"Merry Christmas Mr. Stoppable", said the Prison guard as Ron stepped up to the final gate into the maximum security wing. Ron had passed through several security checkpoints on his way through the prison and was impressed at the professionalism and order that was maintained even on such a holiday. Yes, it was the afternoon of December 25th and where was Ron Stoppable. Was he home celebrating with his family? No, he had done that this morning. Was he out celebrating the holiday with his friends? No that would come later this evening at his restaurant. No, Ron Stoppable was here at a GJ maximum security prison to pick up a package for his longtime friend.
"Same to you and your family Wilson", said Ron to the guard as he was rang through the gate.
"Speaking of families, how is yours?" asked the guard.
"They are happily consuming every aspect of my life from my time to my money".
"They will do that but we tend to enjoy every minute of don't we? Are you here today for a pick up?"
"Yes I am", a most important pick up thought Ron. Ron had finally reached the last waiting area and it took only a minute or so for the opposite gate to open. The Raider emerged surrounded by four guards who stood relaxed but wary. The Raider wore a grey prison uniform and carried only a small orange bag on his shoulder. He was clean shaven and his hair was pulled back in a black and red pony tail. He stood several inches taller than Ron and considerably wider than him as well. Ron had to hand it to Kim and Shego's genes; they didn't do things half way.
From behind the Raider and the guards emerged a man in a tight business suit with a clipboard and a set of paper forms. He quickly sorted the forms and handed the clipboard to Ron.
"Merry Christmas Warden", said Ron.
"If you will just sign at the bottom Mr. Stoppable, our business here will be complete", said the Warden in a clipped business like tone. Ron took the clipboard and signed where indicated and handed it back to the warden.
"He is all yours Mr. Stoppable. Do you want my guards to escort you out?"
"No that won't be necessary, will it?" as Ron eyes sought out the Raider's and he received a near imperceptible nod of consent.
"Very well", the warden turned around without acknowledging the Raider as he and his guards withdrew. Ron motioned with his hand down the corridor and began walking as the Raider caught up matching him stride for stride. They stopped briefly at the prison dispensary for the Raider to pick up his personal effects. The Raider changed to a set of civilian clothes; sunglasses, a pair of jeans, a Kim Possible "The Girl Who Can Do Anything" t-shirt, and a red leather jacket. All his remaining items fit into the single bag he carried. The Raider thought of the irony of his situation. He had stepped forth from the time portal with probably the most advanced technology on the world at that time and now he personally possessed less than most homeless vagrants. Well not really, he knew better, but it felt that way.
After leaving the dispensary, Ron and the Raider passed through several more check points until finally emerging out into the crisp afternoon air. The Raider paused for a moment to breathe and linger in the scent of outside air. In the six months of his prison term, he had only been allowed outside a few times and then only within an interior guarded courtyard. During these past six months the only visitor he had received was Kim Possible who was occasionally accompanied by her wife Shego, Doctor Betty Director, or by Ron Stoppable. Kim had come once every two weeks to talk to the Raider. The Raider had both feared and treasured these encounters. They had talked of his life before coming to the past and Kim had told him stories of her and Shego's life together both before and after they were married. The Raider had of course read about Kim's life from her records but to actually hear it from her was so much more satisfying. He had been reluctant at first to talk of all the terrible things he had done in his own time out of fear that Kim would reject him. However, she had listened and offered care, concern, and comfort instead of shock. He thought that would have made him feel better but it had only made him feel less worthy of her. He had looked into her eyes and found compassion but not forgiveness. He knew he she had not given that to him yet. He was determined to make himself worthy of her and maybe someday, maybe someday…
"Thank you for meeting me here today Mr. Stoppable", said the Raider when he noticed that Ron had stopped and was watching him. "I know a man as important as you must have must better things to do on such a holiday than retrieve someone such as I".
"Ron, remember call me Ron", said Ron as he extended his hand to the Raider.
The Raider hesitated only a moment before reaching out and taking the offered hand in his own. "Once again thank you for honoring me with your name".
"In more ways than you know", said Ron as he began walking once again. The Raider looked confused by Ron's statement but said nothing and followed him as they walked toward the prison's visitor parking lot. Instead of a car there was a GJ transport hovercraft waiting for them. Ron waved the Raider aboard and then followed.
"Middleton and step on it", said Ron to the pilot. The Raider sat down on one side of the transport and Ron the other leaving them facing each other.
"My house is in Upperton. Why are we going to Middleton?" asked the Raider.
"I know where your house is and I can't believe the Director let you keep that place."
"The property was paid for and not listed under any of my criminal activities. But I believe it was an act of contrition on the Director's part for my aid against the Proconsul. However, back to my question, why are we going to Middleton?"
"You have an appointment for Christmas dinner", said Ron matter of factly.
"You're taking me to them aren't you?" Ron merely nodded. "This is the Christmas holiday. Wouldn't it be better to postpone this until another time? I don't wish to spoil their holiday with what will almost certainly be an awkward situation".
"Yes it might be, but it's what Kim wanted. However, before we get there I just wanted to have some time to talk just between us guys".
"Us guys?"
Ron reached down and lifted the display of a laptop computer as the visage of Wade Load filled the screen. Ron moved the screen so that both Ron and the Raider could see it clearly.
"Yes, us guys", said Wade in a crisp forceful tone.
"Allow me to apologize Mr. Load for my actions against you, it was not personal", said the Raider.
"Save it. I already know why you did what you did. So we will table that for now, but if you ever mess with my stuff again…" Wade let the threat hang in the air.
"Understood and I thank you".
"Well now that that's out of the way we can now have our guy time", said Ron.
"I have already experienced multiple interrogations during my incarceration, is this too be different?"
"Maybe? Don't know what you have already been subjected too but the point we wish to make is that you are about to be part of a family that I hold as dear as my own. That I would do anything to protect, even kill for", said Ron.
"The same goes for me", said Wade.
"That being said we will tolerate no threat to them from anyone, even you", said Ron his face calm but his eyes held deadly menace.
"If that is the case, then why am I here?" said the Raider.
"The first reason is that they asked for you. Your family is offering you the chance to become part of their lives. Your parents called in a lot of favors, from all over the world, to get your sentence reduced. Favors that took decades to acquire and seconds to spend", said Wade.
"The second reason is mine", said Ron. "I know the girls would brain me for saying this but I have wanted to add some testosterone to Team Possible for some years now". Ron flexed his muscles in an exaggerated way.
"Ron…" said Wade in exasperation.
"Regardless of what some people may think about Shego she is most definitely a woman and not a man. So my point is that sometimes I am just a little old-fashioned and would like another guy, no offense Wade, to help me protect them. Bottom line is we are not getting any younger and probably with Gracie joining us soon I could use some help. So have I found such a man?"
The Raider didn't answer immediately. They were offering him a chance to belong. But did he deserve to belong? That was the question wasn't it. Where did he belong?
"You honor me to leave such a judgment to my choice. In truth I am unsure of exactly where I belong in this time. But for however long I am here and for however long I am allowed to be a part of their family, you have found your man".
The Raider noticed Ron and Wade exchanged looks and appeared to reach some unspoken agreement.
"Well then we wish to extend to you our welcome", said Ron.
"But remember we will be watching", said Wade.
"I would expect no less", said the Raider.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The hover transport landed on the drive way to Kim and Shego's house. The door opened and the small ramp lowered. The Raider descended the ramp and looked back as Ron didn't follow him from the craft.
"Aren't you coming?" questioned the Raider suddenly appearing unsure. The cold and crisp December air was both exhilarating, sobering, and a reminder that staying outside was not the best option.
"Are you kidding? If I set foot in there they will never let me go and besides I have my family to get back too. Remember Shego can smell fear, good luck". Ron pulled up the ramp, closed the door, and the transport lifted off and sped away.
The Raider watched the transport go and then almost reluctantly turned back toward his parents' house. He was only about ten strides from the front door. Hardly any distance at all but to the Raider it felt like looking across the Grand Canyon. He had crossed a hundred battlefields in his life and had faced death so many times the concept was almost cliché to him but he had never felt terror like he did now. The terror of looking into their eyes and what he might find there: rejection, remembrance, shame, pain, blame, or pity. Pity might be the worst.
He recognized the car of Kim's parents, his grandparents, in the driveway. Wonderful someone else was here that he had rolled over in the overzealous execution of his plan.
He could still leave. He could disappear. He knew how to do that even in this time. It might be better for him. Always thinking of himself first was what she had said. If it was time for him to become part of something more than himself, than he needed to consider their feelings in this. He just didn't know if he was strong enough for that.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kim Possible, dressed in a skirt and a snowman Hank Christmas sweater, and Shego Possible, dressed in slacks and a green Go-City Christmas blouse, stood next to each other as they looked out the window at the Raider as he stood unmoving on their drive way. They had seen the transport land, the Raider emerge, and the craft then took off leaving him behind. They had watched as the Raider looked at the house and they had seen the doubtful expression spread across his face.
"I'm going to go get him", said Kim.
"No", said Shego.
"Eme please", pleaded Kim.
"No Kim. This has to be his own choice. He has to want to do this. You and I can't prop him up for this".
"You're right, but it's Christmas. We can't leave him out there in the cold".
"He has to meet us half way on this, it can't be by our decree. We shipped him here but he has to come the rest of the way on his own".
Kim continued to watch and silently willing the Raider to have the courage to face what she knew had to be a scary situation for him.
Kim and Shego both turned in shock when the front door opened.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Raider's head snapped up at the sound of the front door to the house opening. He was caught off-guard and involuntarily took a step backwards.
Anne Possible, Kim's mother, stood in the doorway wearing a red and green holiday dress and the kitchen apron that she had put on to help prepare Christmas dinner. She had her hands clasped before her and her smile was filled with such warmth that the Raider was frozen and unsure of what he should do.
"No fun coming in if you are actually invited", said Anne playfully as she beckoned the Raider inside with a friendly wave of her hand.
The Raider started to move forward until he stood before what he knew was his grandmother and he realized she knew that truth as well. "First allow me to apologize for my actions toward you and your family, especially striking you. I have no adequate defense other than to say that at the time I didn't feel as if I had a choice. If you will allow, I would like to show you that I am not… a monster".
Anne smoothed her red, slightly greying, hair back behind her ear and smiled her warmest smile at the Raider. "Apology accepted. Now allow me to apologize to you for my daughter and daughter-in law. They are the best parents anyone could hope to have but sometimes they do have an exaggerated sense of drama."
"I believe it may be a family trait", said the Raider.
Anne chortled at the Raider's response as she led him through the door. "I hope you're ready for a Possible Christmas because they can be quite a handful".
"I apologize that I am unprepared and bear no gifts. A prison dispensary is a poor place for shopping".
The Raider and Anne were interrupted by heavy footfalls coming down the stairs. "Yoouuu'rrre Heeerrrre", Anne skillfully moved aside as Gracie launched herself at her brother. The Raider was easily twice her size but even he was staggered under his sister's impact. The pair swung around several times until her momentum was spent and the Raider lifted Gracie up high before dropping her rapidly into his arms.
"I'm so sorry. I have missed you so much. They wouldn't let me in the prison to visit you", said Gracie as she continued to hug her brother.
"I know. I asked them not too", said the Raider as he reluctantly broke their hug.
"Why?" asked Gracie.
"I didn't want you to see me there".
"It wouldn't have mattered to me", said Gracie waving off the comment.
"It would have mattered to me", the Raider looked around warily. "Is Ms. Normal here?"
"No she isn't and it's Mrs. O'Sullivan now. Abby and Seamus just got married last month and won't be back from their honeymoon until after New Years'. By the way thank you for helping them along", said Gracie winking at the Raider.
"Don't blame their decision to marry on me that was first and foremost their success."
Anne cleared her throat to gain their attention. "Gracie why don't you take your brother somewhere he can get cleaned up before dinner".
"Oh, yeah. We built a whole new room onto the house just for you. Of course we expected you to be a little smaller and you know like drooling and needing diapers. Come on let me show you", as Gracie quickly pulled the Raider off toward what was to be the baby's room.
As soon as they had left, Kim and Shego came into the room to stare after them. Both women looked at each other wondering what exactly to do now. "Ouch", they both exclaimed when Anne slapped them both on the back of their heads.
"I am going to do something I had promised myself never to do; give you parenting advice. Both of you have been such good parents that before this I never needed to, but you need to get your heads out of the ground and face this."
Damn where did she learn to hit that hard thought Shego as she rubbed her head. "Are you expecting us to just be happy with this whole situation? At this time of his life he is supposed to be twenty-seven weeks old not twenty-seven years old".
"No, I am not expecting you to be happy. This is an unhappy day", said Anne as she crossed her arms and leveled her best mother's authority face at them both.
"What do you mean mom?" asked Kim.
Anne looked down the hallway and saw that James Possible, her husband, and her granddaughters Emily and Zoe had all peaked around the corner and were watching them. She glared around Kim and her gaze by itself was enough to convince James to pull his granddaughters away and leave them alone.
"What I mean, is that I am unhappy that I have lost so many years with my grandchild. Now you have brought him here and that means regardless of past events he is now part of this family. Either treat him as such or send him away. To do neither is no service to him or yourselves".
"We are sorry mom", said Kim as she looked hard at Shego to indicate she not argue the point.
Anne walked by them both on the way to the kitchen. "I'm not asking for an apology. I'm telling you that I am not going to lose one more second of the precious time I have left with my family". Anne stopped before going into the kitchen, turned around and looked both of the women in the eye. "What are you going to do?"
Kim and Shego stood stunned at Anne's statement.
"She's right you know. We have to move beyond the past for all of our sakes", said Kim.
"I know she is right!" said Shego as she crossed her arms in a huff. "I am just so sick and tired of her always being right. When is anybody going to say, Oh Shego your wisdom is undeniable how can we ever deny that you and only you are right".
Kim slid up behind her wife embracing her and rested her head against her shoulder. "Oh Shego…"
"Don't patronize me Possible I am not in the mood", said Shego but she didn't try to get out of Kim's embrace.
"I have an idea. It's kind of radical and it's kind of crazy", said Kim as she turned the slightly taller woman around and draped her arms around her neck. Shego wrapped her hands around Kim's waist but one of her eyebrows raised up warily. "Regardless of his age, you and I just brought our baby boy home. Why don't we just try to enjoy it and see what happens?" Then Kim leaned forward and kissed her wife. The kiss was soft at first but it quickly grew more passionate as both women took solace in each other's arms.
"Playing kissy face with me doesn't always get you what you want", said Shego chidingly.
"Oh, yes it does", said Kim as she twirled her fingers in Shego's hair while smiling malevolently.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"It's pink", said the Raider as he looked at the color the room was painted.
"Yeah, well it was supposed to be a nursery and you were supposed to be a girl", said Gracie. "Don't worry it has a normal sized bed in it now and the bathroom is huge", said Gracie as she drug her brother across the room.
"I don't need a bed. I have no intention of living here".
"But you're at least going to stay tonight, it's Christmas. I know, you could stay until New Year's and celebrate with us".
"I don't know if that would be a good idea".
"Oh stop being negative, and go get cleaned up", said Gracie as she shoved him into the bathroom. "I'll go get you some towels". Gracie hurried to a closet and returned handing the Raider some towels as he washed his face.
"I hate mirrors", said the Raider as he tried not to look at his own reflection.
"It's not the mirrors you hate but the way you see yourself in them", said Gracie. Gracie went up to her brother and stood next to him as she looked into the mirror. "When I see myself in the mirror I see my youth, my confidence, my mother's adventurous spirit, and my momma's dry humor. What do you see?"
"I see a too skinny girl who thinks herself clever".
Gracie punched the Raider's arm. "Not me you dope. What do you see in yourself?"
"I see the pain I have caused others and my shame".
"And there we have our problem". Gracie grabbed her brother's arm and shook him slightly. "Listen to me and listen well. I am alive, you are alive, the bad guy is gone, the world is still free, and so we won. Learn to accept that or better yet learn to enjoy it".
"How can I enjoy it, when every time I see our parents all I can think of is what I took from them?"
"You aren't the sibling I was expecting. You aren't the child they were expecting. The best way to make that up to all of us is to be here for us now".
"You are wise for one so young. It's no wonder I fell in love with you so quickly".
"Of course you did, I'm adorable. Now if you're done moping I think it's time to eat a wonderful Christmas dinner".
"Spankin", said the Raider.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kim and Shego were waiting for them when they came down to the kitchen. Gracie smile but looked a little nervous and the Raider stood so straight he looked like he stood at military level attention.
"Gracie why don't you go help your sister's set the table for your grandmother", said Kim.
"Sure thing mom", said Gracie and she winked at the Raider before she left.
"Relax sergeant you're not on duty now", said Shego.
"My rank was squad leader, but that is of little import at this time. I wish to thank you for inviting me to your home on this holiday".
"You're welcome and we thank you for joining us", said Kim.
All three of them both parent and child seemed unsure of just what to say or do. The awkward silence dragged on for several silent moments as each person tried to find what they wanted to say. The Raider chose practicality was the best place to start.
"Your house is impressive in both its design and security. It required me to expend considerable time and resources to circumvent its defenses".
"You must explain to me how you did that", said Shego, "so I can take measure against it".
"I took detailed notes".
"I understand you have a house in Upperton. We would love to see it sometime", said Kim.
"I would like that, but it may need some work as it has been vacant for some time now".
"You're welcome to stay here for now at least until you get settled", said Kim.
"I thank you for the offer but I don't wish to be any more burden to you than I already must be".
"Listen squad leader I may not be the most amiable host at the best of times but if you are going to be a part of this family you're going to need to spend some time with it", said Shego.
"Eme", hissed Kim.
The Raider looked at Shego trying to gauge the seriousness of her comment. "Please, I believe Mrs. Shego Possible to be correct. Gracie has asked that I stay until the New Year. Would that be acceptable?"
"I would like that very much", said Kim as she stepped forward and took one of the Raider's arms.
"Just call me Shego, the Mrs. Possible thing would get very old very quickly", said Shego as she took the Raider's other arm. The Raider looked inquisitively to Kim for a moment and it took her a second to understand.
"Oh yes, just call me Kim. I agree the Mrs. Possible thing is a little over the top". Kim hated feeling the way she did but she didn't yet feel comfortable with him calling her mother.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Gracie watched as her twin sisters, Emily and Zoe, worked to get their brother Nicholas into his chair for dinner. Nicholas was almost two years old and the two ten-year old twins could barely maneuver the baby into place.
"James would you help your granddaughters please", said Anne as she was taking food out of the oven. James Possible looked up from his Christmas Scientific catalogue and smiled at his wife. He walked over and lifted his youngest grandchild up into the air.
"Rocket boosters are a go", he said as he twirled the laughing baby over his head. "Coming in for a perfect landing on the surface of the moon", he said as he placed Nicholas into his chair. The twins giggled and then raced, trying to pushing each other out of the way, to get to their chairs at the table.
"Gwampa, Gwampa", cooed Nicholas as James let him go.
"That's right little fella", James turned as his daughter, daughter-in law, and newest grandchild entered the kitchen. James remembered the time he spent in the company of the masked Raider. The man had been brusque, harsh, and even brutal in his tactics and manner. The man before him now seemed hesitant, repentant, and embarrassed. The Raider's eyes were the exact duplicates of Kim's, James noted as he met his grandson's gaze. The thought of that both pleased and troubled him at the same time.
The Raider disengaged himself from his parents and stopped just before James. "I am sorry I was not able to return your research Dr. Possible".
James reached up and patted the arm of the Raider. James noted the hardness and the definition of the Raider as he rested his hand on his grandson's arm. Damn this guy is strong, thought James. "Call me James and don't worry I had it all up here", said James as he tapped his forehead.
Before the Raider could speak Gracie walked in between them carrying plates for the table. "Yes we know you are honored with his name now sit down and we can get started".
The Raider glared at his sister for the calculated anticipation of his response but he said nothing back to her. James merely smiled and directed everyone to the table. The Christmas dinner was set and the Raider noted that this was definitely better looking than prison food. Perhaps that could be the greatest deterrent for crime the world has ever known. Actually allow potential criminals to experience prison food prior to committing crimes. He was sure the crime rate would plummet.
Kim sat at one end of the table and her father at the other. On one side sat Emily, Zoe, and Anne who sat next to her husband. Nicholas sat next to Kim and the other side sat Shego, Gracie, and finally the Raider.
Anne reached out and took Zoe and James's hands and looked across the table to the Raider. "Would you please say Grace for us?"
The Raider hesitated before taking James and Gracie's hands. Gracie smiled at him and he found strength in her simple gesture of support.
"May we be thankful for the food before us and for the good company. May we be mindful of those who played a role in producing that food. May we be grateful of our good fortune. May we be helpful to those whose fortune is not as good".
"That's lovely, where is that from?" asked Anne.
"It's an Atheist's table grace, am I right?" said James.
"You are correct. I learned it researching aspects of this time period", said the Raider.
"We had a visiting scientist at the space center who said something similar and he was an Atheist".
"What do you say at the end of it?" asked Emily.
"A-men", said Shego frowning slightly.
"Just so", said the Raider.
"What's an Atheist?" asked Zoe.
"An Atheist is someone who embraces Atheism. Atheism is a different viewpoint of faith and God", said Kim.
"Is that a bad thing?" asked Zoe.
"No it is just a different thing. One which we can discuss later", said Kim. Zoe and Emily both looked forlorn that the discussion was effectively closed but they said nothing more on the subject.
The meal progressed without further incident until later in the meal Anne probed for more information from the Raider. "So what will you be doing now that you are back in Middleton?"
"As part of my probation I am to work for GJ, and get paid well, for a period of no less than three years. I believe that Doctor Director and Mr. Stoppable are hoping for me to work with Team Possible".
"That would be great. Wouldn't that be great?" said Gracie.
"I believe we could arrange that", said Kim. Shego just grunted and Kim kicked her wife under the table.
"We'll see", said Shego.
"Where will you be living?" asked Anne.
"I still retain my home in Upperton and I will be resuming my residence there after the holidays".
"They let you keep it", said Gracie excitedly. "You should see his place it is so cool and so big. It would make two of our house and ours is already huge".
"What do you need that much space for?" asked Shego.
"I don't know yet. But I hope to expand my interests beyond…well, what they have been before".
"Yeah, you could turn it into the ultimate man cave. Gun range, karate dojo, game room, home theatre, pole dancing room, the works", said Gracie.
Shego actually coughed up the mouthful of food she had just ate while Anne blushed and James guffawed. The twins laughed at everyone's reaction and even Nicholas joined in by laughing when sensing the ridiculous situation.
"Gracie Possible I'd swear I have raised you better than that", said Kim. Gracie saw the look in her mother's eyes indicating that they would continue this conversation later. The Raider held Gracie's hand under the table and squeezed it in encouragement.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As the meal wound down the elder Possibles gathered their things to leave for the night. Anne and James said goodbye to everyone especially the Raider.
"Come by the Space Center some time. I would love to have the opinion of a man from the future on some of the projects I am working on", said James as he put on his coat.
"Don't listen to him. You should come by the hospital and let me do a scan of your brain. I'm intrigued by the science incorporated behind your gender genetic development", said Anne.
"Mom, dad; he is your grandson and not a test subject", said Kim.
"What are you talking about Kim, that just makes him a more interesting test subject", said Shego.
"I shall endeavor to do both as soon as I can", said the Raider.
"Momma can we show Mr. Raider our Christmas presents", said Zoe as Emily sat nearby smiling.
"I believe he deserves such punishment", said Shego. The Raider merely looked resolved and he bowed his head toward his grandparents before letting Zoe and Emily lead him away.
James hugged Kim and Anne Shego. "This is part of the healing process. I know your family is strong enough to endure and prosper, trust me", said Anne as she held her daughter-in law.
"It just feels…"
"Does it feel wrong?"
"It just feels different from I thought it would".
Anne backed away and looked Shego in the eye. "Do you believe he is an evil person?"
Shego contemplated and rationalized all that had happened in her relationship with her new son. "No, I don't believe he is evil. Arrogant, foolhardy, religiously misguided, and a general pain but not evil".
"Then that is a wonderful place to start. The rest will follow".
Kim came over and hugged her mother. "Merry Christmas and thank you".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Raider sat on the living room couch surrounded by Zoe, on his left, and Emily, on his right, and their pile of Christmas plunder. "Mom and momma always give us so much stuff", said Zoe.
Gracie came in carrying George on her shoulder and the naked mole rat waved enthusiastically to the Raider.
"When we have too much or are through with something we donate it to needy children", said Emily.
"That is generous of both you and our parents", said the Raider.
"Are you really our little brother?" asked Zoe as Kim, carrying Nicholas, and Shego entered the room. The Raider noted that Kim held a large manila envelope in the hand that was not carrying his brother.
"Yes I am".
"You don't look so little", said Emily.
"I have been away for a long time which allowed me to grow up differently than yourselves". Kim sat down on the opposite sofa with Nicholas in her lap. Gracie sat on the back of the sofa behind Kim. Shego remained standing and leaned against the wall as they all watching the exchange.
"Where did you go?" asked Zoe.
"Someplace far away that I am glad to be free of and happier still to be here with you".
"What did you do there for so long?" asked Emily.
"I was a soldier".
"Did you fight?" asked Zoe.
"Yes, often".
"Did you kill people?" asked Emily.
"Emily Abigail Possible! That is not a question you ask someone. Especially your brother", said Kim as she gave Emily her best mother's glare.
The Raider held out his hand gently toward Kim. Then turned back to his sister. "Yes I killed people".
"Many?" asked Zoe.
"Far too many", answered the Raider turning back to his other sister.
"Why?" asked Emily.
"There is no adequate answer to that question. All I can say is that it was a different time and I was a different person. I was not a good person".
"But you are a good person now, right", said Zoe.
"I will be but only if I have your help", said the Raider as he reached out and hugged both his sisters to him. They laughed the bright and happy laughter only small children have.
"What changed you?" asked Emily.
"That is an excellent question. While I was in a dark place I was visited by an angel", said the Raider as reached out to Gracie. Gracie jumped up and came around to the back side of the Raider and leaned over the sofa to take his hand. With his other hand the Raider pulled forth a picture from his pocket. "The angel showed me a different way. She showed me the face of love". The Raider held out the picture he had taken of Kim and Shego in the GJ hanger months ago.
"It's a picture of mom and momma", said Emily.
"And they are making that kissy face look they give each other all the time", said Zoe.
"Zoe Marie Possible that is not true", said Shego.
All three girls Gracie, Emily, and Zoe all pursed their lips making kissing sounds as they looked to their parents.
"I don't know about you Shego but I believe I see several children who want to give all their new stuff to needy children tomorrow", said Kim looking stern.
"No!" all the girls cried in unison.
"Then I would suggest you let your brother finish and no more wise cracks about your parents", said Shego.
"Did you have Christmas when you were away?" asked Emily.
"No I did not".
"That is so sad. You didn't have any holidays to celebrate with your family at all?" said Zoe.
"Not any holidays like you have now. My squad was who I spent all my time with. The squad was everything to me then. We trained, we worked, we fought, and we did everything together".
"But you didn't give presents to each other?" said Emily.
"Not presents like this. Once a year we did have a naming day ceremony".
"What was that?" asked Zoe.
"Well we viewed the squad as one entity. Being a part of the squad was being a part of a larger whole. So each year every squad member was named the part of the squad they best represented. Someone could be the brain, the strong-arm, the happiness, or the humor depending on the choice of the other squad members. It was considered a great honor to be named something important".
"So this squad was like your family?" said Emily.
"Yes it was".
"Like our family", said Zoe.
"Exactly".
"What part of our family would I be?" said Emily.
The Raider looked upon his sister and made a contemplative face. "You would be our good feelings and compassion. The care and giving that brightens our days, warms our nights, and makes being together special".
"What part would I be", said Zoe.
"You would be our enthusiasm and sense of adventure. The drive that makes us excel and give all we have in everything we do for the world and each other."
"What would Nicholas Be?" the twins cried in unison. The Raider looked to his brother as he sat on Kim's lap.
"He is our caring and acceptance. He is the reason that we keep each other safe and why we fight so hard to save this world of ours".
"What part would Gracie be?"
"Gracie is our joy and our hope. She is the first, the binder. She is what brought our family together and is the bond that ties all of our lives together". Gracie bent down and hugged her brother while kissing the back of his neck.
"What part would mother be?"
Kim saw the Raider look upon her and for the first time was able to see him and not the Raider.
"She is our heart and love. The bearer of dawn and the bringer of life. Her light chases the darkness away and brightens all of our lives". Kim stood up from the sofa and with Nicholas knelt before the Raider's left knee, next to Zoe. She placed the manila envelope on the floor beside her.
"What part would momma be?"
Shego saw her son look upon her and finally realized how close they had come to never being together. That thought hurt more than all the fighting that had happened between them.
"She is our strength and resolve. The pillar and foundation of our family. She is our true center without which we can't hope to stand".
I will not cry thought Shego as she slowly advanced to kneel before his right knee, next to Kim.
"What part would you be?" asked Emily.
The Raider turned to look at his sister with an expression of pure shame. "What would I be…"
"He is our courage and honor", said Shego. The whole family turned to look at Shego as she continued to speak. "He is the sure certainty that any of us would sacrifice all we have for each other. He is living breathing poof that anything…"
"Is possible for a Possible", finished everyone but the Raider.
"You do me great honor", said the Raider. "But I am no Poss…"
"Yes you are!" said Gracie as she gripped his shoulders. "Can we give it to him now, please?"
Kim looked at Shego who nodded and she reached down picked up the envelope and laid it across the Raider's knees. "This is our Christmas present to you".
The Raider picked up the envelope and slowly opened it pulling forth a single page that he didn't recognize.
"We worked with Doctor Director and with GJ's help we managed to work out the judicial kinks of you being here. This is your birth certificate", said Kim.
"And your name", said Shego.
The Raider's hands trembled as he held the document and Kim saw his eyes grow large. "My name", whispered the Raider almost reverently.
"You are James Ronald Possible", said Kim.
"Our son", said Shego and then against her wishes she began to cry.
"Our brother", said Gracie.
The Raider read the words on the paper and heard the words Kim had spoken but still couldn't believe them. He had searched and dreamed of the simple defining nature of a name for so long that to achieve it seemed unthinkable. He had witnessed people taking their names for granted so easily and had both envied and cursed them at the same time.
He now knew where he belonged. "I have a name".
The Raider, now James, slowly leaned forward until his head rested on his parent's shoulders before him. Then twenty-seven years of pain and loneliness came rushing out of him and for the first time in his life, he cried. The whole Possible family wrapped themselves around him as emotions held back for too long came out in a torrent of both gain and loss.
Shego had one arm wrapped around James and the other around Kim and Nicholas. She buried her head in James's hair and breathed in his smell. She turned her head and whispered gently in his ear, "Welcome home".
The End?
Author's Notes:
There I have finished my first FanFiction story. Why didn't one of you warn me to start with something shorter and not to try for something so epic in my first attempt? You just wanted to see me suffer didn't you?
Yes the story went out with an "Aww" and not a "Bang". I know the story had time travel, fights, robots, chases, and general mayhem but it was really about personal growth and finding your way home.
I wish to give special thanks to Poetheather1 and the Optimistic Scholar for the use of their characters and for their aid and support throughout the writing of this story.
I also wish to give a shout out to jim89 my most loyal reviewer. You are much appreciated.
I am already in the works putting together a follow up story with this version of the Possible family. If you want a story with action, romance, humor, and magic (lots of magic) it will be "The Children of the Comet". The story will have an evil immortal, Voodoo witches, mutants, weddings, bachelor parties, Vegas, human sacrifice, old high school rivals, Bourbon street, and of course the power of the love of family.
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.