StD - Diablo
"Nothing else matters"
By : Metallica
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
And nothing else matters
Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know
(Music)
I Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
No, nothing else matters
Chapter 12 : Beginning of the End
Ron slowly opened his eyes and glanced about the room. He was currently in the guest room at Kim's house, it was still dark outside and according to the clock it was just after four in the morning. Glancing down he noticed that he was dressed in the same runic robe his ancestor had been in, it was a very beautiful mixture of colors and high quality fabrics, it was encrusted with precious gems and ancient runes were stitched into the fabric. Lying next to him were his twin swords and a beautiful runic staff.
The staff was made out of Ivory and Onyx with a clear crystal baseball sized orb at the top. A mixture of precious gems spiraled down the staff as gold, silver and platinum runes spiraled up. He picked up the staff and held it, savoring the uncanny balance it had.
This robe and staff is the proof that you, Ronald Dean Stoppable are now a full Mystic. The robe of Atlantis will be your dress for formal occasions with others like yourself…such as Master Sensei of Yamanochi. All you need to do it will it on or off of you as it merely covers your current attire. The voice of Romulus said in his mind. The staff is a special weapon that only you can use and can be summoned and dismissed at will. It is indestructible and can be used to give your power an even greater focus. Use the staff to fight when blades aren't needed or necessary. That is all my descendant…farewell…. The voice slowly faded from his mind as he sat up in bed.
Ron thought for a second and snapped his fingers; his robes vanished leaving him in only his cargo pants. Grabbing his blades they shifted back into armlets, he then grabbed his new staff and teleported outside.
On the front porch of the Possible home, Ron stood quietly and looked up into the night sky. It was a clear night with a pleasant full moon and the stars twinkled as if they were happy. He tapped the but of his staff on the floorboards and released it; the staff hovered next to him obediently awaiting him to reclaim it.
A slight warm breeze kicked up causing his long golden locks to flutter about. Ron let out a deep breath as he took in the pleasures of the warm night, the feeling of the warm winds, the smell of the dew beginning to collect on the grass, the sounds of the nocturnal creatures as they milled about and the gentle soft twilight the lit the area in a soft silvery glow.
"It's a beautiful night out isn't it?" Shego asked softly from behind him. She had sensed his power after he woke and followed him out to the front porch. Silently she stood and admired his masculine form as he gazed out into the night. Her jade green eyes raked over the many scars that littered his upper back and she idly wondered just how many of them she had placed there herself and why he saw fit to spare her. A small twinge of jealousy shot through her towards Kim…if only she could have a man like Ron…not for his awesome power, but rather his nature…kind and gentle but fierce and deadly when the need arises. Alas…she would have to settle for being his friend, but perhaps one day…she would find someone like him…someday.
Ron gave the slightest of nods, he could feel and sense the various thoughts and emotions going through Shego, she broadcasted them almost as loudly as Kim usually did. He was surprised at what he found and quite flattered. He resolved to be a good friend to her and help her recover from her own pain.
He motioned for her to come over. Shego stepped up next to him almost shyly…much to Ron's amusement. He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"I am glad that you decided to stop being Drakken's lap dog, I honestly wasn't looking forward to having to hurt you when I knew you were better than that." Ron said softly, his gaze never leaving the starlit sky.
"I know you like being a bad girl, it suits you and is in a way endearing and cute." He continued and despite herself, Shego flushed. "However you can be good and still be deviously bad. I would prefer to have you as an ally rather than an enemy, if that is what you would choose then I humbly offer my eternal friendship and protection to you." He said now looking her in the eyes.
Shego couldn't believe the offer; Kim herself had offered her friendship and a truce, which Shego accepted. She had never really had friends before and found that she liked the fact that two of her most formidable enemies could look past their past differences and offer her something so precious. She may had been a thief and noted for being cold and cruel but she did have a heart and slowly the ice around it was melting as Ron and Kim touched it in ways that no one else ever had. It would be a long road but she knew it would be worth it.
"I accept and swear to help you and Kimmie in any way that I can." Shego said with a smile and gave Ron a peck on the cheek. "Kimmie is a real lucky girl to have a guy like you…I hope she knows that." Shego said softly and walked back into the house.
Ron sighed. "Maybe…but I've always felt like the lucky one…even when I was mad at her." Ron said to no one.
Kim smiled down at her boyfriend as she listened and watched from her bedroom window. Happy tears prickled at her eyes, he could be so frightening…so powerful and yet…so very gentle. Shego was very right…she was indeed very lucky to have Ron. It hurt her still at how she had nearly lost him but it all worked out in the end and now she couldn't be happier.
When everyone woke up the next morning they had found that Ron had left. He had placed a small note on the kitchen table saying that he went home to get cleaned up and to check on his mother. He also stated that he would try to come by later but he had some things to take of. On the table though, just beyond the note was a vase full of beautiful flowers, lilies, orchids, roses and a single lotus blossom.
Checking the kitchen it was discovered that he had sliced up some fresh fruits and had left some Belgium Waffles for them…they were still quite warm so that meant he had only just left.
"Thank you Ronald!" James exclaimed and began fixing himself a plate while trying not to drool at the idea of eating Ron's cooking.
Shego gawked. "He…cooks too?" She asked.
Kim grinned. "Yup, it's one of his natural talents, he could out do a gourmet chef any day."
Shego shook her head with a small smile. "Just one more thing to add to the list of wonderful things about Ron Stoppable." She chuckled.
"You have no idea!" Kim and Anne chorused and laughed.
Meanwhile Ron had touched home with Wade, Brick, Josh, Felix, Monique and the cheer squad via Kimmunicator. He informed them of what happened and then he and Wade offered the others provisional memberships for Team Possible. They all happily agreed, this whole thing had brought all of them closer as friends to the point they now had their own little group. It was decided that more would be discussed after graduation and a head quarters could found and or built.
"So anything new on the villain front?" Ron asked Wade via Kimmunicator.
"Not much, Mitchell has been quiet and well hidden. I can't find where Drakken's main base is; apparently the place Shego came from was a meeting place set up by Monkey Fist. It doesn't help that, that old factory was where Shego had been made to guard." Wade sighed. "Whatever that blue loon is up to this time he is sure covering his ass good this time…not even Shego knows where the main base is."
Ron huffed out a puff of smoke from his cigarette. "This is just prime…Prom is about a week off and we are still no closer to what that blue skinned freak of nature is up to…all we know is that he is going to attack the night of the prom." Ron scowled at being outsmarted by Drakken so far…but even idiots have to have their days.
"The best plan I can come up with is to make sure the team is armed so they can protect themselves, Kim and Shego will go to prom with the rest, you'll be on tactical and I'll be watching the streets of Middleton looking for Drakken's little army. KP and Shego can handle Mitchell, I'm sure ol tin-top will make his move at prom."
"Okay…then to further help on my end I'll keep the sitch under surveillance, that way if something unexpected pops up I can let you know." Wade offered.
"Good idea buddy, oh…can you make a battle suit for Shego, model it after her jumpsuit." Ron asked.
"Sure…that should be easy…Kim asked me the same thing last night anyways." Wade commented.
"Oh? And just when did this happen?" Ron asked bemused.
"While you were covered by the high density energy cocoon. Apparently they had talked and Kim offered her friendship and a truce to Shego, Shego accepted and offered to help the team." Wade shrugged. "I kinda saw this coming…I noticed she had been less aggressive against the both of you during Drakken's last few attempts, I think she was getting tired of it."
Ron nodded. "I had noticed that as well." Ron paused to put out his smoke. "At any rate we got things planned as good as we can at the moment, I'm gonna go hit the shower and catch up with mom, later buddy." Ron said and cut the com-link.
A short while later Ron walked out of the shower, refreshed and feeling much better than he had in a long while. He made his way downstairs to see his mother in the kitchen finishing making breakfast, pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee.
Ron walked up to her gave her a hug and pecked her cheek before sitting down to the table and helping himself to some of his mothers wonderful cooking.
Ellen smiled at her son; Anne had called last night and brought her up to speed. She was glad to see him happy again and safe. Words could not describe just how proud she was of him…he had faced his trials and beat them. She knew Ed and little Rufus were watching from wherever they were and were just as proud.
Ellen was still worried though; her son's greatest challenge was yet to come. She knew that soon he would have to face an army of supposed armored demons. It scared her but she knew Ron would never give up; it just wasn't in his nature. He would fight and beat back whatever army was thrown at him, he would protect this world and those he loves.
"I'm very proud of you, you know?" Ellen said softly.
Ron closed his eyes, sighed and let a small smile grace his lips. "Thanks, mom, that means allot to me…I just hope dad and Rufus are too."
"Oh, Ronnie…I'm sure they are just as proud of you as I am. You've grown into a very strong and wonderful man, you do our family proud." Ellen said happily.
"This battle isn't over yet…I still have one last trial to face now that my power has awakened. And I swear…I will stop the threat, no more innocent people are going to die because of this prophecy…at least if I can help it." Ron stated.
"I'm glad you realized that no matter how powerful you are, you cannot save everyone." Ellen said…she knew it was a hard lesson to learn.
"I know…I accept that but it will not stop me from doing everything that I can to prevent unneeded deaths." Ron paused and sighed. "Life is a very precious thing, it is also extremely fragile. One wrong move and it's all over. For me…that is no longer an issue, somehow…I don't think it is for KP anymore either. My only regret is if I do someday have children…they won't receive my powers or longevity."
Ellen nodded; such was the price of Ron's immortality. "At least the family line doesn't have to end with you though, your children with have children of their own and you and Kim can watch over and protect them."
"Yeah…your right." Ron said softly, the thought of having a family with Kim made his smile. "We'll be sure to send them to you and Mrs. P so you can spoil them rotten."
Ellen laughed. "Oh please do! We would love nothing more than to have grandchildren to spoil." Ron nodded and went back to eating his breakfast as his mother joined him.
Shego blinked in curiosity, she suddenly felt an odd sense of emotion coming from someplace. She couldn't quite pinpoint it but whatever it was…it was pleasant.
Kim popped over from the other side of the clothes racks at club banana, a pretty light blue dress over her arm. "What's up Shego?" She asked, she was smiling because she felt some happiness come from Ron.
Shego shrugged. "Not sure, Kimmie just felt happy for some reason." She smiled. "So…is that the dress you're getting?" She had picked out an emerald strapless evening dress with black lace.
"Yeah, I figure if we're going to play the part we might as well look good doing it." Kim said.
Shego grinned. "You just want to be in that skin tight little number to blow Ron's mind." She teased.
Kim blushed brightly and then grinned…two could play that game. "Oh…and what's your excuse? If I didn't know any better I'd say you were trying to impress him too." She teased back, for some reason it didn't bother her that Shego flirted with him…maybe because Shego was a natural flirt to begin with.
Shego now flushed and let out a very uncharacteristic giggle. "I…err…just thought the dress was nice…that's all." She was sooo busted.
"You are sooo busted!" Kim thought with a giggle. "Oh well…she can flirt if she wants to, seeing Ron get flustered might even be funny." The she said out loud. "Just try not to hog my boyfriend all night if we get the chance to enjoy it would ya?" She asked with a smirk, which had caught the other woman completely off guard.
Shego was shocked…possessive Kim Possible was going to allow her to flirt with her boyfriend and get away with it? What was the world coming to…but hey…who was she to complain, she was never one to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Deal…let's see if we can really knock Ronnie's socks off."
"I couldn't agree more." Kim grinned and continued looking at the clothes on display.
The rest of the week went very smoothly, Shego had incorporated herself into the group quite well and it was rare for her to be seen not in the company of Ron Stoppable and Kim Possible.
Kim and Ron had been surprised, when she told them her real name, it was Serena Michelle Gough. Ron had commented that it was a very pretty name; this caused Shego to blush and Kim to hide a giggle behind a poorly disguised cough. Ron seemed absolutely oblivious to the fact Shego had begun to crush on him…for that matter he seemed oblivious to any of the other girls who had crushed on him too…must be a guy thing.
Shego pouted to herself. It wasn't fair, she could flirt all she wanted to with Ron but that was it. The fact that Ron was oblivious to the fact she had a crush on him was a bit annoying but to be expected…men were just like that. She was slightly irked that Kim had found the whole thing so funny but when she thought about it, it was kind of amusing. She sighed, she may never have the chance to find out what Ron was like as a lover but at least she had him as a friend. Now that she had that…she would do everything she could to make sure she never lost her friendship with either Kim or Ron.
Ron, though he kept his face a mask of pleasantness, was embarrassed beyond belief. Kim and Shego broadcasted their thoughts and emotions louder than any women he knew. Kim was a gimme considering the soul bond…Shego must be due to her powers; she had modest levels of telepathy and telekinesis that helped her control her plasma power.
But still…a very attractive ex-vileness was crushing on him and his girlfriend…his own GIRLFRIEND, thought it was hilarious. Both women constantly flirted with him, Kim a bit more so and worse than Shego, and it was driving him nuts! He had never blushed so much or needed so many cold showers in all his life; this last week had been torture! If this was Kim's way of testing his loyalty he was not amused.
The trio stopped in front of the Possible home, tonight was the big night…Prom Night. "Alright…you two got everything you need?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, when tin-grin picks me up, Serena here is going to tail us in your old Thunder-bird. We'll both have those special EMP guns hidden on us just in case." Kim said with a smile.
"In those dresses you got…where the hell are you going to hide those things?" Ron asked.
Shego and Kim grinned like Cheshire cats. "We made special holsters on our garter belts." Shego answered in an all too innocent tone. "Wanna see?"
Ron swallowed hard and fought back a roaring blush. "N…no, that's fine…I believe you." He said with a bit of a stutter. "Well…I need to get ready myself…" He gave Kim a kiss that while not overly passionate, still melted her socks. "…love ya KP…you two take care of yourselves and call me if you need me."
"Aw…none for me?" Shego pouted playfully.
"God…why do you hate me? If this is a test…it's only fair to warn you I'm a C average student." Ron thought sourly. "Well you see, it's not like I don't want to…It's just tha….mmmph!"
Ron was cut off as Shego placed a lip locker on him that would have made a lesser man lose any inhibitions they had. Though Ron did turn a lovely shade of beetroot and several small lightning bolts sparked out of him…a reaction Kim had gotten earlier when he came over and saw her in her bikini getting a tan.
Kim knew she should feel jealous and scratch Shego's eyes out, but for some reason she didn't…she did find the situation absolutely hilarious though.
After Shego let him go, Ron ruefully noticed that Kim was holding her sides in mirth. Shego just licked her lips and smiled cattily. "Kimmie's right…you are good!" She said and sauntered back into the house with Kim, still laughing, trailing behind.
Ron looked up into the sky, his eyebrow twitched slightly. "I'm being punished…aren't I?" He asked and got no answer. "Damn women are gonna be the death of me…" He grumbled and began running to his house.
It was about eight PM and the Prom had started. It was dark out and Ron sat perched on top of a building in downtown Middleton, just a block away from Bueno Nacho.
Something felt really off to him tonight, the area was vacant of life, no people or cars were out and there was an eerie stillness. Only the slight rustling of leaves in the wind could be heard or felt. Whatever it was that was coming…it was coming very soon.
Ron was dressed in his jet black and crimson battle suite. The black areas gave off a soft gray glow in the dusk lighting. Because the suit fit him like a second skin he opted to wear his cargo pants to keep from…advertising certain aspects of his anatomy. The Dragon and Lotus blades were in their customary armlet forms on his forearms, his staff was strapped to his back.
The sound of metal plinking against the rooftop sounded off behind him. Ron turned only to find one of the stupid lil Diablo toys laying face down on the rooftop. He frowned…what was a toy doing on the rooftop of an insurance building.
As he approached the toy he heard more noise and looked over the roof. Nearly thirty lil Diablo toys were walking towards him, their beady little eyes glowing red and their grins giving them sinister looks.
Ron arched his eyebrow. "Oh please…these little things are Drakken's almighty army?" He almost laughed…almost.
The Diablo's began growing in size and their bodies shifted into what looked like armored demons. Their evil grins turned to menacing frowns and their arms became nasty looking cannons.
"Prophecies suck." Ron grumbled as the large robots stalked closer to him.
Disclaimer : We do not own Kim Possible
Authors : DragonMaster & Doug4422 aka Epic Quest INC