Chapter III: Man and Machine

Ron and Felix walked through the streets of Tokyo a bit disheartened at the news they got from Mr. Nakasumi. Apparently, someone stole some designs for his future releases. One of them was the drone they got in the lab. Although, he was helpful in giving them a complete list of the designs that were stolen.

"This is up your alley, Ron," Felix said as he showed him one of the files. "It's an air drone. It looked like something the military would design and not Nakasumi."

"This would be so cool if it weren't going to try to kill us," Ron sighed. "The old man said that the files that were stolen were in their garbage bin. Someone must have gone through the trash to get these."

"And that someone is named Doc Drakken," Felix smirked. Looking around, he watched as the locals passed by. The people did not know the threat that was coming. Seeing most of the file Nakasumi-san gave them, he was beginning to doubt that they could stop the coming evil.

"What could mere men do in the face of pure evil?" Felix mumbled to himself, feeling his heart fall in a pit of despair.

"Mere men we are not," Ron smiled, patting his friend on the back. "Come on Felix! We're different from the rest. No mere man could overcome his own weakness. Look at you! They said you couldn't walk but you showed them. And they told me I couldn't date a cheerleader much less get one to be my girlfriend! And you know what my motto is:"

"Never be normal!" Ron and Felix said in unison, making the brunette smile. "But you're forgetting one thing Ron; you're single." But Ron was unfazed as he smiled at his friend.

"A temporary setback. When I get the two of us talking without interruptions, we'll be tight again."

"Amazing," Felix shook his head. "Even though you had a falling out with Kim, you still hoping that you're going to get back together."

"She only needed time and space," Ron said as he started towards the nearest shop.

"For three years?" Felix asked as he placed the file in his backpack. "Did she even know that you joined the Air Force?"

"Not even Wade did," Ron said but he was still smiling. "But I'm sure when she's ready she could find me."

"Pride is what would kill us all, Ronman," Felix shook his head and followed his friend. "Where are we going anyway?"

"This is Japan, right?" Ron smiled. "Home of technological advancements. And where else to find the latest Survival Horror Games than in Japan!" He then went into the nearest store. Felix looked up at the sign and smirked at what he saw.

"Two things, Ronman," he said. "One; you can't read or speak Japanese and two," his smile grew larger. "That's a Hentai shop." Slowly, Ron walked out, his face slightly reddening.

"Just this once," he smiled shyly and went back in. Felix blinked in confusion and surprise and with a shrug went in after him.

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Kim Possible really missed the old days. She really missed being a normal person, well, as normal as could be. What she missed the most was her best friend. Do you know the saying you only know the true value of an object when it is lost to you? When she lost Ron, she felt an emptiness in her soul. At first she thought that she could forget if she buried herself in her work. But still, the loneliness remained. She knew it was her fault, she reminded herself of that fact every single day.

At one time, she had tried to find him but nothing. There was not even a signal from his tracking chip. It was like he disappeared from the world. At one time when she landed on an aircraft carrier en route to a mission she swore she saw Ron taking off from the ship's catapult in an F-14 Tomcat. She was really tired at the time so she shrugged the incident off as a figment of her imagination. There was no way that Ron could fly a fighter jet, was there?

Come to think of it, she herself had underestimated her best friend in more than one occasion. Maybe that was her problem. She never saw Ron's true worth until he was no longer by her side. When she thought about that, she cursed herself even more.

But her thoughts came back to the present. Though she didn't have any idea how the techs lost one of the robots… drones, she corrected. The tech boys determined that. And she didn't have a clue how Shego escaped. At first she was furious. Her only lead to Drakken was gone, though truthfully, she was glad that she was gone. When Drakken left her for dead, her spirit broke. It was like Shego was a shell of her former being. But someone broke her out and that meant that they needed her just as much as she did.

Her only clue was the 'lawyer' that was with her at the time. But when she reviewed the security tapes, all they recorded was static. This was planned but by whom?

Her mind wandered as she walked the streets of Tokyo. She was there to gather information about the drones. She called Mr. Nakasumi to ask if he knew anyone making sophisticated drones in his area and what he said surprised her.

Someone had already asked him that question. Two young men on official business asked him about the drones, which incidentally were his designs. These two helped him in the past so he helped them in return. He said that they were there to stop the eminent evil.

If Mr. Nakasumi believed them, then it must be true. But what other organization was handling this case? Did GJ know about this? Were they helping us? Was that Ron coming out of that shop just now? Kim stopped her train of thoughts and stared. Though the man's physique was different and his hair was longer, she knew those ears and those freckles anywhere.

His companion noticed her first. He looked at her and he froze. When Kim had gotten a good look at him she couldn't believe who it was. It was Felix Renton. And he was standing! When did this happen? Ron was still engrossed in a magazine and still was oblivious to her presence.

But what would she do now that she had found him?

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Felix's eyes widened as he saw the redhead standing in front of them. Ron, in his usual Ronness didn't even notice. He was still browsing the magazine he had purchased earlier and was engrossed with its contents.

"I can't believe that this is possible," Ron said disbelievingly. "I mean, these guys have a lot of spare time to tie her up like that."

"Um… Ronman," Felix nudged his friend before he made a fool of himself further. Ron looked at him and suddenly noticed that Felix was looking at something away from them. As he turned to see what he was looking at, he too froze on the spot.

He never expected to see her like this, especially with what he was holding. Quickly, he hid the magazine behind his back and smiled goofily at her.

"Um… hi, KP," he said shyly as if he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Both men saw that she was trembling. Ron's eyes widened in fear. He knew perfectly well the wrath of Kim Possible. Felix, however, only heard rumors of the legendary temper. And being as smart as he is, he knew when to fall back.

"I've got some shopping to do," Felix said as he patted his friend's back. "Good Luck," before Ron could voice a protest, he was gone. Ron swallowed as he faced her. So many things to say, all caught in his throat. What if he said something that would kill their friendship for good?

But he was not chosen for the organization for being afraid. No. It was because he would face anything to achieve a goal.

He took a deep breath and gave her his warmest smile.

And then he prepared for the worst.

What happened was something he did not expect.

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"Um… hi, KP," everything didn't matter. She had heard those words she had missed, craved and hoped to hear again. She barely noticed Felix leave but what shattered her resolve was his smile. That pure, selfless smile that always made her feel that it would be all right.

Trembling with joy, she rushed Ron and hugged him, burying her head on his shoulder.

Everything did not matter. Not her job, not her pride, not her mission. All that mattered that she had her Ron back.

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"Everything cool back there?" Zita asked as Keith emerged from the service lift in his Exo-frame.

"Why shouldn't it be?" he asked, a small smile on his lips. Zita merely shook her head and returned to her work.

"I don't know. What you're doing may blow up on your face," she said. Keith only snorted and leaned on the panel beside the transporter.

"I know. I'm taking a risk, Z. And if we don't stop Drakken, we're all lost. The people, including the higher ranks, scoffed this project. They thought that they could handle it. But they couldn't, could they? People are getting hurt, including the pawns that they sent. I know most of them. They're good agents but still kids. There's always a better way but pride always blinds them to it."

"You're not that old, Keith," Zita chuckled. "And I get what you're saying." She took a deep breath and looked at him softly. Of the three, Keith was the most devoted in this project. He wouldn't fail. She could see it in his eyes.

Cold, calculating and determined. That was Keith for you. But he had moments, like earlier, that he would slip his emotions in his features. Even if it was a little smile, Zita knew that he had a caring heart underneath.

Suddenly, an alarm flashed on her console. She immediately went to work trying to determine where the trouble was. She gaped when she realized what was going on.

"Keith. Trouble," she turned towards him in panic but he smiled softly at her. Somehow, his smile calmed her down.

"By the book, Zita," he said as he stood straight.

"By the book. Got it," she typed at her console. "Calls are coming in. Robots on rampage. Attacking Tokyo."

"Tokyo, interesting. Felix and Ron are in Tokyo. Did they bring their Exo-frames?"

"They should," Zita said. Keith began to walk towards the transporter.

"Contact them," Keith said, standing by. Felix was the first one to respond Zita's call.

"Drakken?" he asked as his face filled the monitor. The shouts of panic could be heard from his communicator making Keith smirk.

"Where's Ron?" Zita asked. Felix glanced away and nodded.

"He's getting his suit on. Z. I've got files here in my backpack that could help us. Could you beam it up?"

"Your backpacks have tracking devices so I could. I'm sending Keith down," She looked towards the transporter and Keith nodded. With a press of a button, he shimmered in a blue light and disappeared.

Zita sighed as she retrieved Felix's backpack.

"It's show time."

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Ron's wrist communicator and Kim's comlink sounded at the same time. Each wanted to ignore the calls but it was their sworn duty to protect the people. It was only then did they realize that the whole area is in panic. Reluctantly, they parted. Kim smiled sheepishly and apologetically.

"I've got to…" she started but Ron gave her an understanding smile.

"I understand," he said.

"We could…" Kim looked pleadingly and immediately, Ron looked away.

"Argh! Not the Puppy Dog Pout!" despite what was happening, Kim laughed. When he was sure it was safe, Ron smiled at her. "Maybe another time. Go KP. The people need you." Kim looked at the people, running for their lives. She was torn between her best friend and her duty.

"I just found you again, Ron…" Ron, still smiling, held up his hand.

"Tomorrow. Bueno Nacho. Lunch. You're buying," Ron said as he, with great reluctance, left. But he paused and looked at her. "KP?" Kim turned and looked at him curiously. "I've got your back." And then he was gone.

Ron will be Ron, Kim thought as she answered her comlink with a smile. But first thing's first. "What's the sitch?"

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Ron was already in his Exo-frame when he joined Felix and Keith by the bay. Keith was assessing the situation and what he saw encouraged him. Earlier, he was not sure if they were ready but seeing the opposition, he became confident.

"Catching up on old times?" Keith said as he pressed his communicator.

"Not yet," Ron smiled but it wavered when he saw the drones. There were about five air drones and twenty land drones. At sea, Felix could make out the outline of robotic sharks attacking the marina. "What are those?"

"The air drones are strafers and the land drones are traumatizers, according to the files you sent" Zita said through their com. "Their armors are stronger that most but not that strong. Our weapons can destroy them. But watch it. You're in a heavily populated area. Those hours in the practice range should come in handy."

"So what's the plan, KC?" Keith blinked when Ron called him that. This was a first for him since Ron came on board. He just shook his head and stowed it for later.

"Z? Let's keep this simple," Keith said.

"Simple it is," Zita said enthusiastically. "Assembling Cruiser, Fire Force and Sky Knight."

"Now remember to shout out the command code when fusing with the system," Keith reminded them much to the other men's chagrin.

"Do we have to?" Felix and Ron whined in unison making Keith sigh.

"Listen," he frowned. "We don't have time for this. Just do it!" Felix nodded and Ron merely sighed. Keith was right, there was no time.

"Let's rock," Ron said with a determined smile.

"Z? Send it," Keith said as the three men poised to receive. They had their legs spread and their arms up at an angle, forming an X with their body.

"Heads up!" Zita said and suddenly all three men were engulfed in a bright beam. Their respective equipment materialized around them, as if waiting for their signal.

"POWER XTREME!" all of them shouted and immediately the equipments went to their respective ports.

Ron felt his system fuse with his Exo-frame. First, was his jetpack. It was a mall pack with wings on it. Two mini turbine engines the size of medium cans attached to the end of the wings. Then a double barreled blaster fused on the pack's back, comprising one of the weapons of the system. The whole pack attached itself to Ron's back. On Ron's front, a smaller pack attached itself to the ports on his chest. The pack contained two lasers and a smart bomb in the middle. Two sidewinder rockets fused on his forearms and finally, an aerodynamic helmet placed itself on his head.

Felix felt his backpack fuse with his Exo-frame. It was like a dual scuba tank with a rocket that would not ruin the aerodynamics of the system. On his chest fused a rudder for more maneuverability. On his ankles were turbines that would propel him in the water. On his arm was a laser that was shaped like the wings of a manta. Finally, a helmet that would let him breathe underwater lodged itself on his head.

Finally Keith. A large rocket launcher fused itself to his backpack and docked with his suit. A four barreled gatling laser fused in the middle of his chest. A large double barreled cannon fused with his forearm and his helmet, that almost resembled a motocross helmet, placed itself on his head.

The fusion took less than one second.

As soon as the weapon systems were in place, they went to action. Ron immediately flew to face the Strafers. There was not any awkwardness in his flight. His take off, although a bit flashy, was perfect.

Felix dove into the bay and used his propellers to speed himself towards the robotic sharks.

Keith looked at where the Traumatizers were making havoc and began to run towards their direction. Hoping that his system would not fail him.

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Kim had her hands full. She was the only GJ agent around. Backup's coming but it would take them minutes to get there.

She was alone.

She wished that Ron was with her right now. Though she could use his help, what she needed was his moral support. To know that what she was doing was right.

Looking up, she saw one of the air drones attacking. She quickly shot her grappling hook and got dragged up in the air by the drone. Quickly, she retracted the line, making her near the drone faster.

"Now what?" Kim mumbled to herself. The drone, realizing that it had a passenger, dove at breakneck speeds causing Kim to lose her grip and fall. Kim didn't scream though she felt like it. She didn't have a spare grappler and now was falling to her death. She really wished that she had told Ron how she really felt before it was too late.

"I'm sorry, Ron," she said quietly as she closed her eyes. She could hear jet engines come closer, thinking that the drone had come back to finish her off. Suddenly, she heard a rocket whooshed pashed her and exploded somewhere above her. Risking it, she opened her eyes only to see a burning chink of metal falling towards her.

As the burning metal came close, Kim felt two strong arms catching her and flying her away. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around what saved her. At first, she was too shocked to realize what had happened. But after a while, she had regained her senses and looked at her savior. She blinked in surprise for her savior looked like something out of a science fiction movie. The man, she was sure of it, had a blue armor-like suit. He also had an extremely sophisticated looking get up. He had a jetpack like none she had seen before and a helmet that protected his head from the wind.

Somehow, he seemed familiar to her.

"Um, thanks!" she shouted over the wind.

"Don't thank me yet!" the man said, his voice was masked by the static of the transceiver of his helmet. "There're three more of those." Suddenly, the blaster on his pack fired and another drone exploded as it nearly passed them. "Make that two."

Kim was astonished. She, with her squad, couldn't even annoy the drones but this man just shot it out of the air like it was nothing.

"Who are you?" Kim asked.

"Um…" clearly, the man was surprised at the question. Kim could see that he had brown eyes and his left eye was covered by his bangs. The man was saved from answering when his radio crackled.

"Come on, Ace. Quit picking up girls on duty. There's time for that later." The man called Ace sighed and started to descend. When they finally on the ground, Ace placed Kim gently down feet first. When Kim looked at him to thank him, he saluted lazily and began to take off.

"Take care, Agent Possible. I've got your back," and then, he opened up his throttle and flew back into the fray.

Who was he? Kim asked herself but there'll be time for questions later. Now, she needed to help the people.

(end of 3)