Disclaimer:Disney owns Kim Possible. Only the story is mine.
Chapter 3: A Hero RevealedKim and Ron spent almost every moment together for the next week. As the time for their senior year approached, worry seemed to envelop Ron's mind more and more. Worry over his blossoming relationship with Kim, and worry about his increasing illness. Soon those worries would be left behind, not far behind, but lesser none the less.
Ron stood on the front walk of Middleton Senior High School watching students making their way to the first homeroom of the year. He felt a tug at his elbow as Kim tried to get him moving, slowly they moved through the entrance to the surprised looks from familiar faces and new students alike.
A single pair of darkened red eyes watching from near the doors burned with hatred for the pair, soon they would be made to pay.
"Kim I don't know if you should be walking so close beside me." Ron whispered. "It isn't like I don't like it, but there are a lot of stares headed our way." Ron's cane making a tinny ping as he moved down the hall.
Kim moved closer noticing his fearful glances. "I don't care what they think, as long as I can be with you. Now quit worrying, and come here."
Ron had to stop quickly as Kim moved in form of him and threw her arms around him. His eyes moved quickly from student to student trying to register meanings to the stares they were receiving. He had scarcely a moment to dwell on it as Kim gave him a quick peck on the lips before leading him back down the hall. They had reached their homeroom with minutes to spare, as Ron stood waiting to enter, the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Then as if on cue a snobbish voice shrilled into his mind.
"Stoppable… You loser what do you think you're doing?"
"Bonnie, you call Ron that one more time I am going to burn your biscuits. Now back off." Kim threatened getting right in the brunette's face.
Ron stepped between the two, "Now let's not get the year started off on the wrong foot ladies. Let's just get in there and take a seat before we get a tardy on the first day back." Ron led Kim in to the room taking notice of the chilled glances being passed between the two girls.
Kim could hear Bonnie speaking under her breath, but couldn't make out anything being said, as she took a seat next to Ron. Kim softened her mood as Tara entered with a small wave to the newest power couple before she took a seat near Bonnie. All eyes went to the front of the room as the class was brought to order by Mr. Barkin.
"Good morning everyone, and Stoppable." As he eyed the hapless blonde looking uncomfortable in his seat. "We will begin by handing out locker assignments first which will be followed by a five minute allowance for you to get your gear stowed. After that we will again meet back here to go over new changes made by our illustrious school board while we were on vacation. Following that discussion we will have an assembly to be addressed by principal McVicker. Any questions? No, good let's get on with it."
Kim helped Ron get his book bag stowed in his locker next to hers and they made their way back to the classroom. They had returned to the continued looks of disbelief as she doted on his seemingly frail movements. Again a pair of sinister eyes watched them return and quickly disappeared into the bushes.
The time for the assembly grew close as Mr. Barkin moved his class out in to the hall and directed them to the gym. He noticed Stoppable moving slowly, he seemed to be leaning on his friend Ms. Possible a lot. More than he thought would be normal for someone he thought of being the most self-reliant person he had ever seen. He walked up behind the pair and spotted the cane Ron was using to walk with. The hall was becoming more deserted as most of the students had gotten into the gym with all due haste.
"Possible… Stoppable, what seems to be the problem here?" Barkin asked in an unusually softer tone. "Stoppable, are you injured, do you need to see the nurse?"
Kim came to a stop at hearing the normally gruff administrator in an uncharacteristic tone. "No Mr. Barkin. Ron is just a little slow right now. He has been having trouble getting around, that's all." She looked to Ron who had shut his eyes trying not to show weakness.
"Stoppable, what about it?"
Ron hung his head, "Mr. Barkin, I know you have never really liked me so I will just say it. I'm dying, not right away, but soon. Probably not more than a few months."
Barkin stood there watching the duo move off again for the assembly. All he could do was stand there shocked and in disbelief as reality set in. The one student he had pushed, the one that seemed to be destined for greatness would not survive the school year. Once again the cruelness of the universe was visited on him, having seen the carnage visited upon so many in the desert, almost inhuman pain and suffering. Unbelievable acts of heroism and courage in the name of living. He had wished those scenes had never been played out in his life, but now they were back for the final curtain.
Kim and Ron had taken a seat close to the stage. She noticed Barkin looked somewhat disturbed as he passed. She took the seat beside Ron and patted his hand in reassurance. The darkened eyes took stock of those in attendance, noting their positions and formulated a plan of attack. Now time would be all that kept revenge from being obtained. Third time would be the charm.
Barkin stood and waited to introduce the rest of the faculty as the assembly was brought to silence. As the murmur dulled he heard an evil laugh resonating through the gym. As he looked up to the rafters a gelatinous green blob shot out of the darkened roof and immobilized him, sticking him to the stage. As quickly as the first attack came others launched from the rafters and scores direct hits on students and teachers alike. Tara, Bonnie, and the rest of the cheer squad were incapacitated; next teachers and administrators were likewise hit.
Ron sat in his seat watching the unfolding scenario before him; he knew it was a matter of time. Kim jumped up on the stage in full mission mode, her face going totally serious, waiting for the next attack.
"Come on out you coward, show yourself." She taunted.
"No need for name calling Possible. I always intended for you to know it was me that defeated you both, you and the squeeb." Gill flung himself down to the stage and struck a fighting posture. "Now you stay right there squeeb, I intend for you to watch me destroy her first then I will take care of you before I make all your friends pay the price."
Ron made a move to stand, but fell back into his chair. "Leave them out of it Gill. It is me that you want to take your revenge on. Well, here I am, just bring it!"
Kim was about to jump him when Gill hacked up a giant slime ball that covered her in a semi transparent chrysalis. Ron could see her struggling to get out. He felt all his emotions struggling to take control of his body. An energy seemed ready to explode from every pore, as he stood staring at his now helpless girlfriend. His eyes took on an eerie glow.
"Gill, let them go now. I won't be held responsible for what happens from here on out." Ron's voice took on a deep and authoritative sound. Ron's hands clenched as small tendrils of electricity erupted from them. "I can't hold it back much longer Gill, what is your answer?"
"See you in hell Ronny!"
Ron stood and straightened up. Holding up his cane it flashed a brilliant blue light and became the mystical Lotus Blade. "I have hidden my power too long Gill. Now you will be the one to bear witness. God have mercy on our souls." The sword seemed to hang in space before its master, Ron felt all his pent up anger and fears fall away. All he wanted now was to protect those closest to him, become the true Sentinel he was destined to be.
Kim watched from the cocoon that was her prison. Ron seemed pained as he looked at her trapped form. Slowly he seemed to levitate from the gym floor, a blue glow surrounding his body as an unseen energy crackled in the air. His arms flew out to his side and looked like all his limbs would fly from their sockets, he screamed out in a fierce rage as his body transformed into its ultimate form. His hair lengthened and became as golden spikes into the air; muscles multiplied and even his full height seemed to grow as he was enveloped in an ever-brightening haze.
Gill stumbled back as the light dimmed slightly to reveal his adversary. What ever the 'Squeeb' had become it wouldn't matter, revenge would be his. Scanning the area he spotted his victims writhing in pain as the mutating slime took its full effect he could only smile with self-satisfaction.
"Gill, let them go!" The lights flickered as Ron set back down on the floor. "Let them go and you will yet live to see tomorrow." Ron's eyes flared. "Do it now!" and the whole building shook.
Gill watched in horror as Ron slowly walked over to the one he knew as Bonnie Rockwaller and grabbed the slime that covered her. As Ron's eyes flared he wrenched the ball apart and pulled the girl from it. He did the same to the girl next to her, the petite blonde, Tara.
Bonnie recoiled from the changed Ron, "What…what are you?" She couldn't help but be shocked at the new form, but she knew that danger was still present and needed him to focus.
"Bonnie hold this for me. You alone will be able to hold it for a time" the blade that had been holding in space above them slowly descended into her upturned hands. The light from Ron's eyes sparkled, "I knew you had it in you Bon-Bon."
"What do you mean?"
"Only the Master of the Lotus Blade and those it deems to be worthy and true of heart may wield yet alone even hold the blade of the chosen. You have that ability for goodness in you. You should develop that power."
Bonnie flushed and turned away, not wanting him to see the fear in her eyes. She never wanted to be seen as weak or caring for people in the same way as he did; now there it was for the world to see.
"Last chance Gill, let them go!" Ron bellowed not turning around.
"AS IF!" he screamed back as he moved closer to the cocoon that held Kim. 'I will take my revenge."
"Have you ever seen a frog get hit by lightning Gill?"
"What do you mean?"
"You are going to get a first hand demonstration." With that an energy erupted from Ron's hands that flung Gill out the doors and into the football practice field leaving the gym in an uneasy silence. Ron levitated a few feet off the floor as his body glowed brighter threatening to blind the occupants. As the light dimmed those that had been trapped in the slime saw the goo melt from their bodies into pools on the floor.
As Bonnie watched Ron had been floating just in front of her, suddenly he flashed and he appeared next to Kim's gasping form on the stage. He bent down and checked to verify her condition. Kim was alive, but unconscious. He stroked her hair as he laid her head down gently. Bonnie heard him in a quiet voice, "Stay here KP. I am going to deal with this. He will never hurt you again. I love you." Ron bent down and kissed her forehead before he stood to his full height. A bright blue flash, and he was gone. Bonnie rushed to Kim's side.
"Bonnie?" Kim said weakly. "Where is Ron? Is he OK?"
"He's gone Kim, just gone."
"Oh god… my Ron is dead!" Kim started to cry. "Take me to him Bonnie."
"No not dead, just gone."
Kim sat up and wiped her eyes. Both girls looked at each other with bewildered eyes. Then they heard it, thunder from the practice field.
Bonnie helped Kim stand and the pair made their way to the exit doors. Both never imagined the sight that waited for them beyond the doors. Ron hung in mid air twenty feet off the ground, chains of energy connecting both combatants as they hung over the field. They could hear Gill screaming in pain as smoke and steam poured from his body.
The energy from Ron grew in intensity as he berated his now helpless captive, Ron's voice growing in anger and rage, "You come to my school. Threaten my friends and classmates. Hold the woman I love in your slime ball, and now you beg for mercy. Let me show you a new level of hell." The energy pulsed and Gill screamed even louder than before. "You want to know of hell? I am living it. I just professed love for the girl I loved for longer than I care to think, and I only will be able to love her for just a little while before the darkness takes me. What do you know of hell?"
The light seemed to fade at the morose he felt. Bonnie glanced at Kim, whose head hung low, tears running down her cheeks. Bonnie now knew more than she ever wanted or needed to know.
Ron placed his hands together as if focusing all his energies for a final parry. The girls below his could feel his energy beginning to peak. Ron was taking in a deep breath as he prepared to loose his final strike, when he heard his name.
"Ron, don't do it, please?" Kim pleaded. "Don't become that which you have fought against for so long."
"I have to KP, he will come back again and again if I don't stop him here, right now." Ron seemed to lose some of his willingness. "I can't let him hurt you anymore."
Bonnie could see the tears in his eyes. He was willing to sacrifice his soul to keep them safe. "Stoppable… I have been so wrong about you. I was afraid you were the one who would see the facade I kept in place all these years. A mask to hide my shame and fears. And now I can't let you become the evil you fought. I used anger and humiliation to hide behind, I put you down constantly because you are all the things I could never be myself."
"Ron… please, for me. Don't do it." Kim pleaded again, hoping this time he would listen, "If I mean anything to you stop this madness. Come to me, let me help you." Her voice became soft, "Ron for me…"
Gill dropped from the sky, landing with a heavy thud. His body smoking, crisp in some places. Ron looked up to the heavens and for an instant all the rage and humiliation he had endured in the past came pouring back. Pure anger poured from his very soul, he threw wide apart his arms, and as he screamed tremendous amounts of energy flowed from his very being. Like giant pillars of fire stretching to the stars the energy swirled around him until at last his rage ebbed. Ron hung in midair for a moment with a heavy look in his face; slowly he began to drop, finally setting down a few feet from Kim and Bonnie. The glowing energy surrounding his body slowly dimmed as he regained his normal features. He raised his hand toward Bonnie as the Lotus Blade rose from her hands and floated to him, as his hand grasped the sheath it once again became his cane.
"Ron! No…" Kim cried as he fell to his knees.
Bonnie and Kim turned him over to check for injuries.
"I'll be OK ladies, I'm just tired. I have never had use that much power before." He grinned with a sparkle in his eye, "That was pretty cool though."
Ron pulled Kim closer and whispered in her ear, "Now you have all my secrets. I wanted to keep that one for a special occasion. What do you think of it?" he grinned.
Kim pulled back looking him in the eyes. She didn't know what to what she felt, it all seemed to be in doubt. Ron had demonstrated an incredible ability, great strength, and tremendous power. All this power, and he was going to die, it didn't seem right.
Bonnie sat next to the new couple just staring, trying to find the words. Finally they came to her slowly at first then faster as they became coherent thoughts. "Ron, what was that? I have never seen a display like that before. It was something out of a cartoon on TV"
"Not everything you see on the television in based in fantasy. Some things, even given the genre, are based in reality Bonnie."
Bonnie sat there on her knees not believing what she was hearing. "What did it feel like?"
Ron reached out a hand toward Bonnie. She shied away at first, but when Ron smiled she relaxed. As Ron took her hand his eyes lit up again. Bonnie felt as if every cell of her being was on fire, her hair seemed as if it were about to stand on end. As quickly as the sensation began it faded. Ron retracted his hand leaving her with a grin similar to Ron's goofy smile.
"That was intense, you need to find a way to bottle that. A best seller for sure."
Ron took a hard expression, "Now you both know why I had to have some secrets. This power is a terrible responsibility for anyone, especially for someone so unsure about using them."
Kim was stunned, "I had no idea Ron. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was afraid. I didn't want you to think I was some kind of freak. If you knew and couldn't come to terms with what I had become… I was afraid you wouldn't want me around anymore."
Bonnie and Kim got Ron to his feet, a little unsteady from the exertion. Kim pulled his arm around her shoulder to stabilize him. Ron just smiled and pulled her closer.
Bonnie got to her feet and watched as the pair slowly made their way back into the gym. 'I sure underestimated him. I hope he can forgive me for the way I treated him.' She thought.
"Ron… Kim, wait up a minute." Bonnie called racing to catch up with them. "I wanted to say, I'm sorry. Especially to you Ron, it must have been terrible for you dealing with all of this, and I had the nerve to run you down for no reason other than to make myself feel better. I am really sorry." Bonnie had tears running down her cheeks.
Ron reached over and touched her cheek. "Bonnie I can't hold it against you. It is just part of growing up, something that has been very difficult. There is nothing to forgive."
Kim felt him slide his other arm from around her shoulder. Ron pulled Bonnie close into a hug trying to comfort her. He wanted her to be at peace. The same peace he had to come to terms with after his illness returned. Always leave the room with no regrets.