Chapter 19: New Beginnings

Ron Stoppable was on top of the world; all of his senior year dreams had come true. Okay, maybe not all of them; the streets weren't paved with nacos, the school day still started at 8:00 AM, rather than 2:00 PM, and, judging by his class schedule, Zombie Mayhem still wasn't an elective credit. Still, if anybody had told him, on the first day of his junior year, what his situation would be right now, he would have laughed.

First of all, not only was he a senior, he was a returning letterman! He actually had some status to throw around, if he chose to. Secondly, Mr. Barkin had informed him, Friday, that he had decided to make Ron the starting tailback for the football team. Although this revelation promised hard work and a fair amount of pain, Ron doubted that his opponents would be able to put the same hurt on him that Shego, Monty, Duff, and Dementor did. Third, he actually had a sweet set of wheels. The only reason that they hadn't taken his bike was that Jim and Tim had been skipped up a grade, and Kim had promised her 'rents that she would escort them to high school on their first day. The fourth, and best item was the reason he had used the word 'they' when thinking about the bike. His dream girl, the absolute hottest, smartest, coolest and all-around most badical girl on the planet, Kim Possible, was his girlfriend. Not only was she his girlfriend, she was wearing one of his jerseys and clinging to his arm, proclaiming to the world that they were an item. He had no idea what he had done right, to wind up with Kim, but he wished that he knew what it was so that he could do more of it.

"And maybe write a book on the subject," he mused.

By an unspoken agreement, the two of them stopped right at the edge of school grounds, not quite stepping over the invisible line.

"Well," Kim smiled at him. "One more step, and the summer's officially over."

"Yeah, but that one more step makes us officially seniors," he reminded his BFGF.

"With the full PDA regulations in effect," she pointed out, with a slight puppy dog pout.

"So we'd better perform our PDA before we take that step," he stated, with his trademark, goofy grin.

"I like how you think," she informed him, catching the front of his jersey and pulling him close.

They exercised some moderation with their PDA, both because they were in public and because they couldn't really get into the mood with the tweebs shouting 'gross' and 'cootie alert.' When they stopped, Ron just stood there with his eyes closed and a foolish grin on his face.

"Ron, are you in there?" Kim poked him in the stomach.

"I'm fine, KP," he assured her. "I was just making sure to remember that one."

"Any particular reason?"

"Yeah, I want to do the same thing, tomorrow morning, and I want to see if a KP senior kiss is even better," he answered, with his goofy grin turning right down foolish.

Kim laughed at him, then caught his arm, pulling him over the boundary and towards the school, while sparing a glare at the still smirking tweebs. Both Kim and Ron were in great moods as they walked up to the school and into the front door to be confronted with…

"Top of the morning to you, Mr. B" Ron greeted the glowering, vice-principal.

"Possible, Stoppable," he growled at them, then shifted his glare to the 'tweebs. "And Possible and Possible. I should have guessed that you would arrive en masse."

"Just fulfilling our duties as responsible seniors," Ron informed the big man. "Making sure that these freshmen arrive, prompt and prepared, at their destination."

"I am certain that you have read your student handbook's policy on public displays of affection," Barkin rumbled, giving the teen's linked arms a meaningful glance.

"Yes we have, Mr. Barkin," Kim informed him. "We may be mistaken, but the student handbook specifically allows contact between arms. As long as we link arms, or hold hands, we are complying with the official, PDA policy."

"And what about the tonsil hockey session out on the sidewalk?" The big man demanded.

"Done outside school grounds," Ron answered, since Kim was two busy glaring at her brothers' gagging noises. "Before the start of the school year."

"But you just have to push the boundaries, don't you Stoppable? Okay, you're in compliance but I've got my eye on you. I want to see six inches of daylight between you and Possible at all times, and one other thing…"

"Yes, Mr. B," Ron replied weakly, feeling a little less sure of himself.

"I only see fit to inform you that as your coach, as well as your homeroom teacher, I am now authorized to assign extra laps, as well as extra homework, for any infractions. Keep that in mind the next time you decide to push those boundaries."

"He'll remember, Mr. Barkin," Kim assured the teacher, since Ron had been rendered incapable of speech.

"So why are the four of you still loitering in this vital, educational thoroughfare?"

"No excuses Mr. Barkin," Kim assured the teacher. "I'll get everybody moving right away." With that, Kim herded her BFBF, as well as her brothers, towards their homeroom.

"That's proof positive," Ron told her, as soon as they had cleared Barkin's intimidating presence. "That man still has it in for me. Do you think he'll call your dad and have him add a 'proximity to the school' coefficient to the rules?"

"What rules?" Jim and Tim chimed in.

"Never mind, tweebs!" Kim snarled in her well-practiced growl. Then she turned back to Ron. "Barkin was just playing you a little bit," she explained. "Just put in the effort that you did last year and you'll be fine."

"I don't know, KP. Maybe he's going to try to get in as many shots as he can, now that time's running out. Not only that, but I've given him more ammunition by joining the team. Is the mascot position still open?"

"Mascot position?" Asked Tim.

"What's that?" Asked Jim.

"Never mind, tweebs! Ron, didn't you say that you were doing pretty well on the team?" Ron nodded, hoping to surprise her with his starting position when Barkin announced them officially, this Friday. "Well," Kim continued. "Don't you think he'll be even more tweaked if you leave the team and come back to the squad?"

"Yeah, it looks like I'm just going to have to step up," Ron concluded.

"The squad?" Tim asked.

"Is that the mascot position you're talking about?" Jim asked.

"Nobody's stepped up to be the Mad Dog?" Tim continued.

"How do we try out?" Jim concluded.

"Tweebs, you are so NOT trying out to be the Mad Dog!" Kim snarled. "Besides, here's your homeroom. Now that we've delivered the two of you, safe and on time, we'll see you tonight. Remember, Ron and I both have practice, so the two of you'll have to go home yourselves. Think you can manage?"

"I don't know, sis," Jim taunted.

"We've only been walking home from school since sixth grade," Tim chimed in.

"And it's a whole two blocks further to walk," Jim continued.

"So we might get lost." Tim concluded.

"Tweebs!" Kim growled, rolling her eyes skyward.

"Um…" Jim muttered.

"Gotta go." Tim finished, and the two retreated into their homeroom.

"Finally!" Kim sighed. Before she could express anything further…

"Hey guys," Ron and Kim spun around to see Monique and Felix approaching.

"So Ron," Monique asked. "Has Barkin given you any homework yet?"

"Monique, the first day hasn't even started!" Kim protested.

"He's just threatened it, so far," Ron told her.

"My, you're doing better than you did last year," Monique pointed out.

"Yeah," Ron admitted. "Hey bud!" He exchanged a high five with Felix, "what's this surprise that you've been telling me about for the last week?"

"You'll find out in homeroom," Felix told him, with a big grin.

"Then let's get heading that way," Ron suggested. "You've been psyched all week, I want to see what it is."

The four teens kept up a pleasant chat as they walked through the halls to Kim, Ron and Felix's homeroom.

"Catch you guys later," Monique told them, heading for her own homeroom. "Remember, I get first dibs if this surprise HAGW."

"HAGW?" Felix asked her retreating back.

"Has anything gossip worthy," Kim translated.

Felix snorted as the three teens found their seats. They only had a few minutes to catch up with other friends before Mr. Barkin marched in and centered himself at the front of the room.

"Alright people listen up!" He roared, prompting Ron to wonder if he knew any other way of starting off a school day. "First order of business, welcome to the beginning of your senior year of high school. Starting today, you'll be laying the groundwork for your futures. Exert extreme effort and follow strict discipline and there's no limit to what you can achieve. Slack off…" here he gave Ron a piercing look, "and you will find your future dominated by regret and misery. Now, on that happy note, it gives me great pleasure to introduce two returning, exchange students. Please welcome, again, Yori Tanaka and Hirotaka to Middleton High."

"I've got a problem with Stoppable." Aviarius's voice came out of the open, living room window, to where Shego crouched, eavesdropping on the two men inside. Monty had asked her to leave the farm for a few hours while he discussed matters with his conspirator, assuring her that he merely wanted to keep the two of them separated. Shego had, of course, sneaked back to find out what was going on.

"By a problem, I assume that you mean you won't be able to fulfill your portion of our agreement," Monty replied. His voice was calm but his tone held an underlying threat.

"I can do it, but I need more time and something else," Aviarius snapped back. "Stoppable's power isn't like Team Go's, it's…continuous."

"Please explain, as best you can," Monty's tone had grown calmer.

"Okay, Team Go acquired their powers from a comet. The matter that formed the comet was…infused…with these energies. When the comet disintegrated, those energies were released, then were absorbed by Team Go's living tissues. It was a one-shot supercharge. Now, for example, Hego's body is infused with a particular energy. Thus, he is the source of his own super strength."

"I understand," Monty assured the man.

"Right. Now, my staff seizes these energies and transfers them to another, living body. The key is that I have to be able to reach the source of the power in order to obtain the power."

"Go on," Monty replied. "How does the Mystical Monkey Power differ from the Go power?"

"Stoppable hasn't been charged with the power," Aviarius explained. "To the best that I can determine, he's drawing his power from an outside source."

"Impossible!" Monty insisted. "I personally witnessed the statues energize him!"

"Did they energize him?" Aviarius asked, after a short pause, "or did they attune him to this outside source?"

Complete silence reigned in the house for several minutes, testing Shego's patience. Finally, Monty spoke again.

"That explains so much," he mused. "My friend, you have managed to uncover a mystery that has puzzled me for some time. I wondered how Stoppable has increased his mastery of the power. He has been attuning himself, more fully, this entire time."

"I don't understand" Aviarius informed him.

"Think about Team Go's powers," Monty instructed him. "While you have observed them, has Hego gained greater strength, has Mego been able to shrink himself to an even smaller size, or has Shego's plasma become more powerful?"

"I can't say that they have," Aviarius mused. "They've gotten better at using what they have, but their powers haven't increased."

"The difference between drawing upon an outside source and a one-time energizing," Monty concluded. "Hego is as strong as he will ever become, since he obtained his strength in a single moment. Stoppable, however, is becoming stronger because he is linking himself more completely with the Mystical Monkey Power. Now, can you locate the source of the Mystical Monkey Power?"

"I have, to a certain extent," Aviarius answered, clearly hesitant. "But you're going to think I'm a loon if I tell you."

"My friend," Monty's voice had a certain humor. "We are discussing acquiring something called the Mystical Monkey Power. My guest has the ability to shoot plasma bolts from her hands. We are also planning on obtaining super strength, shrinking ability, and replicating ability for you. I myself have received genetic manipulation. I think that you'll find me very cosmopolitan in what I'm prepared to believe."

"Okay, this power isn't coming from any particular direction, it's coming from another reality."

"Another dimension, in layman's terms?" Monty asked, for clarification.

"Exactly."

"You may be surprised, but I have no problem accepting this," Monty's voice was actually friendly. "So, what do you need to gain access to this other reality?"

"The pan-dimensional vortex inducer," Aviarius informed his partner. "We're also going to need Dementor, or a lot of time to figure the thing out."

"I believe that we can free the professor," Monty said. "He's currently serving prison time for several, minor offenses here in the US, after which he will be extradited to Germany. However, my resources are somewhat limited, how can we entice him to assist us?"

"Well, do you have any use for the vortex inducer?" Aviarius asked.

"No."

"Neither do I. The way I figure it, we can offer him freedom, and the inducer, once he helps us get the monkey stuff. I think he'll jump at the chance."

"You're probably correct. Now, we have a limited time to acquire his services before he's sent to Europe. I suggest we liberate the man, then see about seizing the inducer."

This was just too stupid! Shego decided to take action. She hopped to her feet and jumped through the window.

"I have a line on the induc…" Aviarius was saying, just as Shego interrupted him.

"You guys are tactical nitwits, you know that, don't you?"

"Ah, Shego," Monty regained his composure quickly. "I thought that we had agreed it best to keep a substantial distance between you and my other guest."

"Did you really expect me to just go away and let the two of you talk shop in private?"

"Well, yes, actually," Fisk answered.

"Grow up, Monty," she snapped. "And be glad that I did listen in. You guys might have a grip on the 'big picture,' but you need some help executing."

"What's wrong with our plan?" Aviarius demanded.

"Who's the only one who ever tries to steal that stupid inducer?" She asked, as if she were trying to explain something to a child.

"Dementor, of course."

"Very good, birdbrain! Now, does he ever try to steal anything else?"

"Not that I've ever heard of," Monty chimed in.

"Okay, you two are halfway to understanding something very simple. Very good, you'll get cookies when we're done here. Now, all law enforcement agencies are idiots, aren't they?

"No, they are usually quite competent." Monty contradicted her, obviously false, statement.

"Excellent, Monty! Now, what do you suppose whomever is responsible for keeping the inducer safe is going to do once the one villain, who always tries to steal it, breaks out of jail?"

"Of course," Monty admitted. "Security on the inducer will be increased. We missed the obvious!"

"We can't grab the inducer first, either," Aviarius added. "Because they'll increase security on Dementor."

"Now you're starting to think tactically," Shego gave him her best, false smile. "Now comes something a little harder. You need me for your plan to take Stoppable's monkey stuff."

"That one went right by me," Fisk admitted.

"Okay, you've never partnered with a techno-villain before, so let's lay out the plan. You've got the birdbrain here, all ready to take the power. You've got the half-pint opening up some portal to get to the monkey stuff. You've got everything in place, but now you've got to go right after the kid. Do you think you're going to mess with him without the princess jumping in?"

"I hadn't really considered it," Monty admitted. "But I have dealt with Team Possible before."

"And gotten your butt kicked," Shego concluded. "Look, birdbrain here, and the half-pint, are brain types, not fighters. Birdbrain probably doesn't have any robots left and he's going to be playing with that little stick of his anyway. The half-pint won't have his goons backing him up and he's going to be fiddling with that inducer thing. That leaves you, all alone as a fighter. Princess's sidekick will tangle with you, freeing her up to take out both birdbrain and half-pint. Then the two of them will team up on you."

"And if you're present?" Monty prompted.

"You'll take on the sidekick while I take on the princess. That'll free up the half-pint and birdbrain here to do the gizmo thing. Once they do it, the sidekick becomes just a buffoon and you take him out. That leaves the princess all alone."

"And what do you get out of all of this?" Aviarius demanded.

"Revenge! I even the score against the princess."

"I believe we have a plan," Fisk concluded. "Now, lets see about acquiring Dementor and the inducer."

"So, what brings the two of you to Middleton, and don't try to tell me that it's any sort of an exchange," Kim grumbled. She and Ron were meeting with Yori and Hirotaka in the Stoppables' back yard, ostensibly babysitting Hanna while Ron's parents were attending an actuarial event.

Kim had gone through a rough first day of school. Actually, the school day itself wasn't very bad. While she had wound up escorting her brothers, being with her BFBF had more than made up for it. While seeing Yori and Hirotaka again had come as a surprise, it was a good surprise. She really liked the two. No, the rough part had come after class, during cheerleading practice, when she found out that the tweebs had signed up for the Mad Dog tryouts. Bonnie had had a field day with that one.

"That is, indeed, what we are to tell you, Possible-san," Yori answered. The Japanese girl was seated on a lawn chair, with Hanna on her lap. Hanna was usually restless when a stranger held her, but she had taken to Yori.

"It's what you're to tell us," Ron added. "But it's not why you're here, is it?" While Yori had Hanna on her lap, Ron had Kim on his.

"There are details which Master Sensei does not wish revealed," Hirotaka answered the blond boy. "And I do not question his judgement. He stated that you are, of course, welcome to consult with him."

Hirotaka was another reason that Kim was off balance. During his first visit to Middleton, he had been arrogant to the point of being obnoxious. While at Yamanouchi, he had been almost as reserved and polite as Yori. During the school day, he had been arrogant again but now, in private, he was back to being polite.

"In other words, Sensei wants the two of you here. You're not guarding me this time, since neither of you is living with us." Ron frowned, "where are you guys staying, anyway?"

"Mr. Yoshimuto, an immigrant from Japan, has agreed to provide us with a home," Yori informed him. "He lives three blocks away."

"So Sensei wants the two of you close to Ron," Kim concluded. "But you don't have to be there with him 24/7."

"You are, of course, free to made any conjectures that you wish," Hirotaka informed her. "But we ask you to not make such guesses public. Sensei assures us that he will inform you why we are here, when the time is appropriate. He also cautions that this time span may be measured in years."

"Man, patience isn't my strong suit," Ron complained. "I've tried to master it during my meditations, but going in with the mindset of 'give me patience and give it to me NOW' just doesn't seem to work." Kim gave him a discrete poke in the ribs. Yori and Hirotaka just smiled.

"Is there anything else you need to tell us?" Kim asked. "Or even tell Ron, alone? If not, I think that it's time for football boy and I to hit some books."

"No, there is nothing more to say," Yori stood up, prompting Kim to get off of Ron's lap so that he could do the same. The Japanese girl reluctantly handed Hanna to the blonde. "It will be, of course, our honor to let you do your homework."

"And catch some sleep ourselves," Hirotaka added. "I don't know about Yori, but tomorrow promises to be a trying day for me."

"I don't understand, dude," Ron admitted. "I mean, I've seen your grades. Your standards are way up there. I can't see you having any problems with the classes."

"It isn't the classes," Hirotaka confessed. "The last time I visited Middleton, Sensei decided that I should be an arrogant, conceited youth. This means I must be so again. Not only that, but part of the act is to pursue Bonnie Rockwaller as my number one girlfriend." The Japanese boy shuddered, "While Yori-san spends her time with Renton-san, enjoying herself, I must 'act cool' with Rockwaller-san."

"Dude, I may get pounded for saying this," Ron protested. "But if I wasn't already dating the planet's most bondiggity badical girl, that wouldn't seem so bad."

"Ron!" Kim couldn't quite keep the smile off of her face.

"Rockwaller-san is, indeed, what you call…prime eye-candy," Hirotaka admitted. "But her attitude is most repulsive." He looked at Ron and shook his head. "If you thought she was unpleasant in public when she was putting you in your place, be thankful that you've never heard her express her opinions about everyone, in private."

"Yori, however, finds herself in danger," the boy continued, now with a smile and a slightly taunting tone. "She spends her free time with Renton-san, who is the opposite of Rockwaller-san. Renton-san is not much to look at, but he is, as you Americans say, an all-around good guy. Yori-san may find it difficult to return to Japan after the mission is complete."

"HIROTAKA!" The normally reserved Yori snapped at her companion.

"My apologies," he offered, with a slight bow. "It was most dishonorable of me to suggest you may let your personal feelings affect your duty."

"That it was," she said, glaring at him. "I also find it most offensive that you say Renton-san is not much to look at."

"I dunno," Ron came to his fellow male's rescue. "His looks have never really done anything for me."

"Ron!" Kim snapped. Then she looked up at Yori. "Maybe we better get these two separated and doing their homework."

"Most wise, Possible-san," Yori agreed, with an ill-concealed smirk. She pointed Hirotaka towards the sidewalk and gave him a firm shove while Kim guided Ron into the house.

Kim and Ron set up their books on the Stoppables' kitchen table and started to work. As it was the first day, there weren't heavy class assignments and they finished their homework very quickly. After this, Kim played with Hanna while Ron prepared dinner. After dinner, they retired to the living room and watched Hanna. Ron's adoptive sister had taken to 'cruising' or supporting herself on the furniture as she tried to walk. As this kept her happily occupied, it gave the teens a chance to talk.

"So," Kim started the conversation. "How did practice go today?"

"Pretty well, and with you?"

"With the exception of Bonnie pre-gloating about the tweebs trying out for the Mad Dog," Kim commented. "I can't complain. We have tryouts this Friday, and it looks like it's going to be Bonnie, Tara, Liz, Jessica, Crystal, Cindy and Ruth, and me. Julie and the tweebs are going to be trying out for the mascot position." She paused, "I notice that you haven't actually came out and told me exactly where Barkin has put you on the team. Well, we don't have any distractions, so spill."

"Well, Barkin's a big believer in versatility, so he has me practicing at two positions."

"Which two?" Her interest was rising.

"Tailback and cornerback."

"Okay," Kim noted. "Now, lets try this again. Are you second string, third string, what?"

"All I'll say is that I should see some playing time."

"That's not saying much," Kim started, then her eyes snapped open. "You made the varsity, didn't you?"

"Well, Barkin won't make any official announcements until the rally this Friday. Hey! How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Last fall, a certain someone said that he should make the varsity wrestling squad at some point, then he earned his spot two weeks later. Now that same someone is just saying that he should see some playing time. Fine, mister! I'll let you surprise me with which position you'll play."

"Please don't be upset with me, KP," Ron apologized. "But you know how I let things like this go to my head. The worlds most badical girl deserves a mature, humble boyfriend."

"I'm not upset," Kim assured him. "And you used to let things like this go to your head." She shook her head, "look at us, head cheerleader and a varsity football player. We've gone from 'never be normal' to 'the all-American teen couple'."

"I think we still do enough freak-fighting to keep anyone from thinking we're entirely normal," Ron pointed out.

Kim frowned at that. They still hadn't heard anything about Monkeyfist, Aviarius, Shego, or DNAmy. Kim suspected that they were working on something and keeping low in the meantime. Fortunately, the teens had continued their morning sparring sessions, so they were as sharp as they had ever been.

Ron's parents pulled into the driveway, interrupting Kim's musings. She exchanged some pleasantries with them, the Ron walked her home. His parents smiled as the two left, if there was anyone in the world who didn't need to be escorted, it was Kim. Ron was walking her home out of manners, and the teens' wish to have a little alone time. Kim was more that happy to spend a good twenty minutes 'saying goodnight' on her front porch, before going inside. All in all, this school year was promising to be a very good one for her.

"Monty, do you mind talking a little shop, and other stuff?" Shego asked her host. Aviarius had left a couple of hours earlier, after sketching out a basic plan to liberate both Dementor and the inducer, with the two of them.

"Not at all, Shego," Monty looked up from the report he had just printed from the computer. "I'm at your disposal."

"Just what agreement do you have with birdbrain," she asked. "I know that it's between you and him, but I get the feeling that it might affect me."

"Indeed, Shego," now he set the paper aside. "Our agreement is quite simple. He will help me acquire the Mystical Monkey Power and I will help him obtain Team Go's powers."

"Do those powers include mine?" Shego demanded.

"I do not consider you a member of Team Go, so I will not assist him in taking your powers. My intentions were to warn you that he might attempt to acquire your powers, when you chose to leave this home."

"Fair enough, you weren't making my powers part of the deal," Shego was actually quite relieved. "Now, what happens after you both get what you want? I can't picture you guys sharing the world."

"We've discussed this, and I think that we can actually co-exist," Monty explained. "Aviarius doesn't want to rule the world, he only wants to dominate Go City. I don't wish to rule the world, I will have the Mystical Monkey Power, I will rule over all things simian, and I will place myself as the head of the Yamanouchi school. I will be the head of a shadow empire of hidden agents and operatives. There will be no need for the two of us to combat each other."

"Okay, Monty, where do I fit in if you get what you want?"

"If you wish, you will be my most trusted agent and enforcer. If not, you are free to pursue whatever ambitions you wish, as long as they do not infringe upon mine."

"Okay Monty, I'm in, completely, under two conditions."

"And they are?" Monty prompted.

"One, no taking over the world through a violent assault, like Drakken tried. I don't mind extortion or seizing some institution, like Yamanouchi, but no 'attacking the whole world.' That's just poor business."

"I assure you, Shego, that I have no intention of employing such heavy-handed tactics. In fact, the vast majority of this world's population will be unaware that I even exist."

"Good, the second condition is that we free Drakken," Shego watched her host closely after this revelation.

"Might I inquire why?"

"It's part of the deal we worked out a long time ago. If caught, he takes the blame, risking severe punishment, in order to get me a lighter sentence. Then I break him out. He kept his part of the bargain, I intend to keep mine."

"Honor among thieves?" He replied, with a surprised look, "I'm actually impressed."

"I'm a mercenary," Shego informed him, proudly. "And a mercenary always repays her debts."

"Very well, I pledge to you that once I obtain the Mystical Monkey Power, I shall devote whatever resources are at my command, myself included, to freeing Dr. Drakken. However, I shall not take him into my empire. He, like Aviarius, will be free to pursue whatever ambitions he chooses, so long as he does not infringe upon mine."

"Fair enough Monty, count me in."

"Excellent, Shego," Monty smiled. "Now, perhaps you will answer one of my questions?"

"Shoot!"

"Why haven't you left? I know that you have your own network of contacts, hidden assets, and safe havens."

"What? You want me out?" Shego was disgusted at the dismay in her voice.

"Indeed no!" Monty got control of his voice. "I truly enjoy having you here. I…" Monty took a deep breath, "I truly enjoy your presence."

"Okay Monty, I'm going to spill it all," Shego screwed up her courage. "I've stayed here because I think that there could be something between us, and I'm not just talking about a partnership."

"I'm most flattered," Monty replied, after a moment to compose himself. "I acknowledge, Shego, that you are an intriguing, attractive young woman and I have had certain…thoughts and desires along those lines."

"Why didn't you say anything?" She asked, rising to her feet.

"I didn't think that you shared these feelings," he admitted, also getting to his feet. "There's also the fact that my situation makes such a…relationship…rather tenuous."

"What's the situation?"

"Well, Amelia has provided me with this abode, and while the two of us haven't discussed the matter, I believe that she has certain…expectations of me."

"Oh, she wants some monkey business?"

Fisk gave Shego a look that said he caught the joke, then answered, "an inventive way of saying so, but I have to admit that I'm most grateful to her for releasing me and providing me with this haven. Granted, the very thought of such a…liaison…disgusts me but, like you said, debts must be repaid."

'Okay, did she ever come right out and say what she expected?"

"No," he admitted. "She sort of assumes that I reciprocate her…affections."

"Then don't worry about it, Monty. "You have your own resources now, don't you?"

"Yes, I've managed to divert the majority of my inheritance to a point where I have access, but I'm not about to just storm out on Amelia. As you would say, I owe her."

"No big deal," Shego smirked. "She never came out and said what she wanted. If you feel guilty, return the favor and bail her out sometime."

"Very well, I agree that she has no claim of that sort upon my person," he looked up at her, almost shyly. "Where does that leave…us?"

Suddenly, Shego found herself indecisive again. Most of her…encounters had been very straightforward issues. Both she and the other party had known exactly what they were getting into and what they wanted from the other. Now, she really didn't know what she wanted out of this

"It leaves us trying to figure out just where we are," she answered, gliding very close to him. "It leaves us knowing that we want to try this."

"Shego, I hope you realize that I have no intention of…manipulating you into…" Monty began, only to be silenced by Shego.

"I know, Monty," she told him. "Look, lets lay this out plain. We've both lived hard lives, so neither one of us is some innocent newbie in this game. We're both professional enough that if this doesn't work out, we can keep working together if we want to. I'm willing to give this a try. I want to give this a try. How about you?"

"Yes, I…want you, Shego. But there are certain…precautions that I didn't have the foresight to obtain."

"No need," Shego assured him. "Here's something almost nobody knows. One of the side effects of my powers is that I have an elevated body temperature. My normal, resting temperature is one-twenty, or do you prefer the Celsius scale?"

"I've become accustomed to the measurements you Americans prefer. I know that one twenty Fahrenheit is a very warm temperature."

"Well, my temperature raises even more when I'm active and/or excited. Another little piece of information; Doctor D always made sure his employees had medical care. That included 'female doctors' for the few women on his staff. Anyway, one of those doctors explained the implications of my elevated temperature to me. It turns out that almost no known STDs can survive that temperature. It also turns out that a man's…little guys…can't survive it either." For some reason, that last bit of information always saddened her just a little.

"Shego," he said, with a somewhat sad smile. "I now find myself at a loss as to how to proceed."

"Monty?" She slid up to him, their arms wrapping around each other.

"Yes, Shego?"

"Shut up!"

And with that, warm, emerald lips drove rational thoughts from his mind.

A/N: As always, I can't express how much I appreciate how many people have taken the time to leave a review, even if it's to point out my errors.

A huge thank you to Joe Stoppinghem, for his ever-patient Beta services. Thanks Joe.

'till my next update, best wishes,

daccu65