7) Under no circumstances is a Creator allowed to sympathize or become directly involved with the Chosen Beings. Doing so invokes a conflict of interests and gives the Beta the right to take over all aspects of creation.
Ne·go·ti·a·tion: [ni-goh-shee-ey-shuhn] noun
1. Mutual discussion and arrangement of the terms of atransaction or agreement: the negotiation of a treaty.
June 25th, 3019
Global Science Headquarters
Go City, Colorado
2:45 P.M.
Utopia.
The ideal of any society where perfection has been achieved and there is no more suffering. Pain is but a forgotten memory, crime is nonexistent, power belongs to everyone as they strive for a better tomorrow and death is only through old age if ever.
In other words, the perfect word.
For Dr. Elizabeth Director, her own personal hell.
Quenching global uprisings was a common occurrence for her a millennia ago but then the Lowardians came and everything made whole again. Utopia had been achieved in a span of several hours, humanity was unified and the only thing holding them back was the lack of technology. Lowardia had overcome that problem by sharing with humanity all their technological advances and within five years every planet in the solar system had been colonized or was on the verge of colonization. Humanity was the beacon of hope for the entire universe and Betty absolutely hated every moment of this new existence.
She sat in her office overlooking the front lawn of Global Science and let out a discontented sigh as she looked across the front lawn and thought back to several hours earlier.
"Is there something on your mind Director?" the overhead voice asked politely.
Betty smiled as the dulcet feminine voice waited for her to answer.
"MAMA send for Will," Betty leaned back in her chair, "I need to see him immediately."
"Right away Director," the MAMA answered submissively.
Betty opened a folder on her desk and looked over the contents in complete confusion.
They'd been so sure it would have worked. Even with the modifications to their machine they had only a 15 percent chance of failure. Will had assured her before the test and now they would be lucky if Kim ever came back before the collapse.
She sat back in her chair, hearing the leather whoosh silently as air was forced out of the cushion and she let out another sigh. She should be spending time with her family but her she was, stuck inside saving the world for its final time. She knew Steve was perfectly capable of caring for their daughter but she still wanted to be with them. But she knew that Barkin wouldn't let her come home if there was something she could be doing to save them all. While her husband was cleared to view projects above Top Secret, even he wasn't allowed to know about her work today. He didn't mind in fact he rather enjoyed having a wife who put the mission ahead of him.
She heard a knock at her door and nodded, "Enter."
The door opened timidly as Betty's right hand, William Dunn Du entered, "Ma'am," he said quietly and sank into a chair near her desk.
Betty nodded politely and rose from her chair. Walking to a forgotten corner of her room, Betty pulled a bottle from her shelf along with two glasses, "Scotch?" she asked.
"If you've got some," he said sadly.
Betty felt sorry for this version of Will Du. She'd seen the others and this by far was her favorite version. Something about his go getter attitude but humility as well really struck a cord with her and she couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
She silently poured the alcohol and handed Will the glass before returning to the chair behind her desk, "So what's the damage?" she asked as she sipped at the amber liquid.
"Bortle knows he can grab Kim next time she jumps," he took a sip, "Anne Possible is examining Kim for signs of brain trauma but Kim has no brain activity."
Betty nodded and pointed to a folder, "But that's been true of all subjects."
Will nodded and took a sip, "true and they've all come back."
Betty smiled as she saw Will's confidence building, "How's Josh taking it?"
"He thought we could have grabbed her," Will shook his head, "If we'd tried any longer she wouldn't be here...or there which is almost just as bad."
Betty raised an eyebrow, "what do you mean?"
"After researching a bit more with the data MAMA theorized that if we had tried pulling Kim," he took a sip, "oh that's good," he remarked before taking another sip, "if we had continued pulling Kim she would have lost her grip on the Kingdom of Middleton and would have jumped somewhere else."
Betty nodded and took another drink, "You do realize that when Kim gets here we all die?"
Will sipped his drink cautiously, "The thought did cross my mind."
The two sat in silence, both contemplating the path ahead of them and neither one liking the outcome.
August 17th, 1257 A.D.
Shores of the Great Sea, The Island Kingdom
6:07 P.M.
Princess Bonnie Rockwaller stood on the shores of the great ocean and looked at the sinking sun, the golden setting of the sun reflecting brightly off the blue sea.
Somewhere across that ocean was her island home but here she was, on the very edges of the Kingdom of Middleton, ready to come to her King's aid. While it was true her husband was Senor Senior Jr., she still accepted Ron as her King. Her Father in law was a King, but she couldn't turn her back on where she came from. She had known full well her marriage to Junior had been a marriage to secure an alliance and she was simply a pawn but he was attractive and the climate warm so she couldn't complain.
She gazed stoically as the sun slowly dipped behind a mountainous island several miles away but when the sun was no longer visible only then did she turn her gaze away to the bedlam behind her.
Thousands of men and horses were clamoring, shouting and moving in the evening sun, each one trying to get onto dry land. The animals had been cooped up in the ships for the last two days and were on the verge of killing each other to get out.
From up and down the beach came the smells of cooked fish and chuckling soldiers. While it was true they all lived on an island, it didn't mean they liked the ocean. In fact, many of the soldiers, Bonnie included, had spent the trip sea sick and in great pain. However upon reaching dry land, all sea sickness was forgotten and now a song was struck up among the soldiers even as their brethren continued to pour from the ships.
Her Father in law, Senor Senior Sr. had somehow arranged all the soldiers, supplies and shipping orders in less than a day and only by the grace of the Creator had made it across the seas in another day. She wasn't sure how he had done it or where all the manpower came from but she knew better than to question his methods.
With money all things were possible.
She walked among the men now camped upon the beach, chatting with a group here, encouraging a squad there, tasting some fresh fish and overall just showing the troops that she was there. She felt at home being the center of their attention and if she could help improve morale at the same time all the better.
As she passed by another group she found herself next to her husband and Father in Law, "But Father," Senor Senior Jr. protested, "the men have just arrived, if we push them now we'll be worn down by the time we reach Middleton."
His father shook his head, "No my Son, our scouts report that Monkey Fist's soldiers will be at the city gates by nightfall-"
"If we leave by sunset and ride through the night, we should be there by the dawn," Bonnie interrupted. She saw their gazes of confusion and shrugged, "I'm just saying."
Senor Senior Sr. placed a hand on his chin thoughtfully and nodded slowly, "we wait two hours to finish unloading and then we ride."
Senor Senior Jr. nodded, "So be it Father."
August 17th, 1257 A.D.
Castle Middleton, Kingdom of Middleton
6:07 P.M.
The soft caress of silk sheets on her cheek was the first sensation Kim felt upon waking up. Rolling onto her back, Kim stretched and let out a contented sigh.
She heard a gasp next to her and her eyes snapped open in alarm as she tried to figure out where she was, "My lady," Zita Flores said as Kim's eyes locked on her. She reached over and dabbed at Kim's forehead with a wet cloth, "my lady you've returned to us. Praise the Creator."
Kim groaned and sat up, instantly regretting it as her head erupted into pain, "Ow my head," she whispered, but even the whispers reverberated through her skull and caused her to wince in pain.
"My lady are you well?" Zita asked in genuine alarm, "Should I fetch the doctor?"
Kim shook her head, instantly regretting it, "I'm all right," she paused, "where am I?"
Zita looked over Kim's shoulder, "Is it all right if I let you explain it?" she waited and nodded, "Matriarch Possible needs me in the infirmary."
With that Zita rose from her seat next to Kim's bed and walked quietly out of the room, shutting the door with a quiet boom that echoed through Kim's head.
Kim turned her head and saw-
"Girl you cannot go scaring us like that," Monique Jenkins exclaimed, "That was T.C.F.C."
"To close for comfort?" Kim asked hoarsely.
Monique smiled, "I am glad you're all right though," she reached across Kim and grasped a cup and pitcher full of water. Pouring the water into the cup, Monique offered the cup to Kim who took the cup graciously, "You gave us all quite a scare," Monique continued as Kim drank the water greedily, "Especially Ron."
To Kim it felt as if she gone her entire life without water and now she suddenly felt like she couldn't get enough. At the mention of Ron Kim looked up, "How is Ron?"
Monique smiled, "He's on the wall right now," she shook her head, "following your orders to the letter. That gates will be sealed in two hours and everyone capable of wielding a sword is serving."
She waited as Kim gingerly sat up in the bed, feeling every ache and pain as her body protested, "Are you all right Kim?" Monique asked in a trusting tone.
Kim shook her head, "I'm not sure," she looked around, "One second I'm here, the next...I don't know. Maybe I'm going crazy," she laughed but stopped as she saw Monique's look of concern turn to alarm, "Mo? What is it?"
Monique didn't answer but pointed to Kim's nose. Bringing a finger up gingerly, Kim was rewarded with the sight of fresh blood on her fingers, "Great," she commented, "now it's nosebleeds."
Monique nodded, "when you collapsed four days ago-"
"Wait-what?" Kim interrupted, "how long have I been out?"
Monique slapped a palm to her forehead, "Of course you've been M.I.A. for the last four days," she shrugged, "while you were collapsing, you had a tremendous nosebleed. You almost died, in fact for the last two days the only way we could tell if you were alive was if you fogged a mirror held below your nose."
Kim nodded as she dabbed at the leaking blood, "Well," her strength was returning and she needed to get an idea what was happening, "I'm here now and the troops need me."
Monique nodded, "My lady if you would permit me," she pointed to a curtained window and Kim nodded. The servant walked to the window and flung aside the cloth with a lavish move, allowing the last rays of sunlight to penetrate the chamber.
Kim walked on shaky legs to the window which was actually a balcony and leaned up against the railing. She was back in the Kingdom of Middleton and she didn't know whether to be overjoyed or scared. She stared out over her Kingdom and took in a multitude of things. The last moments of a golden sunset poked at the horizon, its red tipped edges casting a scarlet hue on everything below.
The walls of her city teemed with life, men and women alike running to and fro, shoring up defenses and preparing for the battles ahead. From the city itself, smoke wafted up from numerous fires that dotted the streets of Middleton the black smoke creating a dark haze that hung over the city like an air of foreboding. On numerous places along the wall, Kim saw the set positions of catapults and ballistas with guards stocking up on ammunition for the siege ahead.
The thing that struck Kim the most was the lack of cheer from Middleton. When she had been here earlier, the city was permeating with life and happiness but now the city was a cesspool of fear and turmoil. Happy songs no longer rose to her ears, instead trumpet calls and the shouts of soldiers sounded in her ears. Deeper in the city Kim heard the sound of crying babies and shushing mothers who prayed earnestly for safety tonight.
Kim allowed her gaze to wander north to Upperton and there did she truly understand the reason for the fear and turmoil. At first she thought it was just the advancing shadows as the sun set but then she realized it was far beyond that. Like the rising tide, a horde of monsters advanced across the open fields towards Middleton. They were almost to the city, only a few miles separated them from the city gates but Kim still saw monsters pouring out of Upperton several leagues away.
"Telescope," she commanded Monique who produced one from her cloak that Kim now realized covered an ornate set of silver armor that was inlaid with precious stones and gems.
Taking the telescope from Monique's hand, Kim peered through the glass at the approaching horde and let out a tiny gasp. Row upon row of the half formed monsters walked in neat and orderly columns. Each one holding a sword and shield as each helmet bore the symbol of a monkey's paw clenching a sword. Alongside these half formed creations, Kim saw oxen that pulled enormous carts of weapons. Troll like creatures followed the main group, each one working in teams to push gigantic catapults and their deadly her position, Kim could see enormous rocks with jars of a sloshing liquid hauled along by oxen and the half formed monsters in karts that were crudely constructed.
Kim lowered the telescope from her eye and continued to view the army advancing on her city. Besides the catapults, these trolls pushed enormous siege towers that Kim knew were the same size as the wall surrounding Middleton. Covered in some kind of rusty metal Kim saw hooks and spikes jutting from the sides and on top a single spike reached for the heavens. Skittering from the shadows of the city came true nightmares. Mixtures of man and animal, monster and beast they came. A man whose torso had been replaced with that of a bear led a column of other like creations, an enormous scar running down his torso and ended halfway below his chest.
His partner, a man with the head and body of a cheetah but the legs of a man carried an enormous banner that waved in the wind. On the banner, the symbol of the monkey paw continued to wave, almost as if welcoming the city in peace but promising the exact opposite. Suddenly a loud cacophony of screams echoed across the landscape, causing the entire city to stop in fear. Being drug from the city by chains and driven by whips came an ultimate nightmare.
The MAMA was here.
It was over fifteen feet tall as it walked on all fours, spikes of bone protruding from its shoulders and joints that clacked eerily every time it moved. Enormous clawed paws with deadly razor sharp claws chewed up the ground and every few minutes it tried to use one of the paws to swipe at its captors but a tug from another chain and the crack of a whip kept the creature in check.
The head was mostly covered in mottled and decaying skin but if one peered close enough they could see bits of the skull poking through. And elongated snout like that of an armored war horse extended out, thick bone protecting the rotting skin beneath. Above the milky white eyes, two protruding sharp horns that gouged the sky rose from its forehead, enormous yellow and pitted fangs several inches long extended from its howling mouth as it screeched loudly into the night. The torso was scaly and glistened in the darkening light, whether from sweat or blood Kim couldn't tell but the MAMA was rippling in the night light. Enormous legs of muscle and sinew that Kim guessed had originally belonged to a troll trembled as Kim could sense enormous power within the MAMA that was just waiting to be released. The nightmare shook with unreleased power as the beast struggled to break it's chains but so far it had no such luck.
Kim visibly shook at the sight of such a beast and wondered why she was even here. She pulled the telescope to her eye again and viewed the head of the army and gaped at the stark contrast to the rest of the army.
Leading the army, like a warlord of old he sat. To his right was the woman Kim guesses was the sorceress and to his left rode a pale horse and slumped over rider. Kim's mouth curled into a snarl as Lord Montgomery Fiske, half man and half monkey rode, laughed and traded jokes with the sorceress. He was arrayed in dark and shifting armor that Kim guessed was nothing more than a simple cloth gi. He had a sword that glowed red attached to his side and Kim could only guess how good he was with the blade. The sorceress leaned back and Kim instantly recognized the face of DNAmy. She wore a raggedy old robe that tumbled and curled in the wind, the black hood covering her face one moment and exposing the fat and wart covered face the next.
Kim couldn't guess as the identity of the rider but something seemed awfully familiar about the way his black hair tumbled about. In the fading light, Kim could just barely see the blue tinted skin of his body and instantly Kim knew who it was. Doctor Drakken was on that horse next to Monkey Fist but judging by the fact he was clad only in his under garments and had numerous cuts across his body, Kim guessed he wasn't Monkey Fist's friend.
If he's there, where's Shego? Kim thought to herself as she lowered the telescope from her eye and handed it back to Monique.
A rough hand grabbed the telescope from Kim and she whirled in fright only to find Ron standing behind her with a bemused expression on his face and Monique nowhere to be found.
"Enjoy your rest?" he asked in an effort to lighten the mood.
He was clad in golden armor, the very sight inspiring Kim and giving her a bit of hope in this dark hour. Inlaid across the armor was the image of a monkey surrounded by fire, its eyes made of pure diamonds and the paws were inset with rubies. His blade was tucked firmly into his side and upon seeing Kim's face he pointed to the advancing army, "They'll be here by nightfall."
Kim nodded awkwardly to Ron and just stood there, "Ron...I..."
She didn't get a chance to finish as she spun around and pulled Ron in close, not caring if the golden armor he wore was cold upon her skin. All she needed was to feel the physical touch of Ron and know that he would be there for her. Ron must have felt the same way as he held Kim in a way she had never been held and before she could react, Ron leaned down and passionately kissed her. Kim was startled for a moment but soon returned the kiss with the same if not more intensity. She didn't want him, she needed him in a way no one had ever been needed before.
"I thought I lost you," he whispered in between their kisses.
She laughed as her eyes welled up, "It'll take a lot more than that to kill me."
Ron finally pulled away, "Good," he said as he fought to gain his breath back, "because I need you by my side tonight."
KE-RAWR
Kim jumped and clutched Ron in terror as a cry fell from the sky and the advancing army cheered. Falling from the clouds like a bird of prey and its body reflecting the last rays of light from the setting sun, an enormous dragon descended. It flew above the city, its jaws of foot long razor sharp teeth clacking menacingly. It flew low over the city, causing the occupants to dive for the ground and scream in terror as it's scaly forearms scraped at the top of the red roofed houses and everywhere the claws scraped, sparks flew into the growing night.
KE-RAWR
Flying into the darkening sky, Kim looked on in wonder as the monster reared it's horned head back and let loose a jet of yellow and red fire that brightened the night sky and for the briefest of moments, turned night into day.
As the flame died, Kim saw the dragon dive back at Middleton, flames licking the sides of its face as the dragon let his mouth open. The people of Middleton screamed in terror and Kim clutched desperately at Ron as the dragon zipped towards the city center but just as the dragon was about to unleash a flame attack, a red light erupted from the head of the approaching army. Instantly the dragon rose, its great wings flapping in a desperate measure to gain altitude. Within moments, the dragon was lost among the stars.
Kim's eyes glanced out to the field where she saw Monkey Fist's hand extended and still glowing red. Slowly he lowered his hand and the glow died without a sound.
"Why would he do that?" Kim asked, "Stop his dragon? He could wipe out the city with that creature alone."
Ron nodded to Monkey Fist, "Fiske wants to rule but he wants to us to see his victory before killing us."
"Sounds like vanity," Kim commented.
Ron smiled, "And we'll use that vanity to our advantage."
Ron stared with Kim at the last bit of light that finally winked out of existence before turning to her, "You better get ready," he said, a bit of fear but also determination in his gaze. Outside the night had completely overtaken the day.
Kim nodded as Ron left the room but as he left, he knocked on a large oak wardrobe. She waited until the door was closed before walking to wardrobe and opening the doors slowly. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkened dresser but when her eyes did adjust she let out a smile.
"Oh...wow," she breathed.
August 17th, 1257 A.D.
Great Wall, City of Middleton
7:37 P.M.
Ron stood on the defenses overlooking the advancing army as Felix fed him information, "All right, so Monkey Fist's army will be in range of our catapults within the hour. As soon as he…enters…range..." Felix trailed off as he stared at something over Ron's shoulder.
Hearing his advisor stop talking Ron turned and his mouth fell open as well. Kim was clad in her armor but the sight of her caused everyone to stop in shock. Her armor was mostly hardened deep brown leather but it had been worked in so she could move easily. Covering her shoulders and coming down across her midsection like a V was a set of silver interlocking metal plates, each one oiled so they made hardly any noise when she plate had an intricate design hand carved into it that wove its way from shoulder to shoulder and was studded with precious stones and gems. Crossing her chest, waving as she moved was a silk sash of the deepest purple.
Attached to her side was a short sword that Kim knew was perfectly balanced for her and tucked into the small of her back was a hidden dagger. Her leather armor extended all the way to her feet but from her right upper thigh to knee was solid silver that reflected the torchlight of the surrounding castle. She hardly felt the gloves on her hands as they were bound tightly but done in such a way that they wouldn't get in the way of the fighting.
"My King, I seem to be lacking a helmet," she said meekly, fully aware that each and every eye was upon her.
Ron shook himself from his stupor and answered, "You asked specifically for no helmet. You said it would slow you down," he explained.
"Well that's stupid," Kim retorted, "a single arrow or sword stroke and I'm done for."
Ron smiled and leaned up against the wall to observe the approaching army. He was silent for a moment even as soldiers around him moved and finished their last bits of preparation before the battle.
Kim sauntered to the wall beside him and leaned against it, her armor making a clinking sound as she rested her weight on the stone, "Do you think we'll make it?"
Ron smiled and continued to look over the field, "Of course."
Kim's smile faltered, "how can you be so sure?"
'I'm not," Ron shrugged, "if we don't, we're all dead," he turned to her, "we all have to die someday and I'd prefer to go out as a hero instead of a coward."
Kim just shook her head, "You're nothing like my Ron."
"Am I not your Ron?" he asked lightly, the approaching army's footsteps rumbling in the night.
She shook her head, "Ron...the Ron I know is nothing like you and yet is exactly like you," she saw his eyes darken for a moment, "he's a coward, runs and screams at the slightest trouble and relies on me for everything," she thought back, "And yet no matter what the challenge he gets up and continues to fight for me," she looked at Ron, "regardless of his own safety."
The look of hurt vanished from his eyes, "I was like that long ago," Ron smiled, "scared of everything but then..." Ron trailed off, "but then I realized something."
Kim raised a questioning eyebrow, "what was that?"
Ron leaned in and kissed her, "I was never going to be with you if all I did was run away."
Kim smirked, "maybe I'll tell that to my Ron the next time I see him."
Ron chuckled, "maybe you will.
"Excuse me sire," Felix interrupted, "but-"
Felix found himself shoved politely aside by a very determined woman, "Stoppable-San," Yori said, "What little warriors I have brought with me will be serving on the walls if you would have it."
Ron clasped a hand on Yori's shoulder, "I would have it," he looked her straight in the eye, "Are you all right? You left three days ago to mourn Hiro. Surely Hana could-"
Yori shook her head as she interrupted Ron, "my daughter will be at my side tonight and in the morning she will assume command of Yamanouchi."
Ron and Kim looked at each other, "Could you explain that Yori?" Kim asked hesitantly.
Yori's emotionless face scared Kim more than anything she'd ever seen, "One way or another," she said, "I will be with Hiro before the night is through."
Ron nodded slowly, comprehending Yori's words and opened his mouth to speak, "Yori-"
"King Stoppable, would you permit me to go change into my armor?" she asked, cutting him off.
Ron sighed but then nodded, "Go."
Yori nodded, a faint smile on her lips, "When you go meet Monkey Fist, let me come with you," with that she walked away with the grace of an angel.
Kim waited until Yori was out of earshot before asking, "Is she going to kill herself?"
Ron shook his head angrily, "not if I can help it."
"Excuse me Sire?" a familiar voice asked Ron.
Ron turned around and looked down to find Wade Load and Steve Barkin standing there, a tiny crossbow in Wade's hands, "Queen Stoppable, Monique asked me to give this to you," he handed Kim the crossbow, "she said you forgot it in your room."
Kim looked at the crossbow with questioning eyes. It appeared as if Wade had taken an ordinary crossbow and miniaturized it. She turned the bow over in her hands and let out a laugh as she saw the roll of rope on a spindle attached to the underside of the bow.
She ran her fingers over the cord that was connected to the arrow and smiled, "Grappling hook?" she asked.
Wade smiled back, "That allows you to grasp far away objects and pull them towards you," he thought about it, "or get pulled by large objects."
Kim raised an eyebrow, "it's no hairdryer but it'll do the trick."
Wade nodded even though he had no idea what she meant, "thank you my Queen."
Ron placed a hand on Wade's shoulder, "Where do we stand?"
Wade looked at Ron with eyes that brimmed with pride, but overflowed with fear, "The weapons are ready and the troops are in place, all we await is Monkey Fist."
"And the weapons are sighted?" Ron asked, "Enough ammo?"
Wade nodded, "Everything is as it should be."
Ron nodded as he saw Yori come back, clad in her armor and carrying a burlap sack, "Very well then," he peered at the sack questioningly but let the issue drop as Yori approached. Turning back to Wade he nodded towards the city, "Go get some food and be back on the wall within thirty minutes."
Wade nodded and soon disappeared in the assembling soldiers. As Yori approached, Kim studied her inquisitively.
She was clad in dark green armor, it moved too smoothly and she carried herself too lightly for it to be made of metal, but the katana strapped to her back clinked as if brushing against metal each time she moved. The armor was pulled in tight around her body, leaving little to the imagination and yet Kim knew that a sword or arrow wouldn't easily pierce that armor easily. Her booted feet tread quietly upon the ground, barely a sound was made from her footsteps and she moved swiftly through the scampering troops. Tied at her waist was a single red strip of cloth that tied around the waist but a long tail of the scarlet cloth circled around the back and fluttered through the air as she walked. Her face appeared pale in the light of the twin moons and Kim could easily see the red paint around her eyes. To Kim, Yori appeared as a forgotten amazon queen: easily misunderstood and incredibly deadly.
Ron turned to Steve Barkin who had waited patiently this whole time, "Think you can keep the city safe while I go meet Monkey Fist?"
His Captain of the Guard nodded with a smile and his silver armor reflecting the moon shook as he nodded as he clasped Ron's hand in his own, "Don't give the monkey anything."
Ron turned to Kim and Yori, "Shall we?"
August 17th, 1257 A.D.
City of Middleton
7:37 P.M.
KA-BOOM
The three foot thick, solid steel gates of Middleton clanged shut behind the trio and echoed through the night. Behind them, a city ripe with fear and panic, before them a conquering army overflowing with confidence and assurance from their leader that the city would fall.
Kim would still side with Middleton any day of the week.
The three riders rode in silence for some time before Kim finally asked, "Ron why are riding out to this freak?"
From her left Ron shrugged, "We're fulfilling the rules of war."
Kim looked to Ron, "Rules?"
Her husband nodded, "Yes, before each battle the leaders from the opposing sides are to ride out and discuss terms of surrender for both sides," his horse nickered softly and he patted the horse gently on the neck, "noncombatants are allowed to leave if they need to and the final offers are made."
"Offers of what?" Kim asked.
Yori spoke from the other side of Ron, "Sometimes both sides agree to let the Kings duel and the winner of the duel wins the battle."
Kim looked shocked, "Are you going to do that?" she asked incredulously.
Ron nodded, "If Montgomery gives us the option and if he's nice about it."
"Sounds like a stupid rule," Kim muttered.
Yori laughed, it was a cold and calloused laugh that caused a chill to run up Kim's spine, "Many great deaths have been prevented by this."
Ron nodded, "Long ago Senor Senior Sr. declared war on us but thanks to a meeting before battle we were able to spare each side needless casualties."
Kim raised her head, "what did you say to stop his war?"
Ron looked back at Kim, "I agreed to give his son Bonnie."
Kim's eyebrows rose, "you just gave him Bonnie?"
He nodded, "In exchange for a truce, I would give him Bonnie and complete control over his Island Kingdom," he was silent for a moment, "he is now one of our greatest allies and the thought of having a grandson one day keeps him in check."
They rode in silence, each one carrying a torch and the weight of a city on their shoulders. Kim noticed the burlap sack strapped to Yori's saddle and nodded to it, "What's in the bag Yori?"
"Hmm?" Yori asked and looked over at Kim with an almost bemused expression.
Kim pointed at Yori's saddle, "The bag. What's in it?"
Yori patted the bag almost lovingly, "Just a gift from my daughter and me to Lord Fiske," Kim saw Ron stiffen and she struggled to guess what it was before opening her mouth, "It is a private gift Queen Possible," Yori interrupted as she saw Kim's mouth open.
Ron opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it and instead kicked his heels into his horse's sides, "C'mon Rufus," he said as his horse started into a trot.
August 17th, 1257 A.D.
Monkey Fist's Army
7:37 P.M.
All trace of the light of the sun was gone and only star filled night remained.
It was just the way Monkey Fist had envisioned it. Middleton would fall, Stoppable would die and he would be King. All that remained was the simple matter of scaling the walls, killing Stoppable and his pathetic army before finally taking that throne. He looked up as he heard those enormous gates boom shut behind a trio of riders and knew exactly who they were. While he had been initially furious that Fukushima had failed in his attempts to kill Ron, he was glad now that he realized Fukushima could help from the inside. As soon as the fighting would begin Fukushima would slip out and create havoc and if all went according to plan, open the gates.
He kicked his horse, an enormous white stallion, in the side and heard the tell tale sounds of his two companions following him. DNAmy atop her mottled and sickly looking donkey and Drakken on that mule. Monkey Fist didn't know why he was keeping Drakken alive but Amy said he was important and so he let Andrew live.
For now.
Seeing the lead rider break into a trot, Monkey Fist spurred his horse into a canter and rode to meet the opposing leaders head on. After all, the sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could destroy the city.
The two parties met in the field before both armies and for several seconds, neither leader said anything. The only sound came from Drakken's wheezing and coughing as he struggled against his bonds. He was bruised and bleeding from a cut below his left eye and Kim could tell that if Drakken didn't get medical attention soon that cut would turn into a nasty scar.
She couldn't help it and let a smile sweep through her features for the briefest of seconds before replacing it with her stoic face.
"King Stoppable," Monkey Fist said, breaking the silence with mock respect.
"Traitor," Ron replied with just the same amount of respect. He waited a heartbeat before asking, "what do you want?"
Monkey Fist was silent for a moment before gesturing to the city, "I want everything."
Ron shook his head, "not going to happen. You'll be lucky if I let you leave without paying damages on Upperton."
DNAmy spoke, "that rabble didn't have anything of value so why should we pay for them?"
Ron gave her a look that chilled her to the bones, "Considering that you both have attempted to assassinate the three of us here, and failing might I add," he saw Monkey Fist's eye twitch at that, "attacking my city of Upperton and marching your entire army on Middleton, I'd consider that a declaration of war," his voice drew a deadly tone, "You would be lucky if I didn't spend the rest of my life hunting you down like the vermin you created."
Monkey Fist smiled, "So a single match is out of the question?"
Ron's gaze shifted to Monkey Fist who for the briefest of moments felt a twinge of fear, "Your army wouldn't hold up its end of the bargain when I would win."
"No they wouldn't," Monkey Fist laughed, "Then I'll see you on the wall?"
"I'll see you in hell," Ron replied before turning away and riding back to the city with Kim in tow. Yori sat lingering as the dust from her companions for several moments before slowly untying the burlap sack from her saddle and trotting to Monkey Fist with it in her clenched fist.
"My daughter and I want you to have this," she passed it to Monkey Fist who took it hesitantly, "We know Hirotaka-Chan would have wanted you to have it as well," with that she rode back towards Middleton.
Monkey Fist waited until she was out of ear shot before opening the bag. At first he couldn't tell what it was but upon flipping the object over, he saw the severed head of Fukushima staring up at him with blank eyes.
As if she could sense his growing anger, Yori spun in her saddle and winked knowingly at Monkey Fist.
Monkey Fist was seething with rage, not anger but full blown homicidal rage. Even DNAmy had never seen him this angry before.
"The...little...savage," he struggled with words as he held the burlap sack in his hand, its contents he was fuming about lost on his tirade, "Where does she get the-the gall to kill him?"
"It is war," Amy answered, "and we did just kill her husband-"
Monkey Fist shook his head, "No, they've crossed a line and they know it."
Amy was silent for a moment before asking, "What now?"
Monkey Fist was silent for a moment, lost in his anger before turning back to Amy, "Destroy Middleton," he was silent before adding, "Leave nothing standing."
She smiled and raised a hand and as one the army began a chant that slowly rose in volume until the entire army was chanting loudly.
No one in Middleton could understand what they were saying but never the less, every defender felt a bit of hope die in them.
August 17th, 1257 A.D.
Great Wall, City of Middleton
8:15 P.M.
On the walls Kim stared over the army in silent acknowledgment before hearing the sound of someone approaching from behind her. She turned and found herself face to face with Ron who was unusually quiet as the army started a chant.
"Ron?" Kim asked softly as the chant picked up volume.
Ron was silent, "Yes Kim?"
"What do we do now?" she asked.
Ron smiled as the walls fell silent and Monkey Fist's army continued its chanting that slowly changed into a loud shout that echoed for miles in every direction.
"Simple," he saw her look of confusion before smiling reassuringly, "We fight them until we can't."
With that, Ron pulled his sword from its place on his side and held the blade aloft. The silvery blade glowing in the light of the twin moons.
The opposing army fell quiet as did Middleton as everyone waited to hear Ron's orders.
"TILL DEATH!" Ron shouted loudly, his voice echoing across the field and city.
The defenders of Middleton shouted in response, their cries of anger fueling their hatred for the opposing army. The volume of the shouts rose into the night and towards Monkey Fist's army.
For one brief second, the insane warlord felt fear as the city of Middleton screamed out in defiance at the approaching storm.
The Battle for Middleton had begun.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the idea. Disney owns the rest.
Author's Notes: So good news, bad news:
Good news: Early chapter for you and a vacation for me (Woo hoo, extra hoo).
Bad news: A Vacation for me means there will be no new chapter for about two weeks. But it will give me a chance to keep up on all the writing and editing so I can keep up with the weekly updates.
Special thanks this week goes to Darev (We stay on Earth through the entirety of the story), Joe Stoppinghem (My assassin's are in place to prevent spoilers), Sentinel103 (Can't ever have too much scotch), Katsumara (You never know how much something means to you until it's gone), Taechunsa (No filler, everything has a purpose), CajunBear73 (Ron is indeed the central and best love interest).
And as always, my special thanks goes out to you, the silent reader who reads this and makes this my fastest growing story. If you like what you read or have any questions feel free to drop me a review and I'll get back to you.
Or if you want to sing my praises, that's good too.
TRS