Chapter XII: News

Ron Stoppable smiled as he turned his communicator off. He knew that those two would be all right. Nicholas had a certain charm that made him endearing even to the coldest of hearts. However, the events that happened the last few days made him one of the most despised men in the criminal world.

Truth be told, Ron never really understood his passion for heavy artillery. Nicholas, with all his good graces, tends to overestimate the equipment he needed in a certain mission. His Cross Punisher was a statement to that fact. Ron only had three guns and three knives. That was enough for him but with C.T. …

He did admit that the Cross Punisher was useful in certain occasions, like their battle with the giant gorilla golems… Ron sighed in attempt to forget what had happened the last time Nicholas went overboard.

"Is something wrong?" Kim asked, concerned with his silence. Ron shook his head and smiled at his beloved.

"I'm just worried that Shego would break C.T.'s heart," Ron said, voicing one of his concerns. In truth, he couldn't tell anyone his main concern. Not until he talked with Mrs. Possible.

"They were serious?" Kim asked in disbelief. "I thought Shego was just flirting around."

"I have not seen Shego-san flirted with anyone before," Yori gave her observation. "Not like this." Kim nodded her agreement. In the last four years, it was like she was not interested in men. She flinched when he father shook her hand, welcoming her into the Possible home. Kim could remember the look on her face, it was like she was waiting to be attacked. Gradually, Shego accepted her dad and the tweebs and joined in the banter.

Kim realized that this was the first time Shego went out with anyone. If it made her happy, Kim was not about to deny her that.

"I hope she's happy," Kim said as she smiled at Ron. "She maybe tough but she has a fragile core."

"So does C.T.," Ron returned her smile. "Let them be, Kim." Kim sighed, knowing that he was right. She needn't meddle in something she had no business meddling. However, she was concerned about the former villainess. She knew that Shego was rarely truly happy and hoped that this was not just a passing fancy.

"Ron-san's right, Kim-chan. I believe that they will be good to each other," Yori said, using her pet name for her. Kim sighed and nodded. Truly, they had no say in the matter.

"I hope she doesn't get hurt," Kim said as she looked at Ron who just gave her a sad smile.

"I think they'll be good to each other. C.T.'s been through a lot and I saw his eyes when he's with her. He seemed… content."

"Nicholas-san is happy to be with her," Yori smiled. "They look like a good match." Kim couldn't argue with that. Despite her bravado, Shego was warming up to the preacher. Kim wouldn't be surprised if they hit it off.

"What about you, Ron?" Kim asked. "Are you happy?" Ron blinked in surprise. What prompted that question?

"Yeah, KP," he smiled at her serenely. Kim was taken back by that smile. It was like she was his light, not that she minded. But what happened to him at Gunsmoke? There was a sense of turmoil within him that she felt. But when he looked at her, that turmoil had vanished.

"Ron-san, please tell us of your journey," Yori asked with a smile. Ron smiled sheepishly back. Yori had been his friend ever since Yamanouchi. Ever since his return, he was addled to find out that Yori and Kim were in good terms. The last time the two were together Kim had "Jelling" issues with the Ninja.

"It's not much, Yori. Gunsmoke's one dry place," he said almost sullenly. "I mean I've never seen that much sand before. And to tell you the truth, the only sand I want to sea now should be by the beach!" Kim and Yori smiled. Even though it had been four years, Ron was still Ron.

"Then perhaps a little trip is in order, hai?" Yori suggested. Ron paused at her smile. It was almost as if she knew something he didn't, which, when it came to girls, Ron was clueless.

"Yes," Kim's smile was even wider. "Perhaps a beach party would do. We'll invite the girls and get a private beach and have R… the place to ourselves." Ron was confused. He would have sworn that Kim was about to slip. But what?

"Gee… I don't know, KP," Ron said as he held the top of his left arm. Kim noticed this. This was not the first time he held the arm in such a manner. It was like he was hiding something from her. The way he gripped his arm was in remorse. Like a mistake he was paying.

"It'll be alright, Ron," Kim gave her friend a smile. Upon seeing that smile, Ron knew that he could trust her.

"I'll tell you when we get home, KP," he promised and Kim understood. She had to be patient with him. She felt the desire from him to reveal something of great importance. If it was important, she would wait.

Suddenly, the Kimmunicator beeped and Kim took it out. Wade's features came on. Ron and Yori looked over Kim's shoulder to see the tech guru who, upon seeing Ron, went sheepish.

"Um, hi Ron," he said trying hard not to look at him. Kim could feel Ron's eyes at the screen. She felt his smile but is she turned to look, his eyes would have scared her.

"How's it hanging, Wade," Ron said sweetly. Almost too sweetly.

"Um…" Wade looked uncomfortable. "Look Ron…."

"Oh, I understand perfectly, Wade," there was a hint of sarcasm in his voice that was not lost to Kim. She looked at Ron with a slight frown.

"Ron! It's not his fault. I was the one who told him not to tell you," she said, taking the blame but Ron only smiled and shrugged. "Ron…"

"KP, you've no idea what I've been through these past four years. I just got back and I'm planning on staying and I'll be damned if I lose you again," Ron said, his smile not wavering. But Kim felt the hurting of his soul. And she knew then that she was the cause.

"I want to understand, Ron," she gave him an apologetic smile. She really wanted to know what happened in the four years he was gone. She made a mistake of not letting him join her on her missions but she thought she was protecting him. But after the battle, she realized that Ron had become a dangerous man. She also realized that whatever happened changed him. Though the old Ron was there, there was this pained soul yearning to be healed.

"I know, KP," he sighed. "Maybe later when we're not interrupted."

"Actually, Ron-san, I wish to know too," Yori said shyly looking at him with pleading eyes. It was not Kim's puppy dog pout but it still had the same devastating effect. It's her eyes. They were both pleading and cute. Much more effective than Kim's and much more adorable.

Ron couldn't take it. She was so cute! "Okay, Okay. You girls win. I'll tell you both when we have time." He took a big breath and sighed heavily. "What was that?"

"That's Yori's Bishojo Look," Kim smiled as she witnessed her best friend's discomfort. "She discovered it when she was looking for something to challenge my PDP. And it's more effective."

"I believe you," Ron said, looking at the two women disbelievingly. When it was only Kim he had to watch out for the PDP but with the two of them, he had a feeling they'd be having him wrapped in their fingers.

And in another part of Ron's mind, he didn't mind that at all. He was trying not to grin at the thought lest they figure out what he was thinking.

"RON!" too late. "I know Yori's good enough to eat but now's not the time." Ron's mind restarted when he heard her words. He even doubted them for a moment.

"How would you know that," he looked at her warily. Thankfully, Kim looked at her Kimmunicator, saving her from further embarrassment.

"Anyway, What up?" she asked Wade. Wade looked at the three of them from his station and merely shrugged. Even with five doctorates he couldn't understand women.

"Just giving you the head's up," Wade said, glancing at Ron to see if he's still looking at him. Seeing that Ron was looking around the place, he continued. "Word has it that the bad guys are pissed at "Stampede and the Preacher." He really lived up to that name."

"It got us out," Kim admitted awkwardly. Kim saw the surveillance photos of the aftermath and it was not pretty. How could two men, okay, she admitted that the girls helped too, could level a town, albeit a small one.

"Riiight," Wade smirked. "Anyway, there's good news and bad news. The good news, Team Possible is no longer on the top of the bad guy's hit list."

"Aww great," Ron sighed as he slumped. "C.T.'s gonna tease me about it later. And we have one guess who's got bumped into one."

"Nicholas-san and Ron-san?" Yori guessed, blinking unbelievingly. Kim looked at Ron's face and saw the sad acceptance of the fact. He really was used to being hunted down, Kim thought. Suddenly, Ron's PDA chimed and he answered it.

"Guys, tell me I'm not the most wanted man in the criminal underworld," Ron pleaded as the twins' image popped up.

"Sorry Ron," Tim said sheepishly.

"It's just," Jim started.

"… that Jack Hench's…"

"… pissed at what…"

"… you did…"

"… at his town." Ron groaned, though hi missed the twins' was of conversation, it could be annoying at times. Especially when they're giving him bad news.

"Any idea of the price?" Ron asked reluctantly. Better get it over with.

"Word has it that it's about $3,000,000," Wade said, overhearing their conversation.

"Really?" Kim's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"That and a discount card at Hench Co." the twins added. Ron looked impassive for a moment and then sighed.

"Great. I have just been made a price in a contest. Guys, becareful. They may get to you and your folks. Try to warn mine while you're at it. And get some ammo for the punisher! I think we're gonna need it."

"Isn't that overkill?" Kim asked but Ron only shrugged.

"I'm quoting C.T. here when I say, 'You could never have enough firepower'. Though in most cases he expends all his main ammo in less than thirty seconds."

"Is Nicholas-san that trigger happy?" Yori asked curiously.

"Not exactly," Ron sighed. "But back in Gunsmoke every nut had one hardware or another to give them an edge. C.T. let them have it before they get us."

"Hardware?" Wade asked.

"Cybernetics, weapons development… Most people have weird weapons there. I remember a guy who had a trombone as a rocket launcher. Talk about out of tune."

"What about you Ron? Do you have something up your sleeve?" she asked. Ron's hand went slowly to the top of his left arm and squeezed it. He then turned to Kim and gave her a serene smile. Then it became goofy, the smile that she remembered.

"Just my arm, KP. Just my arm."

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A/n. The next one will be longer.