Thanks to Mr. Wizard, fatherfigure1, Ran Hakubi, spedclass, daywalkr82, Boris Yeltsin, Josh84, Danny-171984, Quathis, rollred2000, CajunBear73, Drakonis Aurous, Samurai Crunchbird, Texax Dad, Gray Cardinal, whitem, theotherdave, Joe Stoppinghem, Aero Tendo, spectre666, Molloy, AtomicFire, mr.the.ninja, RonHeartbreaker, and conan98002 for reviewing and to everyone for reading.

My thanks, too, to special guest reviewer, Molloy.

Leave a review, get a response.

KP © Disney

All original characters © the author

PART TWO

December 6

Kim was sitting on the living room couch, staring blankly at the wall of photos of her and Ron that chronicled their lives together, when the picture phone rang. She had turned off the video function after he died; she'd turned off the audio, too, not having much interest in talking to anyone, until her children told her that they wanted her to know if they were calling in case of emergency. Reluctantly, she agreed to their request though she still screened all of her calls. After the tenth ring, she bit her lip, knowing she would hear Ron's voice emanate from the machine.

"Hola, you've reached the Stoppables," the recording said cheerfully. "We can't take your call right now, but leave us a message and we'll get back to you."

"Yo, Kimmie," a familiar voice from her past said. "You might want to turn on the picture to see who's hanging at my house. She's about your height, red hair, blue eyes, has the misfortune to look a lot like you did before you got old and dumpy, and is gonna be cat food –"

Kim bolted from her seat to turn on the monitor. "Shego," she growled when saw the caller was indeed her old nemesis.

"Wow, someone really hasn't aged well," Shego snarked before she stepped aside to give Kim a view of Ann dangling over the tiger pit. After a few moments, the old villain reappeared on screen. "You want her, you can come and get her. Alone."

"If you do anything to her, I swear I'll kill you," Kim said.

"Big talk, Princess," Shego said dismissively. "And remember: You and nobody else. Otherwise, Princess Junior here is going to dinner with the kitties," she warned as she ended the call.

December 6, a few hours later …

Kim piloted the Roth SL Coupe 12.0, affectionately known as the Sloth, just like its eleven predecessors, towards Shego's Caribbean island lair. Tim and Jim had given her the first version of the car back when she was in college and they needed to build a replacement for the recently destroyed Kimminator. As they considered how to proceed, they focused on their father's old beater. When the tweebs told him what they had in mind, James gladly let them modify his old car into something Kim and Ron could use when saving the world. Every few years since a new version of the Sloth would appear in Kim's garage. While the one she was currently driving was a few years old, it was still handsomely equipped with a variety of features, including flight and stealth capability.

She was especially glad for the latter since that would allow her to land outside of Shego's house, affording her the advantage of surprise – and sparing her from a jump. While Kim still enjoyed parachuting on occasion, it had been many years since she'd jumped from a plane under anything approaching mission conditions. She knew she couldn't risk injury, not with Ann's safety at stake. Landing outside Shego's door was a far more sensible, and safer, option.

Kim knew she wasn't in the best shape to fight Shego. She'd had trouble sleeping since before Ron's death, a problem that had only worsened since his passing. Nor had she had a proper exercise and workout regimen since his illness became serious and she had focused her time and attention on caring for, and being with, him. Still, she had her old Mark 3 battle suit, grappler dryer, and laser scalpel with her and she hoped those tools would give her an advantage in her upcoming confrontation with Shego.

Much to her annoyance, Kim found herself shifting in her seat as the battle suit pinched yet again. While she had worked to keep herself in shape over the years, she knew her body had changed since she'd first donned the suit back when she was in medical school. She smiled as she remembered Ron complimenting her on the first version of the form-fitting outfit during the fight in Japan with the Simian Samurai the summer after their junior year at Middleton High. But memories of that adventure quickly reminded her of how much she missed him and she desperately wished he was with her as she touched down on the broad lawn besides Shego's fortified mansion.

Kim sat quietly for a moment, recalling what it was like to hold Ron's large hands, roll her eyes at one of his weird observations, kiss his freckles. She bit her lip and fought back the urge to cry, knowing she'd never do any of those things with him again. As had happened many times since Ron's death, she was beginning to feel overwhelmed by her loss, of being adrift and without her anchor, when her memory wandered back more than half a century to a storeroom one hundred miles away from Middleton. She was lost then, too – at least until Ron helped her find her way. She knew that what he had said was as true this night as it had been the night of her junior prom: it was time for the pity fiesta to come to an end. Ann needed her and she wasn't going to fail her granddaughter.

Determined to successfully complete this mission, Kim wiped away her tears, checked her gear and got out of the car. Then, with her super suit in stealth mode, she made her way to the house. She ran across the lawn in a crouch heading towards some hibiscus bushes that would provide cover; even though she was cloaked, she wasn't going to be careless.

Once behind her screen, Kim pointed her old wrist Kimmunicator, something she'd not worn in many, many years, at the house and pressed a button on its side. She watched as a diagram of the structure scrolled across the small screen and allowed herself a small smile as a red circle began blinking on the schematic: the device had just identified a security control box. She made her way to the unit and quickly disabled the systems protecting Shego and Phin's home. Then she found her way to a vent, removed the grille, and climbed into the HVAC system.

The long-retired hero followed the network of conduits until she reached what appeared to be the only room large enough to house wild animals. She once again removed a grille, then dropped out of the duct and landed on the floor, silently cursing the soreness in her joints. She didn't have long to worry about the ravages of time on her body, however. Much to her horror, the shackles from which she'd seen her granddaughter suspended were empty and three tigers were sleeping contentedly. Horror was soon joined by anger as Kim saw Shego standing on the other side of the room.

Kim had thought her ability to feel anything but grief had died with Ron, but she learned she was wrong. A white-hot rage rose from within and quickly enveloped her. Consumed by fury, she charged at her long-time foe and tackled her to the ground.

"I see you made it, Princess," Shego groaned.

"I'm going to kill you," Kim said as she gripped the villain's neck.

"Why?" Shego croaked.

"Why?" Kim yelled. "You killed my granddaughter and you want to know why I'm going to kill you?"

"Who said I killed her?" Shego asked.

"You so don't want to be playing mind games with me Shego," Kim snarled.

"A little help," Shego rasped as she struggled to breath. "I think she's serious."

The door to the tiger pen chamber slid open. Kim wasn't surprised when Phin entered. She was at a complete loss for words, however, when Ann followed him in.

"Gramma, let her go, please and thank you," Ann said as she saw what was happening.

"Annie?" Kim asked before her eyes narrowed. "How do I know you're not a synthodrone or a clone?"

"It's me," the younger woman said to her still-concealed grandmother. "I'm okay. Really."

Kim looked at her granddaughter warily, her hold on Shego's neck still firm.

"If you want," Ann offered, seeing her grandmother was still not convinced, "you can do a scan and ask Uncle Wade or Uncle Jim to check the results."

Satisfied that she was talking with her granddaughter, Kim slowly released her grip on Shego, then turned off the stealth feature on her suit. Confused, she looked up at Ann. "Would you mind telling me what the sitch is?"

Ann took her grandmother's hands and helped the older woman to her feet. "Ever since Grampa Ron died," she said, still holding Kim's hands, "it's felt like you'd given up, like you were just ready to fade away. I've been afraid we were going to lose you, too."

Kim knew that what Ann was saying was true. When Ron had died, she'd felt a part of herself die, and she had found herself wishing the rest would, too, so she could be reunited with him. Now, she was able to see what she would be leaving behind were that to happen. "Oh, sweetie," she said softly. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"I didn't know what to do," Ann explained, her voice trembling. "Nobody did. I was scared, Gramma. Then I had the idea that if you thought I was in danger, you'd be jolted into action and –"

"And realize I still had a reason to live," Kim interjected as she pulled Ann into a fierce hug.

"Yeah," Ann said as she returned the embrace.

The two women held one another in silence for a few minutes.

"You gotta give the kid her props, Princess," Shego finally said. "It was a pretty good idea."

Kim looked up at Shego in wonder. Then she looked back to her granddaughter. "I never knew you were such a good actress. You really looked scared during the call."

"Actually, that wasn't part of Princess Junior's plan," Shego noted.

"Excuse me?" Kim asked.

"Don't get me wrong. I liked the kid's idea," Shego admitted. "But I didn't think we'd be able to pull a fast one on you. Fortunately, we'd drugged her."

"What?" Kim exclaimed.

"Well, what would you do if the grandkid of your incredibly annoying foe just dropped in?" Shego asked.

"Out of an air vent, I might note," Phin added. "Her unannounced arrival was somewhat suspicious."

"You didn't expect her to just knock on the front door of a lair?" Kim asked.

"This is not a lair," Phin said. "It is a private residence that happens to enjoy robust security amenities."

"Siberian tigers?" an incredulous Kim responded. "Missiles? Doors that go whoosh? This is such the lair."

"Told you," Ann said smugly to her hosts.

"Whatever," Shego said with a roll of her eyes.

"How did they drug you?" Kim asked Ann, concern in her voice.

"She drank the tea," Phin said.

Kim couldn't hide her look of disappointment in her granddaughter. "How many times have your grandfather and I told you that you're not supposed to drink or eat anything in a villain's lair? You should know better."

"Beginner's mistake," Ann offered with a sheepish smile. "Anyway, getting back to the story, when I woke up, I thought I'd been betrayed," she explained. "To be honest, I was scared witless."

"A not unreasonable reaction," Phin said graciously, "considering where you found yourself."

"You actually did okay up there, Kid," Shego said. "Sorry we had to play you, but I thought if we were going to get Kimmie out here, everything had to look real."

Kim sighed. "Well, this has certainly been weird enough. I so don't know what to say."

"How about 'sayonara'?" Shego suggested as she hooked her thumb towards the door. "It's getting late, Princess, and you most definitely need your beauty sleep."

Kim arched an eyebrow and shook her head in bemusement. She then got up, as did Ann, and followed Phin and Shego out of the house and onto the lawn. Kim pressed a button on her Kimmunicator and the Sloth's cloak disengaged, revealing the car.

"Most impressive," Phin commented. "Thank you for an entertaining evening," he added as he extended a hand to Kim, then to Ann. "Now, if I may, I will take my leave," he said before he turned and walked back into the house.

Ann climbed into the passenger seat and Kim was about to follow suit on the driver's side when she turned and walked back to Shego.

"Why?" Kim asked her old adversary.

"The rabbi," she said.

"Annie?" Kim asked.

"You and Stoppable were lucky, Princess," Shego said, a tenderness in her voice Kim had never heard before. "You got to have a family."

"I don't understand," Kim said.

Shego fired up her glow power. "Comet power's good in a fight, but it messed some things up."

Kim immediately comprehended what Shego meant. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Shego said. "Just remember what you've got. I know you miss Stoppable. I never got the two of you, but I know I'll be a mess if Phin goes first, and as good as it's been, it's never been like what you and the sidekick had. But he's gone now and you're not. And neither's your family. Enjoy them while you can." Shego shook her head in amazement. "To have a grandkid who did what Princess Junior did …"

Shego was stunned when her old foe embraced her. "Thanks," Kim said.

"Think nothing of it," Shego said as she extricated herself from the hug. "Now get out of here."

Kim smiled, then headed back to the Sloth.

"Hey, Kimmie," Shego called after her.

Kim, who was about to climb into the driver's seat, turned back to Shego. "Yes?"

"That suit's really tight on you. Better watch your diet."

"You so don't want to go there," Kim replied with a laugh. "I could still kick your biscuit."

"Maybe we'll have to find out some time," Shego said.

"Yeah, maybe," Kim said. "Goodnight, Shego."

"Goodnight, Princess."

First Night of Hanukah, December 16, late in the evening …

"Oy, not you again," Shego groused as she saw Ann drop into her living room from an overhead duct.

"I see we have company," Phin observed.

"Hi Shego, Phin," Ann said cheerfully before she looked back up at the opening.

Shego was about to say something in response when, much to her surprise, a platter was passed out to her unexpected visitor. She watched as Ann stepped back and a tall man with dark curly hair dropped down to the floor.

"Oh great, now you've got a sidekick," Shego said.

"David's not my sidekick, he's my date," Ann explained happily.

"Pleased to meet you," David said as he shook hands with Shego and Phin before he turned back to Ann. "You know I'd love to be your sidekick."

Ann smiled warmly. "Maybe you can be my partner."

"Might I ask if there's a purpose to this visit other than the display of your romantic repartee?" Phin asked.

"I brought these," Ann said as Shego took the platter and removed the cover. "Potato latkes. Happy Hanukah!"

"Okay, Kid," Shego asked, her curiosity piqued. "What's the deal?"

"Gramma's been making these every year, ever since she and Grampa Ron began dating back in high school. I thought you might enjoy some. Consider it my way of saying thanks."

Shego looked at her old nemesis' granddaughter and snorted. "You're welcome. Well, as long as you're here, you may as well stay for dinner." She then turned to her husband. "You want to get a bottle of wine?"

"I don't think that will be necessary," Phin said as David presented him with a bottle of pinot grigio. "A fine choice."

"Don't trust us?" Shego cracked.

"Let's just say I'm not a cat person," Ann answered with a wry smile. "And I don't have time to hang around."

"I see you're learning," Shego said with a genuine smile. "C'mon, we can eat outside on the terrace."

As the two couples walked through the living room and towards the French doors that led outside, David looked around. "You know, this is the first time I've ever been in a lair."

"And if you stick around with her," Shego said, "it probably won't be your last. You tipped off the Eurofeds, didn't you, Princess Junior?"

"Busted," Ann admitted with a shrug of her shoulders. "You shouldn't have left that report out in the open."

"It's not like we were expecting you to drop in," Shego observed sharply.

"That's so not the point," Ann said heatedly. "You shouldn't have had that report in the first place –"

"While this is a most fascinating discussion," Phin interjected, "perhaps this would be a good time for us to retire to dinner."

"Sounds good to me," David said as he recognized that Phin was trying to avert an argument. "I'm really hungry."

"You know, Shego" Ann said, picking up on the cues, "Gramma told me how you once had a Christmas truce. How about we revive that tradition?"

Shego grinned. "You're on. But all bets are off after New Year's. Phin and I aren't just going to sit around doing nothing."

"Fair enough," Ann replied with a grin of her own. "Just don't be surprised when David and I show up on your doorstep. And next time we'll be bringing Global Justice with us, not dinner."

Christmas Eve, December 24

It was late afternoon and light flurries were falling as Kim Stoppable stood before her husband's final resting place. She looked at his tombstone, then at the nearby trees, up above to the leaden sky, then back to the granite marker. She closed her eyes and sighed, knowing that as long as she lived this was as near as she could be to the man with whom she'd shared her life.

"I miss you, Ron. I miss you so much," she said. "You know, there are mornings when I wake up and wonder how I'm going to make it through the day without you. But then I think about the kids and grandkids, and that helps me. We really do have a great family. I mean, Annie: I still can't believe what she did." Kim shook her head in wonder as she recalled the events of earlier that month, then smiled as she reflected on a most welcome development since the incident at Shego and Phin's lair. "Annie's started seeing someone," she said. "You'd like David. Turns out you're not the only Jewish guy who fell in love with Snowman Hank when he was a kid. He can repeat all the dialog by heart, just like you. He even does the voices.

"They're coming over with the rest of the family to Pim's for dinner tomorrow. I'm going over this evening. Cindy was so excited that I was staying the night; I'm pretty sure she's hoping I'll run interference with her parents so she can stay up late. Maybe I will. I'm her grandmother after all and supposedly I can do anything, right?

Kim remembered how more than six decades earlier Ron had told her that her motto was 'braggy.' Perhaps it had been. But, she thought with a wry grin, she had saved the world more than once – and knew she was quite capable of indulging her youngest grandchild. Kim also knew she was capable of keeping a promise.

"I'm going on a cruise next month. Ten days in the Caribbean and they tell me it's lair-free." Mention of her upcoming trip elicited memories of a long-ago mission. "Remember that cruise we took back in high school when we were looking for Team Impossible? What was that, fifty-five, fifty-seven years ago?" she mused. "I'll try to play some shuffleboard for you; I still remember how tweaked you were that you didn't get to play that lady who owed you lunch." She chuckled, then added wistfully, "I don't know that I ever told you, but it meant so much to me that you emptied out your bank account to go on that mission with me."

Kim stood in silence, reminiscing about adventures past with Ron, until her thoughts brought her to that long-ago Christmas Eve when he'd gone after Drakken so she could be with her family. She fondly recalled the whole crazy night, the worldwide search, her brothers' excitement over wrestling an Anaconda, the bizarre Yuletide celebration in the escape pod – and the kiss on the cheek she'd given Ron beneath the mistletoe. It had been a wonderful holiday, one of so many they had shared. And now there would be no more.

"Well, it's getting late," she said as she found herself wiping away tears. "I should probably be going."

Instead of leaving, though, Kim knelt by her husband's grave and rested a hand on his tombstone, not caring that the falling snow was growing heavier nor that the afternoon light was fading fast. "I love you, Ron," she said softly. "Merry Christmas."

The End.

Seasons greetings to you and yours from Mr, Mrs and BabyDrP!