A.N.

I hope the length of this chapter will make up for the gap in the time lapse!

On the new year, Christmas and Eid, Yes, I also celebrated the anniversary of my first real fanfic. This one!

I wanted to post a chapter then…but couldn't get an idea in mind with the stress of exams. Anyway, I hope this makes up for that loss,

Enjoy!

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Chapter29- The Eve of Battle

Mrs. Possible sat in front of her tent and rested her head in her arms. It's been a long time since she's had a good sleep, but last night was better than ever before…she at last found her sons!

She knew they'd be safe after Kim had stormed Drakken's prison camp and Commander Kobarn gave a list of the dead or missing…her sons were not on that list. But the lack of organization in the refugee camp made it difficult for her to find them, until she bumped into them coincidently last night. The reunion was an unforgettable experience!

But, now her main worry and concern was for her daughter. Normally Kim would send a message or a signal to her…just to let her know she's okay. In the last couple of days there's been nothing.

Is she alive? Captured? Or worse…

Kim understands the sacrifice she has to make…but Dr. Possible is not sure if she understands it. Of course Kim has proven to her that it is her destiny to save the world and that it's a fate both her parents must respect and accept. But how could a parent just simply make that choice? It's…difficult.

It's even more difficult when James is not around. And now she realizes that that's where and why Kim set off. It's not just for the world now; it's for her father too. Oh, the burden of war!

As tears trickled down her cheeks she leaned back and decided to appreciate what she still has. Watching her sons play and tamper with small technical devices was always a blessing she enjoyed. The twins had a genius innocence on them that she wished would last forever…but even that comes with a heavy weight on her heart. What's in store for them in the future? Where would their gift be used and what for?

James' old friend, Drew must've once been like them, an innocent boy at play. But, the irony of the situation now just helps her realize how even the most innocent things can turn on you. From your closest friend, dearest husband, beloved son or daughter…all are bound to make decisions that alter the course of time and the lives of the world.

Ha! Here she is talking about decisions that alter lives and she almost forgot that she was the one who tampered with the balance of the world with the selfish decision she made to ground the two greatest heroes in the world!

Suddenly, in her ponderings, she didn't notice Jim and Tim coming at her excitedly.

"Mom!" Jim called as he raced his brother, "Mom!"

Quickly Mrs. Possible wiped her cheeks and offered her attention with a smile, "Yes honey?"

"Look what we found!" Tim opened his palms to reveal a tiny, exhausted, bruised, buck teethed naked mole-rat.

"Oh my goodness!" She snatched the tiny critter from Tim's hands and with the careful precision of an experienced surgeon, she examined Rufus, "He'll be alright, he's just exhausted."

She got up from her chair and treaded into her tent, "come boys, help me get a pillow for Rufus!"

"Wait, there's more," Jim began to follow her in, but Tim stopped him by grabbing his shoulder, "What?"

"Are you sure it's a good idea to show this? Maybe it'll get us into trouble!"

"It's the right thing to do!"

"Since when did you care?"

"Since Kim's life was in danger and Rufus requested…"

"What did you say about Kim?" Dr. Possible's head popped out of the tent in alarm.

"We found this…" Tim stretched his hand out, where he held a small piece of paper.

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"As you can see, the map pin points the location of Drakken's HQ." spoke Commander Kobarn to the council of captains before him, "Yes, it's true. The mole rat has delivered the map to us, and has apparently suffered from exhaustion and slight bruises, but he will be alright. According to the family of Captain Kim Possible, it is Rufus, the very mole rat that served under Kim's team."

"What does that have to do with the reliability of the map?" Captain Jolly argued, "I mean, as you said early in your speech Captain. The map has Commander Wiley's insignia on it. Am I right?"

"Well, yes…"

"And isn't he the same man Kim was supposed to test his loyalty?"

"That is correct."

"Then where is he?"

"Ugh…well, I…I'm afraid I cannot answer that question."

"And where's Kim and Ron?"

"According to the family, Rufus was sent by Kim and they believe Kim is in need of our aid."

"Aha!" exclaimed Captain Jolly, "So, you expect us to rush into this decision, simply because of your affection towards, Captain Possible!"

Commander Kobarn bit his lip, "I understand captain, you have always mistrusted Kim's loyalty, but that does not mean…"

"That this whole thing is a trap?" the captain interrupted again, "I'm sorry Commander but there is no evidence that this is a reliable map!"

Commander Kobarn took in a deep breath. Captain Jolly has made a good point…there's no proof. But he knew in his heart that Kim would never betray the rebellion. Especially not to Drakken!

"Regardless," stated Kobarn, "Drakken's forces have suffered countless defeats thanks to Kim, especially with the storming of the camp and the driving of his forces from Middleton. Kim has given us countless victories to allow us to reach our optimum strength…this is the best opportunity we've had in a long time…I suggest we make the move tonight!"

The captains began to debate among themselves.

"If not for Kim, then we should do it for the rebellion!" silence then ensued.

"And what if it is a trap? What if our men get outnumbered and Drakken sweeps us all up in a single blow?" argued Captain Jolly again.

"Then we win or die!" the Commander replied plainly.

The pressure rose in the room. Could this really be the moment everyone has been waiting for? It was inevitable…but no one suspected it would come so soon.

"This is the best moment to strike… the distraction we could offer for other rebel armies across the world would be invaluable!"

It seems Kobarn has won over their opinions. It's just a matter of time before the council agrees to this. Something Kobarn cannot waste anymore on Kim's behalf!

A captain rose from his seat and adjusted his stance. He clearly is having a difficult time to make this decision, "When do you suggest we begin our assault, commander?"

Slightly shaken, Kobarn replied, "As soon as possible. The first thing we need to do is radio the other armies so that we may synchronize our attack…in case this is a trap."

The captain nodded and looked around at his comrades for reassurance.

"Very well then, commander, my men are ready to move out when you give the signal…"

Another captain rose with him, "Mine too, sir."

"Ready for action, commander!" cheered a third captain.

Captain Jolly disgustedly watched as more captains showed their support in the room.

"Excellent! We shall move out immediately once we've established radio contact. I suggest you all use this time to prepare the men and make peace with God."

As the captains began to leave the room, Jolly stood and approached Commander Kobarn. His grim face came a little too close for comfort.

"As far as I'm concerned, captain Possible is nothing more than a traitor!" he growled, "And if the rebellion is to fall tonight, then so shall she!"

Kobarn remained still, but his eyes had daggers. Neither officer gave way to the other. Witnessing this, Captain Groper approached them.

"Commander, may I for a moment?"

Jolly merely peeked at Groper, a young, straight looking captain. Clearly he comes from a line of nobles. Turning away from both officers, Jolly made his way out trying to maintain a calm pace.

"Yes, captain?" Kobarn finally gave him a face.

Realizing, at last, he didn't really have a question to ask, but to avoid the embarrassment he went for the one that teased him during the session.

"If I may ask, sir, why are you so concerned about, Captain Possible?" he dared, "I understand that she has made a countless number of positive changes to the rebellion…but if I recall correctly, you were also the one to recruit her into the rebellion, and later on the council, almost on a whim, sir!"

Kobarn gave a small chuckle, "That is true!" he picked up the papers he had on the desk and filed them in his bag, "I take it this is a question many of the captains dared you to ask me, am I correct?"

Captain Groper shrugged, "I guess you could say that!"

"Let's talk outside," Kobarn invited as he left the tent, Groper quickly followed.

As the sun began to set, Kobarn looked over at the sight of Middleton…dying.

"Captain, you know what's worse for me than going in a battle?"

"What sir?"

"Waiting on the edge of one,"

"What does that have to do with the question, sir?"

"I don't know, really." Kobarn sighed, "Seven years ago, during my early studies in the recruitment college for Global Justice, we had a vacation. It was just some time off. I was on my way back from the library, where I was working on a project for the end of the semester, when suddenly an earthquake shook the city. Coincidently, I was standing in an area where the quake struck hardest."

Groper walked closer to Kobarn, trying to make sense of where this story is going.

"The buildings around me shook wildly…everything was a blur in my mind. I was scared!"

"You were scared, sir?" Groper scorned, "I thought from early on everyone began calling you, Kobarn the fearless!"

"This is before that. I ended up trapped under a collapsed building. A couple of hours later I got desperate and tried to escape, but the more I struggled the worse it got…I, later, heard a voice, a little girl. She told me everything was going to be okay. I didn't believe her, I kept struggling. Until the support that kept me safe from everything above me gave way."

"Oh my God," Groper swallowed.

"Had the girl not quickly grabbed my hand, I have no idea where she got the strength from, and pulled me out of there…I wouldn't be here!"

"Wow."

"That girl was Kim."

Groper remained silent, shocked.

"Does she know…?"

"She doesn't. With the countless lives she's saved, I doubt she would."

Groper nodded. He can see now why Commander Kobarn has always supported Kim on the council, and trusted her with the most perilous tasks.

"That is why I believe we owe it to her. Forget the rebellion, forget Middleton…just forget all that. The life of that girl, and I don't care what anyone says to me, is worth risking the whole thing…even if it's just for a glimmer of hope!"

To Groper it seems nothing will change this man's opinion. Kim, by saving his life, has somehow touched this man's soul. Undoubtedly, anyone who was saved by Kim probably sees things the same way.

Also, the fact that Kim had dropped her position as captain after she freed Middleton, Kobarn insisted that the council still consider her a Captain and a member of the council. Heck, she didn't even have an army, unless Team Possible can be considered an army.

"Don't you see, captain. That is why I have to do this. That is why I'm riding out this second."

"Sir?"

"I'm sorry captain, I'm going alone. I planned this, even if the council refused to go to battle."

"But, in a couple of hours the men are going to need you! You're the commander!"

An army jeep eased in front of Commander Kobarn, he tossed his bag into the back and took his seat.

"Then tell them, captain. Tell them of the sacrifice I must make. Tell them, that I Commander Kobarn could not leave a captain behind. Tell them that I could not ride into battle without the safe knowledge of knowing that one of my ranks was beside me, when it did what it could to ensure I could live to stand beside it!"

Groper could say nothing.

"Tell them…please."

Groper nodded and took a step back, "I will tell them, sir."

Kobarn nodded and the jeep drove down the dirt path. Before it disappeared into the sunset, Groper could make out the Commander's salute.

"I will tell them."

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A.N. Next chapter is sure to be action packed…and So the Drama! ;)