouflage, but it was a cloaking device, unlike the other known camouflage technologies we know of. I didn't believe it, but when I saw the pictures I knew it wasn't just some picture mod with a graphics program. He was looking for a couple of testers. Many people wanted one, I wanted two, but he sure wasn't offering them for free."
Wade didn't understand. "Wait, this guy was offering prototypes of what could be a top-secret weapon… on a message board?"
"No, the only way to find this board and post in it all requires the best hacking. More top secret than the government computers I've gone into."
"So what'd you pay with?" Ron wondered.
"My entire anime collection. I was a bit huge on anime when I was a kid, probably four to six years old, but I lost interest quick when DBZ somehow made its way into my collection. Haven't really been interested in the whole anime scene since. I like the classics, but a lot of the new stuff on TV… kinda sucks. Now I just stick to regular American cartoons. If only shows like Megas XLR weren't cancelled by the creators…"
"Couldn't that guy just buy that old stuff on DVD?" Jen thought.
"No. This was some of the old stuff that you probably never hear of anymore and aren't on DVDs. Needless to say, when I showed him all the tapes I had, we were in business. I suppose I had everything he didn't. Weird."
"And?" Kim asked.
"Two stealth cloaks arrived in the mail about… seven weeks later. They worked perfectly. You know how it's believed that we only see anything because of the way light reflects off of objects? Colors, textures, everything?"
Ron shook his head. "I never understood that concept."
Nev chuckled. "Well, neither did I, but this thing proved it. You see, what this does is manipulate light rays so that every single one 'goes through' you. Because the light doesn't reflect off of you, it renders you virtually invisible. Crappy explanation, I know."
"I think I get it…" Kim took a while to think about all of it. "Let me guess, that's what you used to leave last night, right? That's the only way you can escape so fast without damaging your muscle tissue."
"Exactly! The deal wasn't made too long ago, so I actually got these five months back, I think."
"What happened to the other one?"
His tone quickly changed to disgust. "Val stole it. You remember when he, well, you know?"
"Kidnapped me? Yeah. I-"
Kim had an instant flashback there.
"Awaken, Kimberly Anne..."
The ominous and deep voice echoed throughout the bright white room. Kim could hear Val's voice, but she couldn't see him at all. She couldn't move any of her limbs, pinned against the wall. As the blinding light died down, she was able to observe the room that she was suspended in. It was white steel metal with various lights surrounding the entire dome-shaped room, and Kim was suspended 20 feet on the wall by giant metal donuts that must have weighed a ton each. She wasn't able to move a muscle, but oddly enough it didn't cut off her blood circulation or affect her muscles in her legs and arms.
Shivers went through her spine as something cold touched the bottom of her face. It felt metallic, and even though she knew exactly where it was coming from, she couldn't see it.
"You make it seem like stealth cloaking technology isn't in existence."
Kim knew where the voice was coming from but couldn't see it. Valia slowly appeared before her as his cloaking device turned off, revealing that his left metallic hand was studying her face.
Kim realized she was more aware of the stealth cloak than she realized, but then saw a connection. "Wait a minute, you're not saying… I know this is going to sound dumb, but if he has the other one, you don't suppose he and Dive are…"
"The same person?" Nev almost laughed. "I'm sorry, Kim, but the police and autopsy reports confirmed that he's dead, gone, over, kaput. I know you don't like to talk about it or believe it because you're no killer, but you have to get over the fact that he allowed himself to die."
Wade asked a question he knew and feared the answer to. "So how did Val get his hands on it?"
"The battle suit he stole also had one of the stealth cloaks built onto it. Because the suit, if you remember correctly, was originally designed for extreme defensive measures and situations, the cloaking was added on as a last resort so that it would render you invisible. Heck, I increased my chances of being hunted down when I got this thing."
"That explains why Val had it…" Ron analyzed.
"Oh, but it's not perfect, however. Because it relies heavily on light rays, if you were to bump into someone while wearing it, it becomes easy to see the distortions in the air that resemble the human body. Thus, cover blown. That's why I don't wear it at the airport here or in public. Also, if the wind blows it off, you're screwed, too. Not bad in rain and in quiet movements, though."
Jen understood everything. "So you have one, and it's safe to assume the other one was destroyed when Val's lair collapsed on him."
Ron intervened. "Or when KP put that electromagnet thing in his back and destroyed the suit."
Kim lowered her eyes. "I doubt it would've gotten out in one piece if Val didn't."
Val was an extremely touchy subject for Kim. He was a ruthless villain almost overpowered with his martial arts abilities, definitely high on the angst level, but Kim alone saw some kind of soft side and wanted to expose it. She could never explain why she felt the need to, but perhaps she felt sympathy for him. If she knew how to explain it, the term would be 'Misunderstood'. But Val saw exactly what she was doing and used it against her. Even so, it didn't stop him from doing what he did to Kim, Ron and ultimately, himself. Kim and Nev went to the funeral, so they knew, even if the coffin was without a body.
He was dead, probably the first of Kim's human villains to die, and that was that. The act actually scared away more of Kim's usual villains than when Drakken and Shego were sent to jail, and for a while it tarnished Kim's image. You see her on TV knocking Shego into a tower nearly killing her if not for her supernatural abilities, then the next villain allows his underwater lair to collapse on him. Oh, the talks she had with her parents when that was over.
Kim continued. "So Nev, who was this guy, anyway - The one who sold you the stealth cloaks?"
"Never knew his real name, honestly. Don't even remember who he worked for. I guess I was too psyched at the time about getting it than who it was from. Not exactly a wise moment, I suppose. Never heard from him again after sending out the prototypes. My guess? Word got out and he managed to erase his existence off the net. Not really that hard, actually. He called himself…. Otaku something…"
"Otaku?" Jen was familiar with the word but couldn't put her finger on it.
"People obsessed with anime, video games and computers. Usually collectors or enthusiasts of them."
"Oh, right, right."
"Wait a minute, I forgot, it came with a note… 'Thanks a bunch for the collection! Enjoy!' signed by… Hal."
Yori started talking. "Is it a possibility that another person was also given the same cloaking technology?"
Nev shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea."
It took Wade a while to gather it all in. "So we know that optic camouflage exists to hide a human form. In the wrong hands that could be bad… But Nev, you're also an expert in hardware technology. Haven't you figured out how to make these?"
"Well, for one, I'm not particularly in favor of ripping off someone else's technology. Second, I've tried anyway and I have no idea how the guy did any of this. We're talking extreme heavy duty stuff. This thing makes me feel like a newborn trying to write a book on the connection between The Flux Capacitor and The Da Vinci Code. And before you say anything there's none I know of other than the last word of both start with a 'C'. Just an example."
"Were there any other details on Dive, Possible-san? Right now we only know of his name."
Wade leaned back on his chair. "Usually the one thing we need."
Kim took a moment to reminisce on last night's confrontation. "Hmm… He wore a gas mask, had blonde hair in a mullet, a trenchcoat, but wasn't really any taller than me and Ron. I know he kinda spoke slowly too."
Ron shook his head. "Didn't give us much of a fight, either. He was all about defense."
Kim tried to think, "I still don't get it. This guy confesses that he put Yori under mind control to attack Ron, that he was the one who took out the Forefathers, and has something else planned. Why would he tell us so many details and leave out just as much?"
Jen was quick to answer. "Sounds like he enjoys toying with you more than he is focused on his real plan, but yeah, I know what you mean completely. Why share only half the details? Most baddies hide or reveal everything. Well, I'd hate to be a buzzkill for the moment, but I really, really need to eat."
Nev agreed. "I should as well, and I should really set up a system that tells me I haven't eaten for almost…" He paused to look at his watch, "… Ten hours. Dang. That's research for ya. Well, see you all later."
The two waved and then cut off. The screen was now split in three. Wade, Yori, and Team Possible.
Yori was the first to speak. "I was not aware such technology already existed."
"Kim, I don't want to bring up touchy subjects," Wade warned, "But you said Val wore stealth camouflage when he took you into his lair?"
"Yeah. He actually didn't use it against us. He was more focused on pitting me and Ron into a death match, then fought us with mechanical legs and we barely survived that one. I didn't tell you this?"
Wade shook his head. "You two were in the hospital, went on a date when you got out that night, but after that you two were pushing yourselves hard to graduate on time. Right after that, Ron went back to Yamanuchi to finish his training, and he came back the same day of Val's funeral. Then you two were busy early in the summer. You had the Ice Shadows to deal with, and after that you had some of the worst culprits to confront and capture. It sounds like we're dealing with another one."
Yori was carefully listening in, as this was all news to her. "I don't mean to intrude on your business, but who is this 'Val'? Something about this sounds really familiar."
Ron answered it for her. "The first guy we had to fight after… well, KP and I got together. The Monday after Prom, we tried to stop a jewel heist at the bank, and he was the guy. We got schooled… bad. That's also how we met Nev, since he knew who the guy was and offered to help. Val then broke into a GJ weapons factory and stole some top secret weapons, but that time he was the one who got schooled."
Kim pitched in. "But before that, he managed to put Ron under mind control and tried to make him kill me. It wasn't going to be the last time. Later, he called me out alone and I went into an abandoned warehouse, but I lost that fight. Not that it was fair, since we were both armed with battle suits and he had two extra arms to help him out. I don't remember the details well after that, though."
Ron continued the story. "Since he wanted Kim alone, I couldn't just sit back and watch. I decided to get my own battle suit made by Nev. He put Kim under mind control and now she fought me, and won. Nothing happened a week after that happened, and I realized even if I found them, I wouldn't be able to take Val down. That's when I went back to Yamanuchi… Sensei told me you were on some kind of errand."
Yori nodded. "Yes, that's what I asked him to say. I was actually helping a fellow Yamanuchi graduate set up his own ninja school on the nearby islands."
Kim continued. "Val had taken me to his underwater dome and kept me there for about three weeks. Ron came to save me, but Val took him down. Then he put both of us under mind control, but Rufus helped us out… who's still sleeping on the other bed… but once we snapped out of it, we took him on, and after a long fight, we won, but barely."
Ron took it upon himself to end the story. "We were all beaten, and he decided to blow up his lair. He wanted KP and I to escape, but he refused to follow. You know, he was pretty evil until we took him out, but it was weird. I wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. KP and I were found later on the shore and taken to the hospital to recover, as for Val…"
Yori guessed. "He did not survive. Yes, I remember him now."
Kim and Ron blinked a few times when they heard this.
Yori continued. "He was once a fellow student of Yamanuchi ten years ago. It was about the time I joined. Sensei spoke of him when I came back to the school to help him clean it up for the summer."
Kim had to know. "Valia… Erocus… Ryan…? You're sure…"
Wade knew what to do here. He went into the GJ database and pulled up Val's profile for Yori to see. A detailed picture of the said villain was shown accompanied by some biographical information.
Name:
Valia Erocus Ryan
Age:
18
Gender:
Male
Height:
165
Weight:
Unknown
IQ:
175
Blood
Type: O
Family:
Parents Unknown, raised by Grandfather - Deceased
Race:
Caucasian
Primary
Method of Attack: Hand-to-Hand Combat
Has
a scar that covers his forehead and left eye
Trained
in several styles of martial arts from around the world
Fluent
in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian
Weapons
Experience: High
Military
Experience: High
Expert
in stealth, thievery, close combat weaponry, biophysics and
chemistry, biomechanical studies
Graduated
from Upperton High School with a 4.2 GPA
Missing
left hand - Reason unknown
Deceased
Yori nodded. "Yes, that's him. Former student of Yamanuchi, one of Sensei's best students."
This was actually the first time Kim and Ron had actually seen his official profile, and most of the details revealed were brand new to them.
It took a while for Ron to take it in. "So… how come he didn't stay there like you did?"
Yori shrugged her shoulders. "A student decides how long they need to stay. I believe Ryan-kun was more concerned with studying all styles performed around the world, so he only stayed for a year. Also, he learned techniques much quicker than any other student, including me. In fact, he was one of my usual sparring partners. When Sensei told me that his soul turned dark, I was rather surprised. In the past, he was much different; He was determined and confident, but he was really nice. Often he would throw in a few jokes as we sparred, but he always made sure I was never injured. He also helped students who couldn't understand a move or technique. But something doesn't make sense in all of this."
"And what would that be?" Kim asked, curious.
"When Sensei told me about him when I returned… He said Ryan-kun had returned to the school recently, and that he was forced to end his life."
Both Kim and Ron were appalled. "What?" The news reports in Upperton confirmed they found a body two weeks later and had a positive ID.
Yori hung her head low. "Sensei did not believe I was ready to hear the details, but only told me that Ryan-kun came to the school demanding training. Not only was he not physically capable, as he had various wounds all over his body, his left hand was missing, and his eyes were full of the most extreme hate and anger. Sensei had to decline his request because he only trains those with the pure of heart, and Ryan-kun attacked him. He did not want me to know any more than that."
Ron still couldn't believe it. "Okay, when did this happen?"
"Sensei told me it was shortly after you left the first time to save Possible-san..."
Kim held her forehead. "First, the news says they found his body and confirmed it, and now we find out he died some other way? Wade, can you confirm this?"
Wade had an uncomfortable look on his face. "As much as I'd hate to say it, Kim, how Val died isn't important right now. We have a bigger situation here."
"Right, right. Sorry about that."
"I too am confused, Possible-san, but I refuse to believe that Sensei would lie about anything. But either way, he is gone. Your friend is right, there are other important matters here."
They all came to an agreement there.
"Well, if you two do not mind, I should take my leave as well. I have not found out anything else concerning this matter and I wish to continue my own research."
"It's cool, Yori." Ron assured her. "You take it easy."
"You too."
Yori then cut her communication. The chat room closed, leaving Kim and Ron in the hotel room with Wade on the Kimmunicator.
"I just realized something…" Wade offered, "You don't suppose this Dive guy just made up his name right there and then?"
Kim rubbed her eyes. Looking at so much on a small screen really isn't easy on the eyes.
"If he did, it would be the first time. That's probably why he didn't give us a name immediately."
"There's something else, Kim."
"What is it?"
"You two… How do I say this… You guys remember your culprit in Thailand, Fred Elurt, right?"
The two avoided eye contact, but Kim kept her eyes on Wade. "Hard to forget. Why?"
"Looks like he's on his way over here to Bay City."
Kim paused for a second. "Why? What's he got to do here?"
"I was hoping you had some light to shed on that."
Ron remembered something. "Kim, didn't Dive say he was working with someone else?"
"That's it! It makes perfect sense, too!"
"Wait, you mean you think Dive is working with Elurt?"
"Frederick Elurt's profile lists him as an expert of economic studies and business practices, actually creating at least twenty businesses before he turned into a weapons dealer. They were all sold at high prices, but they're very popular near India, the Indian Ocean and the Philippines."
"I see. So you think he's the one who sent Dive after the Forefathers?"
"Right. He takes out the high powers, and already an expert in business and the economy…"
"Then everyone will go to him and him alone for any information or help they need, the one expert in how to do any and everything. Why hire someone in another country when you have someone in the same city?"
Ron joined in. "He'll take over the whole city…"
"The most powerful city in America right now…"
"… and Bueno Nacho!" Ron finished. "I can't let that guy own the city where Bueno Nacho HQ is!"
"Good thing we caught onto it."
"It looks like he's not coming alone. His hands are also coming over to join the party. I suppose I don't have to ask you if you're going to go in after him."
Kim tilted her head with a smile. "Of course. So any idea where he's landing?"
"Definitely not the airport. He's got a private helicopter, so it's safe to assume he's going somewhere else."
"That landing pad where we fought Yori?"
"No. There's another landing pad on top of the tallest building in the city: The Imperial Outpost Building. It's an empty building, oddly enough, but many people use its facilities. It's got some kind of historical value to it, and it's in the very center of the city. I got some information from Jen about the city, and she says any and every bad guy that comes here always lands there."
Ron put a hand over his fist. "We'll take him by surprise."
"Not a good idea, Ron. It looks like he'll be landing on the roof of that building, but his hands aren't coming on the same plane."
Ron crossed his arms. "Oh, I see. They're the ones coming by regular passenger plane, and they're going to secure the roof for his arrival."
"Exactly. Both planes took off earlier this morning."
Kim looked at her watch. 12:46 PM. "How long do we have?"
"My guess is seven to eight hours. You also have to consider the time zone differences."
Kim had let out a huge yawn, then looked at the time. "It's nearly one, and we haven't eaten all morning."
Ron got ecstatic. "Ooh! Ooh! I call dibs on breakfast!"
Rufus instantly woke up. "Mmhmm!"
Wade laughed. "I'll leave you two lovebirds alone to eat, then. I'll contact you if I find anything on Elurt or Dive."
"Please and thank you, Wade."
Kim turned off her Kimmunicator, giggling at the sight of Ron getting all excited for breakfast, or probably lunch considering the time. "Well, here we go again. Where to this time?"
Ron pulled out his brochure from the airport with the map on it, "You know, there was this one place I thought you'd like…"
"Really?"
"I saw it when I first arrived, but I remembered it just now. Kinda fancy, maybe a little expensive, but the smell of the food was pretty high caliber."
"Sure, we can do that."
"Booyah!"
Kim soon found herself being squeezed by Ron's arms, but because it was one of those moments, she hugged him back, and both were tempted to relive last night's experience for the heck of it. Unfortunately, both of their noses twitched in the embrace, having embarrassment written all over their faces as they released each other.
Kim quietly whispered, "You should take a shower first."
Ron also whispered, "You too."
The two actually hadn't showered since their fight last night. Rufus was giggling the entire time.
Bay City, 9:57 PM
The weather had drastically changed by this time. While Kim and Ron enjoyed lunch and dinner with clear skies, the clouds soon made their way into the city, and a fierce rainstorm now consumed the entire city. Winds were strong, rain pounded on windows like rocks, and almost all of the airport's outgoing flights were cancelled. Anyone would be crazy to fly anything in this weather.
That didn't stop one visitor.
The rooftop of the Imperial Outpost Building - the tallest building in the center of the city with 105 floors - looked no different than any other rooftop. There were a few energy tanks, a small building that had the elevators and stairs in them, and tonight, a total of sixteen men, women, boys and girls were standing perfectly still in the harsh rain that was trying to rip their skin wide open. They all stood perfectly still, arms all behind their backs, heads down with their eyes barely open.
They had actually been standing there for over three hours, ignoring the lighting and thunder as well as everything else the storm had to throw at them. They all waited patiently.
A helicopter's engine and blades could soon be heard through the ravenous storm, faintly, but in minutes it was close. Finally, it decided to take its landing in the middle of the rooftop, the landing gear only a couple of yards away from each of Elurt's hands. They didn't concern themselves with the force and winds of the blades, or that they shot water all over the air. They were going to be completely still no matter what.
The helicopter started to rise off the ground shortly after it came to a full landing, allowing a tall man in a dark cloak to jump off the helicopter and firmly onto his feet. The large transportation vehicle then flew and faded away into the dark storm.
The one figure on the center of the rooftop then made his way to the stairway, now being followed by his sixteen henchmen. They had all walked all the way down to the 100th floor, a large and empty floor, providing an excellent view of the entire city on every side with windows replacing the walls. It was a circular shaped room with a few glass and steel podiums outlining the area. It was all one giant observation deck, but some leftover equipment made it apparent that some people used the floor to provide presentations. There were a few tables, seats and projectors scattered in one area.
Elurt finally opened the doors and made way to the window across from him. His Hands were quick to cover him every step of the way, then scattered when their boss stopped. He took off his soaked cloak, finally revealing himself. He looked no different than he did when he was in Thailand, appearing to be completely unaffected by the rain.
The huge six-foot-five blonde man looked almost possessed as he looked onto the city, putting his right hand against the window.
"Would you look at all that? Such a beautiful city… so much power… so much life… so much energy. Soon, all of it will be mine for the taking… everything…"
One of his bodyguards, a blonde teenager who looked like an ordinary pretty-boy walked up behind Elurt and held out an envelope. "Lord…"
Elurt quietly took the envelope and opened it up. He started laughing when he saw its contents. It was a newspaper article reporting on the sixteen deaths of the Forefathers. Some shot, some cut, some stabbed, one even shot with an arrow, one with a syringe on his neck, and so on, all with what appeared to be a mark of an assassin on each of their foreheads. No suspects had been named, though.
"Looks like our boy wasn't BSing us after all… My, my, such dreadful tactics and methods. Delicious…"
Elurt then threw the envelope on the floor and turned around to address all his bodyguards.
"The first phase of our operation is completed! Our new boy did exactly as instructed and succeeded in every way. We now move onto our second phase."
He had his bodyguard's full attention, as they had not been briefed about the 'second phase.' However, Elurt noticed a security camera high above the room, and it was on him like a hawk. He smirked before he began.
"Here is what will happen. I have received word that yesterday afternoon, you all received your new weapons from our boy. There should be four in total. What you will do is team up in teams of four, all depending on your rank and techniques. You will fly out via private jet to the four most crucial areas of the world and plant one weapon underground. Each of the four areas is determined by various… special traits they possess. Economy, population, tourism, and weather. You will all meet up with our boy soon and he will inform you on the exact locations. He will explain the rest to you in detail. Any questions?"
The room was silent, but Elurt noticed that nearby, a hand shadow of a duck was being made. It quickly went away.
Elurt cleared his throat. "If you all do not mind, I wish for some alone time."
The room turned dark on the ends and the bodyguards slipped into the darkness. Again he put his hand on the window and gazed upon the rainy futuristic city.
Fred Elurt is what many would like to call obsessive. Here's a man with a lot of money, power, and the best bodyguards in the business. He almost always got whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. All of his life he went out of his way to achieve something, and he rarely ever failed, but always desired something higher. It always started small, and it got bigger, and bigger, and bigger. He became obsessed with power… and control.
Nothing was more higher on the list than Bay City. No, perhaps more. Fred Elurt wanted to control the world. He almost moaned at the thought of the city being in his hands.
High behind him, little did he know that he was being watched. The two dark figures were lowering themselves by rope. The room was not only wide, but it was tall. It must have been fifty feet wide and forty feet tall. They had been quietly lowering themselves ever since he entered the room, but now that it was completely dark and Elurt was all alone, they could make their move.
Unfortunately, one of them had the rope attached to his pants, and when they were close enough, he suddenly slipped out of them and was sent straight into the floor below, all of his equipment scattering everywhere upon impact. His partner released her rope and landed firmly on her feet, helping him up.
Elurt didn't seem to be surprised by this, quietly turning around. "It's good to see you two again, Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable."
Kim patted the dirt off of Ron's back. "Look, Ron, he remembers your name."
Ron took off his mask, looking disappointed. "Doesn't matter, that was a lame entrance and he already knows who we are." He took the moment to see the pants of his stealth suit hang on the rope above. At least it didn't take off his cargo pants. Under his stealth suit he was wearing his mission gear.
Kim then took off her mask and stealth suit, revealing her mission garb. "So, you knew we were already here. I told you that hand puppet was going to blow our cover, Ron."
Elurt laughed. "Please. With my faithful bodyguards in the area, there was no way in hell you would have been able to sneak up on me even if that didn't happen."
The very mention of them had them coming. They all came out of the shadows armed with automatic machine guns and were advancing towards Kim and Ron. They had the area surrounded, leaving an equal distance in between all of them that narrowed as they came closer. Soon, there was no room for escape.
Ron wasn't a fan of being at gunpoint from sixteen guns, but tried to keep his cool. "So what do we do now, KP?"
Her back was against Ron's. "We just wait for now."
Kim had a good feeling that Elurt was going to boast and brag, and she was correct. Elurt stood behind two of his bodyguards, placing a hand on one of their shoulders like family members.
"You two really believed you were capable of stopping me, didn't you? You see kids, these are the best in the business. They all know how to operate any kind of weapon given to them even if it's not intended to be a weapon. They know how to control any vehicle, infiltrate anyplace you want them to, they know how to take out any and everyone you can just think of, they can never be seen, and best of all, they are completely loyal. If my life has taught me anything, it's that the best things it has to offer can be brought with money."
"zzzzz…"
Ron was actually asleep when Elurt was finished, but Kim shoved her shoulder against him and woke him before Elurt noticed.
"It astonishes me. They send a couple of children to stop me, but you see, I am not alone."
Kim chose to talk. "First of all, what's your connection to Dive?"
Elurt scoffed. "Dive? What on earth are you talking about? Ridiculous, the ones they send have no idea who they were sent after!"
'Perhaps he didn't give him that name…' Kim thought.
"How about 'your boy'?" Ron demanded as if reading Kim's mind. "We know he's the one who killed all those Forefather guys."
Elurt looked surprised. "I stand corrected. I suppose you two are not as stupid as you let off. Well, since we're asking questions, how about another one?"
"Your operation, scheme of things?" Kim requested.
Elurt looked at the ceiling high above and raised his hands and high as he could. "What else? Take over the world!"
Kim gave Ron a light nudge. "You know that talk we had about growing up?" she whispered. "Forget I said anything."
Ron shook his head. "Okay, dude, that was pretty corny. You see, the lighting's all off. You only do the dramatic stance when there's not too much light in the room. Gives it the dramati-"
The female bodyguard standing in front of Ron pushed the barrel of the gun straight into his forehead.
"I think I'll just shut up now."
"Wise idea…" Elurt hissed. He then focused on Kim again, grabbing her jaw to look at her face. "It's such a shame this is your last night on earth, Miss Possible. So young, so energetic, shame that someone of your natural beauty must die tonight."
Kim didn't know what was more disturbing, the aftershave and sweat on his hand or the way he was talking to her.
"You're not the one who's going to tell me when my life ends," she retorted.
Elurt tossed her jaw against her side, almost throwing her off her feet, but Ron grabbed her other shoulder to keep her on her feet..
The huge man turned around to look out the window again. "Cute, Miss Possible. Cute. But we are never the masters of our destinies. Someone always comes along and interferes and ruins the party. That is not going to happen tonight, little missy. You see, I am not the usual breed of villains, Miss Possible,"
'That's what they all say,' both Kim and Ron thought.
"… If someone dares to get in my way, I will simply have them taken out. No questions asked, no mercy, none of that. Get in my way and you shall die. Most people don't realize that's their logic of life as well." Elurt then raised a hand and snapped his fingers.
His bodyguards slowly backed away from Team Possible with their guns still aimed at them.
The old man continued to laugh more. "Tell me, how do you propose you get out of this one?"
Ron didn't have a flash grenade on him, nor Kim, but even if they did, they wouldn't have had time to pull the needle, throw it and wait for it to go off. They would've been shot and obliterated right there and then.
Instead, Ron chuckled with a confident smirk. "Same as we usually do in a situation like this. Rufus! Lights!"
The naked mole rat was actually in an air vent in the ceiling, close to the wires that controlled the lights. He could hear Ron loud and clear, and sunk his teen straight into them. In an instant, the room went completely dark. Because they were on a high floor, the nearby buildings did not give the room any light. Other than the darkness of the storm outside, there was nothing but pitch black darkness.
"A stupid move on your account, Team Possible!" Elurt cried. "The darkness only gives us the advantage and allows us for a perfect escape! Come, my hands! You all know what to do!"
"Right!"
Kim and Ron were taken completely off guard. It was never often that an enemy took advantage of a move on their part. They were hoping they would be able to escape, but not their enemies! The two were just as blind as everyone else in the room, not able to see anyone make a move to escape. The room was soon lit by an alternative power source, but it was completely empty. Elurt and his Hands had made a perfect escape with no traces whatsoever.
"Where'd they go?"
"They escaped," a third voice confirmed.
Kim and Ron quickly turned to the entrance of the room.
Kim let out a smile, not one that had a lot of trust in it. "Jen. Not surprised to see you here."
Jen approached as Rufus ran to Ron and got on top of his shoulder.
"Sorry," the naked mole rat apologized.
Ron petted Rufus with a finger. "No big, Rufus. You did what we asked, and it wasn't like we got hurt or anything."
Jen took note of the ropes Kim and Ron came in on. "Look on the bright side, now we've got even more information. The old man's involved, and they plan to do something at those four locations."
Ron narrowed his eyes. "How'd you hear all that?"
Jen let out a goofy smile. "Eh, stood out by the doorway. None of his Hands actually closed the door, ya know."
Ron briefly covered his face. "So now what? Find out what those weapons are and go out to destroy them?"
"Not alone," Jen quickly remarked. "Four against two, they'll completely slaughter you."
"And how do you know this?" Kim skeptically asked.
Jen held up a disk. "This disk contains all the information you need on each and every one of their skills. Stats, records and everything are included. He wasn't BSing when he bragged about what they were capable of. Believe me, a lot has changed since the last time you met."
Before Kim could grab it, Jen pulled it back.
"I can't let you see this right now, though."
The move took Kim by surprise. "And why's that?"
"I can't trust people who can't trust me."
The room was quiet for a few seconds before Kim opened her mouth. "Is it that obvious?"
Jen, Ron and Rufus nodded their heads, but Jen just shrugged like she could care less, "I suppose I gotta prove myself."
Ron looked at her for a second, "How do you suppose you do that, take us to Bueno Nacho and see how those test combos are coming out?"
Jen laughed, "Nice try, mister, but not yet. You guys haven't eaten yet, right?"
The two shook their heads.
"Well, let me take you two out to eat, and before Ronshine here says Bueno Nacho, there is one place I've heard a lot about but never really took the time to head there. Follow me."
Jen turned around and headed straight for the elevator. Ron was quick to follow, but Kim took her time. Then again, she had to learn to trust Jen if she wanted to see what was on that disk.
She had led them to the only fancy restaurant in town open until midnight. It was about 10:30 when they got there, and Jen covered the meal, not that Kim and Ron were broke with her dad covering the trip. But she already ordered the entire meal by the time they sat down, and it arrived shortly after (amazingly).
Two large pizzas, but they were cooked to perfection and full of flavor. Just by looking at it, they could tell this was AAA-quality food, all of them almost salivating over it, even Kim. Jen was the first to eat, but what she did took the other two off guard.
She grabbed an entire pizza and devoured it in one go. After sucking down a lemonade, she let out a huge belch that echoed throughout the entire restaurant. Kim and Ron didn't even realize their hair was all spoofed out.
Jen let out a sheepish smile. "Heh, I suppose I got carried away, huh?"
Ron couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Wow, that was crazy!" His tone indicated that he was complimenting her.
She gave him an evil look. "Think you can top that, Ron?"
The pizza was actually more bigger than it looked, but Ron came up with the perfect excuse.
"And not let KP have any? Phshaw, no way."
The two then took the first piece of theirs, three if you include Rufus. The second it met their tongues, they practically melted, almost losing themselves.
Ron spoke with his mouth full. "Wow…dif ifsh derihfish!"
Kim agreed. "Foooo good!"
Jen laughed. "You two sound funny with your mouth full."
The two continued to enjoy their pizza while Jen ordered another lemonade for herself.
"So… why?" Kim asked.
"Why what?"
"Why take us out to eat?"
Jen modestly shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't think you guys would trust me so easily, not with attacking Yori with a sniper rifle and doing what I did to Ron. Probably the worst way I met anyone who wasn't an enemy."
Kim agreed but said nothing.
"Honestly, Ron's cute and all, but I like someone else." Something Jen shouldn't have said.
Ron and Kim now had curiosity in their eyes. "Ooooh, someone we know?" Kim asked with a sly tone in her voice.
Jen turned red. "Even if you did, I wouldn't tell you! I keep my secrets hidden!"
Ron wasn't convinced. "Sure you do…"
Now Jen had a uncomfortable look on her face, but there was a hint of malice in it. "I don't feel comfortable on the subject, can we please drop it?"
The two were well aware of the tone and what it meant, so they did.
"Sorry, but things like that, not cool."
"So it's safe to assume you're not interested in Ron anymore." Kim pretty much confirmed any type of jealousy she felt.
"Like I said, it was only a thank-you. I wait at least two months before asking to date someone."
Ron nodded his head. "Cool, cool."
"So, Jen…" Kim started out, "How long have you been doing… you know, what you've been doing?"
Jen laid back and put her feet up. "Well…"
A long night was ahead for everyone.