Author's notes: First off let me once again apologize for how long it took to get out another chapter. What can I say I'm slow ). I hope everyone like this one and I am already started on the next chapter in which I hope to introduce our main villain for the story. As always please review and I can take constructive criticism. Oh and a thanks to everyone out there who has reviewed so far I hope you like where the story is going.

Open the Door Chapter 3: A Villain Hinted

By

Darkcloud

"What?" Kim screamed with a combination of frustration and surprise. Kim's day had been a rollercoaster of emotions which had left the girl weary for a just few minutes in which to process all that had happened. It had all started early this morning after a late mission on the trip home when Kim and Ron had something of a emotional breakthrough both realizing that they each might have feelings for each other that moved beyond friendship. At first they held this knowledge to themselves worrying that the other would not want more from their relationship. It had resulted in a very stressful day at school but being the friends that they were they eventually talked it out both finding a real possibility of something more but deciding to wait until later to decide if they really wanted to cross that line. Kim's day would have been great had that been the end but sometimes going on missions have unintended consequences when Mr. Barkin decided to punish them for a list of small tardy issues. The punishment was forced volunteering in the "Sunshine Spreaders" a local community group that helped Middletown's elderly citizen's living on their own. This particular citizen had left the previous volunteers in tears after a day and Team Possible was expected to put up with him for two weeks.

The old guy was apparently loaded because when Kim and Ron arrived they were surprised to find a huge mansion in a state of deceptive disrepair. Ron had almost booked it out of there when the front gate had opened apparently on its own. Only due to Rufus's timely discovery of the hidden machinery and the never ending power of the puppy dog pout did Ron make it to the front door. The real danger had waited inside when the two teens had been ambushed by a white clad ninja with an ancient Bo. The unknown warrior had left Kim scrambling to just defend herself let alone win. A tiring few minutes passed and a beaten but relatively unharmed teen hero fell to the ground in defeat. After the fight the ninja had removed his mask and revealed himself to be the man they were supposed to help and the less than noble reasons for the surprise attack.

"What do you mean we can clean your house? Do not tell me that's your excuse for attacking us!" Kim shouted batting away the elderly man's hand as she got up and heading over to check on her friend. Ron was sitting almost perfectly in a knocked over plush armchair that had left him facing the ceiling. Kim was a little worried when he didn't respond after she called his name a few times and tried to shake him back to reality. Ron seemed to be in a little bit of shock and was just laying there unresponsive. Rufus waived his arms and got Kim's attention; she leaned toward Ron's naked mole rat and saw that he was holding a packet of Diablo sauce.

"Good idea Rufus." she said as she ripped the corner of the sauce packet and held it underneath Ron's nose. His nose twitched and instinctively took a whiff of familiar smell. The results were quite dramatic.

"Naco!" Ron shouted as he leap into the air and looked around the around for the smell inspired food. Only after realizing there was no Naco did his mind started to remember where he actually was.

"Hey KP what happened? Last thing I remember was getting knocked around by a midget ninja and then having a strong urge for a Naco."

Whack! Kim had been about to update her friend on the last few minutes when said midget (now dressed in a more casual gray kimono when he changed Kim had no idea) appeared behind Ron and hit him in the back of his head with an audible thwack.

"Oww!" Ron yelped as he rubbed his head and viewed his new assailant. It didn't exactly click that the small old man was the same ninja who had been beating Kim and himself.

"Hey what was that for?" Ron said rubbing the back of head.

"I am not a midget." The ninja stated with a small hint of annoyance.

""Yeah look sorry if I offended you or something but I was talking about someone else.

KP how did you beat him anyway?" Kim just shook her head.

"I didn't he won."

"Where'd he go?"

"Still here Ron."

Ron got a curious look on his face and Rufus now purchased on his shoulder pointed down to the waiting old man. Ron leaned over close to get a good view of the wrinkly face. Well he had the Bo of course and he was about the right height but he didn't see a way it could be possible.

"No way," he started to say, "your way to ol--"

Whack! Kim caught Ron as he fell backwards now holding the front of his head.

"You know Ron not to pick sides or anything but you kind of deserved that." Kim offered smiling slightly remembering that Nana had hit hard too.

"Come on KP how could I ever guess that he could beat you?"

The old man started to lift the bow. Ron gasped and hid behind Kim.

"Not the stick!" Kim looked over her shoulder at him with a small smile.

"So what happened to show off tough guy Ron?"

"He got knocked into a chair and hit with a stick twice. He'll be back when his headaches gone."

"Have to have brain to have headache." The old man interjected. Kim turned her attention back to elderly Japanese gentleman. She held her arms up in a placating gesture and tried to smooth the situation.

"Okay listen I'm not quite sure what's going on here but maybe if I explain the sitch as I see it hopefully we'll move past this hitting stage." The old man just stared back.

"Okaay. Me and Ron are from the Sunshine Spreaders and we're here to help around the house. You should have been expecting us." As she explained this Ron slowly came to Kim's side while keeping a careful eye on the Bo in the old man's hands.

"Hai of course I knew."

"Well then why did you attack us?" Kim said trying to hold back a growl of frustration.

"Cuts down on the breaking in period."

"Excuse me?"

"You American students so weak, they come and after just a few hours of hard labor are whining about wanting to a take break or go home. I find swinging the Bo at their heads makes sure I do not waste my time. If they run they aren't worth it. Also works with Jehovah's witnesses."

"So I guess we passed?"

"Humph well I suppose you at least can fight...however poorly and as for your friend well...at least he did not run. I imagine you can manage to not waste my time. Come this way and I will tell you about your tasks."

Kim and Ron followed warily it seemed they were in no immediate danger but to be honest neither were feeling very friendly. Ron was still smarting from the several blows to his head and Kim was a little angry about the fighting poorly comment. It was going to be a long two weeks she thought to herself.

"I almost forgot we need to find uniforms for the two of you."

"Uniforms!" both exclaimed in unison.

"Jinx! You owe me a soda!" Kim said first.

High above them a brooding figure watched the group leave the room, hidden in rafters and shadows he and his compatriots were all but invisible to all but the most knowledgeable of opponents. The brooding figure contemplated their next move while the rest awaited his commands and insight. He wished there was some to share but this was completely unanticipated, he could not have known that his nemesis and the sidekick would show up here, did they know of the item? They couldn't he reminded himself, it was only by luck that even he was aware of it's existence, the scroll that proved the item's existence was one of a kind and it had taken years of research and a small fortune to track it here. While he didn't believe in coincidences (especially with these two) it was unlikely they could know. One of his warriors whispered a worried question.

"No," he replied, "I do not know how why they are here but it doesn't matter, it changes nothing."

Another voiced his worries.

"Out of the question!" he replied. "We cannot leave if they were to find it our cause could be lost forever!" He listened to a snarling reply.

"Absolutely not! If we were to fight them now and lose our hand would be tipped and then we would be in an even worse position." With a wave he silenced any additional outbursts. "Listen to me! We will practice patience, scatter through this house, remain unseen, locate our treasure and when we do Team Possible we be made fully aware of our presence!" The warriors nodded in agreement and as one vanished from his sight. He gazed back with a dark grin. "And my nemesis will finally fall under my blade."

"This so not happening." said Kim as she eyed the "uniform" that the old man had handed her. It was a French maid outfit that had a very short skirt. Mostly everything would be covered up but it would a very...form fitting outfit and she would never be able to bend over without giving everyone a show.

"What?" the old man asked with annoyance and a hint of frustration.

"Look Mr.--?"

"Just call me Elder I am quite old enough."

"No real name got ya. Look I don't think this is a very appropriate outfit."

"Only one that fits you most of my hired help were larger than you." He gestured at the closet where she supposed she had to admit that the rest of the servant uniforms appeared to be too big for her.

"Speaking of which shouldn't you have a cleaning staff for this place?"

"Hai but they quit, whined about unfair work conditions."

"Gee really I would have never guessed." Kim didn't even try to hide the sarcasm. "Look I just wear what I have now please and thank you."

Elder shook his head. "You clean. Wear uniform or I call your Mr. Barkin and say how you not want to clean." He straightened his kimono. "I have to keep up appearances."

With that he turned and walked away. Kim sighed and leaned against a wall waiting for Ron to get done changing. Well at least she wasn't suffering by herself Ron had been given a butler's outfit with more buttons and catches than the most uncomfortable tux you have ever worn. She could here him struggling to put the thing on. Kim was already tired of this place and decided she would like to find out more about her ungracious host. She pulled out her Kimmunicator and contacted Wade. In a moment the young man's smiling face appeared on the screen.

"Hey Kim what's up?"

"Hey Wade I need the lowdown--"

"On the dirty old man who owns this place that fights better than you and might be richer than Senor Senor Sr.?"

"Uh yeah how did you know?"

"I have listening in ever since the Kimmunicator registered the fight." He grinned. "By the way cute outfit."

"Just give the sitch Wade."

"No problem but I'm sorry to say that for once I don't have that much information to give. Whoever this guy really is he is an expert in keeping his personal life private. I've already gone through most public records and a few private ones and can't find any listing of any information on him. Not even a name."

"Wait then who name's on the list for this place?

"Some law firm by the name Wolfram & Hart they have been around for a long time and handle quite a few clients who don't like publicity."

"So wait does Elder actually own anything?"

"Technically no I really wouldn't be able to prove this guy existed by paperwork alone but there's a lot of information out there that's being hidden. If I was to take a guess from what's not there I would say that Elder was connected with billions."

"Alright so we don't have any paperwork on this guy what about newspapers someone this powerful usually has something written about him."

"On that track right now but I haven't found a thing yet. The same law firm has owned and maintained the property for almost a hundred years and occasional donations to local charities and organizations have come in their name but nothing from Elder directly."

"Wade I don't like this something just seems to smack of villain-of-the-week and this guy can fight circles around me."

"Want me to keep researching and let you know if I find anything?"

"Please and thank you."

The screen on the Kimmunicator went blank and Kim went over what she had just learned. They were working albeit temporarily for a man who they knew nothing about who happened to fight better than anyone Kim had ever seen and might be a old pervert she thought as she eyed the outfit in her hands. But was he actually a danger? He could have hurt both them very easily and had mostly just left a few bruises. She didn't believe for a minute that he assaulted two teenagers as some sort of twisted interview. It had felt like a test but for what then? Kim's thoughts were pushed aside by the sound of an audible sigh and a door opening. Ron came out of the room looking like he had had a fight with his suit.

The suit had won.

Kim suppressed a laugh knowing Ron would take it the wrong way.

"Here let me help you." Kim said as she walked over to her best friend and began to undo the damage.

Ron tried not to fidget as Kim undid the mess that was his tie and slowly retied it. He had always hated formal wear even as a kid. Tuxes or suits always made him feel uncomfortable, he preferred to feel as if he could roll up his sleeves at any time and just get messy. That's why he liked cooking throw on an apron, wash your hands and have fun turning a mess into a gourmet meal. Ron had never trusted a so called chef who loved things to be pristine. A jerk on his jacket brought his attention back to Kim who was trying to rearrange the buttons on his shirt into a more organized pattern. Ron smiled as he watched her, when he was completely honest with himself he knew he could put these monkey suits on if he took the time to learn but if you had a pretty redhead willing to help you get dressed would you take the time to learn?

Alas all good things come to an end and under Kim's expert care Ron could have almost passed for a British butler.

"Thanks KP, I hate these things."

"So not the drama Ron but sometimes I think you do it on purpose just to get my hands on you."

"Why Kimberly Ann Possible how could you ever think such a thing about me? I'll have you know my thoughts are nothing but gratitude for your help." Ron said as a look of mock indignation spread on his face mixed in with one of his goofy grins.

"Right you're a perfect gentleman." Kim responded as she walked past and headed him into the now vacant changing room. "You know when we're dating you won't need an excuse."

Ron stared at her in amazement. "Wait what happened to let's think about?"

She leaned against the frame of the door staring at the ground as she started to think of an answer. Absentmindedly she started swinging the door back and forth while Ron tried to hold back his impatient while she gathered her thoughts.

"I hadn't put it in to words until right now but I think I made up my made during the fight with Elder. When he jumped us I pushed you away and tried to fight him off but the only thing I was thing about was you, us. I couldn't find you in the darkness Ron and it scared me more than I can say and it wasn't just because you're my best friend but because we had just discovered this whole world of potential and if something had happened to you I would never know where it would lead."

"Kim...KP I mean I don't know…." Ron almost stuttered not knowing what to say.

"Ron," She continued "I don't know if us dating is a good idea….sometimes this things just don't work out but now that the thought is there it refuses to leave and in truth I wouldn't want it to. I think that even if things don't work out we'll still be best friends and stronger for it but I think we could be so much more."

Ron stood there with his mouth hanging open despite the shock he knew he needed to say something since the girl had just opened up her heart and had a look on his face like she needed to hear the same thoughts were in him as well. He steadied himself and took a calming breath

"Kim." He said quietly. "I would love nothing more to show you what kind of potential we could have together."

"Does that mean you will take me out on a real date Ron Stoppable?"

"Oh yes ma'am." Kim face visibly brightened and Ron could see stress and fear flow from her face. She was afraid? Of what HE would say! Ron started to smile thinking the universe had thrown its last big surprise at him. Not liking to be predictable the universe proved him wrong as Kim leaned over and brushed the lightest of kisses with a world of potential on his lips."

"Boo-Yah!" He whispered now in true shock he barley heard Kim when she said she would be out in a few minutes and closed the door to the changing room.

Neither friend noticed the shadow that moved above them.

Kim shut the door as calmly as she could and then pressed herself against the closet wall holding her uniform to her chest. The redhead's heart was beating a mile a minute and if Ron couldn't believe what had just poured out of her he would be even more surprised at Kim's ignorance. She had not even known she had really made a decision but it had just came out all at once and had felt so…right. She hoped she hadn't freaked Ron out to badly since the poor guy looked like he was in shock. Oh well she thought to herself it done and besides this made this whole day worth it. Kim then realized with a smile that it wouldn't really matter if Ron was in shock now after seeing her in this outfit he would have been anyway. She hurried to get changed now happy that something good would come out of this day after all.

Funny thing about being in shock your mind might be gone but your body can work just fine. At first Ron just stood there not knowing what was going. However his nose detected the slightest odors of a kitchen coming from down the hallway. His stomach got the message and reminded Ron that he was hungry. Unfortunately Ron's brain was still trying to process what was going on since Kim had kissed him and left a Do Not Disturb sign. Not used to being denied Ron's stomach took control and Ron still not quite knowing what was going on went to find the elusive kitchen.

The spy returned from the scene of teenage drama and reported what he had just learned to his master.

"So the hero and the sidekick have become an item." He paused and tilted his head in contemplation. "Good for them. I always thought they would make a excellent couple but I could never say anything you know with the whole trying to kill them and everything."

The scout responded with a note of confusion in his voice.

"Of course were going to still enemies but life goes on in the whole scheme of things. I am glad they'll be happy together."

The spy asked a question nervously.

"What? Of course we're going to kill them I said they'd be happy together I didn't say for how long."

The spy grinned and asked for his orders.

"Enough of us are already looking for the item. I want you to keep an eye on Team Possible and when the time is right we will capture the sidekick. After all nothing more distracts a hero more than a loved one in danger."