This ended up taking a little longer than I thought it would. Researching for an original fiction story I'm planning is taking up a considerable amount of time. That, and I've got to begin job searching again. In any case, enjoy the new installment.
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The Possible house was uncharacteristically silent. Even Jim and Tim did not continue with their usual antics. In fact, not one of them had spoken a word since they returned home and found the house in ruins.
Even worse, Kim was nowhere to be found. There was evidence of a struggle and blood spatters all over the living room. There were also linings that indicated that something had been dragged out of their house. Add that to the fact that they had heard not a single word from either Kim or Ron and the entire family was terrified.
It was like living the nightmare all over again. When Kim was kidnapped several months ago, they believed that they might never see her again and once she returned, her parents swore never to let her out of their sight again. She had changed a great deal since that incident and they all swore to help her heal through the experience. Her brothers even toned down their pranks, although they was partially because they feared her newfound wrath.
"Where is she?" James asked for the hundredth time. He did not expect an answer, even though he uttered those words in the presence of his family. All of them had been asking the same question and had no better idea than he.
"She'll be coming back soon, you'll see." Ann responded. She wouldn't, couldn't bring herself to believe that something had happened to her daughter yet again. After she had come home, she swore to protect her; she'd failed. "We know how strong she is. Whatever it is, she'll come back in a few days and say 'no big'."
"But that tracking device we installed in her neck has been deactivated." Jim pointed out.
"So have the backup ones." Tim added.
"Doesn't matter; we'll see her soon." Ann responded, effectively tuning out the rest of the world. She had taken time off work in order to get herself together. In fact, her boss had insisted on it, being that she was in no condition to perform neurosurgery.
"Boys, please give your mother some peace and quiet." James ordered them and by some miracle, they actually managed to fall silent. Truth be told, he'd rather see them be their usual selves. He was often irritated at their antics, Kim even more so, but now he'd give just about anything to have it back.
What worried him the most was the fact that he had not heard a thing from Global Justice. He had tried numerous times to contact them, but being that they were technically a secret organization, even if in reality, everyone knew of their existence, they had not given him so much as a crumb of information. James was not even told that they were doing everything in their power to locate her, something that he would have expected them to do.
Not only did it worry him, but it didn't make any sense to him. James knew that she was well-regarded by Global Justice and certainly they'd have at least some people searching, even if they had limited resources. Now, though, it didn't look like they cared at all. There's got to be something missing here. James thought. The information could mean many things, but nothing pleasant.
"Hey, dad, maybe we can find her ourselves." Tim suggested.
"We're working on a device that locates people based on their DNA." Jim agreed. The two of them were allowed to work on prototype and usually extremely expensive technology. It was amazing, but impractical on a large scale. "It could detect anyone within 10 miles once we get it done."
"Good luck, boys; I'm sure you can do it." James decided to humor them, even if he didn't think it would do any good. Odds were that she was a long way from that by this point in time. Assuming of course she was still alive... No, don't think like that. James demanded of himself. He refused to believe that his daughter was dead, the daughter that could face the worst of the country's criminals without blinking an eye.
"And whoever it was..." Tim smiled.
"Is going to pay dearly for this!" Jim finished. James walked off and left them to their work.
Not wanting to hang around the house, which was currently in a dead silence, James decided to head back to work. His job as a rocket scientist was taking up most of his time. in contrast to his wife, he worked almost constantly, never coming home except to sleep, and even then, it was only a few hours. All of his co-workers noticed his unkempt appearance, but none of them had said a word.
"I'm sorry, Kimmie-cub." James whispered as he climbed into his car, tears rolling down his cheeks. It was times like this where he thought he deserved this, deserved having Kim hate him the way she now did. One choice... one mistake... one bout of anger over a decade ago, and he was still paying for it.
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To put it mildly, this was an enormous adjustment for Kim. She felt a constant sense of wariness, believing that she might be jumped at any moment. Her nerves were shot, and she snapped at everyone, even Ron. The fact that she had been betrayed by Global Justice still resonated with her, even if it was somewhat comforting to know that Dr. Director did not personally do so and was even now working to clear her name.
"Still can't believe we're in Drakken's lair." Kim shook her head. Not that it was an uncommon occurrence. In fact, it happened once a week, often more during her adventures, but then she was fighting to stop Drakken's latest plan, which often self-destructed even without any assistance from her and Ron.
But staying there voluntarily for protection... that was something entirely new. Kim was finding it difficult to adjust to it. For one thing, Kim had never imagined that he would ever agree to it at all. It was Shego, of all people, that managed to convince Drakken to let them stay, stating that it would only be temporarily, arguing that the triumph over them should be his and his alone. It took much convincing, but he ultimately agreed, on the condition that they not be seen by anyone else.
It suited her perfectly fine. She didn't want to run into any of those idiots Drakken hired. They were little threat to her, but it would raise the alarm, and certainly at least some of them would be willing to sell her out if it meant more money in their pocket. Shego had informed them both that there was currently a 500,000 dollar reward for information leading to their location.
"Never imagined I'd ever feel sorry for you, Princess." Shego had told her.
"I don't need your pity, Shego." Kim had snarled at her, in no mood for any of her word games. Shego took a step back and barely managed to keep herself from gulping. Remembering what happened the last time she was enraged, the villainess decided to soften her voice.
"No, I mean... betrayed by almost everyone you trusted." Shego looked at her intently. "That's got to hurt."
"What the hell do you know about it?" Kim glared. "How could you possibly understand how all of this feels?"
"Perhaps I understand better than you realize, Kimmy." Shego glared and walked off before Kim could say another word.
She had not spoken to Shego since, which was perfectly fine, as far as she was concerned. It was difficult enough to keep her temper in check, and she was doing everything she could not to take her frustrations out on Ron; he was in the exact same situation she was. He was taking it a bit better, though, trying to see it as just one grand adventure. It was strange, considering how much he disliked adventures, but it if helped him cope, she wasn't going to get in the way.
"I've been wondering when I'd meet up with you, Ron." Kim declared. "What have you been doing all this time?"
"Oh... just exploring." Ron stayed evasive. "We've been here nearly a week and I still get lost in this place."
"At least you're not Drakken; he locked himself in his own room!" Kim giggled. He might have gotten more competent as a villain, but some things never change. She had the feeling, though, that Ron was keeping something from her. She bit her lip, wondering whether to push further. He had a right to his own life, but it didn't mean she wasn't curious.
"Yeah, I was right next to him when he was there." Ron smiled, but said nothing further. Enemy or not, he did take them in, albeit grudgingly, so he decided to limit the jokes at his expense.
"Ron, you know we can't stay here forever." Kim sighed. Sooner or later, they were going to find them if Director hadn't figured out who had set them up. Oddly enough, Ron seemed to be quite relaxed here; he even had a frequent smile, although she failed to understand why. They were enemies with Shego and Drakken, right?
"I know, but I don't really have any other plans and frankly, it beats running from town to town, terrified for our lives." Ron stated.
"Ron, we're already worried for our lives." Kim reminded.
"I know, but are you going to tell me this is worse than being on the run?" Ron informed. Kim wanted to argue, but shut her mouth. She knew he was right, however distasteful it might have been. Still didn't mean she had to like it, though.
"I don't want to just wait here, though; I want to find out just who set us up like this." Kim paced around the hallway furiously. One of the henchmen walked through, not paying them any mind. They were wearing disguises, but a keen eye could still recognize them, so making every effort not to be seen seemed advisable.
"So what are your plans?" Ron wondered. he didn't see how they could find out. Wade was always their go-to guy for any research, and they'd be unable to access him. Of course, being a computer genius... he might just be able to find a way around that. The call, though, would have to come from his end, since he didn't know any way to make it undetectable.
"To be honest, I'm playing this by ear." Kim admitted. "All I know is that I'm sick and tired of setting around and waiting for whoever this is to make their move. Let's make them react to us for once."
"Hey, Ron, I was worried you got lost!" Shego exclaimed, walking right next to him. She had a smile, a genuine smile around him, one that made Kim take a couple of steps back.
"No, I'm very slowly finding my way around." Ron chuckled. "You need to make this place simpler, though. Even my shower had, like 15 buttons on it! I swear to god, I was actually pinned against the wall!"
Kim was expecting Shego to snarl or make some sardonic comment, but instead, she laughed along with him. "You'll get used to it eventually, I promise." Shego grinned. It was strange seeing her this way, especially since it seemed like the two of them had all but forgotten that she existed. Kim was perplexed, but slowly began to figure it out.
She studied Shego carefully, not wanting to miss a single detail. Some of the emotions she read surprised her, being that she was not accustomed to seeing anything other than hate and annoyance on her face. Amusement, joy, happiness... lust. Is that why she agreed to take us in? Kim realized, her eyes widening. She likes Ron? When Shego moved a bit too close to him for comfort, it confirmed everything she suspected.
Her eyes instantly became hard, her fists clenched. She did her best to ignore the voice that told her to rip Shego limb from limb. Logically, she knew she could do nothing about the direction Shego turned her interest to, but logic had nothing to do with the current situation. Her rival evidently noticed her anger, for she gave a weak excuse and all but ran from Kim's presence. Kim was forced to admit that the sight gave her considerable satisfaction.
"What was that all about?" Kim asked Ron, not being able to keep all of the anger out of her voice.
"I didn't want you to find out this way, KP." Ron admitted. "I wanted to tell you, I really did, but she refused. I know the two of you don't like each other, and it seemed like a good idea at the time. Famous last words, I know." He gave a bitter laugh. "And before you ask, Shego and I have been in a relationship for almost 6 months now."
"What?!" Kim screamed. This was even worse than she had imagined! She could easily read that Shego was interested in Ron, and she could certainly see how he would be attracted to her. He was a young man, after all, and Shego was a very attractive woman. But an actual relationship? She never would have dreamed it; it just seemed so... so wrong. "Have you lost your mind?!"
"KP... it's not as simple as you make it out to be." Ron stammered. "I can... explain."
"Explain what?!" Kim snapped. "That you're dating, possibly sleeping with, my arch-enemy. How could you do this to me, Ron?!"
"Kim, I can make my own decisions." Ron argued. "I know you don't like her, and I know you have plenty of good reasons for that, which is why I didn't mention it sooner."
"But Shego!" Kim snapped. "I can understand almost anyone else, but Shego?! When did this even start?"
"We started falling for each other when you were kidnapped and Drakken ended up in a coma." Ron explained, the memory bringing sadness to his eyes. "It didn't happen overnight, but we eventually found that we had more in common than we had previously guessed. We bonded over time, and... decided to take the next step."
Kim stayed silent for several moments, Ron anxiously awaiting what her response would be. He knew this was going to be a lot to take in, especially at a time like this. Ron knew he would have to mention it eventually, but neither he nor Shego were thinking about anything but their own feelings when KP discovered them.
"I'm your best friend... or I thought I was." Kim spat at him."Did you consider, even for a moment, how I would feel about this?! How could you have done this to me?!"
"I didn't know I had to clear everything I did with you." Ron snapped back. "I have my own life, KP; I don't need your permission to do everything!"
"How could you possibly be so selfish, Ron?" Kim snarled. "Don't you realize she's just using you, using you to turn you against me? You can't trust her! I know her!"
"No, KP, you really don't." Ron glared. "I've gotten to know Shego better than you will ever take the time to discover."
"Do you know just how naive you sound?" Kim gasped out in disbelief. "You're hurting me, you're being used by her, and you don't care, do you? Why? Is it because she sleeps with you? Use your brain, Ron, instead of what's between your legs!"
"Listen to yourself, KP; do you know what you sound like?" Ron informed, his voice growing quiet.
"Just go away, Ron." Kim shook her head sadly. "I don't even want to look at you right now." Ron beat a hasty retreat, not wanting to damage their friendship further.
If she was perfectly honest with herself, Kim had to admit it was much more than just Shego. She'd be unhappy about anyone Ron was currently dating, even if they weren't an enemy of hers. Kim still had feelings for Ron and was hoping to rekindle their relationship one day once she had recovered from everything she had been through in the past year. But did you really expect him to wait? Kim asked herself. It didn't seem fair to him.
Shego's intruding on your territory; you know how to put an end to it. A voice laughed inside her head. She can't stand against you.
No, she wouldn't do it, however tempting it currently was. What hurt most of all, though, even more that he was dating Shego, was that Ron hadn't mentioned anything to her. He didn't trust her enough to tell her the truth. He didn't think she could handle it; Kim conveniently overlooked how she had initially reacted, and had she thought of that, might have concluded that there was some validity in Ron's reasoning. However, she was too angry and upset for it even to cross her mind.
What was happening to their friendship? Why was it, that no matter how she tried to repair the damage, it never seemed to be enough? Oh, Kim always enjoyed spending time with him and on the surface, it appeared as if nothing had changed. Looking deeper, though, both of them had. They hung out together much less than they had previously. Kim subconsciously went out of her way at times not to talk to him, or made excuses as to why she couldn't meet up with him. It was an unpleasant realization.
Kim was aware that they had more important things to worry about, like staying alive; her relationship drama was beyond trivial in comparison. Insignificant or not, she couldn't get it out of her mind.
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These were the occasions where Gil believed that he had sold his soul. Most of the jobs Fukushima sent him on were unpleasant, dangerous, and life-threatening. There were many occasions where he thought about just giving it all up, running away, fleeing, even trying to kill him in order to break free from his imprisonment.
However, as soon as those thoughts came, he knew it was folly. His brother was held hostage to his good behavior and Fukushima made it clear that if Gil ever betrayed him, Matt would suffer the most painful death he could imagine. For his brother's sake, for the last of his family, Gil stayed his hand and did what Fukushima ordered. It did not mean he hated him any less.
After months, he had been almost completely broken. His entire world revolved around Fukushima, either doing his bidding or accepting his punishment. I'd never imagined there could ever be such pain. Gil thought. His monstrous form was little protection against the kind of dark powers his master could use against him.
For that matter, Global Justice agents had proven quite competent. Gil had undoubtedly injured them all, possibly seriously, but he took great care not to actually take a life. His soul was already blackened enough as it was; he didn't want murder on his conscience.
And to think in the fact, I considered Stoppable the worst human being on Earth. Gil almost laughed at his previous naivete. He had learned what true evil really was. Gil stared in the face of it every day, served it, bowed to it, all the while desperately wishing he could escape. It had given him a new perspective on life, and while there was very little hope in his mind left, there was still a tiny flicker in the back of his mind.
"Did you get what I wanted?" Fukushima asked, making Gil jump nearly a foot. As time went on, Fukushima even looked disfigured and vicious, thanks to the rituals he performed in order to boost his power. His eyes glowed red, and his face became increasingly pale.
"Yes, yes, here he is." Gil told him over and over again, on the verge of panic. Sometimes, his brother was tortured even when his mission was successful, for no other reason than as a reminder as to how powerless he was.
"Good to know; Monkey Fist may yet be useful." Fukushima looked over the sedated man coldly. "When he approached me, I was merely a student, but now I am the master." Gil got the feeling that Fukushima was talking much more to himself than to Gil. He loved to go on and on about how great and powerful he was; typical villain behavior.
Though I've never seen any of them this depraved. Gil thought, but his facial expressions betrayed nothing, another painful lesson he had learned during his time here. He heard news snippets sometimes about him being in Missing Persons, but doubted that anyone would find him. Even if they did, even if they discovered everything, what could they possibly do? They'd just be more of Fukushima's victims.
"He will wake up soon enough, hopefully at least partially cured from my former master's treatment." Fukushima smiled. "It seems to be going quite well. The alliance I made has been quite beneficial." He waved for Gil to follow him, something he did only after he reminded himself of the consequences of not doing so.
Gil closed his eyes to the horrors that awaited in this chamber. He could smell the death inside it, the rot of decaying bodies. He knew only a few basics of what went on inside here, and he prayed that he would never know the rest. Even what little knowledge he had was enough to make his stomach turn, and the stench very nearly made him vomit.
In the center of the room, surrounded by blue crystals, a young woman with a bag over her head had her arms tied behind her as she struggled to get free, yelling with all her might. Gil wanted to tell her that the place was soundproof, but refrained. She would find out for herself soon enough. He wanted to kill Fukushima and rescue her, as he had with all the other victims. Gil vaguely recognized her, but it didn't matter who she was; no one deserved what was about to happen to her.
"I'm glad you decided to stop by, Monique." Fukushima laughed, taking the bag off of her head. Monique... he vaguely remembered her as a girl who used to go to Middleton High.
Wasn't she one of Possible's friends... Gill mused, and his mouth dropped open as the full implications set in. He knew the precise purpose of this session.
"Go to hell, whoever you are." Monique spat at him. Gil was forced to admit, she had guts. Most of the others were too terrified to speak. She was frightened too- that much he could easily read- but she persisted with her defiance.
"Aren't you the least bit curious as to why I brought you here?" Fukushima smiled.
"I'll take a wild guess and say this is supposed to be a trap in order to lure Kim and Ron here so you can kill them and continue your plan to 'TAKE OVER THE WORLD'. Monique responded dryly. "Really, it's not that difficult."
Fukushima chuckled and circled her as she struggled to get free. "Yes and no; my interest is the outsider. He'll pay for everything he's ever done to me."
"Yep; again, doesn't surprise me at all." Monique rolled her eyes.
Without even the slightest warning, Fukushima launched red lightning out of her fingertips, the energy pouring into Monique's body. Despite her attempts to appear strong, her screams echoed throughout the room. It was more pain than she had felt in her entire life; it felt like her body was on fire. Her body convulsed, her arms mowing as much as they could in the restraints.
Gil looked away, trying to block out as much of the sound as he could. He wanted to help her, he truly did, but his brother was all he had left, and he swore to keep him alive, even if that meant blackening his soul in the process.
You can't turn your back on this again! He screamed at himself, willing his body to move. Fukushima was focused on his victim. Whatever his power, he was still human. In his mutant form, he would be easy prey if he could take him by surprise.
If. Unless he killed Fukushima immediately, his brother would be the one enduring the pain Monique currently was. It halted Gill for the moment, although his conscience was still fighting hard to make itself heard. He took a single step closer, mind conflicted, unwilling to watch the spectacle, but feeling helpless to stop it.
The torture had turned Monique into a sobbing wreck. She had always considered herself a strong woman and not easily broken, but she'd do anything to avoid going through something like that again. "Please... please stop." Monique managed to gasp out, forcing herself not to let the tears fall. Her heart was pounding and her veins still felt like they were on fire. She wanted to remain defiant, to hold out hope that she would be rescued, but it was becoming more difficult by the second.
"You'll have to be more specific." Fukushima informed, resuming his attack with even greater intensity than before. His face beamed in joy as a smile spread out across it. Gil couldn't stop himself from shuddering.
This was what he swore to serve. Reluctantly, perhaps, but he still worked for him. Gil now saw what happened to the others, the bodies that were hung up around the home. And it looked like this Monique girl was about to be next.
I can't watch this! Gil screamed, barely managing to keep from saying it aloud. His legs turned to jelly, so weak that they could hardly support him. He knew he should do something, that he couldn't just watch her die, but there was nothing he could do. Now, though, he was even beginning to question if keeping his brother alive was worth serving a creature like this.
Fukushima paused again and by now, Monique had given in. Her tears flowed freely as she begged him: "What do you want? Why are you doing this? I'll do anything!"
"I want to listen to your suffering!" Fukushima exclaimed, one hand firing energy from his fingertips, the other firing red balls of energy, scorching his body. Gil collapsed and threw up on the floor, unable to endure the sight of the scene any longer.
Whatever his decision was, he was going to have to make it quickly. Already one of her shoulders had dislocated from the convulsions and Gil was unable to tune out her screams. His heart broke for her, and he was slowly gathering up the courage to try. Fukushima could not continue with whatever his plots would ultimately lead.
"You are pathetic; you are nothing." Fukushima grinned. "Even the outsider is stronger than you, but nevertheless, you have an important part to play." Gil could smell the burned flesh of her body and a couple of areas where her clothes had melted into her skin. "Do you think your precious Possible is going to jump to the rescue? She's already been killed by Global Justice, thanks to my ally! You are alone, you are helpless, and by the time I'm through with you, you'll be begging me for death."
Futilely, Monique tried to run from him, but her injuries were such that she could barely get to a sitting position, much less try to escape, since her hands were still bound. It resembled a wounded animal trying to flee from its tormentor. Fukushima did nothing to chase her down. In fact, he seemed downright amused by her efforts.
"No, no, you're not going anywhere." Fukushima informed, hitting her with another dose of lightning.
He couldn't watch any longer and retreated from the room, cursing his cowardice. Now, though, Gil understood that he could not be allowed to continue.. Despite what Fukushima thought, he believed Team Possible was around. He'd have to simply wait for the right moment to make his move.