The ringing peal of a hammer sounded throughout the room. The heat of working the metal was intense. For the thousandth time the Raider wished he could take the damned mask off but he couldn't. Not with the half-dozen GJ watchdogs watching him from the perimeter of the room. All he had to work with was the chest plate from Dementor's toy but it had the largest complete section from his old armor. The high density Duralloy metal was irreplaceable in this time and he calculated that he would have barely enough to finish. He couldn't reconstruct a new suit of armor so he would have to settle for the next best defense, a shield.
The New Year had started and he had worked for days now on the new shield and attempting to help GJ plan strategy on how to find Drakken. This was a critical and dangerous time. He needed GJ's help but he needed to make sure they didn't find the project until he was ready. His window of opportunity would be narrow indeed if his goal was to be achieved. There were still several more months to go and there was always the danger that the project could be completed earlier than his timetable allowed. How did he let this get so out of control?
He finally had the metal where he wanted it and he placed it in the liquid resin he had concocted to cool it and strengthen it. Another day or two and he would be done. He signaled to his GJ keepers that he was done and they escorted him from the room. He was then lead back to his quarters where he immediately searched the entire area for any hidden surveillance before relaxing and taking off his gear
He entered his bath area and showered then once again checked the area for surveillance. Once assured of privacy he brought forth his GJ bag. Within were the files and the photograph. The journal was safe for now and the rest would come in time.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Special Agent Will Du stepped into the Director's office carrying his pad and a cup of coffee. The Director sat behind her desk sorting through various reports on her computer and among the hard copies before her. Will sat the cup next to her and took his place before her desk.
"Status Update on location of Doctor Drakken?"
"We still have no reliable leads on the location of Drakken or his associates".
"What of the Raider?"
"He has complied with our rules so far but his aid has not generated any more leads than our own work".
"What of the repairs to the Clearinghouse?"
"They are proceeding on schedule. Supervisor Crystal Sterling wished to thank you again for speaking at the memorial for the fallen agents. However, we have detected a discrepancy in the inventory that was conducted after the battle".
"What kind of discrepancy?"
"Two hardcopy files were missing from the protected archives. The entire GJ personal dossiers of Kim and Shego Possible. The files contained everything GJ had collected on both of them. The robots never got near the archives so I believe the theft must have been conducted by the Raider. If you will allow me I can conduct a search of his quarters…."
"That won't be necessary Agent Du", said the Director cutting him off.
"But Director we can't just…"
"Do we have redundant copies of those files?"
"Yes Director".
"Then the matter is closed. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Director".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Gracie was back at high school for the start of the spring semester. She was still grounded for two months and her parents were adamant that this time there would be no wiggle room. So she had associated with a worldwide known super criminal behind their back. No big. What was big was that she was still associating with the same said criminal.
She stared into her school locker and saw the Raider's Journal sitting there next to her normal school books. She had promised not to look in the Journal but her curiosity was just killing her. Between the temptation of the Journal and the flash drive, which she still couldn't get into, she was seriously bummed out.
She had overheard her parents talking about the Raider now working with GJ. His plan, whatever it was because he hadn't shared it with her, must have worked. He had merely asked her to keep his Journal and promise not to look into it.
Her mother had left one day in a panic after word had reached her that momma and Uncle Ron had been in a big fight at a GJ base. Apparently though the Raider had helped them and they had won. The Raider still both frightens and confuses her.
"Are you alright Gracie?" asked Mary Stewart her longtime friend and fellow female member of their band The Gang from Galway. Gracie startled for a moment and then realized she had let herself get worked up.
"I'm fine Mary just being a little dimwitted".
"Your parents still have you grounded?"
"Yes, I'm sorry. They won't even let me practice with the band now."
"That seems unjustified".
"No it's very justified. But it will pass and we will be back to doing what we love".
"That's the spirit. Now cheer up and I'll see you in class", and Mary left for their next class.
Gracie stared back into her locker seeing the Raider's Journal. "Doing what we love, yeah" and she closed the locker.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"What is the delay Doctor?" asked the Proconsul in a soft but irritated voice.
"We are having difficulty stabilizing a portal. You know as well as I do that it's not just enough to open a portal in time but we have to open it to a specific moment in time", warned Doctor Drakken.
"Yes, yes. I'm well aware of proper temporal mechanics".
"As you know we were never able to recover the Journal from the Raider. He apparently had the proper frequencies and calibrations we needed. Therefore we are delayed by having to experiment rather than move to practical application".
"The journal you say. The Raider would never have let his allies have access. It would reveal too much of his plan. I have a theory on where it might be and who might have it. If we are delayed longer, we may have to actively acquire it even if it may reveal our position".
After the Proconsul left Doctor Drakken accessed the base's communication equipment and sent a short message. He then wiped the log of the message.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The call from GJ came after lunch that they had found something that might be a lead on Drakken. Shego had to leave and rendezvous with Uncle Ron. That afternoon Kim picked up Gracie at school and Kim took the opportunity to take Gracie out to talk.
They first went shopping and finally they stopped to eat at a nice Italian restaurant. Kim had been a little worried about Gracie after the Christmas debacle. Gracie had been subdued over New Years. Kim wanted Gracie to know that even though she had done something that Shego and she had disapproved of she was still there for her.
Kim had felt worn out all day long. She knew she was seventeen weeks pregnant and starting to really show it. The back aches and being almost constantly hungry weren't as bad as feeling like a hippo in a thong.
"Are you all right mom? You're not sore about momma running off on missions without you these days?" questioned Gracie.
"I'm fine dear, just pregnant. It was never fun to go on missions with your momma while pregnant. She was always so super protective".
"Maybe she is protective because you always seemed to have someone trying to kill you while you were pregnant".
"There is that. Between you and me I would really like to avoid that this time around".
"Don't worry mom because now you have me as well to help protect you. By the way do you know what mission momma got called away on?"
"Apparently GJ and the Raider found some clue that might point to Drakken's location. So your momma, Uncle Ron, and the Raider went to investigate".
"I heard that the Raider was helping you guys now. See I told you he was different".
"He is definitely different, but just because he is now helping us doesn't mean you're off the hook young lady".
"You and Uncle Ron were doing things at my age and momma was even the enemy then".
"It's not the same thing". Well technically it was but Kim wasn't going to admit that at the moment.
Gracie looked up with a contemplative look on her face. Maybe she could have some fun with her mother. "Let's see, when you started the hero business Uncle Ron was your partner and momma was the enemy. So since I started with the Raider as my partner and my enemy if I follow the Possible hero tradition then eventually he and I should marry and have lots of kids".
Kim was right in the middle of eating her pasta and she suddenly choked and sputtered at Gracie's comments. As Kim sat and hacked for several seconds Gracie came over and patted her mother's back while giggling happily. Kim finally managed to breathe again and quickly drank some water.
"Don't even joke about that, honey, especially around your momma. She is liable to try to incinerate the Raider just to eliminate any chance that could come true", joked Kim.
"Don't worry mom he is definitely not my type".
Kim was glad to hear that but she was really starting to not feel very well. "Honey, if you don't mind why don't we take the rest of this back home. I'm starting to feel really tired". It was then that Kim's vision blurred and the then the room really started to spin. "Gracie…."
Gracie watched as her mother rubbed her temples with her hands and suddenly Kim's eyes rolled back and she collapsed to the floor. "Mom!" Gracie rushed to her mother's side and tried to revive her but Kim was not responding. She pulled out her Kimmunicator. "Uncle Wade! Uncle Wade!" Gracie yelled in panic.
"Hello Gracie what's wrong", Wade could see the concern on Gracie's face. Gracie turned the Kimmunicator so Wade could see Kim's unconscious form.
"Mom's collapsed and we need help".
"I've got your location fixed and I'll have emergency services there in two minutes".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The mission had been a total bust. The lead had been the remnants of Dementor's henchmen who had used the leftover Dementor tech to launch a few crimes of their own. When Shego, Ron, and the Raider had descended upon them they had resisted but the fight had been quick and decisive. They left the henchmen bound for the authorities and searched for any other clues to Drakken's location but were able to find none. They were now sitting on the GJ transport on the way back to Middleton. Ron and Shego sat on one side and the Raider on the other. The Raider and Shego sat opposite staring silently at each other. Ron appeared oblivious to the tension between the two.
"So if you're from the future do you happen to know the winners of the next few Kentucky Derbies or Superbowls?" asked Ron.
"No Mr. Stoppable. I was not a student of history", answered the Raider.
"Darn. That would have been some knowledge that we could have put to some descent use. Think of it we could have made a fortune".
"What were you a student of?" asked Shego.
"Death".
"Is that supposed to scare us?" taunted Shego.
"It scares me", said the Raider.
Just then the Shegophone went off. "Yes, Nerdlinger what is it. You're spoiling our philosophical conversation".
"We've got trouble. Kim collapsed while at dinner with Gracie. She was taken to Middleton General Hospital".
Shego immediately sprang from her seat. "Pilot we have a change in course. Take us to Middleton General now".
"We have orders to return the Raider to the GJ facility", replied the pilot.
"And now you have orders from me. He is allowed to be out as long as two authorized personnel are with him and Ron and I constitute that. Now change course or I will come up there and change it for you".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Gracie had ridden in the ambulance to the hospital with her mother. The doctors had immediately taken Kim back for examination and Gracie had been told nothing after that. She had contacted her grandparents and Abby as Wade said he would contact her momma. Gracie was thankful for that as she could imagine her momma's response to Kim collapsing while being pregnant. Not a pretty picture.
Her grandmother, Dr. Anne Possible, had been the first to arrive and she quickly went back to talk to the doctor's in charge. Her grandfather, Dr. James Possible, was next as he had come directly from the Science Center when Gracie had called him. Abby called her and said she would stay with Nicholas and the girls but wanted to be contacted if anything changed and she would bring the kids.
Then she heard the GJ transport arrive and like a force of elemental nature itself Shego strode into the Emergency room. Uncle Ron was with her and obviously trying to calm her down but not being very successful. Shego quickly asked Gracie how she was and what had happened. Gracie told her she was fine and then the story of them at dinner and how Kim had collapsed. Once she had finished Shego left and quickly ran into Kim's parents. Gracie could not hear the conversation but her grandmother looked worried but confident. After a short while Anne and Shego went back further into the hospital and her grandfather came out to talk to her and Ron.
"Dr. P how is Kim", asked Ron clearly worried.
"She is stable for now but her vitals are low and so are the baby's. The doctors don't know what's going on. They thought it might be a miscarriage but it seems more along the line of a rejection of some sort. It's as if Kim's body is having some sort of autoimmune response to the baby. It just doesn't make much sense".
"I'm going to call Yori", said Ron, "she would want to know about this".
"Gracie I'm going to call the boys they also would want know about Kim", said her grandfather.
Gracie felt as if she stood in the eye of a hurricane. Rationally she knew it wasn't her fault that her mother had collapsed. But it had been right after she had made Kim choke and she couldn't shake the feeling that she somehow was responsible. She just wanted to lash out at whoever was responsible.
"What is your mother's condition?"
Gracie jumped and whirled around. The Raider stood behind her looking over her shoulder back toward the emergency ward. What was he doing here? Oh, that's right he had been on the mission and momma would have come directly here.
"She is stable but she seems to be having some problem with the pregnancy that they haven't figured out yet".
"Where is your tiny animal companion?"
"George, he's at home. Part of my grounding is that I can't take him to school with me".
"Do you wish to help your mother?"
"Yes! What kind of stupid question is that?' Gracie was getting a little angry and she saw the Raider watching Ron, who was still on the phone with his wife Yori.
"I might be able to help her. But I am under too much scrutiny. I will need your help".
"What could you do that doctors here can't?" asked Gracie somewhat skeptical.
"Me personally nothing, but I have access to a former associate who might be able to help".
"DNAmy", said Gracie figuring it out.
"Correct".
"But she disappeared. No one has seen or heard of her in months".
"As a former associate I have kept track of her movements. However, as I stated before my movements and communications are sure to be monitored".
"That's why you need my help. Is it going to involve something illegal?" The Raider crossed his arms and stared down at her. "The band is going to kill me; I am going to be grounded until I'm eighteen. What do you need?"
The Raider backed away from everyone else to make sure they were unheard. "Do you still have your communication device?" The Raider held out his hand. Gracie pulled forth her Kimmunicator and gave it to the Raider. He began punching in several controls at a speed she didn't understand.
"How do you know so much about those things?"
"Oh, I have studied mine for some time to learn all its functions".
"You have one of Uncle Wade's Kimmunicators. Where did you get one?"
"It was a gift from a friend". Gracie didn't understand but at the moment she guessed it really didn't matter. The Raider finished his adjustments and handed the Kimmunicator back to Gracie.
"I need you to get close to your mother and use this to do a bio-scan of her. Next I will need the doctor's charts on your mother. Scan them with the Kimmunicator and then bring it back to me. I will do the rest".
Gracie started to turn but stopped and glanced back at the Raider. "How do I know I can trust you?"
"I promise to help your mother get better and I told you I would never lie to you".
"Ha, I got you! Remember, your Star Wars joke. You told me you were my brother".
"Yes, you got me".
"But I guess I will trust you". Gracie moved back to her grandfather and began to wait. The Raider moved to the far side of the waiting area and stood leaning against a wall. Ron finally finished talking to Yori who said she was coming over later.
It was over an hour later before Dr. Anne Possible came out to tell everyone they had admitted Kim to ICU for observation and testing. She said they would know more in the next twenty-four hours.
Gracie was finally able to go back and see her mother. She found Kim sleeping and Shego sitting in a chair next to her bed. Gracie went up and hugged her momma and was surprised when Shego wouldn't let her go for several minutes.
"I told her Gracie. I told her this could be dangerous. She isn't as young and I'm a meta-human. There is just so much that can go wrong", Shego didn't cry but Gracie could see that it was talking all of her control not too.
"Momma you're wrong. No matter what, mother is more fit than a woman half her age. As for being a meta-human that is only going to make them both tougher not less. This is not her fault and it's not your fault. What's the family motto?"
"Yeah, yeah you're right. Anything is Possible for a Possible". Shego finally released her daughter and reached out to hold Kim's hand.
"I'll stay with her. Why don't you get some air and maybe something to drink?" Shego stretched and seemed to waiver but finally nodded and rose from her chair.
"I'll be right back", she rubbed Gracie's hair as she walked out of the ICU room.
Gracie immediately took out the Kimmunicator and began to scan her mother. The Raider had preprogrammed the scan and it took lee than half a minute. Gracie then scanned the medical charts at the base of Kim' bed. Gracie saw a doctor go to the nurse's station carrying a patient's charts and saw where he placed them. It took a few minutes for the nurses on duty to be occupied but Gracie finally had a window of opportunity and was able to get to the charts unseen. It took a bit to find her mother's information and she scanned the paperwork with the Kimmunicator. She had just returned to her mother's room when Shego came back into the ICU unit.
Gracie leaned in and kissed her mother's forehead as she lay sleeping. "Don't worry mom. I have faith. We'll get you help".
Gracie hugged Shego as she came back into Kim's room. "Can I please stay tonight? I was with mom when this happen and it would make me feel so much better".
"What about school tomorrow?"
"It shouldn't be a problem. Abby could always pick me up when she takes the girls to school".
Gracie went to the waiting area and saw that Aunt Yori Stoppable had arrived and brought Ronnie Jr. with her. Gracie said hello to her and Uncle Ron and then went over to where the Raider still stood standing against the wall.
"Here it is. I scanned her and the charts as you asked". Gracie handed over her Kimmunicator.
"Excellent. Now if you would be so kind as to distract your Uncle Ron so I can contact my associate".
"Will GJ be able to trace or monitor your call?"
"I have faith in Mr. Load's designs. One unit they might be able to beat but two? I doubt it. Regardless we may have no choice. I will route this through my own communications to make sure".
Gracie turned away but she stepped back with a troubled look on her face. "First of all I want to thank you for helping. Second, if you do anything to harm my mother I will never forgive you".
"Understood", said the Raider as Gracie walked away back to Ron, Yori, and her grandparents.
The Raider turned and punched his codes into the Kimmunicator and accessed the system in his house. He just had to hope she was still there. The call went through and if he was a hypocrite he might have bothered to pray. But he wasn't.
"Yes, is that you my Crimson Casanova", the slightly pudgy and worn face of Amy Hall (DNAmy) appeared on the screen. See even without prayer miracles happen, thought the Raider.
"Good evening Ms. Hall. I apologize but I don't have time for small talk. We have a situation and it involves Project Cradle".
"What do you mean?" the Raider could tell that Amy sobered quickly at his reference.
"The subject mother is experiencing what appears to be an autoimmune rejection to the pregnancy".
"I warned you. I told you that the alterations and specifications you requested where dangerous and difficult to predict".
"My memory is almost eidetic Ms. Hall. Of course I remember your warnings but at this juncture they are irrelevant. What I need is your aid in diagnosing the problem and a solution".
"If I do this, does this mean we are even?"
"Very even. I have her medical scans and the doctor's analysis at this time. I can send it all to you".
"Do that and I'll get back to you when I have something"? The Raider transmitted the data and then terminated the call. He turned back to the others and caught Gracie's eye and nodded to her. He could see the concern on her face as she nodded back. Now it was time to wait.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Two hours later they had still heard nothing and Shego was still back with Kim. Yori and Ronnie Jr. had left for their home but Ron had stayed. Doctor Director herself had called Ron to ask about Kim. She offered to have agents come and pick up the Raider but after Gracie asked Ron to let the Raider stay he told her they would bring the Raider back tomorrow. Anne Possible had stayed but James Possible left for home but planned to return.
It was around eleven P.M when the Raider received Amy's call.
"Progress?"
"I believe I have determined the problem and the solution. I have prepared a genetic stabilizing agent that should allay the situation and allow time for the mother's body to assimilate and not react to the fetus in a destructive manner. Can you come and get, because I can't risk coming there?"
"That is problematic at this time. How time critical are we?'
"We'll according to these readings I'm surprised she hasn't lost the baby already".
"Very well. Can you get the agent to these coördinates?" the Raider punched in some GPS signals.
"I can send a messenger there with the agent".
"Very well I will send my messenger. They will rendezvous at those coördinates at midnight". The Raider ended the call and motioned Gracie over to him. Gracie waited until her Uncle Ron wasn't looking and went over to the Raider.
"Ms. Hall has come up with something that could help your mother".
"Great. How do you get it?"
"I can't get it. I am monitored by GJ at all times. If I leave the hospital alone, all hell will break loose. So you must go get it".
"Me?"
The Raider moved to the window overlooking the hospital parking lot below. He saw a bike rack below with several bicycles chained up to it. One of those would do. He pulled a knife like tool from his belt.
"Take this. It will cut through any chain. Take one of the bikes below and go to your high school. Ms. Hall's messenger will meet you there".
"I can't steal a bike".
"Borrow. You will borrow it and return it. Or isn't this worth it?"
"Of course it is. All right I'll do it. But who is this messenger?" Gracie took the tool from the Raider.
"She didn't say but knowing Ms. Hall it could be just about anything. The meeting is take place at midnight, now go".
"Don't be so bossy". Gracie went over to her Uncle Ron and her grandmother and said she was going down to the cafeteria to see if she could get something to eat. Once outside the ICU waiting area she hurried out of the hospital to the parking lot where she had seen the bicycle rack. She picked out a bike and with the Raider's tool she quickly cut the bike's restraining chain. It was late so no one was around as she peddled away from the hospital. Traffic was light as she crossed Middleton toward the high school.
It was getting close to midnight as she finally arrived at her high school. The grounds were dark and she didn't know where she was supposed to meet DNAmy's contact. After several minutes she began to circle the high school grounds looking for whoever it was that she was supposed to meet.
It was as she was circling that she began to hear a sound like the beating of wings. From the darkness above her a form descended from the night sky on large wings. Gracie actually screamed at the sight and began pedaling away from the nocturnal horror. Whatever it was followed her and dove nearly hitting her. She could now see it appeared to be a large monkey with bat like wings. As it neared her Gracie struck out hitting the thing a good blow to the shoulder. The thing shrieked in annoyance and veered away gaining altitude.
"Ha, you're not so tough", cried Gracie as she skidded the bike to a halt. What was that thing, some kind of Monkey-bat? Wait a minute a monkey-bat. That sounds like DNAmy. "Don't go Mister Bat or Mister Monkey. I'm sorry". Gracie began chasing after the winged simian. She lost sight of it after a bit but she kept hearing its wings like it was circling. Gracie finally stopped and got off the bike.
"Please I'm sorry. I'm the one you're supposed to meet to give the thing too". Gracie kept searching for any sign of the beast but now she couldn't even hear its wings. "I have to join the hero business because I just suck at being a villain. I can't even get a clandestine secret reagent exchange to work right".
The creature suddenly appeared crashing into Gracie and forcing her to the ground. It stood over her prone form and screamed into her face. She restrained herself from responding even as her training demanded she strike back. She opened her eyes and found herself looking directly into the creature's eyes as it studied her. She smiled in trying to be diplomatic before she wondered what this thing considered diplomatic.
"DNAmy. I'm here to meet the messenger from DNAmy".
The monkey-bat seemed to recognize something in her words because it reached down and unhooked a bag from a belt like harness it wore. It dropped the bag on Gracie's chest screeched at her again and then took flight. It was quickly out of sight.
Gracie picked herself up and looked into the bag. It contained a small medical pouch and inside was a hypodermic needle and syringe filled with some clear colored fluid. She carefully put the pouch back in the bag and got back on the bike. She was a little sore from the impact with the thing but she peddled hard to get back to the hospital.
When she arrived back at the hospital, around one A.M., she put the bike back in the bike rack and entered through the emergency room entrance. She made her way back up to the ICU area. She saw her Uncle Ron asleep in a chair and her grandmother was not in the waiting area. The Raider was still standing there looking out the window. She quickly moved up to him and triumphantly presented the package.
The Raider looked around to see if anyone was watching and then took the bag. "You look a mess. Go clean yourself up and then come back I will need you".
"You're welcome", said Gracie as she sulked away to the restroom. When she got there she had to admit she was a mess. She was dirty, sweaty, and her hair was a disaster. She took a few minutes to clean herself up as best she could before heading back out into the waiting area. The Raider was now looking into the ICU patient area and Uncle Ron was still snoring.
"Has there been any change?" asked Gracie. The Raider turned and looked Gracie up and down.
"Better. No, there has been no further word on your mother's condition".
"So what's the plan? We could just tell them it's a fix from DNAmy".
"Several reasons. First they might not believe us. Second even if they do believe us they may decide not to use it or delay using it until it's too late. Third we will have to explain how we obtained it".
"Yeah, you're right we don't need to tell them. So once again what do we do now?" Gracie was tired of being grounded.
"Dr. Anne Possible went back to talk to Shego. I need a distraction to pull them both away so I can administer the agent".
"I've got a plan", said Gracie. The Raider looked dubious but Gracie whispered it to him and after hearing it he approved.
Soon the Raider entered the ICU and informed one of the nurses to tell Dr. Possible and Shego that Gracie had collapsed in the waiting area. The Raider then moved out of sight until both Dr. Possible and a rather tired looking Shego came out of ICU. The Raider quickly moved through the ICU dodging nurses until he arrived at Kim's room. He quickly monitored her condition and saw that she was stable but her vital signs were low. He quickly opened the bag and took forth DNAmy's genetic stabilizing agent. He would have liked to have run some tests on this before using it but was out of options. He took her left arm and found a vein. He prepared the needles and syringe and making sure Kim was still asleep and no nurses were near. He then administered the agent into her left arm. When finished he put all the contents back into the bag and placed it inside his suit. Nothing to do now but wait.
He should probably leave as quickly as he could but some impulse held him in place. He was mesmerized by Kim's sleeping face. Her hair was spread like a red halo around her head. She appeared peaceful and content and her breathing had already started to sound better. He had studied her from afar for some time now but had rarely been able to see her this close. She was without a doubt the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
His gaze traveled down her body until it reached her blanket covered abdomen. He saw the bulge that was the baby that rested inside her. On a whim he took off his left glove and rested his hand on her belly feeling the baby bump. It was a strange feeling indeed because he was the only person who understood what was in there. He understood who was in there. He understood what he would have to do. It sickened him.
Just as he was about to pull his hand away he happened to look up once more to Kim's face and he found himself meeting her open eyes. As he was about to pull away her right hand shot out like a striking serpent and grabbed his ungloved hand holding it to her belly. He tried to pull away but she held him there.
"You weren't who I was expecting to see when I woke up", said Kim quietly.
"I'm sorry. I can get your family for you. I'm sure they would want to see you."
"What time is it?"
"After one in the morning".
"Don't you ever sleep?"
"Rarely".
"Why?"
"I dislike what I hear when I try to sleep".
"What do you hear?"
"Screams".
"Former conquests".
"Former victims".
Kim tilted her head and her hair cascaded down the pillow onto her neck. The effect made her adorable to look at and if he didn't have the mask to protect him Kim would have seen the Raider blush.
"What are you really trying to accomplish?"
"Like you Kim Possible I am trying to save the world".
"Did you ever ask the world if it wanted you to save it?"
"Did You?"
Kim actually laughed at that and the sound was like small Christmas bells and it touched something the Raider had never felt before. He knew he should disengage himself before someone came in but he just couldn't.
"It fascinates you doesn't it".
"What?"
"Life" and Kim began moving the Raider's hand in little circles over the baby.
"Yes, I am fascinated by both life and death. There never is one without the other".
"But I take it you've had more experience with death".
"Much more. Creating death comes easy but creating and preserving life seems so much more difficult".
"That is what makes it more precious. Creating and protecting life is what being a hero is all about. I believe if you tried you could be good at it. Because if you're not then what world are you trying to save?" Kim believed that her words struck some chord with the Raider as he squeezed her hand gently.
"I must carry out my task. I promise you Mrs. Possible that if I can accomplish it as a hero I will. However, if I must accomplish it as a villain then so be it".
"If it comes to that we'll stop you", said Kim as her eyelids began to droop down as sleep began to overtake her once again.
"You will try", the Raider slowly removed his hand from Kim's and put his glove back on.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dr. Possible and Shego entered the ICU waiting room and found Gracie slumped down on the floor before one of the chairs. They quickly rushed to her side and Shego lifted Gracie up into her lap. Gracie was unresponsive for a few moments and then told them a story of how she had felt faint and then apparently passed out on the floor. Dr. Possible examined her and said that it had been a rather stressful day. Shego wanted Gracie to go home but Gracie convinced her that she just needed some sleep like Uncle Ron was doing. They all saw Ron was still snoring away in his chair.
They got some blankets from the nurses and Shego gave one to Gracie and put another one over Ron. It was then that Shego noticed that someone was missing. Her mind went into alarm mode just a she caught site of the Raider coming out of the men's restroom.
"Where have you been and what have you been doing?" said Shego barley hiding her contempt.
The Raider turned around and looked at the restroom. "I would think that was obvious".
Before Shego could make any snarky remarks a nurse came out of ICU and requested Dr. Possible to come look at Kim. Shego went over to Ron and kicked him awake.
"What's the sitch" shouted Ron as he awoke?
"I going back to see Kim. Watch him", and she pointed at the Raider. She then followed Dr. Possible back to the ICU.
"On it", said Ron. The Raider went back over to the window and once again merely looked out into the night sky. Within five minutes he heard Ron snoring again. The Raider looked over to Gracie and found that she too had finally fallen asleep.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Abigail Normal walked into the hospital carrying Nicholas with Emily and Zoe Possible following right behind her. They were early as Abby was bringing the girls by before she would take them to school. Upon arriving, they ran into Dr. James Possible as he too was arriving early before going to work at the Science Center.
The Raider turned from his window when he heard the group approaching the ICU. He had lost track of time. Had he really been standing there all night long replaying his conversation with Kim Possible over and over again? He was going soft.
He stepped over to Gracie and nudged her awake. He then went over to Ron and though it took several tries he finally roused him from his slumber. Gracie rose and stretched and then happily went over to greet her family. Ron rose from his chair and stretched with what was obvious back pain.
"Damn. I swear they design these chair to discourage anyone from wanting to wait in here. Has there been any word?" asked Ron.
"Not since they called Dr. Possible back earlier this morning", said the Raider.
"Excuse me for a moment", said Ron as he headed over to Dr. James Possible. Gracie came over after Ron had left.
"How did it go" asked Gracie?
"I was successful in administering the agent but there has been no word".
"I'm worried".
"In the past, I have put my faith in Ms. Hall and your mother and I have yet to be disappointed".
"That sounds prophetic".
"It was meant to be".
Just then a very tired looking but smiling Dr. Anne Possible came out of the ICU. Immediately everyone but the Raider came rushing up to her.
"Kim and the baby seem to be out of danger". The whole room exploded in happy cheers and Gracie quickly turned to look at the Raider and saw even him give a quick fist pump. "They're going to move Kim out of ICU into a normal room and keep her here a day or two for observation but she appears to have stabilized. I can't completely explain it myself but I'm not about to argue with it", said Anne as she buried her head into her husband's chest as James hugged her.
"What about momma" asked Zoe?
"She's been up all night with Kim. When they move her to a normal room you can go see them both", said Anne.
"That may have to wait until after school though", said Abby.
"Aww", said both Emily and Zoe.
"Gracie I brought you a change of clothes for school as well", said Abby.
"Thanks Abby. It has been a long night".
Just then Ron's communicator went off. Everyone including the Raider turned to Ron. Ron fished it out and activated it.
"This is Special Agent Will Du Mr. Stoppable".
"What can we do for you Du?" said Ron while smiling.
"Agent Du Mr. Stoppable. We have recovered a partial DNA match that could be Doctor Drakken from a robbery attempt at an active military base in Arizona. The Director requests Team Possible and the Raider aid in the investigation at once".
"At once you mean as immediately?"
"Yes Mr. Stoppable".
"Send us the coördinates and all the mission specs and information on the robbery. I'll gather the team and we will head out".
"Shego is in no condition to be going on a mission and Kim may need her", said Anne.
"I know but we need two GJ personnel to watch him," said Ron as he indicated the Raider.
"You've got two," said Abby. "James could you drop Gracie and the girls off at their schools. Anne if you could take Nicholas for me I will cover for Shego". Anne quickly stepped forward and took her grandson.
"Are you sure Abby?" asked Ron.
"Last time I checked I was still on the GJ active roster. Could we stop by the house and let me pick up some stuff?"
Ron turned to the Raider. "Any objection?"
"No. It would be an honor to work with Ms. Normal", said the Raider as he bowed to Abby.
"Wait until we are gone to tell Shego because I agree her place is her with Kim. If she needs to blame someone she can blame…"
"Me," said the Raider. Everyone turned to look at the Raider. "Why not, she probably will anyway".
As they were leaving Gracie came up to Abby and pulled her aside. "Can I ask a favor Abby?"
"Sure".
"When you're out there with the Raider, I'm not asking you to trust him completely but give him the benefit of the doubt, please".
Abby's expression soured at Gracie's request. "Very well but only the benefit of the doubt nothing more".
"That's all I ask".
Author's Notes:
This chapter just kept going and going but I loved writing it. The next will involve car chases, skimpy clothing, explosions, drinking, and dancing. Come on it can't all be about feelings.
Kim possible and all characters associated with it are the Copyrighted property of the Disney Corporation and the creation of Bob Schooley and Mark Mckorkle. Any characters of Disney's Kim Possible are used without their permission but for non-profit purposes.