A/N: This one's a bit slow, because some important setup needs to happen. And if things seem a little too easy in certain places, be assured that just because they appear to be easy, doesn't mean they'll stay that way!
Sitch of a Wish
Chapter 7 - Possible Complications
Ron secured his line then camouflaged its location with a plank he found on the rampart. Kim and Yori had already done the same, while Shego was also finishing hers. The four of them slipped down the stairs and took cover behind one of the outbuildings before one of the few patrols spotted them.
Once they reached the main building, Yori made quick work of the lock and they dashed inside. "Don't you think Gemini will be waiting for us to try this?" Shego asked them as they moved down the hall.
"Not likely." Kim told her. "If anything, he'll assume Yori headed back to the palace. He won't think that we'd try something like this so soon after she escaped."
"I bet that's why it's so deserted." Ron added. "He musta sent all his guys out looking for Yori and Wade."
"What few he had left." Shego snorted. "You- we did take out a lot of 'em back at the palace. Fine, not gonna complain that it's easy so far."
"Please don't say that." He winced. "Now we know something's gonna go wrong."
Yori led them to the main audience chamber she'd found during her escape earlier. It was deserted, but raised voices from a small office further down the hall let them know that Gemini was indeed here and aware of her absence. Ron and Kim took position on either side of the door, while Yori and Shego got ready to follow them. They burst through the door to face the renegade lord and his second in command.
"No! Not again!" He ranted. "You can't be here!"
"Dude, did you think we'd just let you go after you tried to take over the palace and kill your sister?" Ron asked him. "Of course we're gonna stop you!"
"You can't stand against the might of WEE!" The lord shook his fist at them.
"WEE?" Shego asked, frowning. "This isn't gonna get weird or gross, is it?"
"The Worldwide Evil Empire!" Gemini gloated. "Jack Hench joined me, as did your own lord Drakken! They won't stand for you threatening me!"
"Is he for real?" Shego asked the other three.
"Uh, sorry to tell you, but Jack Hench abandoned you, and Drakken's under arrest." Kim informed him. "So if you'll just surrender, we can do this the easy way, please and thank you."
"Never! Get them!" He roared, pointing at them.
"Who is getting us?" Ron looked around. At some point, the henchman had apparently fled out a side door, leaving his boss alone in the room with them.
"Awkward..." Shego muttered.
"You! It's your fault!" The lord pointed right at Ron then Kim, then back to Ron. "I can understand her, she's just like my sister and I can deal with that, but you... What is your secret?"
"I dunno? I'm working on this recipe for a toasted chip with melted cheese on it?" He shrugged.
"You mock me?! I will-" The lord's eyes rolled up and he fell to the ground as Yori struck him unconscious with a well placed blow. The ninja met their eyes.
"Was this dishonorable? You did say that we need to hurry."
Getting the unconscious lord over the wall took some work, but they managed. Apparently the second in command had spread word that they'd infiltrated the palace, and most of the remaining guards had fled. The few who remained were busy guarding the gate and didn't trouble them as they made their way over the wall. Taking turns carrying Gemini, they returned to their camp.
"Excellent work, everyone." The sultan actually smiled slightly. "Now we can set about getting things back to normal."
The night passed uneventfully for once, and they settled in for some much needed rest. Even taking turns at watch, they felt much better in the morning. The only thing bothing Shego was the sense of loss she still felt. Without her plasma... The green girl sighed. Well, they had the book, they just needed a chance to read it and figure out what to do. Kimmie was controlling it so far, but both of them needed to get back to normal.
Soon enough, they arrived back at the palace and while the sultan talked with Captain Du about the rebuilding efforts, the rest of them discussed what next. Ron brought them all plates of food. "So, Gemini and Lipski - I mean, Drakken are in prison and we're all safe, so what now?"
"Hench is still out there." Kim pointed out. "He had as much to do with all this recent trouble as Gemini did. And you can be sure he'll be after us still. The man hates having his investments ruined."
"You know, I was having such a nice vacation, I had just gotten to the beach when you had to go and rub my lamp." Shego groaned. "Can't we just say good enough?"
"I don't like loose ends. Besides, I'd rather take Hench out before he tries something and more people get hurt." The redhead told her.
"Doy, fine." The genie shrugged then turned towards Wade, who'd been quiet for most of the discussion. "Hey, Nerdlinger, I know the cyclops gave you that book on the way back, have you found out anything to help with the whole fire sitch?"
"Not yet, Shego." The boy met the genie's gaze. "I've had to translate it as I go, so it's slowed me down. Not to mention, I was only able to study it when we camped at night. Don't worry though, now that I have time, I'll be sure to find answers for you two really soon."
"Please and thank you." Kim smiled at him.
"No prob." The younger boy grinned back. "I owe you guys a lot for getting me and my mother out from Gemini's clutches. Besides, the sultan is gonna let me work in the royal library! I've dreamed of an opportunity like this."
"Wade-san, you deserve it after suffering that." Yori told him. "I only wish we had been able to rescue you much sooner than this."
"Well, you guys did, so please let me help now. This is something I'm good at."
"Tomorrow, though." Shego decided. "I can live with this for one more night and if we really are going after this other lord, I think we've all earned a little relaxation tonight."
"I'm with green girl on this one." Ron agreed.
"I guess Jack Hench isn't going anywhere." Kim gave in. "I'll tell the sultan we'll get ready tomorrow."
"It would be my honor to inform my mother, Possible-san. Ron-san, will you accompany me?" The ninja smiled at him.
"Escort you? You so don't need an - Ow!" Shego stomped on his foot.
"Don't be a total idiot." She whispered to him. "She's giving you a big chance, take it."
"Oh... Oh! Yeah, it would, uh, be my honor to go with you, princess." He blushed.
She watched him leave with the dark haired girl. "Kimmie, please wish some sense into him. I promise I'll do my best to make sure it doesn't screw up."
"Shego!"
"Just sayin' "
It turned out to be several days before they were ready to head out after Jack Hench. And despite his promises, Wade was only about halfway through translating the book. He was making progress, and Kim was grateful, but she was about to go crazy. Shego's method of dealing with the waiting seemed to be trying to make Kim embarrassed so she'd 'glow it up'. According to her, it was the next best thing for the moment, until she got her plasma back.
"Kim-san?" Princess Yori greeted her from the door, interrupting her musings. "May I talk with you?"
"Of course, Princess." She waved her friend in. "And please, it's just Kim."
"Then call me Yori." The ninja smiled shyly at her. "I find I need someone to talk to. I need advice."
"I'll help you if I can, Princ - Yori." She corrected herself. She walked over and shut the door behind Yori and they both sat on the bed. "What do you want to know?"
"I find I am uncertain." The dark haired girl admitted. "I... how do you know if you are in love?"
"Love?" Kim blushed and focused on the mental techniques Shego showed her. Yori needed her help and bursting into flame wouldn't help matters right now.
"Yes, I... I find myself unsure. I know what is expected of me, to marry a prince, but I..." The ninja gulped. "I do not want that. There is someone else I would rather..."
"Ron." Kim smiled reassuringly at her.
"Hai." Yori whispered, her face flushing. "How do you know if it is real?"
"I'd say trust your heart P- Yori. Why not give him a chance?" She took a chance. Ron was going to be mad, but once he was past that, he'd thank her. "Look, I know he likes you too. You could ask him out on a date."
"A date?"
"Yeah, start there and see how it works for you." Kim noted the ninja's hesitation. "You know he won't ask you, so you gotta make the first move."
"Will... Do you think he will say yes?" Yori asked apprehensively.
"Oh yeah." Kim laughed. "I'm sure of it."
"Thank you... Kim..." Yori gave her a tentative hug and smiled at her as she left the room.
Kim followed her to the door, where she spotted Shego also watching. The green girl looked over at her, raising an eyebrow. "What was that all about?"
"Ron." Kim told her.
"Ah, so she's gonna do something then?" Shego replied, amused.
"Hopefully. Though I have to say, I probably wasn't the best choice for her to ask." The redhead looked down. "I don't really... Well, she probably could have asked someone better."
"I'm sure you did fine, cupcake." The genie shut her door and stood in the hallway. "Now come on, I'm bored."
"Where are we going?" Kim wanted to know. The sultan still hadn't given them leave to go after Hench yet.
"Sparring, doy." She felt her own smile growing at hearing that from the genie. Sparring with the other girl was fun. They were so close in skill, she always learned something when they fought. And then there was the rush. She always felt exhilerated after a fight, but when she sparred Shego, it went to a whole new level.
"You're on." Kim shut her own door and followed the taller girl out to the training yard.
Sultan Betty watched the two girls sparring in the yard below her window. She looked across the table to where Ron was sitting, still confused as to why she'd asked him here. She gestured to the window, inviting him over. He stood and walked to join her. "Mr Stoppable, I would bet that you're wondering why I asked you here."
"Yeah I am, Sultan." He replied. "You usually have KP do the debriefing thing."
"I think Miss Possible has earned a break. And I wanted to talk to you. How are you handling your new powers?" She watched the boy struggle to compose himself.
"I, uh, I still don't like them. Why do I have to have monkey magic?" He shivered. "But I guess I'm stuck with them."
"Yes, you most likely are." She told him, careful to keep any hint of sympathy off her face. "What are you going to do about them?"
"I... I don't know. I still don't even know how to turn them on and off." Ron admitted. "Shego says that's because of my wish. I wished for the power to stop that giant poodle, but I forgot to include how to use it. So I'm stuck figuring it out on my own."
"You need to start training then. Serious training." She rang a bell and the door opened, Captain Du walking in and saluting. "Captain Du will help you."
"Uh..." He stammered.
"This is not just about your powers." The sultan watched him, amused. "You're also going to be taking lessons in leadership, history, politics..." The boy's jaw dropped. "I have plans for you, Mr Stoppable."
"Me?" He squeaked. "But I thought Kim was..."
"Oh, I intend to keep training Miss Possible as well." She smiled tightly. "You two have far too much talent to let it go to waste."
Will Du spoke up. "Mr Stoppable, I understand you will be heading out soon. I suggest you get ready, because I plan on making the most of the next few days until you go." The guard captain gestured for him to follow.
Sultan Betty returned her attention to the window, watching the courtyard where the two girls were still training. She tapped the windowsill idly, considering her options. "I wonder..."
Kim wiped the sweat off her brow as she readied herself for her opponent's next attack. A slight shift in balance was the only warning she had, and she barely managed to block Shego's kick as the green girl lashed out. She threw a punch of her own, but the genie easily swatted it aside. "That all ya got, pumpkin?"
"Hardly." She grinned at the other girl and sent a kick towards her. Shego didn't bother to block it, but instead dropped down, sweeping her own leg out. Caught off balance, Kim tumbled to the ground and Shego pounced on her. The green girl smiled triumphantly down at her.
Kim met the taller girl's gaze and froze. Shego's eyes traced the lines of her face. She was still breathing hard, despite neither of them moving. Something in her eyes hypnotized Kim, locking her in place. The genie released her hands, one finger tracing along Kim's forearm and up her bicep. The redhead shivered under the touch, her breath hitching. She wanted...
Kim wasn't sure what she wanted. Shego apparently was still making up her mind as well. The green girl let her gaze roam along Kim's body while her hand had stopped at Kim's shoulder. She leaned down slowly...
Before anything - and Kim had a pretty good idea of what that anything would be - happened, the genie sat back up, sighing. "Sorry, cupcake."
"Uh..." Kim's mind raced, struggling to catch up with what had - almost - happened. Shego had been about half a second from kissing her. Shego wanted to kiss her! And she had been about to let her. She'd wanted it too.
"Kimmie... I..." The genie stood up and stepped back from her, offering a hand to help her up. She shakily accepted, her racing pulse matching the green girl's. She kept her eyes averted, not wanting to stir things back up again.
"Shego, were you... gonna...?" Her face flushed and she could feel the plasma stirring, and she did her best to clamp down on her embarrassment.
"I can't!" Shego whispered harshly. "It's against the rules. I shouldn't have... I'm so sorry." The genie turned away and walked to the palace, leaving Kim leaning against the wall, more confused than ever.
By the time the sultan finally granted them permission to leave, Ron was convinced he'd never been happier to leave for a mission. Captain Du was relentless. Not only did the man insist on him learning all the rules and laws, but he also kept Ron running ragged with constant training sessions.
The sandy haired boy stole a glance at the rider next to him. He'd wanted to find some time to spend with Yori, especially since she seemed to want the same thing. Unfortunately, every time he'd tried to talk to her, Du had shown up to drag him off for a class or drill or exercise. At least now that he was out of the palace, he might actually have a chance to talk to the princess.
Looking ahead, he decided that might have to wait, though. Kim sat slumped in her saddle, dejected. The few times he'd seen her recently, she'd been wearing that expression. For the first time he could remember, he'd been the one to remind Kim that they had to leave for a mission, rather than the other way around. He needed to find out what was bothering her, and then figure out how to fix it.
Shego had something to do with it, he was convinced. Whenever the genie looked at the redhead, she'd turn away, an expression of shame and longing on her face. The green girl did her best to avoid Kim and the rest of them, not wanting to talk with them.
Ron decided to talk to her first, find out what had happened. He let his horse drop back until he was next to Shego. "Hey." The genie, lost in her own thoughts, didn't notice at first. "Shego, what's with you today?"
"Oh... Ron." The green girl replied quietly. "It's nothing."
"It's not nothing. You've been moping for the past few days, and Kim's been walking around like someone stole her pandaroo."
"Pandaroo?" The ghost of a smile flitted across the genie's face.
"Ugh, forget I mentioned that. Not important." He waved it off. "Look, you gotta tell me what happened between you two, okay?"
"I made a mistake. We were sparring and... I almost kissed her..." Her voice trailed off.
"So? I thought you liked her?" Ron scratched his head.
"Yeah, but... she's the master of the lamp, okay? I can't. It's against the rules. I know I don't always follow all of them, but... I can't, even though I really want to." She gulped. "Anyway, I almost did, and now she knows. And it's made everything weird between us."
"Did she say anything about it?" He knew he was out of his depth on this one, but Kim was his best friend, and Shego had become a friend too. He wanted to help them fix this situation.
"No. Not to me, anyway."
"Okay, I guess I'll talk to her too, find out how she feels." He smiled at her. "Don't worry, I'm sure it'll work out for you, somehow."
"If only..." The genie sighed.
"There is an estate ahead, with fresh water." Yori reported later that afternoon. "Recently constructed, from all appearances. It doesn't seem to be allied with Hench, though I never got close enough to check."
"Supposedly a new noble family bought it." Kim mused. "I haven't heard anything bad about them, and even the guards say when they happen by there, they get treated very politely."
"Think they'd mind a visit?" Ron peered at the distant estate. "It would be nice to not have to camp if we can."
"At the very least, we can ask if they know anything about Hench's recent movements." The redhead agreed. "I'd say it's worth asking."
The four rode up to the estate, the guards smiling and waving them in when they announced themselves. The commander bowed to them. "Lord Senior will be happy to meet you, especially you, Princess Yori. He was most relieved to hear your mother recovered from the difficulties in the capital."
"Thank you." The ninja replied.
"If you'll follow me?" The captain led them into the main building. Opening the door to the main room, he called loudly. "My lords, your visitors, the Princess Yori and her companions, Kim Possible, Ron Stoppable, and Shego. Ladies and gentleman, Lord Senior Senior Senior, and his son, Senior Senior Junior."
"Please friends, come in, come in." The old lord waved them in. "We were just about to eat, would you care to join us?"
"It would be our honor." Yori answered for them.
The meal they shared was better than even most served by the sultan, and the older lord proved to be a gracious host. Ron shared many stories about their adventures, as Lord Senior seemed to enjoy those in particular.
"... so with more traps, it would have cut down on time for you to stop Lord Gemini?" SSS asked Ron.
"Oh yeah. I mean, he had a few, but not nearly enough. He should have at least put one on the safe he kept the scroll in. Maybe some on his office door." Ron told him.
"Interesting." The lord mused. "Perhaps a permanent guard in the room as well?"
"For sure!" He agreed. "Put it next to a guard room too. Easy to reinforce it that way."
Dessert was as excellent as the rest of the meal, and the rooms Lord Senior provided for them were spacious and comfortable. The four rested better than they had in a while, and when they were ready to set out in the morning, even Shego and Kim had brightened from the gloom that had held them for the past few days.
"Thank you for your kind visit. It is always nice to have pleasant company." The old lord bid them farewell. "I hope you have luck on the rest of your mission."
"He was nice." Shego commented as they rode off.
"Yeah, good to see not all the local lords went crazy when Gemini tried his little plot." Ron agreed. "Plus, his food rocked! We so gotta stop by on the way back."
"Snap... That is a lot more guards than I expected." Kim gave up counting the goons encamped at the border of Jack Hench's lands. "No wonder he wasn't concerned with his losses at the capital. Where does he get them all?"
"Should we attempt to find another way around them?" Yori asked, worried.
"We don't have time to fight them and they might give away our presence if one of them gets away if we engage them." The redhead nodded to the ninja. "Our best bet is to avoid them."
"They have lots of patrols riding around." Ron pointed out.
Kim glanced back at Shego, but the genie had her head down, a lost expression still on her face. Ever since the incident the other day back at the palace, things had been very weird and tense between them. She'd avoided pretty much everyone, especially Kim. The genie had talked to Ron, but her best friend hadn't been able to say much about it before they found the Senior's estate and now Hench's patrols.
"I think there was a river to the south of here." Kim unrolled the map, locating their position. "I doubt he'll be able to patrol the whole thing, so if we wait until dark, we could swim it easily. Any objections?" She looked around, but none of her friends had any. "Okay, let's find a good spot to cross and get ready."
Ron cornered her while Shego and Yori were busy farther down the bank. "KP, we gotta talk."
"What is it?" She asked, even though she already knew what he was going to say.
"What's with you? I know something happened with you and Shego."
"Nothing happened." Kim sighed. "Nothing. That's the problem."
"Uh... what?" He scratched his head.
"I thought she was gonna... but yeah, she didn't. And she said nothing could happen, that it was against the genie rules." She replied. "So I guess that's it. And now I'm... confused. I think I like her, like really like her. But I don't know what to do now."
"What do you want, then?"
Kim looked over to where Shego stood on a rock, gazing out at the river. "What I can't have."
"Is everything ready?" The taller figure set down his teacup as he glanced over at his companion. "I mislike this delay."
"You agreed to the plan, just like me." The young man yawned. " 'sides, this job's gonna be a snap. We just gotta fool em long enough, and I get rich and you get your 'destiny'."
"You have no idea what you're talking about." The older man dismissed the other. "With luck, they will be here to rescue us tomorrow."
Next Chapter: Infiltrating Hench's estate. Everything goes according to plan, but whose plan?
A/N 2: Yeah, this one was a lot of filler, sorry. I needed to set up the next bit, but I'm still not happy with how it ended up. The part with the Seniors was fun to write though. I have plans for them, especially after Ron's 'help'. Thanks as always to everyone who reads/follows/reviews!