Chapter 6: Wedding Bells and Brutal Battles
An older model ice cream truck drove down the streets of Upperton, following a safe distance behind Josh Mankey's sports car. The truck's grinning driver, his body, face and hair hidden under a trench coat, hat, and sunglasses, whistled a happy tune as he drove along.
Josh pulled up to the Upperton State University campus and the truck slowed to a stop a short distance away. Josh walked toward the main building of the school, never noticing the snap shots being taken of him. "Nice face," the truck's driver chuckled, "I could have a lot of fun with that face. Still … Heehee, almost too perfect already … gotta fix that …"
The driver then put the camera away, "Enjoy your summer, Joshie-poo, I'll get you beautified for Kimmie very, very shortly!" The man laughed insanely as he drove off.
Josh, in the meantime, glanced at the strange ice cream truck. He wondered if those things were in service around Upperton. He'd have to ask someone about that …
---
Kim Possible sat at a table in the large library of Wayne Manor. She had the latest Gotham University manual in her hands, and was struggling to concentrate with Tim and Jim running and playing around her.
"Hicka-Bicka Boo?" Tim chimed, opening the front of an old grandfather clock in the corner, "It's a secret button!"
"Hoo-sha! I knew if we looked hard enough, we'd find a secret passage in this place!" Jim grinned deviously.
"Would you two quit fooling around?" Kim scolded, not looking back at her brothers.
"We're just exploring," Jim started.
"And we wanna know what this button does!" Tim finished.
"Fine, do whatever," Kim waved them off, "Just leave me alone!"
"OK!" The chimed in unison
Had Kim looked back she would have seen the grandfather clock slide away, and the twins dash down the formerly hidden flight of stairs.
Kim had made through fifteen pages of the catalogue when her brothers interrupted her again, "KIM! KIM!" They said excitedly in unison, "You won't believe what we saw!"
"There's this giant CAVE!"
"And there's this way cool car there!"
"And a big black fighter jet!"
"A computer!"
"A bunch of Halloween costumes!"
"A life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex model!"
"And a giant penny!"
"That's nice, guys," Kim said closing her catalogue, "Now if you're done 'exploring' let's go find some lunch, ok?"
---
Kim walked toward the kitchen area of the manor and were surprised at what they heard when they entered the room.
Cassie, Diana, and some girls Kim didn't know were seated at the kitchen table while Greta stood with her back to them, glaring out the window. "Listen here, bitch," Greta hissed angrily into her cell phone, "I don't know how you got my number and I don't care. But if you don't stop calling and bitching, I swear by all things considered holy in this world, I won't NEED my powers to send you straight to hell!"
Kim watched her newest friend with wide eyes as she turned around and stomped back to the table. She sat down roughly and held her cell both fists on the table breathing heavily. "Steph again?" Cassie asked, not looking up from the catalogue in front of her. The sound of the cell phone being shattered in its owner's grip answered the question. "Thought so."
"Who's Steph?" Kim asked timidly, but back stepped when Greta looked up, her eyes burning almost murderously.
The look vanished almost instantly and the gentle friend who she spent much of the previous evening talking to returned, "Stephanie is Tim's … ex-girlfriend," Greta explained, hissing the last part, "She found my cell phone number and has been calling several times daily just to tell me how a person like me isn't good enough for Tim."
"Oh!" Greta squeaked suddenly, "I'm so rude! You don't know everybody here. Kim Possible, this is Cissie Jones," She said, pointing to an attractive blond headed girl who gave a small wave. "This is Barbara Gordon," Greta motioned to a red haired woman almost ten years older than Kim and confined to a wheelchair. "And this is Cassandra Kain." She motioned to an Asian girl not much older then Kim.
"Oh, you KP?" Cassandra asked, perking up, "Ron say you have nice ass."
"Cassandra!" Barbara scolded, but all intimidation was lost with her chuckling.
"What? It what he say," Cassandra tilted her head to the side in confusion on why everyone was laughing except Kim, who was turning the color of her hair, and Cassie, who was scowling.
"Anyway …" Greta forced down her giggles as much as she could, "We were just making some last minute plans for the wedding next weekend." Greta then looked to Kim thoughtfully. "Tim's got Bruce for best man, Dick, Bart, Kon, and Gar for Groomsmen. I've got Cassandra, Cassie, Cissie, and Dana, Tim's stepmother, for bridesmaids. I've got an open spot if you want it, Kim. Wouldn't want poor Kon to walk alone if it can be helped. So can you help, Kim? Or is this something you CAN'T do?" Greta asked with a wink.
Kim thought for a moment before nodding. "I don't mind sticking around for another week if Mr. Wayne doesn't mind me staying."
"Brilliant!" Alfred said from behind, Kim making her jump. "I'm sure Master Bruce will be most pleased to have your presence here extended." Alfred nodded for Kim to have a seat as he approached the table with a tray loaded down with cups of tea.
Alfred stood before the table and cleared his throat. A moment later, a small head poked out of his breast pocket. "If you please, Master Rufus," Alfred nodded.
"Ahuh, on it!" Rufus chirped. The naked mole rat quickly climbed down the British gentleman's arm, and began serving the ladies their cups of tea, giving a dignified bow to each.
Kim watched Rufus in wonder as he quickly made his way back to Alfred's pocket. "Wow … Rufus has come along way."
"You should see the little thing carve a turkey at Thanksgiving," Greta chuckled.
---
Ron walked through the manor, heading toward Bruce's study. He started to enter when he heard Mrs. Possible's voice. "As usual, your way or the highway, huh, Bruce?" Mrs. Possible snapped, "I swear you're the most stubborn man I have ever seen!"
"I'm not making him, Andrea," Bruce's voice replied coolly, "And I think I might be better off watching over him and teaching him. I'm not the one who killed five men."
Ron was frozen. 'Mrs. Dr. P. killed FIVE people.' he thought. The woman whom he had always thought of as a surrogate mother was a killer. 'But Mrs. Dr. P. would never kill anyone ever, at least not without good reason.' Ron reasoned, trying to make sense of what he'd just heard. Of course, he had never seen her in such a temper, and now, looking at her raging against Bruce, she looked just a little bit scary.
"You …" Mrs. Possible hissed, and Ron easily recognized the sound of a palm hitting a cheek.
"That make you feel better, Andy?"
"No," her voice growled as the sound of a fist making contact and a body hitting a wall echoed from inside the room, "That helped a bit."
"Now, Bruce," Andrea Possible spoke up again, "I don't like the idea of him running around with you, fighting psychos."
"But you have no problem with him running around with your daughter, fighting psychos?"
"That's different, Kim has never killed a partner." Ron made out Bruce's growl, "Ah, touchy territory? Does Ron know about Jason? Or how about why Dick and Tim finally stopped being Robin? Don't look surprised, Alfred has kept me informed over the years."
"Hey, bro, what's up?" Dick asked walking up behind him, making the teen almost hit the ceiling.
"Dick!" Ron hissed, gripping his chest. "What are you doing here?"
"I was by the pool with Star when Bruce called me, said for me to come and tell you it was ok for you to come in," Dick explained, rolling his eyes slightly.
"But, I didn't … how does he do that?" Ron asked, glancing at the door and back at Dick.
"Been trying to figure that out for years, bud," Dick said, slapping the teen's shoulder, "Good luck in there."
Ron walked in to find Bruce sitting at his desk, his jaw slightly purple, and Mrs. Possible leaning against the desk with her arms crossed.
"You called Bruce," Ron asked with a goofy smile.
"I've put this off because of your friends being present last night, but it is time for your debriefing on what went down in Middleton."
"Um, Bruce, are you sure …" Ron started.
"Mrs. Possible is well aware of everything, Ron," Bruce said in his Bat voice, "As you are aware."
"Um, right …" Ron scratched the back of his head nervously, "Do we still really have to do this with her here?" earning a nod from Bruce.
"Well, Shego got away, almost got her, but she still got away …" Ron said quickly. 'Maybe he won't ask about after …' he mentally added.
"How about after that?" Bruce asked, resting his chin on his knuckles.
'Damn it!'
"Well," Ron gulped, "I had noticed, during the fight, I mean, during the incident, sir, KP, I mean, Kim, I mean, Ms. Possible was acting overly reckless and fighting without care of herself and those around her. I wanted to try to convince her to think more and also I was worried that she might figure out my secret so I added more into the fear tactic … sir …"
Bruce stared with his usual cold emotionless face. "Why?"
Ron blinked, "Why what?"
"Why were you afraid of her finding out your secret?" Bruce asked, "Do you believe Ms. Possible is untrustworthy?"
"Last time I tried the masked hero thing," Ron explained, "She figured me out way too easily."
"That still doesn't explain why," Bruce nodded, "Is she not still your best friend?"
"Well, she is, but I don't want to drag her into this," Ron said, a faint blush crossing the bridge of his nose, "She's got enough to worry about with her own rogue's gallery and college coming up."
"You may be excused," Bruce said, turning his back. "Your patrol starts an hour early tonight."
"But, Kim's going to see her college tonight …"
"Then you better get out there and make sure her path is cleared," Bruce finished, leaving no room to argue. Ron sighed and left the room without another word.
"You too," Bruce said, nodding to Mrs. Possible, "I have to go meet with someone."
Mrs. Possible glared, but exited and quickly followed Ron.
"Hey, wait a second, Ron," Mrs. Possible said, catching up to him.
"I know you heard what I said in there and probably more. Just don't tell Kim what you heard, ok?" She asked, waiting for him to nod. "Listen, I know you think Kim's changed since you left, but she hasn't. You have, and I believe for the better. Even though I don't like the facts about your doing what you do … I'm still proud of you, Ron."
Ron gave a small smile, "Thanks, Mrs. P," Ron nodded, "Now I better get ready for work …"
---
Kim walked into her guestroom with a smile on her face. The wedding planning was fun, and she was looking forward to going with Greta to get her bridesmaid dress. But as she entered the room, she stopped and looked around. Something wasn't right. She easily noticed the large window was open and a cool breeze now blew through the large chamber.
"We need to talk," a voice spoke from directly behind her, startling her.
On instinct, she swung around to punch the intruder, but gasped when he gripped her arm, and wrung it tight into her back, "Listen carefully, Possible," the intruder said, and she looked at her mirror to see that it was in fact the Batman behind her.
"What do you want?" Kim asked, trying to keep the nervousness from showing in her voice.
"To talk," Batman growled in her ear. "I know what you do, Possible, and saving the world is a good thing. You can save the world all you want. But this is my city. And when you are in my city, you play by my rules. You will stay out of my way, and you will stay out of my associates' way. If we need you, we will contact you. If you discover any information that we may find useful, you will give it to us when we request, no questions asked. Understood?"
"You can't tell me what I can or can't do," Kim replied just as heated, but gasped when he wrenched her arm again.
"This is not open for discussion," Batman growled again, "It's for your own safety."
"I'm a big girl," Kim replied confidently, "I can take care of myself."
"Fine," Batman growled, "You will not be helped by me or my associates. But we will be watching you."
She then felt her arm released and spun around to find her room empty. She let out a cry of frustration before stomping over to her window.
---
Barbara let out a tired yawn as she approached her clock tower home. "Long time, no see, Barbie Doll," A familiar voice spoke from the shadows.
Barbara spun her wheel chair around, gripping a hidden stun gun, "Oh, it's you, you're two weeks early," Barbara said, relaxing, "Hurry and get in. Bruce won't like you being here at all."
"Thanks," The person said, following Barbara into the clock tower. She pulled off her hat and trench coat, leaving only her green and black tights. Shego gave a weak smile to her old friend, "So, how ya been?"
"Same old, same old, Shelia. Broke up with Dick again," Barbara stretched slightly, "He got back with Starfire, so I've been up here sulking mostly."
"Dicky never was a bright egg," Shego shrugged.
"Ain't that the truth," Barbara laughed, then grew serious. "You came early because of the new Robin?"
"Bruce's detective skills have been rubbing off, I see." Shego sighed, "Yeah, I want to talk to him. Make sure he's hundred percent sure he knows what he's getting into."
"He's not Jason," Barbara took Shego's hand, "You have to let go and move on. And fighting the system isn't going to bring anyone back."
"You and the whole Batscoobies are ones to talk about fighting the system, you know?" Shego said angrily. "And I just don't want Kimmie to go through what I went through. As much as I hate that little show off, no one deserves … that."
"Ron's good, Shelia," Barbara stated carefully. "He's also very careful."
"Jason was too," Shego said, turning away to hide the tears that were forming, "See where that got him? I still don't have any answers to what happened to him. Your boss did a good job at covering it all up. I'm not leaving without them this time. But that can wait. My room as it was?"
"Hasn't been touched," Barbara smiled sadly.
"Good night, Barbie Doll."
---
"Congratulations again, Ms. Possible," Alfred said, glancing over at Kim in the passenger seat, refusing to ride in the back seat alone.
"Thanks, Alfred," Kim beamed, still staring at her first college schedule for the fall as if it was something holy. She finally glanced up at the older man, "Alfred, can I ask you something?"
"If you ponder why we went to give you a tour and register at school at this hour, Master Bruce feels it's safer at night, when both the police and the … night crew are out and about."
"Yeah, I was wondering about that too, but that wasn't it …" Kim said blushing slightly.
"Oh, forgive an old man who jumps to conclusions," Alfred apologized.
"I was just wondering," Kim said, blushing somewhat deeper, "Has Ron talked much about me while he was here?"
"My dear," Alfred smiled brightly, "One would think you were the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, and the stars in that young man's eyes. 'The sister he never had' I've heard him refer to you as on more than one occasion."
"Right … yeah, I guess … we are like brother and sister …" Kim said, somewhat downcast.
"The heart is a fickle thing, Miss Kimberly," Alfred said in a comforting voice, "Sometimes it takes many stops before the heart finds its way home. One must be patient, and sooner or later, two hearts will find their mutual home in one another."
"Sounds like Ron after his trip to Japan," Kim smiled slightly. "Thanks, Alfred."
"Ron is struggling," Alfred continued, giving Kim a knowing look. "He feels lost and alone. One of the reasons he embraced Ms. Sandsmark's advances. He needs you, Kimberly. Do not let your feelings toward his relationship with Ms. Sandsmark let you abandon him when he needs you the most."
Kim started to comment, but Alfred beat her to it, "Oh, we're home, congratulations again on your easy enrollment."
Kim nodded and exited the limo and made her way to her room.
She stopped before her door, realizing it was ajar. "Oh, not this again," Kim growled under her breath, "If I see one more masked person in my room, I swear …" She started, but was silenced herself when she heard a guitar being strummed.
She peaked through the crack in the door, being careful not to make a single sound. She gave a small smile when she saw Ron seated on the edge of her bed, his back to the door and a guitar across his lap. She quietly entered as Ron began to sing and she couldn't believe Ron, her Ron, could play the guitar, let alone sing as well as he was. But the words of his song bothered her.
"And it's been awhile
Since I could hold my head up high
And it's been awhile
Since I first saw you
And it's been awhile
Since I could stand on my own two feet again
And it's been awhile
Since I could call you
And everything I can't remember
As fucked up as it all may seem
The consequences that I've rendered
I've stretched myself beyond my means …"
"I didn't know you could play or sing," Kim said gently, moving to sit down on the opposite side of the bed. She kicked off her shoes and pulled herself to the headboard with her now socked feet toying with the silk sheets.
"Eh, I picked it up a few years ago. Dad bought me a guitar when I was around eleven I think," Ron explained, "He taught me a few things, nothing major."
"You're really good," Kim smiled.
"No, I'm not," Ron blushed slightly, sitting the guitar on the floor and starting to stand.
"It's a big bed," Kim said, patting the bed beside her.
"Sorry, KP," Ron said, sitting down and leaning his back against the headboard of the bed beside Kim.
"For what?" Kim asked, glancing at her life-long best friend.
"Ignoring you since you got here," Ron said looking down at his lap, "I've… I've seen some bad things happen here in Gotham. I'm just worried that you'll get in over your head. I've already lost both my parents… I don't want to lose you, too."
"I'm not going anywhere, Ron," Kim placed her arm around Ron's shoulders and her eyebrows rose in shock for a moment. 'When did his shoulders get so broad?' Kim asked herself mentally.
"Oh yeah, I called Josh, he's flying up to be with you at the Tim and Greta's wedding." Ron said, glancing her way.
"Josh …" Kim asked blinking in thought.
"Mankey, boyfriend, remember?"
"OH! YEAH! Josh! Right," Kim blushed scarlet.
"You ok, KP?" Ron asked worriedly.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Ron," Kim nodded, avoiding eye contact. "So, um …"
"By the way, I'm locking my door from now on," Ron nudged her shoulder, "Thanks for being polite enough to get out fast though. I was half afraid you were going to point and laugh …"
Kim stared at him for a moment, trying to figure out what he was talking about. When it hit her, her face turned the color of her hair yet again.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I only wanted to talk and … and I … just … I'm sorry," Kim blanched, before looking away, and adding under her breath, "There was not a thing on you laughable except Wonderslut."
"So, are you going to be in the wedding?" Kim asked, changing the subject and fighting off the blush as best she could.
"I'll be at the reception, but I'll miss the service," Ron shrugged, "can't get out of work."
"Work, what do you do now?" Kim asked, giving Ron her undivided attention.
"Oh … Wayne Enterprises has bought out Bueno Nacho and Bruce has been giving me specialized school, and effective a month ago, I'm Vice President over Fast Food Industries," Ron said, sticking out his chest. "In other words, I have full control over Bueno Nacho, Burger King, and several others that have slipped my mind at the moment."
"Wow," Kim sighed, looking away.
"Now I know something's wrong, Kim, what is it?" Ron said, turning a worried gaze on her.
"Nothing's really wrong," Kim said, still avoiding eye contact. "Just jealous I guess."
"Jealous?" Ron asked blinking in confusion.
"Used to be, it was just us, the world took second place to us, we saved it, everything depended on us. Now …" Kim sighed looking around the room, "You live in a big mansion, you have the job you always wanted, you have a … beautiful girlfriend, And I just wonder … do I even have a place to fit into your new life?" She asked, but squeaked when she was pulled into a bone-crushing hug that made her stomach do flip-flops.
"You should know better than that, KP," Ron said into her hair, "We're a team, split down the middle. Nothing and no one's going to break that. Not Bruce, not Alfred, not Cassie, not Batman or especially Robin, nothing can break us."
"Thanks, Ron," Kim whispered, hugging her best friend tightly, "You don't know how badly I needed that …"
---
The day of the wedding finally came, and Kim felt very nervous for Greta and Tim. The large church was packed. Kim stood at the second level of the church, looking down on the crowded chamber. She was dressed in a long, light pink gown and her long hair curled and ran down her shoulders.
"Ms. Possible? Kim Possible?" a voice called behind her.
She turned to a tall, muscular man in a suit and tie. His dark hair was slicked back and his deep blue eyes were hidden behind a pair of glasses. "Ms. Possible, it's a pleasure to meet you," the man said, taking her hand in a handshake. "Clark Kent, Daily Planet. Metropolis. Bruce said you'd be here. I was hoping I could speak to you before the wedding."
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kent," Kim smiled politely, "Can I help you with something?"
"I was wondering if I could set up an interview sometime?" Clark asked, pulling a calendar book from his pocket, "Bruce said you were talking about starting at Gotham U this fall. Can we set up a time, maybe at Bruce's, say around … August eighth? Is that good for you?"
"Sure, no big," Kim nodded.
"Excellent, I'll contact you before then to get everything squared away," Clark said, marking the date, "Thanks and nice meeting you, Ms. Possible." The man said, turning and walking away, but stopped and called out, seeing something through the open door across from him. "WALLY! GET AWAY FROM THE PUNCH BOWL!"
Kim wouldn't be surprised if half the people present were superheroes in civilian clothes. She knew Greta was once a hero herself but it seemed a touchy subject so she wasn't sure exactly who or what she did. It was plain to see that the superhero community was a tight group. Kim couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever be accepted into that community.
"Miss Kimberly, it's almost time to start," Alfred said, approaching her in a tuxedo. Kim nodded and followed Alfred to where the others were getting ready to go and trying to keep Tim from hyperventilating.
Meanwhile high above all this, two figures stood on the rafters, watching the scene from the shadows.
"Really think the DEO will try to crash?" Robin asked, narrowing his eyes over the gathered group, trying to pick out the heroes he knew, and felt a bit of relief when he recognized Clark Kent.
"Secret was their greatest specimen," Raven stated emotionlessly, "Since Superman and Batman tore their main and branch offices apart they need as many ways to make money as they can. A Meta who becomes human would be a gold mine for them."
"Kim … please stay out of this if it goes down …" Robin prayed quietly, before the music began to play.
First came Traya, Greta and Cissie's younger roommate, throwing flower petals down the isle.
Cissie and Gar followed the little girl. Followed by Dick and Dana, Tim's stepmother. Then Bart and Cassandra.
The last pair made Robin involuntarily growl, Kon-El walked down the isle with Kim's arm wrapped around his.
Raven watched Robin glare daggers at Superboy before letting out a sigh, "Men are idiots."
---
Greta stood before a mirror, looking at herself in her elegant white gown and veil. She heard her door open, "Oh, Alfred, is it already time?"
"Yes," Bruce's voice said softly, "Just a slight change of plans if it's alright with you."
---
"Here we go," Robin said as the bridal march began to play, but what he saw left him speechless. "Bruce?"
Almost everyone in the church were in the same amount of shock as Robin as Bruce Wayne proudly walked Greta Hayes up the isle.
Bruce let a smirk cross his face as he passed Clark Kent who mouthed "you're learning'. Bruce replied with a whisper he knew Clark could hear, "Faster than you." Lois Lane, Clark's wife, nudged her husband in the side and glared at Bruce who took the hint to keep walking.
Bruce and Greta made it to the altar. "Who gives this woman away?" the man over the ceremony questioned, unlike most weddings headed by a priest, this was performed by a man in a green cloak.
"I, Bruce Wayne, and her true parents," Bruce said proudly, giving Greta one of his rare smiles. He then pulled back the veil and placed her hands in Tim's.
"Friends, family, allies, we are gathered here today to witness the holy act of matrimony between Timothy Drake and Greta Suzie Hayes." The man proclaimed in a loud voice. "If any here see fit that these young people should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace."
"More like rest in peace!" Wally spoke up but was whacked by a green beam of light across from him. Jack Drake looked like he wanted to say something but a glare from Bruce caused him to slap his jaws shut.
"I believe we have a few reasons," a man in a suit said, kicking open the door way and several heavily armed men crashed through the windows and spilled into the church. "No one move, especially any Meta freaks. The DEO has a problem with any freaks and freak lovers."
"Do excuse Agent Well's idiocy," the Command Agent said walking in confidently. "We'll just take the animal and you all can go about your own business. Get it, men."
Several of the armored DEO agents approached Secret, who was pulled behind Tim protectively. And amazingly before Bart or Kon could react, three of the DEO Agents were down, and Kim was at work taking the rest down with amazing speed and agility. "I don't know who you are, or what you want with my friend, but it isn't happening!" she barked angrily, taking a fighting stance.
"I see why Ron likes the chick, she's good!" Gar grinned, turning into a grizzly bear and running into the melee.
"Titans! Go!" Robin barked as he swung down, and kicked one of the DEO Agents about to attack Kim from behind.
"What are you doing here?" Kim spat, barely missing the green billy goat that ran past her ramming an Agent in the crotch.
Robin ignored her question and took in the situation, "Titans, the big heroes are getting the civilians out, it's up to us to take out these Agents."
"Right," the Teen Titans said as they prepared to take on the Agents.
"Lets get 'em," Tim said, pulling off his jacket.
"Yeah, the old one-two!" Greta nodded.
"Exactly what do you think you're doing?" the couple asked each other in unison.
"I'm going to fight, that's what?" Greta snapped.
"No, you're not, they're after you, so we've got to get you someplace safe," Tim replied.
"I'm not leaving you, Tim," Greta hissed, lowering her voice so no one could hear them, "You're not Robin anymore."
"Yeah, you're not Secret anymore either, so go with the others!"
"You come with me to safety," Greta negotiated, "Or we stand and fight together."
"No talking you out of this, huh?"
"Nope."
"If you are done bickering," Hal Jordan, the man in the green cloak, said softly as a jade energy began to form around him, "There are more on the way. And as you know, as much as I would like to punish these infidels for disgracing the House of God, I cannot interfere."
The Titans and Kim made a line around the altar, between the army of Agents and Hal, Tim, and Greta.
"There's a lot of these guys," Superboy stated, popping his knuckles. "Think we can hold them off until the Justice League and the others get the crowd evac-ed?"
Robin just popped his neck. "So not the drama."
To Be Continued …