My disclaimer
I know Disney owns "Kim Possible"...lock, stock, and Rufus.
Before I get done, I will probably tick off a few more studios, too.
If they want to sue me, they have to get behind all my other creditors.
Since I am in south Florida, the line has formed to the right
…and goes all the way to Sacramento!
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To all readers:
1) I realize this story will probably get a quick burial under the massive loads of 'Graduation' re-writes that will flood the site in the coming days/weeks. I just want to take this opportunity to thank those loyal readers who have stuck with the story from its beginning.
2) Because of the "hurry-up-and-wait" aspect of 'The Amazing Race', some of the dialogue may read like a play's script, the rest may read like a normal story. I am sorry, but it's the only way to preserve the pacing of the story to match that of a standard 'Amazing Race' episode.
3) Since flights for this final leg will cross the International Date Line, it will still technically be Day 13 of the race. The departure times, seat availability, and duration of flights are completely fictional—Please do not waste your time trying to correct me by using info from travel sites and various brochures. We are dealing with cartoons here, remember?
4) The 'Amazing Race' opening sequence was not included after the first leg of the race. However, I thought the final chapter should include it, as a 'thank-you' gift to all who have been following the story from the start.
5) I did receive a few reviews questioning the story's placement in the "Kim Possible" category instead of somewhere else. I hoped the intensive focus on Kim & Ron in the last few legs…Oh, forget it! If you don't know it's a KP-universe story by now, you're too brain-dead to read this, anyway…I'm sure the Simpsons section of FanFiction would love your attention.
6) A fake phone number will be displayed early in this chapter. However, real 855 numbers may be released (according to the FCC) within the next ten years. They will work just like current 800, 888, 877, and 866 toll-free numbers.
7) I know I went a little AU-ish on how things have progressed (Kim not actually meeting Sensei 'face-to-face' until a couple of chapters ago, Ron's parents already adopting Hana, etc.), but the main timeframe for this story is just before Kim & Ron's senior year. It was only a few months after the 'So the Drama' and the world-wide damage caused by the Diablos. The timeline inconsistencies were all necessary to keep holes from forming in this story's plot. I will not apologize for that.
8) No matter what I put here, it's still up to you, the loyal reader, to let me know what you want. Review me, e-mail me if you wanna reach me! If you want to 'PM' me, that's ok! (Sorry…got carried away there, but you get the idea.) Enjoy!
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(Off-screen voice of Phil): "Previously, on "The Amazing Race"… Eleven teams of the greatest teams in cartoon history converged on Omaha, Nebraska, to embark on a race around the world…
"Teams...the world awaits you...for one million dollars... GO!!"
"Three teams were victimized by the first of many 'surprises' in the race...
"Bullwinkle & Rocky…you're the last team to arrive…"
…Phil then motioned for Charlie & Lucy and Brian & Stewie to join them on the mat. The looks of confusion turned into complete shock when Phil said…
"…you have ALL been eliminated from the race!"
"After that, teams began to drop like flies…
"Garfield and Odie…
"Arnold and Gerald…
"Bart and Homer…
"Bender and Fry…
"…I'm sorry to tell you…you have been eliminated from the race."
"Friendships were formed…
Starfire offered her hands to both Kim and Ron. "Truce?" she offered.
"Truce!" was proclaimed by Kim, Robin, and Ron…followed by a triumphant proclamation from Ron.
"JIN…Oh, forget about it. Come here, guys."
The group hug lasted all the way to the plane's final approach in Salisbury.
"…as well as rivalries…
"Who do Sudoku? Jew do Sudoku?" joked Shaggy, making fun of more than just the puzzle name.
"Hey, hippie," snapped Ron, "Don't dis the grid!"
"Hah! Talk about a 'meddling kid'," Shaggy fired back. "You couldn't 'get a clue' if it came up and hit you with our blue-and-green 'Mystery Machine'."
Ron responded, "What would you know? You and your mutt are always stoned on those 'Scooby Snacks'! Do the cops know what's in those things??"
This made Shaggy get up and face Ron. "Shall we settle this 'man-to-man'," Shaggy sniped, "or do you want to fight me instead!"
Kim did not want this to get as ugly as the ticket counter incident in Kuwait City. She got up, turned around, and looked Shaggy squarely in the eyes.
"Listen here, 'Super Stubble'," she said in a firm, venomous tone. "You heard about our little 'bonus stunt' at Colossal Studios-Bollywood, right?"
Shaggy responded, "Yeah, so what?"
"If we did that much damage to those we love, just imagine what we do to those we hate—and I don't see any glowing hands on you or your hound, either. I'd say you'd last three, maybe five seconds!" She raised her voice to normal volume. "Does anybody have a stopwatch?"
"Scores were settled…
"Still want to bet?" Kim growled. "It's now or never—and I'm raising the stakes…You win, we are full partners in every mission from here on out…I win, you spill the entire sitch on those 'Ronnies' and the Jump-suit Brigade! Got it??"
It wasn't long before the two combatants became merely a blur of bare hands, black boots, red hair, and a glowing blue aura.
Soon after that, a brilliant explosion rocked the entire theater. It sent the kumite mat into the saloon, Kim flying onto the pirate ship, and Ron soaring through the air toward her. She closed her eyes briefly, but re-opened them just as Ron delivered a palm-strike above her right temple.
'STOP!' a familiar voice boomed through their minds. This made time stand still. Ron's hand was frozen just as the strike began to make impact with Kim's head.
'Miss Possible,' Sensei continued, 'you must stay down. You have been defeated. Had Stoppable-san finished his strike, your skull would have been crushed!
'It was I who prevented Stoppable-san from telling you about our project—the one attracting the 'unwanted stalkers'. All will be revealed soon enough, Miss Possible. You must trust his judgment as you trust your own and let destiny run its course.' With that parting thought, Sensei faded into a soft mist.
Ron took Kim into his arms. She closed her eyes again as he began kissing the spot on the temple where his palm-strike hit.
"KP," he said, "I want to love you for the rest of my life…and the next five lifetimes…and the next six…seven…eight…"
Kim wearily opened her eyes again. Her body was unable to move, and her head was still situated on the side of the cannon.
"…nine…TEN!!!" screamed the director.
"KP…It's going to be ok!" Ron said as he began to use his healing powers on Kim's injuries.
"You and Sensei both told me that already. He was the one who told you to stop your palm-strike when I hit my head on the cannon."
"Kim, I didn't give you a palm-strike! The explosion threw me into the water. I barely got back on board by the time the director reached 'nine'!"
"Let's go, Partner!!" Kim prodded.
"...and choices were made…
PHIL: "ONE, you can save Bugs by putting him back onto your team…
"TWO, you can continue the race on your own, as a 'one-person' team. Since you have only performed three officially-counted 'Road Block' tasks, you could still potentially win the race and take home $500,000—half a team, half a prize…
"THREE, you can simply walk away from the race…to sweeten the deal, you would receive one of every 'leg victory' prize we have awarded so far…We would also add enough cash to bump the total package value up to an even $100,000!!
"So Elmer, what will it be…flying solo, being 'marked for elimination', or walking away?"
ELMER: "Wow…Dis is vewy, vewy tough! (Sighs) Awwight, I pick the pwizes. Good wuck, evewybody!"
"One team faced a major catastrophe…
PHIL (shocked when he hears rumbling in the distance): "Oh, no… (rumbling continues as he yells into his communication earpiece)…Trouble at the mine…MOVE IT!"
…At that moment, the local emergency response center received at least thirty calls for immediate help. Almost all of the calls were the same…three people were trapped in a massive collapse of the Cullinan Diamond Mine.
"…causing practically the whole world to stand still…
…Rescue workers, geologists, seismologists, earth-moving equipment operators, and mine officials responded quickly to the scene…
…Along the farm's outer perimeter, thousands of people gathered for an impromptu vigil. First, it was just the 'Ronnies'; then the 'Men in Jumpsuits' and the other competitors joined the group. Soon, some local residents began to gather with this crowd as well…
…During one of the conversations with his foreman, the spotter accidentally mentioned the name of one of the other trapped victims just before passing out. This brought forth an onslaught of virtually every media outlet in the world—from the New York Times to the Central Oregon Senior Times, and everything in between…
"…and once again believe in miracles…
…The crowd heard more rumbles coming from the mine. This made their hearts sink further. Soon after that, a swirling gust shoved the rescue workers and paramedics at least 500 feet away from the mine entrance. They would be grateful for that unexplained whirlwind a moment later, as…
KA-BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!
…rock, dirt, iron framing and various pieces of equipment nearly covered the entire cleared distance, the worst of the debris stopping nearly at their feet…
…Not a word was spoken as a glow resembling Team Possible flew to their marked car. The glow disappeared as they opened a yellow envelope, entered the car, started the engine, and sped away faster than any police radar could detect…
"Kim's paranoia was justified in Tokyo…
…Kim finally caught her breath and looked around the room to realize…Ron was missing!
She cried out his name as loud as she could as she frantically tried to search the karaoke juice bar. The building was so crammed with people, she could barely move more than three feet in any direction.
…Just then, the room went completely dark…
…A rolling fog hit the stage as it began to flicker alternating blue and green lights. A menacing chord pulsed through the speakers. A voice soon boomed over the chord. With each passing statement, the chord slowly went up in range…
"Ladies and gentlemen…After his appearance on 'American Starmaker'…his 'hip-hop' blockbuster ascended American charts. Soon, he enchanted Europe…swept South America…assaulted Africa…and invaded India. Now, he's here to tackle Tokyo…and make his world-wide conquest complete!"
…At this, Kim saw a dark figure rising from the fog. She quickly assumed her 'Full Mission Mode' fighting stance, thinking the dark figure knew where Ron was being held…
"…then discovered yet another of her partner's 'hidden talents'…
"Give it up for…Yamanouchi Music's very own…STOPPABLE-SAN!!!!!"
Kim stood in total shock as Ron stepped out from the fog wearing a blue kimono with a green belt. The instant he was recognized by the pressing crowd, the noise level of applause rose to well over the 150 decibels needed to complete the task.
Along with the clue envelope, Kim found a white envelope sealed with a sticker of a green lotus bloom on a blue background. It was printed on the stationery of…
YAMANOUCHI MUSIC
Tokyo—Los Angeles—Nashville—Middleton
"Miss Possible,
"I can now reveal the full details of the project developed by Stoppable-san, his father, and myself…
"…While Stoppable-san scored recent victories over Monkey Fist, they came at a high cost. Our temple and sleeping quarters required major repairs after those battles. Walls needed replacement, ceilings needed repair, and support beams needed reinforcement.
"…Given the success of Stoppable-san's 'Naked Mole Rap' performance on 'American Starmaker', he hoped signing with our label could help finance the rebuilding process.
"…His creativity also inspired a wildly-successful launch of merchandise carrying our blue-and-green lotus logo. He based the color scheme on his blue glowing aura, along with my own green eminence…
"…He and his father signed an agreement with Yamanouchi Music soon after the telecast. It called for the Yamanouchi School to receive the majority of the royalties, while the rest would be held in trust until Stoppable-san's graduation from Middleton High School…
"…Most of that trust has been allocated for Stoppable-san's college education. However, he did request a small portion be set aside for a potential celebration just before entering college…
"…Not even the prophecies could have predicted the sweeping success of Stoppable-san's endeavors. 'Naked Mole Rap' alone has provided more than enough funds to completely rebuild our school…
"…This success, however, has come with its own price. Many of our worldwide graduates have had to provide security assistance to prevent crazed fans known as 'Ronnies' from interfering with your team's endeavors during this competition…
"…Although I have taught Stoppable-san much, I have also learned much from him—and now you. If he seeks your involvement in his next project, whatever that may be, rest assured I will not be foolish enough to stand in the way again!
"Honorably yours,
Sensei"
"At the last 'Pit Stop', Robin & Starfire's quest came to a heartbreaking end…
PHIL: "Robin & Starfire…you are the second team to arrive. However, (showing footage from three camera spheres) you clearly failed one of the requirements of the 'Rewind' clue. You did not properly place your pink wall tag into your backpack. Because of this error, you have been assessed a one-hour penalty…I'm sorry to tell you that you have been eliminated from the race."
"Nine teams gone…two teams left! WHO will cross the finish line and win the One MILLION Dollars???
RON: "We are in it…"
KIM: "…to win it!"
Scooby put up his paws in a fighting stance and shouted, "R-R-R-R-R-RET'S GET READY TO R-U-M-M-M-M-B-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-E!!!!"
"…Find out NEXT!"
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'Amazing Race' opening theme...
(A gentleman hunter, in full gear, is pointing a shotgun at a large gray rabbit, whose upper-half is just above the ground. The hunter has a look of sheer rage on his face, while the rabbit looks as if he is begging to be spared. They both turn to the camera and sweetly smile.)
BUGS & ELMER...
(A little girl is at her psychiatry booth, with a round-headed boy about to place yet another nickel into her cup for advice. They stop their transaction, turn to the camera, and smile.)
CHARLIE & LUCY...
(A robot and his red-headed friend are seen from behind their couch as they watch "All My Circuits". They turn around to face the camera. The friend is smiling and the robot glaring while 'flipping the bird'.)
BENDER & FRY...
(A determined auburn-haired cheerleader is fighting an off-camera foe to her right. Only the foe's black-gloved, green-glowing hand and leg dressed in a form-fitting green material are shown. The blue-clad lower half of a foe is seen as he is flying upward off-camera after a punch from a blonde teen-aged boy. Right after that punch, the boy's pants fall down. The fighters freeze their poses and turn their smiling faces to the camera.)
KIM & RON...
(A skinny, unshaven man and his large brown dog are running away from yet another mummy. They stop in mid-stride and smile for the camera.)
SHAGGY & SCOOBY...
(Pictures of exotic locations, faded, flash behind a white field with bold black letters in the foreground, stating there are...)
11 TEAMS OF 2
(A fat orange tabby is about to kick his favorite beagle off the table again. Just before the cat's foot makes contact, the cat and dog smile for the camera.)
GARFIELD & ODIE...
(The sun starts shining. The camera pans down to the ground. A moose pops up from the ground and pulls a squirrel up with him. They turn to the camera and smile.)
BULLWINKLE & ROCKY...
(A raven-haired, masked teen slings a customized "throwing star" toward a large foe—which is initially blocking the camera's view of he and his orange-haired flying partner. At the same time, the partner shoots a green disk toward the foe. The foe dodges both of these attacks, and both items simultaneously hit the camera. After the explosive meeting of weapons and camera lens, the screen is smoking around the edges and cracked in a couple of places. The team sheepishly smiles at what's left of the camera.)
ROBIN & STARFIRE...
(A football-headed kid with a sweater tied around his waist walks up to an African-American preteen with a "fade" haircut twice as large as his head. After performing an intricate "secret handshake", they turn and smile for the camera.)
ARNOLD & GERALD...
(A white dog and a baby are playing chess. The baby distracts the dog long enough to switch some of the pieces on the board. After the dog discovers the cheating, he begins to lunge at the baby, ready for a full-fledged fight. With the dog still in the air, they freeze in their poses, turn to the camera, and smile.)
BRIAN & STEWIE...
(With sheer anger in his eyes, a jaundiced, fat slob is choking his similarly-hued son. They stop in mid-grasp, turn their heads, and smile for the camera.)
BART & HOMER...
(Shots of exotic locations around the world start to become wrapped around a turning, emerald-hued, Mercator projection map of the world, followed by the yellow-lettered logo of...)
"THE AMAZING RACE"!!!
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So The Reality: 'Amazing Race'—Tokyo (Leg #8—FINAL LEG)
(Off-screen of Phil): "This is Tokyo, Japan, the 'Pearl of the Orient'. In the heart of this international hot-spot stands the Imperial Palace, home to Japanese royalty for centuries. Similar to the British aristocracy, they hold very little actual power in running governmental affairs. However, the worldwide media is fascinated with every move of the royal family.
"While the palace buildings and inner gardens are not usually open to the public, the Imperial East Gardens adjacent to the palace served as the seventh 'Pit Stop' in a race around the world.
"Normally after 'checking in' at the 'Pit Stop', teams stayed for a mandatory rest period to recharge interact with the other teams. However, there are only two teams left—and they do not necessarily feel like interacting with each other right now.
"Maybe they will interact with our camera spheres as each team is asked one important question…"
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"If your team wins the million dollars, what would you do with it?"
SHAGGY (during a 'Pit Stop' interview): "What would we do with the million dollars? I dunno about Scoob, but I intend to move to a tropical island, put up a little shack, enjoy the fun and food, and never see another monster again as long as I live!"
SCOOBY: "Reah! Rorks for me!"
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"If your team wins the million dollars, what would you do with it?"
KIM (pondering the question during another 'Pit Stop' interview): "Let's see…Maybe I could help Mom & Dad with settling those lawsuits after the 'Tweebs' used their strings of 150-megawatt bulbs last Christmas."
RON (questioning Kim): "Ah, Kim…Don't you mean 150-watt bulbs?"
KIM (head in her hands): "I wish I did, Ron. I really wish I did!!" (Looks back up to Ron) "What about you?"
RON (wearing a goofy grin): "Who knows? I might get some more bling-bling…a solid gold food bowl for Rufus…maybe my own Bueno Nacho stand. You know…nothing fancy!"
KIM (scolding): "RON!!!"
RON (laughing loudly): "Just kidding, KP. You, Dad and Sensei are doing a great job of keeping me well-grounded enough." (Hugs Kim) "I won't make that kind of mistake again.
"Actually, with the success of 'Naked Mole Rap' and the Yamanouchi line of products, I'm pretty much set for life cash-wise. No matter where you go for college, I can study with culinary masters and expand my horizons, too.
"As far as my half of the million…I'd put a hundred-grand in an account for Hana, and donate the rest to the DRF. What do you think?"
KIM (smiling now): "That's a great idea!"
RON (Squarely facing camera, looking serious): "Folks, the Diablo robots caused a massive disaster on a global scale. Not only did they level many office buildings world-wide, they left tens of millions of families homeless—with no hope or means to rebuild their houses or their lives."
KIM: "Some of these major cities have lost vital parts of their infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and playgrounds. Other smaller communities have lost such basic necessities as sewers, electricity, and even running water!"
RON: "That's why we support the Diablo Relief Fund. A combined effort of sixty-three of the world's greatest charities, the DRF provides food, shelter, and hope for many who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn."
KIM: "You can help, too. Frugal Lucre may be a cut-rate villain, but he is right about one thing. If every person in this world of over six billion souls gave five dollars—just five dollars—we would generate over thirty billion dollars to help this worthy cause."
RON: "Thirty BILLION dollars!! That could bring real relief in a whole lot of cities in a whole lot of countries all around the world!"
KIM: "To support to the Diablo Relief Fund, just call toll-free at 1-855-4-THE-DRF…that's 1-855-4-THE-DRF…or check out our website to find the DRF affiliate nearest you."
RON: "One person can't do this alone."
KIM: "Two people can't do this alone—even us!"
RON: "But with all of us together…"
RON & KIM (together): "We can do anything!!!"
…Just after the cameras left their faces, a voice shouted from the other end of the rest area…
"Like, Jinx!! You both owe me a soda, man!"
…A rocket launcher couldn't have hurled two bottles of soda faster than Kim & Ron slung their bottles at Shaggy's head!!
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(Off-screen voice of Phil): "Shaggy & Scooby arrived at 3:42 pm. They will depart at…
3:42 AM—Day 13
SHAGGY (reading clue): "Fly yourselves to…Las Vegas!! Hey, Scoob, We're going back to the States!!" (Both howl in excitement)
(Off-screen voice of Phil): "Both teams must now fly from Tokyo to Las Vegas, Nevada. Upon arrival, they must travel by marked cars… (Guns drawn on him)…Hey, hey, fellas…I said 'marked cars', NOT 'cards'!!! (Guns lowered)…I repeat, they must travel by marked cars to the Horse Saddle Casino.
"Once they reach the Grand Ballroom, they will receive their next clue."
SHAGGY (finishing clue): "What? 'Teams will receive no money now, but that may change.' Is 'Writer Boy' at it again??"
…Just as Shaggy and Scooby left the 'Pit Stop', Phil approached Team Possible with a glum look on his face.
"Kim & Ron," he began, "We received some information about a rules violation at the karaoke juice bar. You received a letter from a man named…'Sensei', I believe he was. This is a clear violation of our ban on communication from outside sources.
"We have accommodated your team's special circumstances on more than one occasion:
"With South African President DeKashier, we allowed his letter because of your display of heroism—not to mention the creation of an international incident if we refused!
"With the Popsi delivery, we made sure the sound was muted to prevent any message from your hometown being sent back to you.
"With the enforcement of this violation's penalty, I have some bad news and some good news…
"First the bad news…Given the minor nature of the violation, and the fact it did not influence the performance of your task, you have been assessed a thirty-minute penalty.
"Now for the 'silver lining'…Since you 'checked-in' less than thirty minutes after Robin & Starfire's arrival, your thirty-minute penalty expired before their one-hour 'task failure' penalty did. Therefore, you are still in the race.
"I'll tell you the same thing I told Shaggy & Scooby…A million dollars is well within your grasp! I wish you two the best of luck."
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4:17 AM
…At most cities world-wide, the terminal may have been closed or no flights would take off during the wee hours of the morning. For generations, Tokyo and Las Vegas have served as two glaring exceptions to the rule.
Once they arrived at the airport, Shaggy & Scooby still had to face a tough choice in selecting their flight out of Tokyo. If they took the 5:05 am flight, they would probably leave before Kim & Ron could catch them. However, it only had a 'transfer window' of only fifteen minutes in Vancouver. That was not a lot of time to get from one gate to another.
If Mystery, Inc. missed this transfer, the next one from Vancouver to Las Vegas would probably be the one used by Kim & Ron, completely erasing their lead. If they made the transfer, they could widen their lead over Team Possible by nearly another hour.
They had to consider their options carefully, but quickly. If they were going to catch this plane, they only had about ten minutes to board it. After a moment of discussion, they decided to take the flight. It seemed only fitting they were taking a gamble on a flight to Las Vegas…
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Off-screen voice of Phil): "Kim & Ron arrived at 4:03 pm. However, they suffered a thirty-minute penalty for receiving an outside communication. Thus, they will depart at…
4:33 AM
RON (after reading the clue): "BOO-Yeah!! Vegas, baby, VEGAS!!!"
KIM (worried): "Are you sure you're ok, Ron?"
RON (with a sheepish grin): "Sorry, KP. I've always wanted to say that!"
KIM (smiling, but rolling her eyes a bit): "Riiiiight. Let's go, Naco Slim!"
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5:06 AM
…Just as Shaggy predicted, his flight with Scooby took off just minutes before Kim & Ron arrived at the airport. They smiled and waved at Team Possible as the plane soared past the terminal.
Unfortunately, Shaggy's worst fear came true. A Corning 848 from Hong Kong developed landing gear issues just before landing at Vancouver International Airport. While nobody was seriously injured, the incident caused one of the main incoming runways to be closed for several hours.
This delayed all incoming 'east-west' flights. It forced the control tower to put the incoming flight from Tokyo into a holding pattern and divert it to a secondary runway.
The entire delay was twenty minutes—not really a long time by most North American airport standards. It did not, however, affect departing 'north-south' flights, as they used another runway. This left Mystery, Inc. stranded in Vancouver until the next flight to Las Vegas…
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…Kim & Ron arrived at the airport just in time to watch Scooby and Shaggy's flight pass the terminal. It did indeed take another hour for the next flight to take off for Las Vegas. The extra wait gave Kim time to reflect on two bits of information that seemed to conflict one another.
First, there was that conversation in the Mumbai airport while catching their flight to Tokyo:
Ron's smile then turned to a look of concern. "Are you're alright, Kim? I mean, my healing ability should have taken care of your injuries in the fight, but are you sure you're ok 'upstairs'?"
Kim gave him a reassuring smile. "Of course I'm ok," she said. "I really did talk to Sensei on the pirate ship. He told me he set up some sort of a project with you, and to trust you to tell me all about it 'when the time is right'!
"Although he didn't give many details, he did say it was the cause of all those 'Ronnies' chasing us."
Kim turned to Ron and narrowed her eyes. "I still don't know the sitch with the 'MiJs', though."
Ron's face became blank as he held her hands in his. "To be honest, KP," he said, "Your guess is a good as mine." The look in his eyes even convinced Kim's little skeptic voice he was telling the truth.
This was in direct conflict with the letter she received from Sensei. She took it out of her backpack and read it again to make sure of the exact phrasing of Sensei's statement:
"…Stoppable-san thought the jumpsuits would better conceal our school's true identity should any graduate be caught. He figured a private security firm would be a more believable cover for this kind of mission than an army of secret ninjas…"
'These statements can't both be true, can they?' Kim thought. She knew she had to confront Ron about this. Her opportunity came just after they boarded their flight.
"Ron," she asked, "how could you not know about the 'MiJs' if you were the one who picked out their uniforms?" She indicated that paragraph in the letter when she showed the letter to him again.
"KP," Ron began, "Sensei told me he wanted to use some graduates to keep the 'Ronnies' away form us. I thought it wasn't really necessary.
"So I said, 'Oh sure, Sensei. Ninjas in black outfits wouldn't be obvious enough. Why don't you just dress them up like some little blue-and-green rent-a-cops or…?"
As a realization swept across his face, Kim sighed and groaned, "Why does this not surprise me?"
"Oh, man!" Ron whined. "I knew he was mad at my disrespecting him, but I thought Sensei was a man of wisdom, a man of learning and intellect. I thought for sure he would have had more sense than the Senors did when I spouted that stuff about the lasers, the speedboat, and the Spinning Tops of Doom!"
Kim turned back over to him and pleaded, "Ron, you've got to watch what you say in a sitch like that. You have to think things out before you just go spouting off the first thing that comes to your head.
"You put a lot of thought into what you said at the anniversary party, right? Look how wonderful that turned out." Kim's face turned into a sly grin at that moment.
Ron locked his eyes onto hers. "You have got to admit though, Kim, I came through when I pulled you out of the mine without thinking."
"Fair enough," Kim countered, "but that was action. You've still got to find a way to control that mouth of yours!"
Ron began to smile warmly. "I know one way," he said.
Just as he was about to press his lips to hers, the loudspeaker announced the first call for their flight. As they boarded the plane, Ron used his photographic memory take a good look at Kim's hands…
""""""""""
…The delay caused by the Corning 848 was cleared away and flights resumed their normal schedule by the time Kim & Ron arrived in Vancouver. They discovered their transfer flight would reunite them with Scooby & Shaggy. This gave Team Possible another shot of hope in their quest for victory...
""""""""""
3:41 AM—Still Day 13 (International Date Line crossed)
…Both teams reached the Grand Ballroom of the Horse Saddle Hotel & Casino at roughly the same time. The ballroom seemed to be divided into two portions. Canvas tarps covered most of the surface area of the walls and the divider.
The only wall clock in the entire building was hung at eye level next to the ballroom's main entrance. Next to it stood three clue boxes. The boxes were marked "First Clue", "Second Clue", and one that excited both teams…
"FINAL CLUE"!!
Shaggy and Kim tore open their respective clue envelopes from the "First Clue" box…
SHAGGY: "…'Detour'…"
KIM: "…Who or Where?"
(Off-screen voice of Phil): "A 'Detour' is a choice between two tasks, each with its own pros and cons. In this 'Detour', teams must choose between 'Who' or 'Where'…
"In 'Who', teams must find a stack of cards with the names of all nine eliminated teams. After finding the correct stack, they must place the teams in the order they were eliminated….
"Once the team gets the list in the right order, they will be instructed by members of the casino staff to go back out and get their next clue…
"Since three teams were eliminated at the first 'Pit Stop', they can be listed in any order among the first three eliminated.
"In 'Where', teams must find a stack of cards with flags depicting the countries where each 'Pit Stop' took place. After finding the right stack, they must place the flags in the correct order of the 'Pit Stop' countries along the race…
"Once the team gets the list in the right order, they will be instructed by members of the casino staff to go back out and get their next clue…
"Since we have yet to reach any 'Pit Stop' here in Las Vegas, the United States flag is only included once."
SHAGGY: "Like, I say we try for the names, Scoob."
KIM: "Let's try the flags, Ron. I've got a plan for this."
""""""""""
…Shaggy & Scooby quickly found the stack of name cards. Shaggy had a habit of crossing their names off a piece of paper one by one as they dropped from the race. By using this paper, they finished their card list in a matter of minutes…
…Kim's plan was fairly decent as well. She kept all their clues in the order in which they were received. It was just a matter of placing the right flag with the right country name. They may have taken just a few minutes longer than Shaggy, but they were not too far behind…
""""""""""
3:53 AM
…When Shaggy opened the envelope, he discovered a tan brochure marked…
SHAGGY: "…'Pause'??"
(Off-screen voice of Phil): "Yep. 'Writer Boy' has one more trick up his sleeve. Since we have had a 'Fast Forward' and a 'Rewind', it seems only fitting we complete the whole 'tape player' theme with 'Pause'…
"Each team must 'Pause' two hours before opening their next clue. It's a simple as that—no tasks, no gimmicks, just wait two hours before opening the next clue…
"Teams can go anywhere they want and do whatever they want, within the confines of the law. This means the casino floor is off limits to pets and those under the age of 21…
"Once the two hours are over, teams can open their clue from the 'Final Clue' box."
…Shaggy turned to Scooby with an eager look on his face.
"Like, we can't go to the casino," he sang out, "but I know one place that's calling our name!"
"Ruffet?" Scooby asked excitedly.
"You got it, Scoob! Let's get our serious grub on!"
""""""""""
3:57 AM
…Since Kim & Ron finished their task a few minutes after Shaggy & Scooby, they did not see the Mystery, Inc. duo make a bee-line for the '98 Cent All-You-Can-Eat Extravaganza'.
Ron thought it would be the perfect time to tell Kim about something he saw as they first entered the hotel.
"KP," he began, "do you realize what's in this building?"
Kim turned to Ron with an annoyed look on her face.
"Yeah, yeah," she said, "but I think the hippie and the hound have just about wiped out the buffet by now."
"No, no, NO, Kim!" Ron said as he pulled out most of the remaining cash from the large envelope in his backpack. "This hotel has the only 24-hour Club Banana in the world!"
"Retail therapy?" Kim squealed as she hugged Ron tightly. "I love it!"
After they entered the all-night Club Banana, Kim took the cash Ron offered and headed straight for the apparel section.
Ron, however, had another plan. He took the small velvet pouch and the remaining cash from the large envelope and headed for the only other nearby store open at this hour…
…While the teams were away from the ballroom, the tarps were removed and two large green tables with chairs were strategically placed on that side of the ballroom…
…Even more noise was being made on the other side of the partition. Bleachers were being set up, along with plasma monitors and a huge rug emblazoned with the 'Amazing Race' logo….
""""""""""
5:45 AM
…Shaggy & Scooby came back to the ballroom entrance with full bellies and cocky attitudes. With a boat-load of confidence, Shaggy snatched an envelope from the 'Final Clue' box and ripped it open…
SHAGGY: "…'Road Block'…Who has a winning poker face?"
(Off-screen voice of Phil): "A 'Road Block' is a task only one team member may perform…and no team member can perform more than 6 'Road Block' tasks during the course of the race. The 'Relay' in Argentina counted as a 'Road Block' for each team member. When the teams were 'Shattered' in the last leg, that 'Road Block' did not count toward his/her/its 'Road Block' total.
"In this 'Road Block', one team member must play a 'heads-up' charity game of 'No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em Poker' against a professional player...
"…Because it is a charity game (with all proceeds to benefit the Diablo Relief Fund), and because it is not being played on the main casino floor, this game is allowed under the regulations of the Nevada Gaming Board…
"…Standard Texas Hold 'Em rules apply. After both players put in forced bets known as 'blinds', two cards are dealt to each player face down. At that time, a round of betting usually occurs…
"…Three 'community' cards, known as the 'Flop', are then turned face-up. Another round of betting is triggered…
"…One more card, known as the 'Turn' or 'Fourth Street', is turned face-up, followed by yet another round of betting…
"…A final card, known as the 'River' of 'Fifth Street', is turned face-up, generating one last round of betting…
"…Once the betting is finished here, all face-down cards are revealed. The player with the best five-card combination of their own cards and the five 'community' cards wins the hand…
"…With 'No-Limit' Texas Hold 'Em, any player can risk all of his or her chips at any given time in the hand…
"…If the team member loses all his or her chips, that team member will receive one more chance to win before being assessed a one-hour 'task failure' penalty…
"…If a team member wins all of the poker pro's chips, they can join their teammate at the doorway to the other side of the partition. At that time, they will open the door, run across the 'Finish Line', and win One MILLION Dollars!!"
…Shaggy turned to Scooby with a look of desperation in his eyes.
"Scoob," he began, "you are our only hope. You know I can't hide emotions well. I also remember your posing for that picture with your buddies from the kennel. I mean, you gotta know how to play this game, right?"
"Right!" Scooby snapped. He gave Shaggy a crisp salute before entering the ballroom…
…A camera sphere kept Scooby in the same frame as the clock as the Great Dane entered the ballroom. It sent a signal to the main control room just on the other side of the partition…
""""""""""
5:57 AM
…Kim was bundled down with several "Club Banana-Vegas" bags in each arm. Ron was very careful to check the time before opening the clue envelope.
After reading the clue, Ron gave Kim a quick kiss and began to walk into the ballroom. He turned around to face her once more.
Ron said, "I said I would find a way to make it up to you for that 'Dr. Phil' line in Omaha. Now is my time. I will not fail you!"
This left Kim downright flabbergasted and speechless. 'He really thinks he still needs to do more?' she thought. 'He's already won the wager, made culinary history, threw a wonderful anniversary party, and saved my life! What more does he think I want from him?'
Before Kim could try to stop him, Ron was already at his table, taking the $10,000 stack of chips for the game…
""""""""""
…The signal from the camera sphere triggered a team of staff members to review numerous tapes while the competitors tackled their last 'Road Block'…
""""""""""
…Scooby took an early chip lead on his professional, Annie Doyle. Annie then used a 'full house' to retake the chip lead. After a few more hands Scooby used a 'two-pair' of kings and nines to finish off Annie…
…Ron took his first two cards just after Scooby initially took the chip lead at his table. After he saw his cards, he made a conservative bet. That's when Ron began to nervously rub his face vigorously.
His opponent, Daniel Ivey, saw Ron's display and matched the bet.
"You do know the tell-tale signs of a bluff," Daniel sneered. "Right, kid?"
The dealer turned up a 'flop' containing the ace of diamonds, the five of diamonds, and the ace of clubs. Daniel started the betting this time, while he continued his thoughts on bluffing.
"When a person is bluffing," Daniel said, "he rubs his face a lot…"
…Ron began to wheeze and pant like a chronic asthma patient after he 'called' Daniel's bet. The king of diamonds was revealed as the 'turn'……
"…his breathing becomes shallow and wheezing…"
…Daniel bet over half his chips at this moment. Ron 'called' Daniel's bet and kept looking around the room…
"…and he doesn't look his opponent in the eye!"
…The jack of spades was shown as the 'river' card. Daniel, with the queen and ten of diamonds, pushed in all of his chips. He was confident his diamond flush could 'bust' his blond rookie opponent in short order. As expected, Ron threw in all his chips as well.
What Daniel did not expect was when Ron stopped all motion and wheezing. Ron proceeded to give Daniel a cold, steely glare as he showed his cards—the ace of hearts and the ace of spades!!
…Ron revealed his four aces as Scooby and Shaggy ran through the doorway to the other half of the ballroom…
""""""""""
6:29 AM
…The nine eliminated teams filled the small bleachers set up in this half of the ballroom. Special Agent Murphy Alexander made sure Bender & Fry were in heavy irons to watch as…
…the Mystery, Inc. team crossed the 'Finish Line' just seconds before Kim & Ron.
Phil beamed a triumphant smile as he rattled off the travel litany:
"Five continents…eight countries…almost fourteen days…and over 17,000 miles later…it came down to mere seconds!!
"Shaggy & Scooby, you are the official…"
"FOUL!"
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"FOUL!"
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"FOUL!"
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"FOUL!"
…screamed a chubby man in his late thirties as he ran to the 'Finish Line'. Phil gave the man a laser-beam scowl.
"Writer Boy, this had better be good!!!!" Phil roared.
Once Thad Marster, aka 'Writer Boy', caught his breath, he called up two camera spheres to project their tape playbacks on the unused wall of the ballroom. One showed Shaggy opening the 'Pause' clue at 3:53 am. The other camera sphere showed Shaggy ripping open the 'Road Block' clue at 5:45 am.
"Freeze both tapes right there," Thad demanded. He then began to point to the times displayed on each tape.
Thad continued, "The 'Pause' clue specifically called for the teams to pause for two full hours! Shaggy broke the rules by opening his 'Road Block' clue early.
"Phil, you have had the pleasure of saying this line the last twelve times. Now, it's my turn…
"Kim & Ron, YOU are the official winners of 'The Amazing Race'!!!"
Balloons, streamers, and confetti fell from the ceiling. Ron and Kim embraced and gave each other a kiss that lasted a full minute. Fireworks began to go off—literally—as beams of blue light shot in all directions around them.
""""""""""
Once the cheers, applause, and the light finally began to fade, Phil tapped Ron on the shoulder.
"Hey, Ron-man!"
"Yeah, Phil?"
"You said you had one other item to discuss?"
"Yeah, I do. So?"
"The cameras are beaming the signal to Middleton as we speak."
"Oh…he-he...right!" Ron sheepishly said as he lowered Kim onto the end of the front bleacher…
…True to Phil's word, Wade Load was able to patch the camera feeds to both the Possible and Stoppable houses via satellite. All three families, including Wade's, were gathered around their television sets to hear what Ron had to say next…
…After Ron was sure Kim was securely on the bleacher, he sat down beside her. He gazed into her eyes, took a deep breath, and made the speech of a lifetime…
"Kim," Ron began, "when we started this race, I wanted to prove to you I was worthy of being an equal partner in our missions. As we went from country to country, I think I have proven myself time and again.
"KP, I am willing to walk through fire…to leap from the highest waterfall…to face Death itself for you. That mine disaster proved I'm not just spewing out empty words on that last part!"
…At this point, he pulled out the velvet pouch from his pocket…
"Along with the generous cash gift, President DeKashier included this little velvet pouch." He showed the pouch to Kim as he began a series of questions.
"Remember when I gazed at your hands as we left Tokyo?"
Kim was still a bit dazed from the kiss, but she did manage to emit a weak "Yes" from her mouth.
"Do you also remember Sensei's letter, where he mentioned my wish to involve you in my next big project?"
"Uh-huh," Kim said, slowly becoming more aware of her surroundings with each passing moment.
"Do you recall it also mentioned a potential celebration just before we began college?"
"Of course I do," Kim said. She was unsure where this line of questioning was headed.
"And you know when I sent you to Club Banana just a little while ago?"
Kim was getting just a little anxious. "Ron, please get to the point!" she begged.
"Well, I took that time and the memory of your hands to go to another shop two doors down. I wanted to make sure I got it right."
Kim was completely puzzled now. "Got what right?"
Ron continued with his words, sensing the 'point-of-no-return' was at hand.
"KP, I did win our wager in Mumbai, but now I feel it is no longer enough to just be equal partners in fighting the bad guys. I want to be your equal partner through the greatest mission of all—our entire lives!"
At that moment, Ron kneeled down and pulled out of the pouch…a one-carat brilliant-cut diamond ring, sized perfectly to Kim's finger.
"Kimberly Anne Possible…
…with that celebration just before we begin our first year in college…
…will you marry me?"
Kim gasped at the beauty of the diamond and the whole presentation Ron planned. It was all she could do to look him straight in the eye and say…
"No."
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…Not a sound was made in the entire ballroom…
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…The shock of the rejection kept Ron completely frozen in place...
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…A few hundred miles away, the Possible, Stoppable, and Load families all had to pick up their jaws from the floor…
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…As long as that moment seemed to last, it actually endured only long enough for Kim to catch her breath and wipe away a tear…
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"…As much as I love you…"
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"…we'd have a better chance of a decent honeymoon if it was right after graduation from Middleton!"
"OF COURSE, I'LL MARRY YOU!!!"
A thunderous roar of applause was heard from both Las Vegas and Middleton as Ron and Kim embraced again. Thankfully, the ballroom had an extremely high ceiling, as they both floated at least ten feet into the air.
Blue and green light beams emanated from the couple as a familiar verse was reprised over the ballroom speakers…
Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams…come…true!
""""""""""
(END CREDITS)
CREATIVE CREDIT---CARTOONS
All 'Kim Possible' references---Disney
All 'Bullwinkle' references---Bullwinkle Studios (Jay Ward Productions/Classic Media)
All 'Family Guy' references---Fuzzy Door Productions/Fox
All 'Futurama' references---30th Century Fox/Fox
All 'Garfield' references---PAWS, Inc./Universal Press Syndicate
All 'Hey, Arnold' references---Snee Oosh Productions/Nickelodeon Studios
All 'Looney Tunes' references---Warner Brothers
All 'Peanuts' references---Charles M. Schulz Estate/United Features Syndicate
All 'Scooby Doo' references---Hanna-Barberra/Warner Brothers
All 'Simpsons' references---Gracie Films/Fox
All 'Teen Titans' references---DC Comics/Warner Brothers
--- --- --- ---
CREATIVE CREDIT---MUSIC
'Sirius'
Composed by Eric Woolfson & Alan Parsons for Arista Records
Originally performed by The Alan Parsons Project.
'Gonna Fly Now'
Composed by Bill Conti for MGM/United Artists
Originally performed by DeEtta Little & Nelson Pigford.
'Eye of the Tiger'
Composed by Jim Peterik & Frankie Sullivan for MGM/ United Artists
Originally performed by Survivor.
'When You Wish Upon a Star'
Composed by Leigh Harline & Ned Washington for Disney
Originally performed by Cliff Edwards as "Jiminy Cricket".
'Jaws—Main Theme'
Composed by John Williams for Universal Studios
Originally performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra,
John Williams, conductor.
'Naked Mole Rap'
Composed by Adam Berry, Mark McCorkle, & Bob Schooley for Disney
Originally performed by Will Friedle & Nancy Cartwright
as "Ron Stoppable & Rufus, the Naked Mole Rat".
--- --- --- ---
CREATIVE CREDIT---OTHER 'NON-ORIGINAL' WORKS
'I am Tiger Woods' line---Nike Golf
'Ready to Rumble' line---Michael Buffer (Yes, he really did copyright that phrase!)
'$188, seven bills' concept—US Dept. of Treasury ($1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, & $100)
All 'Cornhusker' references---University of Nebraska-Lincoln
All 'Rocky' (movie) references---MGM/United Artists
'Shaggy', the rapper/R&B recording artist---real name Orville Richard Burrell
All 'Amazing Race' references---Amazing Race Productions/Jerry Bruckheimer Productions/Bertram van Munster
--- --- --- ---
CREATIVE CREDIT---REVIEWS (AS OF 9/14/07)
Supreme Reviewer---Darkon Shadows (9 reviews for 9 chapters)
First Assistant Supreme Reviewer---lxk (6 reviews for 9 chapters)
Second Assistant Supreme Reviewer---DRIFTA (4 for 9)
Third Assistant Supreme Reviewer---maxie2008 (3 for 9)
Honorable Thanks---AlyssC01, DeucesWild, Thanos Farek Seid II, and snapbang
(1 for 9 each)
--- --- --- ---
CREATIVE CREDIT---ORIGINAL
'Samurai Crunchbird'
'SCB'
'MMM Unity'
'So the Reality'
'Writer Boy'
'Thad Marster'
'Camera Spheres'
'Ronnies'
'Red-white-and-blue Wavy Cube logo'
'AG-GO'
'S/P Alliance'
'NOW WITH 50 PERCENT MORE SHARKS!'
'Surf and Turf Eruption'
'98 Cent All-You-Can-Eat Extravaganza'
'Mantis Squad'
'Crane Squad'
'Cobra Squad'
'Dragon Squad'
'Orange Rebirth brochure'
'Purple Swap & Payback brochure'
'Brown Relay brochure'
'Black Shattered brochure'
'White Reunited brochure'
'Pink Tag wall and Rewind brochure'
'Tan Pause brochure'
All parody trademarks, character names, song titles and movie titles
ALL Copyright 2007 by Matthew Shrader
(Rights agent for Thad Marster, aka "The Samurai Crunchbird").
""""""""""
Author's ending notes:
1) Once again, thank you for sticking with this story to the end. Not many new people will probably be reading it, with the upcoming avalanche of 'Graduation' knock-offs flooding the site.
2) The production of this story, like that for any work of fiction, is solely dependent upon the constructive feedback of its readers. If you like it, I will gladly make more. If you think of ways to make it better, I am always open to suggestions. If you really think it's a piece of garbage, stop me before I strike again!! Once again, Review me, e-mail me if you wanna reach me! If you want to 'PM' me, that's ok!
Your friend in writing—taking a triumphant bow,
The Samurai Crunchbird