Chapter 19

Adrena walked into the lair unannounced, but not unexpected. She knew well that Electronique had the surroundings rigged for sound and vision, and was not surprised to find her waiting as she entered the studio. She was, however, rather touched.

"Hi, honey, I'm home." Adrena was relieved to see the greeting brought on no sign of annoyance on Electronique's face.

"And you brought a pet, I see."

"She answers to Monique." Adrena willed her captive to step forward. "Or anything I want, really."

"Your power is a handy one." Electronique stepped closer to inspect Monique's arms. "But you still like to indulge in some rope-play, I see."

"Hey, I had to take a nap, and I can't control her in my sleep."

"Understandable. We can stash her in your old room when you need a break." She gave Adrena a predatory smile that sent shivers down her spine. "And I promise to use a more gentle rope with you."

"Are you going to use the Reverse Polarizer on her?"

"No, I don't think so. There's no guarantee that it will make her any more cooperative, and it might make her more unruly. It's much easier if you just control her as needed."

"It worked on Team Go. It makes the victims more manageable, right?"

"Broadly speaking, but more does not mean absolutely. I was well acquainted with the brothers Go, and I was quite confident of how they'd respond to me. I do not have similar insight into this Monique. Besides, I think she will be a more useful hostage as she is."

Adrena looked around. "Speaking of the guys; not that I miss them, but where are they?"

"They are out wreaking havoc on Go City. They will be returning shortly."

"You're ready to get started on your revenge?"

"Just trying to get Kim Possible's attention. It's time to capture her and Shego."

"So you are luring them here?"

"I prefer to fight on terrain I have prepared."

"Then why didn't you just let me leave a note for her." Adrena gestured at Monique. "I'm sure she would have come running to rescue her friend."

"That would have made it obvious this is a trap. If we let her think she found us on her own, she will be less on her guard."

"Will she even find us here?"

"She has shown considerable aptitude for finding villain lairs in the past. I'm sure she and her allies will manage. I expect her to arrive in a matter of hours. If she does not, we can always drop another clue for her."

"Hours? I wanted to have my costume ready before I faced her. And I really need some sleep."

"Then I suggest you put your pretty pet to work right away."

Adrena looked at Monique. "Can you get something ready for me in a few hours?" The girl nodded, but otherwise remained passive. Adrena hadn't given her a directive yet, after all. "Let's get you to your new room."

Adrena woke up from her little nap alone on the bed. The makeshift bedroom was far from any windows, and the light level didn't give her any clue about the time. She assumed Electronique would have woken her if it was time for action. She got up, anyway, and staggered out of the room. She made her way to the cell she had spent her first night in.

"You awake in there?"

"Let me out."

"Is my costume ready?"

"I thought about making orange coveralls for you, but I didn't have the materials."

"Cute. You know, I could be a lot meaner about this."

"You already mind-controlled and kidnapped me. Kim is going to kick your ass so hard for this."

"I don't think you know what you're up against."

"Do you know who you are up against? Kim has brought down some of the most dangerous villains in the world. And you, twice."

"She got lucky. That won't happen this time."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"Enough of this." Adrena opened the cell door, only to have Monique rush her. Her glow stopped the attempt short.

Monique obediently faced her. "I stopped working on the costume once I figured you were no longer watching me."

That wasn't altogether surprising. Adrena thought that maybe she should have been meaner about it. It just seemed so pointless when her power bent people to her will, absolutely. She didn't even need to communicate her questions in words.

"I can have something done in half an hour, but it won't wear well."

That would have to do. All she really wanted right now was to rub Kim Possible's nose in it. She didn't expect to need to engage her in hand-to-hand combat; she had minions for that. She was realistic enough to know she would probably lose that fight, anyway, unless Electronique had something for her that would even things up. Adrena left her once again loyal minion to her task and went searching for Electronique.

Electronique was lounging in an office chair while keeping an eye on a number of screens showing views around the studio building. There was no movement on any of them.

"No sign of them yet, huh?"

"No. I rather expected them to have shown up already. Perhaps I overestimated them."

"Maybe, but she can be annoyingly capable." Adrena seated herself on a console next to Electronique. "So, do you have any presents for me?"

"Do you expect me to spoil you? You were the one going on a trip. I believe that means you owe me a souvenir."

"Hey, I brought you a pet."

"She's more your pet than mine, but I guess that's something. Yes, I do have something for you. Mind the screens for a while."

Electronique walked out of the surveillance room and Adrena sat in her seat. It was still warm. She took a look at the screens, but there was no sign of intruders. Electronique wasn't gone long, and Adrena quickly got up before she had cause to chastise her. Electronique handed two items to her.

"They are sticks."

"Escrima sticks, with a signature enhancement from me. You will want to hold them by the insulated end."

Adrena took a stick into her hands, noting that both had a rubber handhold at one end. There was a bump that felt like a button. She pressed it, and the other end of the stick crackled with electricity.

"Are these safe?"

"Not for anyone you hit them with. Are you familiar with stick combat?"

"Not particularly." Adrena tried a few basic baton strikes she knew. "I'll get the hang of it."

"Those should give you quite an edge over young Kim Possible, since she appears to insist on fighting unarmed. Shego might be a different matter."

"These are really cool. Thanks."

"Take a while to get acquainted with them. And make sure the boys are not sleeping. Our intrepid heroes could make an appearance any moment now."

Adrena wasn't as sanguine about that estimate as Electronique, but she left to check up on Team Go, anyway, and took the opportunity to test her new weapons on Hego.

"Ow, why did you shock me?"

"Mego shrunk down before I could hit him." Mego would have made a better target for a number of reasons. Adrena suspected Hego was too tough to be a good baseline for the weapon's effectiveness.

"Like I'd let you poke me with that stick." Mego's voice came from the direction of the couch.

"Anyway, look alive. We might be getting some company soon."

"Finally some action," Wego said. "I've been getting bored," Wego said.

"Didn't you guys terrorize Go City all last night?"

"Yeah, and it was fun." "Would have been fun to do it today, too."

"Whatever. Just be ready."

Adrena practiced with her new weapons for a while, trying to get used to them. It was pretty tricky to hit the activation button on command while swinging them, and she suspected it was safest to use them either as a baton or a shock prod rather than both at once, at least for the time being. Before long she got bored with the training and went to see if Monique had her costume ready yet.

The alarm came as Monique was helping the costume on her, her touch deft yet servile in accordance with Adrena's wishes. The costume was not unlike the outfit she'd customarily worn on her show, consisting of a long-sleeved top and tights. The basic color was black, and Monique had sewn orange patches on, in imitation of the pattern of Team Go uniforms. Adrena didn't think the color really suited her, but she could see the logic of it.

The costume was ill-fitting, converted from something Monique had had half-finished in her room when she came for her. The top was a little tight on her, and left her toned stomach bare. Adrena hoped Electronique would appreciate it. She decided that the outfit was fine enough to show. It wasn't much of a villain costume, but her captive costumer would have time to work on it later.

Electronique met her in the corridor, not seeming to be in any rush. "Ah, there you are. Follow me; we have guests to welcome."

"They're captured already?"

"It was easier than I expected. Perhaps I did overestimate them."

Adrena followed Electronique, stunned. After all the trouble she'd had, to have two such dangerous women as Kim Possible and Shego captured in an instant seemed unreal. Perhaps there was something to only acting when one was well-prepared.

Electronique led the way to the studio, and up to the catwalk. "Presentation is an essential part of villainy, my dear. What better way to convey our superiority than to literally stand above our enemies." She paused to take Adrena in. "Speaking of presentation, your outfit needs work."

"I know. I was a little strapped for time." Adrena looked at the device in Electronique's hands. "You have the Reverse Polarizer with you."

"Yes. It would be rather undignified to have to send for it later. I'm not sure I'll use it, but I think we should revert Shego for a while, at least, don't you think?"

"Definitely, I want to see what she thinks of the new her."

"Ah, here come our guests. It is time for one of my favorite perks of villainy: triumphant gloating."

Adrena adopted a position next to Electronique, a smirk forming on her face. This was more Electronique's victory than hers, but she intended to enjoy the results all the same. Seeing her former foes humbled was sweet, regardless of the details of their defeat. She was just sorry Electronique ultimately hadn't arranged for cameras to immortalize the moment. Still, when Hego and Wego dragged the futilely struggling Kim Possible and dejected Shego to stand in front of them on the floor of the studio, she couldn't have contained her glee even had she wanted to.

Adrena looked down at Kim Possible. Hego held her apparently carelessly around the waist, with her arms loose, but she couldn't break free. Hego ignored the occasional strike Kim tried on him. He really did have a thick skin. There was no quit in Kim's expression as she glowered at her and Electronique.

Shego, by comparison, was much more subdued. The difference to their previous fights was striking. Even dressed in her trademark catsuit, she didn't look like herself. Adrena would have expected an angry scowl, but her face showed only quiet desperation. She was held by several copies of Wego, and she wasn't even making an effort to get free. The sight wasn't as satisfying as she would have expected. This was not the enemy who she had fought.

"Ah, the famous Kim Possible." Electronique's voice brought Adrena back to the present. "Welcome to my humble abode, darling. I've been just dying to meet you."

Wasn't that how Electronique had greeted her? Adrena felt a little annoyed. Electronique could stand to come up with some new material. Adrena wondered how much of her villainess routine was indeed just an act.

"Love what you've done with this place." Kim had abandoned her glower for an irritating smirk that showed no awareness of her plight. "The unmatched furniture straight from an office dumpster gives it just that certain 'desperate criminal' feel."

Kim Possible didn't seem to have the most creative lines, either. Adrena suddenly realized that, for all her success, she was still a teenage girl. Strange how different she seemed, restrained and forced to look up at her.

"Yes, my darling Adrena said something similar. I'm sure you two will get along famously." She hefted her Reverse Polarizer for emphasis. "At least after we've adjusted your outlook appropriately."

Adrena wondered if Electronique might not be right. Adrena realized she found the prospect of Kim Possible turned evil even more appealing than her being destroyed. She might well be just as valuable an ally as she was an aggravating enemy. Besides, Kim turned to the side of villainy and shredding her heroic legacy herself would be a fitting revenge.

"You won't get away with this."

"Who's going to stop me? With you and dear Shego there neutralized, I think I've done away with immediate opposition."

Adrena had to wonder how Electronique planned to keep them restrained. The room she'd been locked in wouldn't hold Shego, and she wasn't sure it would hold Kim, either. She looked down at her wrists, and the cuffs on them. It was quite likely Electronique had some more effective restraints for the pair.

"Do you think we came alone?"

"Frankly, yes. You are arrogant enough to think you wouldn't need help, and I don't think Shego wants to involve the authorities, seeing her brothers are now wanted criminals, just like her."

"We'll stop you, you monster, and clear my brothers' names."

"We do have friends, you know."

"I'm sure a pretty young thing like you has no shortage of friends and admirers; and all of them equally vulnerable to my Reverse Polarizer and Adrena's Glow. That is why you didn't bring any with you, is it not? And perhaps I should inform you of one pertinent detail before you get any silly ideas. Adrena, dear?"

That was her cue. Adrena stepped up to the railing and posed for Kim's benefit. "Like my new look? Perhaps you'd like to meet the designer."

Adrena directed Monique to approach the captives from behind and walk between them. Kim must have heard the steps as she strained to look back as Monique walked up past Hego. She could see the shock on Kim's face as recognized the girl, and the glow in her eyes. It was a sweet feeling. Electronique wasn't the only powerful villainess here. She had Monique stand in front of Kim, and directed her to speak.

"You turned down my designs, Kim. Unfortunately for you, I found a more appreciative customer."

Adrena ordered Monique to climb up to the catwalk with her and Electronique. She was struck with the thought that the clothes she was wearing might well have been intended for Kim. It was a strange thought, and she wasn't sure how to feel about it. It was one more connection between herself and Kim. She realized her part still wasn't quite done.

"You understand that the moment you try something, your precious friend will take a swan dive into concrete, don't you?" She tried to accompany the words with a vicious grin, but her heart wasn't really in it. She wasn't sure she'd carry the threat out. She still needed her costumer, after all.

"Leave her out of this. This is between you and me."

"This can't be the first time a hostage has been used against you, darling. We are called villains because we fight dirty." Electronique half turned towards Adrena. "And since you appear to be proof against Adrena's Glow, she needs to improvise."

Adrena wasn't sure how she felt about Electronique speaking for her, but she was hardly in position to criticize her, especially in front of their enemies.

Electronique leaned over the railing, her smile hungry. "And I would very much like to know why you are immune. Now that I have you in my grasp, I won't let you go until I have examined every square inch of that splendid body in intimate detail."

Adrena wished Electronique would have phrased that differently. Surely she was enough for anybody. Then again, the vision of Kim on her knees in front of Electronique wasn't entirely unappealing. Adrena was distracted from her thoughts by the exchange on the floor.

"Uh, technically I have her in my grasp."

Kim ignored Hego and leaned towards Shego. "Is she coming onto me?"

"I was never quite sure about her preference, but I thought she liked Hego."

"Nah, she's into girls, apparently," a Wego said.

"I told you guys she didn't have any sordid intentions towards me."

"Shut up, Hego."

"Shut up, everybody!"

Electronique followed the words with a bolt of electricity that struck the floor in front of the group. Adrena tensed, worrying the heroes might get loose, but Hego's grip didn't slacken, and Wego soon had secure hold on Shego again.

"I can't help but feel some of you are not appreciating the gravity of the situation. I fear I must demonstrate to you who is in charge here." Electronique hefted the Reverse Polarizer. "Adrena: Kim Possible or Shego?"

"Kim." She had become increasingly curious to see what a less heroic Kim would be like over the past couple of minutes. Who knew; perhaps they would indeed have something in common. "Use it on Kim."

Electronique aimed at Kim. It was perceptibly awkward, the device being less a gun and more a helmet with wires attached. She touched the activation stud, and a bolt of light shot towards the young heroine.

The beam was fast, but not too fast for an eye to follow. Adrena perceived everything as in slow motion: Kim's focused expression, the hand thrown futilely up to ward off the beam.

And then the yellow glow around Kim's hand; the flash when the beam connected and, impossibly, shot right back at Electronique. There was another flash of light and desperate voices from far away as chaos erupted in the studio, and only dimly did Adrena recognize one as her own.

"Kim!"

"No! Electronique!"