Ok this chapter is bit darker then the others, I just wanted to get that out of the way first. This the end of the first act of the story so enjoy.
The sounds coming from the guitar echoed in the large room, bouncing off the metal walls producing a simple acoustic effect. Anthony changed chords every time the shockwaves of an explosion caused the plane to shake. He switched to an energetic riff when he looked at the others in the room. His team sat in circle around him, unconsciously swaying to the music.
Reece and Tomas checked and rechecked their supply bags. Aaron buried his face into his PDA; he was going over some interesting documents. Maya sat next to Anthony, twirling her drumsticks.
"I…"
A louder explosion cut Reece off before he could finish his sentence. The room fell silent for a minute and everyone in the room reflected on how close the last explosion sounded. Being ten thousand feet in the air, they knew if the ship got hit there wouldn't be many survivors.
"Um… I know we all haven't seen eye to eye," he looked around the room, "but I want to say I've had a few good moments…"
"What's your point Reece?" Maya snapped.
Reece who was slightly taken aback cleared his throat. "I just want to say something nice in case one of us doesn't make it."
Another explosion, once again it sounded much too close.
"Reece that's a little dark, don't you think?"
"Ok guys." Anthony took a deep breath. "This is our first mission, and we're all a little nervous…"
"Keep the troops in check, captain," shouted Aaron, although his face was still buried in his PDA.
"But I feel that we are the best Global Justice has to offer and this is our chance to prove it. As long as we've got each other's back, everything will be fine."
Everyone fell silent again. Anthony played another energetic song and it seemed a bit of the tension in the room had been somewhat lifted.
Maya spoke up again. "Does anyone find it weird that we haven't really been briefed about this mission?"
"As far as I can tell," Reece began, "we're supposed to back up Ms. Possible's team."
"There's a lot more to this mission then that!"
Anthony looked up from guitar. "What did you find Aaron?"
"I'm going through Wade's files here and, I won't lie and tell you I understand it, but some words have been popping up frequently.
"What words?"
"Time machine."
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On a banister, high above where Anthony and his team sat, Kim and Wade had gone over their plans. Now she leaned over the handrails watching her son intently.
"How are you feeling Kim?"
"I'm fine." She glanced at her friend. "What did I tell you about the roids Wade, they're not good for your body."
Wade flexed his muscles. "Actually, this comes from a lifetime of training my body along with my mind." After a few seconds of posing he noticed the worried look on Kim's face. "Are you sure he's ready for this?"
"No, I'm not sure about this, but this is the chance for him to see the world at a better time and he can finally meet….Ron. And hopefully we can correct the mistakes we've made."
"Kim you know if…"
"There is no if Wade. I won't let anything hurt Anthony"
Wade checked his watch. The estimated time before they deployed was fifteen minutes. That is, if the ship stayed in the air, but with Kim on board it might be the only ship that would.
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The scientists of the Brotherhood scrambled around the lab working fervently to complete their project, ignoring the constant explosions that shook the lab, they feared failing the savior more then death itself.
In the middle of the lab, they had constructed a large doorway that, as of now, led to nowhere. While the scientists ran around the room Janus stood in front of the passageway, staring silently at the device that would lead him to his destiny.
"Lord Janus," said one of his bodyguards nervously. "The Global Justice ground forces are firing at us from afar and we're being bombarded by their airships."
"Can we raise the shields?"
"No sir. All of our resources are being diverted to the time machine"
"Then we have may have a problem." Janus said calmly.
"IT'S FINALLY COMPLETE!" screamed one of the scientists
A loud humming noise filled the lab and the doorway cackled with large amounts of electricity. The electricity collected around the doorway and caused a phenomenon similar to a sonic boom. The scientists who stood near the passageway were blown away by the shockwaves it created. The ones that were still standing saw the device give of a brilliant, bright light that filled the room.
Janus stood in awe of the sight. Only a true god could bend time to his will. The only thing that would have made this moment any sweeter was if she was by his side, sharing the victory.
"Lord Janus. We've run a scan of the Global Justice flagship, as you've requested."
His servant handed him a small list. "We've cross-referenced all persons aboard the ship with all of our data on extensive data on Global Justice. We've discovered that she is indeed on board."
A hush fell over everyone in the room, as Janus reviewed the list.
"Begin the preparations. We shall cross upon my return," he called out to the people in the room.
He made a motion to move when someone grabbed him by the arm.
Janus turned to face his bodyguard, a grey haired man who had recently pledged his life to the cause.
"You must have one spectacular reason for grabbing me like that."
The guard let his arm go. "Lord Janus, with all do respect, I believe what we are doing here takes priority over all."
"If I do not return by the time the preparations are complete you have permission to go on ahead."
Janus headed for the exit
"There is a saying; control your emotions or they will control you."
Janus stopped in his tracks; the only sounds that could be heard in the room were of the raging battles outside.
"What are you saying my brother?"
"If the Lord has any flaws, it is that he puts certain factors over the needs of The Brotherhood."
"Is that so?"
"Once again with all due respect my lord, there would be no need for this adventure if you had ordered the death of…"
"Put out your arm."
"What?" the guard said visibly puzzled.
"Put out your arm," Janus ordered again.
Obeying, the guard rolled up his sleeve and presented his arm. Janus grabbed it forcefully and began to chant softly.
The guard screamed in horror as his arm began to smolder, a whisper of smoke escaped Janus' hands as he increased his grip on the guard's arm.
"It seems that you have lost some faith in me. If you've no faith in me, you've lost faith in The Brotherhood."
The guard screams increased as he attempted to endure the pain.
"But no worries brother, your faith will be renewed when you become an integral part in insuring The Brotherhood's destiny."
Janus let the arm go and the guard collapsed to the floor. He stared at his arm which now contained a deep bruise that continued to spread across his arm. He convulsed violently on the ground. The others in the room watched in amazement as the guard began to transform before their very eyes.
Janus turned to them. "You have permission to continue with your assignments if I have not returned in time." He looked down on the floor. "And take him with you as insurance"
"Yes sir," they all said in unison.
He signaled for another guard to follow him out the door.
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Anthony stood in a secluded corner of the cargo bay and ran his fingers across the bracelet on his wrist.
With the Lotus Blade, he'd have all the power he would need to protect everyone.
The Lotus Blade was made to be the ultimate tool of protection, but today it would be used as a tool of vengeance.
"So, this is where you've been man," Aaron said "penny for your thoughts?"
"I'm actually thinking about…"
Anthony felt a migraine of epic proportions, and he grabbed his head quickly. The pain was so severe, it knocked him off balance.
"Hey Ant, what's wrong with you?"
A flood of images ran through his mind a once, the pain in his head increased.
"Anthony… what's wrong with you?"
"It's a message." Anthony grunted as he wrapped his arms around his head in a failed attempt to stop the pain.
A second later, the pain receded. Anthony's loud grunts were now replaced by his gasps for air.
"What the hell was that?"
Anthony reflected on his situation and found that he could laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
"He's waiting for me."
"Who's waiting for you?"
"He's waiting for me," Anthony repeated. "I can tell where he is, I don't know why but I can tell."
He did not know why but he was starting to feel relieved. The nights leading up to this mission he had doubts about the path that he had chosen, but now, now that it was here, and nearly over. His doubts had faded away.
He could hear Aaron say something about him being ok. Anthony picked himself off the floor. "I need you to do me a favor."
Minutes later, Anthony stood in front of the open emergency door a few inches from open sky.
"I've shut off the alarm. No one can tell that the door is open"
Anthony said a silent prayer.
"You are freaking impulsive, man."
"Don't worry, the doctors say it's not contagious." Anthony gave his friend a nervous smile.
"My mother is going to knock me around for this. Ant, remember this. Wade monitors our vitals. If you flat line, I'm going kill you."
"I'll make a mental note of that," Anthony said before leaping out of the door.
On the ground Janus, dragged his foot along the dirt floor, wiping away the symbols he had drawn there minutes ago.
"Now we wait."
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Back at the lab, a group of men lined up in a straight line directly in front of the passageway, awaiting the savior patiently. The head scientist inspected the troops and handed each of them a data pad. In the front of the line, the injured bodyguard from earlier was being carried on top a stretcher. The sheet over his body trembled slightly because of his erratic convulsions.
"The preparations are complete, with the return of the Lord we will take our correct place…"
Suddenly there was a faint acrid smell in the air, and the scientist surveyed the room. Nothing was out of the ordinary but the burning smell increased.
There was a small popping sound; then the head scientist was thrown into the air carried by a huge blast and hot wind. He slammed into the wall and slid into the floor, the air was filled with a rain of broken glass. Pebbles and stones ricocheted around the lab like ping pong balls.
Even with injured eyes he could see the massive hole in the ground on the far end of the room. There were faint movements from in the hole. Instantly he recognized what was happening.
"Intruders, go now! Through the portal!" he screamed as Global Justice Agents poured into the room from the hole.
The troops who were the closest to the portal, including the ones that carried the injured guard, rushed into the passageway. Loud explosions continued to rock the lab as the GJ agents tossed flash bang grenades at the scientists.
Treading softly through the confusion, Yori eased past a row of workbenches to an unmanned computer terminal. Her senses were on high alert for the slightest sound, or movement, the least hint that someone had spotted her. With a whisk of the mouse and a few clicks every locked door and window opened immediately allowing more agents to pour in the lab.
On the other side of the room Will Du sent the signal to the flagship that the lab was being secured.
Seconds later Wade received the signal. He nodded to Dr. Director who added another weapon to her arsenal.
"Kim, notify the others we'll be parachuting down soon"
Just then, the door swung open, and in came an infuriated Monique followed by Aaron. She held him by the ear and he squirmed around in pain.
"Tell them!" Monique said angrily
"Wade, I've got a program I'd like you to take a look…"
She twisted his ear even harder.
"Anthony's gone!"
"What?" screamed Kim.
"He parachuted out of here ten minutes ago… he went after Janus. I told him he was crazy."
"I've got to go find him before…"
Wade clicked a few buttons on his watch. "His vitals are still okay, but I've got no idea where he is."
He looked back at Aaron. "Aaron?"
"Yes sir."
"Do you have Anthony chipped?"
"Now that's incredible unethical, he's my best friend and I've known him for years…"
Monique raised her hand in a slapping motion.
"Ok, ok, let me get my PDA."
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Janus and his escort had seen the person land nearby, now they awaited the arrival of his guest. They were surrounded by the shattered remnants of the massive facility. The Global Justice bombardment continued but only as a distraction, they avoided the key areas of the facility where their Agents might be. A faraway tower erupted into million of pieces sending a shower of small concrete pieces on them. But Janus' attention was elsewhere, he cold sense someone picking his way up a rocky slope in the distance.
Anthony was young and fit, so the climb up the steep slope was no big deal. Once at the top of the slop he came to a fence. He stared past the fence into the distance. Up ahead, two figures stood alone.
"Janus." He seethed.
He removed the bracelet from his wrist and it changed into a long sword. He clenched the sword in his hand and cut through the fence.
"The Lotus Blade" Janus said to no one in particular, there was a hint of surprise in his voice. "I thought it had been destroyed." He paused. "Of course…Yori."
Anthony slowly took one step past the destroyed fence, his chest heaved up and down, it was becoming harder and harder to breathe. He continued forward, taking a deep breath with each step.
"Welcome." Janus shouted.
"I'm going to kill you," Anthony shouted back, his voice cracking mid-sentence.
Janus' escort laughed.
"Your mother told me the same thing years ago. It must run in the family."
Anthony continued to slowly move forward, his grip on the Blade tightened.
"Why do you want to kill me?"
"You're a monster!" Anthony screamed in between breaths.
"One army's monster is another's savior!"
"Thousands, millions have died because of you!"
"I take no pleasure in killing. The fact is, my destiny is to rule over a paradise on earth. Heaven on earth for those who follow me."
"You've caused my mother so much pain."
"She didn't understand, she refused to unde…"
"YOU KILLED MY FATHER!" Anthony screamed, as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Silence fell on them both. Janus presented his right hand to the escort.
"A sword, brother."
The escort opened his robe and removed a long sword. It was mandatory for him to carry it at all times.
"This is your lucky day. Come at me, and make your father proud."
Anthony collected all the strength he could muster and then he charged at his enemy.
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"Take this." Wade pointed to an odd looking vehicle in the cargo bay. "It might look like some weird dune buggy but it works just like a jet pack. You'll freefall until you're twenty feet off the ground then it'll start to hover. After a smooth descent, you'll touch down. Once the wheels are on the ground, I'm sure you'll know what to do."
He tossed Kim the keys. "Thanks! Let's move Monique."
Monique entered the passenger side of the vehicle. She turned quickly to her kids. "If I hear that you're not following Dr. Director's exact orders, your behinds are mine!
"Yes mom, we love you too," Aaron and Maya said together.
"Ok now clear the area"
They ran off when the cargo door opened. Kim gripped the steering wheel and drove the Buggy off the plane.
Dr. Director addressed the rest of Anthony's team. "They'll bring Anthony back safely. But remember we've got our own assignments to focus on."
They reluctantly nodded in agreement.
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Anthony leaped into the air, using both his hands he brought the Lotus Blade down on Janus' head with all his strength. Unfortunately, a split second before the blade made contact, Janus used his own sword to block the attack. Anthony increased the pressure on The Lotus Blade, hoping to snap Janus' sword, but it didn't budge
He backed off and performed a round kick. Janus quickly stepped backwards and dodged the attack, the kick leaving Anthony's back exposed for a second. Janus thrust his sword at Anthony's back, but Anthony parried the dodge and gracefully swung the sword at Janus' neck. Janus bent over backwards and the sword passed over him.
They both backed away from each other.
"I thought you wanted to do your best for your father?"
Anthony took a moment to catch his breath. Suddenly, his body began to glow faintly.
Janus watched as the blue aura around Anthony intensified
"Oh, now you're serious. I guess I'll have to get serious too."
The Lotus blade changed into a swallow, a weapon with a long grip in the center of two blades.
Janus swiftly attacked again. Anthony blocked the sword with one blade and attacked with the other. The swallow twirled around Anthony's wrist like helicopter blades. Janus deftly dodged from the left to the right, avoiding being hit by inches. The loose areas of his robe were shredded, with pieces of cloth flung into the air like confetti.
Janus jumped backwards, putting a bit of distance between himself and Anthony. Anthony rolled the swallow along the ground. It cut the earth as it raced towards Janus like a buzz saw. Janus leaped over the swallow, and seeing Anthony defenseless, he charged at him.
After continuing forward for a few feet, the Lotus Swallow lifted itself out of the ground and reversed its direction in midair.
Anthony watched intently as Janus charged at him with the swallow unknowingly on his heels.
A few more seconds and it's over.
To Anthony's surprise, Janus suddenly stopped. He stepped an inch to the left and the swallow flew right past him, once again missing by inches.
The swallow returned to Anthony's hand and he braced himself for an attack
"You can make it return mentally already? I'm impressed."
Janus' words infuriated Anthony, who charged at him again.
He blocked Anthony's attack. "What you can't take a compliment? I'm seriously impressed." He jumped backwards again.
Anthony changed the blade into a spear and thrust it at Janus, who just deflected all of his attacks while keeping his distance. Anthony changed the Blade back into sword and rushed forward closing the gap between them.
"You are an excellent fighter, but I'm different. I have no limitations."
After several minutes of attempting to get past his defenses, Anthony lost his temper and began to batter at him as if to pound him into the ground. The air was soon filled with sounds of clashing blades and the rasps of Anthony's breath. For a brief second he saw an opening, but once again Janus dodged the Blade when it was inches from his neck.
Janus spun and did a backhanded slash. Anthony thrust his blade out and blocked it, than he quickly countered. Their weapons collided high in the air and they stood face to face. Anthony breathed heavily into the darkness where Janus' face should have been
"You're getting tired. The Lotus Blade gets heavier with every second that you continue fighting."
The sweat pouring down Anthony's face stung his eyes, but he was fiercely determined.
"Your eyes, I know those eyes. I can see the determination in them. The eyes of a person who knows they can and will come out on top no matter what. Your eyes are the same as your mother's."
Anthony could feel his blood boil
"You don't know anything about my mother!" In a fit of rage, Anthony brought the sword over his head and prepared to strike down. Janus thrust his sword out vertically and stopped the attack short.
Then, in a show of strength, Janus knocked the Lotus Blade out of Anthony's hand. Anthony watched in horror as the Lotus Blade rotated in the air and embedded itself in the dirt.
"No…" was the only thing he could say before Janus' fist slammed into his chest.
The blow knocked Anthony a few feet backwards. The pain sent shockwaves through his body, instantly immobilizing him. It took all of his strength just to make a half a step, and then he dropped to one knee.
"Get up, please get up"
He willed himself upright.
I've got to keep fig…
Anthony fell over backwards.
"Yori did a superb job training you, but she was trained by the best. And I've beaten the best."
From the ground Anthony watched Janus pluck the Lotus Blade from the earth. The Blade turned blood red in his hands
He walked over to Anthony, who coughed violently on the ground
"Just kill me." Anthony pleaded.
Janus turned to his escort who had been watching the fight a safe distance away.
"Leave us!" he screamed at him.
The escort hesitated, bowed, and then rushed away, leaving them completely alone
"Anthony Ronald Possible, you've proven yourself worthy in the eyes of The Brotherhood. I hereby lift the seal of darkness from my face."
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"Over here!" called Dr. Director as she received information from Will Du from inside the lab.
Wade, Aaron, and the rest of the group raced across the rooftop after landing there just a few minutes earlier.
"Wade, how's Anthony vitals?"
Wade took a good luck at his watch. "Everybody's fine Maya."
"Get ready." Dr. Director told them, as she placed a plastic explosive on the floor of the roof. After getting a safe distance away, she remotely detonated it. The explosion created a large hole in the roof. "Let's go!"
They jumped into the hole and took a group of scientists by surprise. The fight was brief, as they quickly overpowered the members of The Brotherhood in a matter of minutes.
"Good work guys," said Dr. Director.
Will, Yori, and the other Agents who had been there earlier approached them
"About time," said Will. "They sent a couple of their guys through and then created a huge barricade around the main terminal before they shut it off."
Good thing we got dropped in on them," laughed Reece. He cleared his throat when he realized he was the only one laughing.
"Wade, can you get this working?"
"Already on it Will." Wade had already taken his place in front of the terminal.
"Yes this is a rare opportunity. Watching the master at work" exclaimed Aaron
"I wonder if Anthony's ok"
Aaron turned to Tomas. "He's fine. He's a Possible, those people can do anything."
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"What's going on?"
The darkness lifted from Janus. Anthony could finally get a good look at his face.
His face
It was the same face that was in the pictures in his mother's room. The same face he had seen on the videos that made his mother weep at night. The face of the person he had dreamed of meeting every night when he was a child. He couldn't breathe; it was like a tank had just hit him. He was staring at the face of Ronald Stoppable.
It can't be, it's an illusion…
"Imagine this if you can." Ron told him. "You're dying on the ground like an animal staring into the sky. You know nothing can save you. The training you went through to master Tai Shing Pek Kwar is useless. All of the people you've ever saved could do nothing to help. You can feel you're body temperature falling, you stop breathing but you can still hear and feel the only woman you ever loved screaming, pumping on your chest. As the darkness envelops you, she whispers into your ear that she's having your child."
Ron paused. "And then a light penetrates the darkness. You hear a voice offering a second chance, a chance to be reborn with unimaginable power. Would you refuse such a chance?"
Anthony remained silent
"Now imagine you say yes, And then suddenly you understand. You understand that everything happens for a reason, you were chosen for a reason; you see the world through different eyes. The Brotherhood took me in that day because the one day they prayed for had finally arrived, the one who could change the world. The one destined to bring the world love through war."
Ron kneeled down next to his son. "In Roman mythology, the god Janus was frequently used to symbolize change and transitions such as the progression of past to future, of one condition to another, of one vision to another, and of one universe to another."
Ron turned the Lotus into a dagger and placed it in Anthony's hand. He raised his chin showcasing his neck
"You wanted revenge against the one who killed your father. This is your chance. Just know that Ron Stoppable did not die all those years ago. He was reborn!"
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The buggy kicked up a massive amount of dust as it raced around the base. "How close are we, Monique?"
"We should be on him in about thirty seconds."
"That's not soon enough," Kim replied as she increased their speed. "I'm coming Anthony"
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The dagger was inches from his throat, Anthony's hand trembling violently. He was so close to ending it all. But then he looked into Ron's face. He seemed sincere, under the terrifying specter that was Janus. Maybe there was someone else. Anthony relaxed, as he stared at his reflection in Ron's eyes.
"Mom, tell me something else about dad."
"Well Anthony," she smiled. "He had the most caring and loving eyes. You knew exactly how much he cared by the look he gave you. It always made me feel so special."
"Ewww I don't want to know about that girl stuff. Tell me about his fights."
"I don't understand." Anthony managed to choke out.
"People usually fear what they don't understand."
Ron grabbed his son and embraced him.
"With your mother's brains and your inherited power, we can create a dynasty. You're perfect Anthony, can't you see that. You deserve to rule by my side."
"But mom… you've caused her so much pain."
"No, she refused to understand my position. I tried to talk her. I would have given her the moon and the stars. You have to believe me, I loved her. Just like I love you. Don't go down the same path she did Anthony."
"I can't, you've caused so much pain."
Ron jumped away as a laser blast hit the ground where he stood just moments before.
"Anthony!" Kim yelled as she drove up behind him.
She and Monique exited the buggy; Monique helped Anthony off the floor as Kim got between them and Ron.
"Anthony, are you ok"
"Pretending I'm dead. Did you have to go that far Kim?"
"You're not Ron." She said as she pointed the gun at him.
"I'm getting déjà vu," Ron retorted.
"Mom, why didn't you tell me?" Anthony said weakly as he leaned against Monique.
She turned her back to Ron and walked up to Anthony.
"Why?" He asked again.
She cupped his face with her hand "I'm sorry Anthony… it was better this way, it was better for everyone this way."
"Monique, take him back to the others."
"What?" Anthony protested. He knew exactly what she was trying to do. She was going to distract Ron as they escaped.
"No, wait. I can help you"
She kissed him on the forehead. "I want you to remember two things. That I love you and, unlike me, you have the power to save him, because anything is Possible for a…"
"Poss…"
She chopped him in the neck before he could finish. He was knocked out instantly.
"Monique, take him back."
"That I can do" Monique replied, she placed Anthony on the passenger side and got behind the wheel. "Take, care Kim."
When they were out of sight she turned to Ron.
"I'll catch up to him eventually."
"I'll never let you get to my son."
"Your son? I believe it takes two to tango," he said as Kim aimed a gun back at his head. "Is this an appropriate greeting for your soul mate?"
"Soul mate? Last time we met I got shot in the arm, by one of your goons."
"Who was disciplined severely, believe me KP."
She closed her eyes and shuddered. "Don't call me that."
"What, I've called you KP for years."
"Janus never called me KP, Ron did."
"Ah, but we can't forget that Ron Stoppable and Janus are the same person." He sighed "It's amazing how relaxed I feel whenever I'm around you."
"You seem really youthful for a man in his upper thirties" she said, it was as if he had never aged.
Ron smiled at her "I was afraid you wouldn't have noticed. With my power I can slow down the aging process. And even though you've aged beautifully I might add, I can do the same for you."
He used the Lotus Blade to trace some symbols along the ground then he began to once again chant softly. Suddenly a tingling sensation came over Kim. She felt her skin tighten and smooth out; she clasped her face as her wrinkles disappeared. She could literally feel eighteen years of her life melt away.
"Now there's the Kim Possible I know and love." He beamed at her; she looked just as she did when this had all started.
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Anthony opened his eyes and found himself on seat next to Monique. His mother's blow had temporarily paralyzed his body, and it took a large effort for him to even move his lips.
"Why?"
Monique took a quick glance at him. "The truth is rarely ever good and it's never simple. No one knows exactly what happened, but one day Ron he... he just changed," Monique said bitterly.
"That tyrant is my father," Anthony replied, his voice emotionless.
Monique placed her hand on Anthony's shoulder. "No he's not. Ron died a long time ago."
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"It's been so long, how can you treat me this way?"
"Well one usually treats a person they hate with disrespect."
A flash of anger appeared on his face. "Let me refresh your memory. A couple of years ago, you were close enough to kill me, but you couldn't. In fact, you can't."
"Are you sure about that?"
"I'm positive. I know because I can't kill you either. I almost lost everything by letting you run around with my enemies. I went so far as to order my men to avoid using lethal force against you." He laughed. "Even after you destroyed my amulet, I couldn't bring myself to hate you. Ignoring my better judgment I watched, as you led my enemies against me. Many times I thought about just forcing you to love me, but I knew I didn't want your love that way."
"I don't have time for your bull."
"I was given these powers for a reason KP. I was chosen to be a God, but even with all this power, I can't forget you. Why is that?"
She said nothing
"Because we were meant to be together! You've known that from the beginning, yet you continue to ignore your feelings! We can rule together Kim, an equal partnership, like the old days."
She fired at him.
He blocked the laser blast with the Lotus Blade, and with lightning speed he was upon her. He slashed at her, but she managed to block the blade with her gun. She pushed the sword away and kicked him in the face. She fired at him, but he dodged the blast again.
"Tell me you don't love me any more and I'll leave," he shouted at her angrily.
She did a shoulder roll to avoid another swing of the blade. She punched with her left and he caught her arm, she swung with her right and he caught it too.
"Look me in the eye and tell me you don't love me anymore!"
They stood there face to face, and she said nothing.
"I knew it Kim, we belong together as a family."
"I can't. There's... Ron, there's too much blood on your hands."
"Yes, but it was all for the better good Kim. Think about it… a perfect world for us to rule over."
She pulled her arm away and a small dagger fell from her sleeve. "No world is perfect if is built on the lives of others."
She thrust the dagger at his chest, but he grabbed her hand forcefully and forced her to drop the dagger.
"Stop it, it's useless to even try. You know you can't kill me."
She attempted to struggle but he was too strong.
"Kim, tell me… has the idea of being with anyone else ever flashed in your mind?" She gave an involuntary shudder as he kissed her palm. "The same for me," he replied.
The scenery around them changed; the desert disappeared they were now at the Middleton High junior prom. The crowd of student's broke out into applause, when they spotted them in the middle of the dance floor.
"What? How?"
"I have the power to do things like this," he said as lead her into a dance. The band began to play a slow tune about two lovers who had been separated.
"Kim," her could feel her heart beating rapidly against his chest "the last thing I want to do is hurt you or Anthony. We belong together as a family."
"Ron…I"
He cut her off with a kiss that seemed to go on and on, until it left them breathless.
For a brief moment she considered changing her mind, as her emotions clouded her mind. But the memory of all those who had died brought her back down to earth. Guilt once again flooded her body.
"Ron, you're right we belong together." She reached into her pocket and pulled a small cylinder. "I remember you once said you'd follow me anywhere. Well here's your chance to prove it."
"Kim, don't…"
Before he could say anything else she pulled the pin on the cylinder, and they became enveloped in a flash of light.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A large crater had been created where they had once stood.
A few feet away from the corner Ron opened his eyes. He felt unimaginable pain running through his body, but he would survive. He could regenerate from minor injuries like that. He was strong enough to survive, and he was strong enough to protect her.
He pulled himself off of Kim; he had shielded her from the blast. "You see Kim, I saved you. This proves how much I still love you."
She didn't move.
"Come on Kim I've shown you how much I still I care."
Nothing
Then he felt a stabbing pain in his back. He reached and felt the small pieces of metal that had torn through his robe and embedded themselves into his skin.
Shrapnel
It was then that that he had noticed the tiny pool of blood that was forming under her body.
He shook her violently. "KP wake up! Kim, I know you're still alive, come on you're stronger then this. You're stronger than this."
Reality finally sank in when he got no reaction once again.
"Why!" he screamed as he punched the earth, creating a good-sized crater of his own.
She slumped in his grasp "Why! Why! Why! Why couldn't you understand? I would have changed the world for you."
He held her bleeding head on his shoulder, as tears dropped down onto her face
Then he chuckled softly to himself "Gods don't cry."
Second later he was surprised to find himself laughing out loud. "Gods never cried."
He continued to laugh there alone in the desert.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Monique helped Anthony into the lab. He was still a few seconds away from walking on his own. Everyone quickly surrounded them with a hundred different questions.
Everyone's attention was diverted when a loud beeping noise came from Wade's direction. He looked up from the computer terminal and checked his watch.
"It's Kim… she's gone."
A collection of gasps filled the room.
"No!" Anthony cried.
Everyone else in the room, lowered their head in sadness. One of the greatest heroes ever had just left the world.
Monique grabbed Anthony by the shoulders. "Pull yourself together. I know Kim raised you to be stronger than that."
"But, she's dead." he cried. "Because of him, he killed her."
"I've got it!" shouted Wade. "Everyone stand back"
The portal once again cackled with electricity and reproduced its sonic boom like effect and bright light. There was a loud banging on the metal double doors on one side of the lab. Will Du, Yori and the remaining agents pushed against the door attempting to block the intruders.
"Someone has to stall them while I keep this thing stabilized"
"Everyone, gather at the portal!" ordered Dr. Director, who grabbed Anthony away from Monique.
Monique, Reece, Tomas, Aaron and Maya surrounded Dr. Director in front of the portal.
"I wish I had enough time to give you guys the full details of our mission. But here's the gist. We have to stop the Brotherhood from coming to power."
"I'll try my best to get you guys there at the same time but I can't make any promises." Wade shouted.
"Mom, I don't think we can handle a huge job like this"
"Maya, I believe you kids are ready. In fact I think we're looking at the new Team Possible."
"What Team Possible?" Anthony continued to lean against Dr. Director.
"Sis I think it's a great idea, a chance to show our stuff."
"I can be the hero I always thought I was," Reece remarked.
"I'm in too," Tomas exclaimed.
"Team Possible, I like the sound of that." Maya added finally.
Anthony looked at them incredulously, then he smiled. "Alright, we'll do it."
Dr. Director handed small compass like object "Now that you're a true team leader, you can use this. It's a tracking device for everyone on your team. "Since there might be days of separation between everyone"
"We need some help here," cried Will Du, as the door began to split apart.
"I'm coming," Monique called out.
"Mom, I'll help too."
"No way Aaron. I didn't carry you around for nine months so you can throw your life away. I'm going alone."
"But mom," cried Maya
"Honey I've been preparing for a day like this for a long time." She said gave her daughter a hug. Aaron embraced his mother also. "I love you guys. Aaron you take care of your sister."
She winked at Anthony. "The same goes for you too." Then she left to aid Will and Yori.
"Ok, everyone ready?" Asked Dr. Director
"What about Wade?"
"Sorry Aaron but I've got to stay on this end to keep the portal stabilized." He said while keeping the same hopeful expression. "Oh and here's a tip, try not reveal to your parent's that you're their children. That is a big no no."
It was then that the metal doors burst outward, one would have thought that a grenade had gone off in the room.
"Mother!" Maya screamed.
Aaron grabbed his sister and dragged her screaming into the portal. Reece and Tomas quickly followed.
When the dust settled Ron stood alone his hand wrapped around Monique's throat.
"Anthony, we're not done talking"
Will Du and Yori, picked themselves up from the wreckage scratched and bruised.
"Ron you won't go any further," Will bellowed.
"Don't push your luck, Agent Du! I've generously decided to let you guys live through this, just let me through, let me get my son and this will be all over.
"We cannot allow you to do so," replied Yori.
"Fine!" He turned to Monique. "You were the closest to her. Did she still love me?"
"Yeah, she did" Monique said coughing up blood. "But she blamed herself for all of the chaos you've caused. The guilt she carried, it was awful."
His face remained emotionless as he listened. "Thank you, I'll make this quick" He tightened his grip around her throat and she gasped for her air.
Ron tossed Monique's body at Will Du they crashed together into the nearest wall. Yori attacked but he blocked it and backhanded her across the room.
"You're all I've got left of her Anthony; you're all that's left."
Dr. Director shook Anthony to get his attention. "You wanted to make a difference, this is your chance."
Anthony looked at her puzzled
"I'm sorry that this is how it's turned out. But you have to stop this from happening by any means necessary."
She pushed him through the portal, and then quickly placed a plastic explosive on the side of the passageway before detonating it.
The explosion rocked the laboratory, sending metal flying in all directions.
Wade knew he had been fatally wounded as he crawled into a corner of the room. He pulled himself up and sat upright.
Ron approached his former friend
"Well, it's all up to your son and his friends now." Wade laughed.
Ron shook his head. "He will soon learn that it is impossible to fight fate. It will not end until history has recorded my greatness."
Wade laughed again. "How can a father underestimate his own son?"
"Wade, you're a genius. What do you call it when I person can have anything except what he truly wants."
"Ironic?" Wade coughed before going limp
Ron stood alone in the room. "I can't help but wonder if this time she'll reconsider."
Well that ends the first act (the future) alright the story is going to change directions slightly. Enter KP and RS (finally) until next time!