Ok, you know how it was meant to be the final chapter, well it still is, but since the word length was getting too long I decided to make it a two part, I also wanted to explore a bit of Khan's motivations and explain the real reason Bagheera was never seen in the Talespin universe, also the reason this has taken so long is at the end of this chapter
The Final Chapter, Part 1
For a brief moment all was silent, whilst everyone tried to take the situation in, Kit, almost of habit felt himself pulling into Baloo's side, something Baloo knew bothered the boy, though he didn't blame him one bit. The room itself seemed to intimidate the older bear, who wasn't used to this type of opulence, though from the look on Molly's face, it was something she had dreamed of, as she looked up at the Bengal Tiger and squealed; in a tone Baloo imagined the room was unused too.
"Wildcat", Molly made a move, to run to the suited individual for a cuddle, as Rebecca pulled her back. "No sweetheart, his name is Mr Khan, he's not Wildcat…we left Wildcat back at the office", Rebecca explained, both to her daughter and to the man himself. For a brief moment, Baloo saw a small smile dart across Khan's lips, which he realised, did remind him of Wildcat…at least the way he was back then. "I see", Khan smiled at the young girl "So you must be little Molly Cunningham?"
Rebecca blinked, but wasn't surprise Khan knew exactly who she was, if she knew about Kit, the so far unclaimed reward and of course his injuries, he no doubt had looked at who were his Guardians. Molly nodded, happy that this man knew who she was. "Is this your castle?", the childish honesty in her voice, a stark contrast to the seriousness of the room, caused smiles to break out amongst all the adults, even on Khan's head pilot, whose name everyone soon learned was Bagheera. "This is my place of business and my home…but if you like castles, I did prepare this just for you". Khan stepped back, with something that could almost be described as a flourish as Molly saw not too far away was a pink dollhouse castle, standing slightly taller than her, with dolls outside just begging for a little girl to play with. Molly gasped and not even asking Rebecca if it was alright tore her grip from her mother and rushed over there immediately immersing herself into an adventure.
Rebecca blinked just amazed at Khan's distraction and realised their arrival he had no idea Molly would be in attendance. Did he have a castle in his office, just in case of situations like this? But decided not to ask further, and noticed that the castle and now Molly were far away enough not to be a distraction to the obvious grown-up situation in the room, and close enough so Rebecca could keep an eye on her.
With that matter quickly settled Khan motioned for the three bears to join them at a large ornate table in the centre of the room and gestured to the document they surrounded. It was an A3 piece of paper, which had been folded and refolded at least a dozen times, from the paper marks it was clear that this was done in haste, but had taken a while to do. "This note was left with one of my pilots, on a failed raid" Bagheera explained, to the others whilst Kit knew exactly what it was. "It's the blue prints of the Iron Vulture", he practically breathed, taking in the sketch. He knew it all instantly, for a brief moment it suddenly appeared as if in real time on the table, due to the almost perfect design "But a few things have been missed off". Khan nodded "We understand that" he relied in his almost dulcet tones "Which is why we'd like you to explain further".
Kit studied the blueprints of the Iron Vulture, it had been written quickly, it was detailed enough to be useful, but only to the people who really needed it. They needed to know everything, and Kit since he had spent time hiding in its rafters and scaling the decks after dark for the extras he needed to build his airfoil, was that said expert. It seemed strange, to both Baloo and even Kit, that this small for his age twelve year old, had the Chief of Police, and Shere Khan rapt at his every word, which was being written down frantically. "Well first of all, there's a hatch leading here…" As the evening wore on, and more detailed were added to the blueprints, to the point it began to look like a convoluted mess, as Kit also noticed two small initials of the map, spelling "MD", indicating this had been send from Mad Dog. Baloo noticed subtle changed in Kit's attitude, initially this shy boy who initially spoke almost too hesitantly, began to take on a sharper edge as he was describing the rafters he had hid , and the best way to get to the various points, without being detected. It was the same edge, as the day he had first met him, and Baloo knew with each description, he was casting himself back into his days as a Pirate.
As the sun in the sky disappeared, Khan motioned for food to be brought for all, and a break in the proceedings Bagheera initiated a conversation with Baloo about their times in the Air force, a conversation that Kit listened in with enthusiasm, as Khan queried Rebecca about her business. It was a civilised, but also an informal affair. Molly had been brought to the table, but without the undivided attention of her mother, her mind drifted back to the doll's house, and after dessert was served, she dived back to her adventure as the grown-ups, and Kit went back to the table. It took several more hours, and the lights were lit, but the business was finally concluded and everyone felt exhausted "So what you're saying", the Chief of Police, queried Kit, is that this place is impenetrable…a sneak attack is out of the question?"
Kit shook his head, "When docked yes, But Karnage is so paranoid, the only way to get in, in the sky is this". He pointed to a small slot on the top of the map, something Mad Dog had missed out originally. "This ventilation hatch is only two meters across, one wide and the vent leads straight to the engine room". Everyone looked at each other, finally they had a means to an end…but to what end! "We could always wait until he docks the plane", stated Baloo, suddenly worried where this conversation was going, as the Chief shook his head. "According to information we've received, Karnage hasn't docked the Flying Vulture in months, he's assembled ammunition and explosives and according to the other information, become more paranoid".
"So you're saying if you're going to catch him…it has to be done in the air?" Rebecca asked, and couldn't help throwing a look in Kit's direction, "Kit said it was impossible, no man could fit through that hatch". Then both Baloo's and Rebecca's worse fears were realised by Kit's quiet voice "But I could".
Everyone turned to look at him, it wasn't a statement, but a matter-of-fact, which received the expected reply from both bears "No you're not", Baloo's voice was determined enough, but didn't seem to sink into Kit's skull, even Khan is seemed made a move to protest, followed by Bagheera, but Kit just ignored them, and threw a note of steel in his voice "Yes I can, if I can plan an explosive on at least two of the four engines", He indicated on the blue prints "In the chaos, I can also drop the hatch, and the police can storm the place and everyone can be arrested…it's simple really", he finished, though neither of the eyes looking at him, shared that opinion "It's too dangerous, Kit I refuse to let you near that damned ship". "But I'm the only one who can do this". Kit countered, staring at Baloo, can you think of everyone else? I can get there on my airfoil, get through the hatch, and set an explosive…let's face it, I'm the only one who can do this, can you think of anyone else?"
The full ruminations of what Kit had said began to sink into all the adults, and everyone, even Khan had the good grace to look concerned. Finally the Chief, spoke up "No Kit, there is no other way…but you, we have people formulating a plan of attack right now, but this hinges on your agreement right now…are you sure you want to do this?" Slowly Kit nodded his head, "Yes I do", It was more of a whisper than anything else, but it was all the confirmation they needed as everyone seemingly stepped back from table, the meeting more than concluded, before Rebecca interjected "Hold on, Kit would have to handle explosives…so you are happy to give a twelve year old boy, a bomb!", the maternal tone on her voice, made it clear she would neither be reckoned messed with. "Mrs Cunningham, I assure you, my team of scientist will create an explosive, that will not harm Kit in anyway, for that you have my assurance. Both Baloo and Kit, felt visibly relieved at the question, neither of them thought to ask, both of them had been in situations, where they almost took danger for granted and never thought further then the next day.
As Karnage folded the map up and passed it to the Chief, "I trust you have all the information you need, and of course my private air force will be on standby for you to formulate a plan". He said in his smooth tones, indicating the meeting was over. As Kit, suddenly exhausted by the night, began to sway on his feet, to be grabbed by Baloo before he could fall, Rebecca cast her eye to Molly, who after playing to exhaustion, had fallen asleep on her knees a doll in one hand, and a smile on her face. "If you don't mind Mr Khan", not bothering to hide the frustration she felt. "I would like to get my children home".
Baloo almost smiled at the use of "My children", something she was sure she didn't notice had slipped into the conversation. All Khan could do was nod, but then said "If you're sure, I have several rooms in this complex made up for guests and they are at your disposal, it is quite late for the children, and I must admit Mrs Cunningham, I would like to hear more about your business and your rather unique set up". The hypnotic effect of Khan's words, seemed to penetrate Rebecca's mind, as she found herself nodding in reply, within seconds the four of them had found themselves escorted to a magnificent set of bedrooms by one of Khan's maids who had appeared out of nowhere. Even with the sleeping Molly in her arms, Rebecca jaw dropped by the magnificence of the room, full of gold and white, with soft lush beds, just begging for an occupant. After she settled her daughter in for the night, Rebecca fell asleep straight away, whilst Baloo and Kit were settling into their own identical room.
Even though it was late, Kit felt a layer of dirt sticking to his skin so taking advantage of every hospitality stepped into the shower, turning the thermostat higher than her should, letting the too hot water, wash over his scarred fur, as he washed it thoroughly until it began to sting. He was longer in their then he should be, since in Baloo's shack all he had was a bath to bathe in, and this was indeed a luxury. Throwing a towel over his body, he left the room, to find Baloo sitting in a chair, looking thoughtful in Kit's direction. As their eyes met, in a second Baloo listed Kit up into his chest, and held him tenderly. "Kit are you sure you want to do this…you don't have to go one the Iron Vulture?" Kit thought for a second, then shook his head "I'm the only one who can do this Baloo, we both know that…I'm the expert after all", the latter part of the statement carried a glib tone, which cut into Baloo's heart as he reluctantly nodded "Well then, I'm going to be with you, when you do", no matter the plan that would be put in motion, he would make damn sure he was by Kit's side.
Kit nodded, in response, and Baloo expected to spend most of the night comforting the boy, in what had become a time and tested practice, but instead the boy who smelled of sweet shampoo was asleep almost instantly against Baloo's chest, who waited a moment, before gently tucking him into bed and planting a small kiss on the boys head. Baloo knew he should hit the hay, and that bed next to Kit looked more than inviting, but at that moment sleep evaded him, and he desperately needed a drink, normally in Kit's presence he abstained from drinking anything alcoholic, but Kit was asleep and he was prepared to make an exception to the rule. Stepping out to the living area, he expected to be alone, instead his ears caught the sound of the two men on the balcony, as they sipped what looked like scotch, smoked cigars and were having a very heated conversation.
"For the last time Shere, do you have any idea of how stupid this idea really is, your placing everything in the hands of a twelve year old boy…how reckless this whole idea is, did you see the look on his face all night, and his mother…did you see the look on her's?"
"No matter what you say, Rebecca Cunningham is the employer of his guardian, and nothing more"
"Oh that's bull and you know it, that woman is that boy's mother, and were placing him in serious danger…have you any idea what will happen in this fails, how are we going to break it to her that Kit was killed in the Flying Vulture, the very place he almost died trying to escape from, oh and the place he risked it all going back too? Because I really don't think you have". The tone of Bagheera voice was totally different, which caused Baloo to blink, he had no idea someone could stand up to Shere Khan, like that, that it was even possible.
He noticed both men's demeanours was totally different, more relaxed and casual, and in some ways wasn't surprised, it had been a mystery in all the gossip rags which Becky, and on occasion Baloo read in secret at Higher for Higher, that Khan was a dedicated bachelor and never seen on the arms of a woman, and that the rags would have a field days if they acted on their suspicions that he preferred his own gender…before naturally Khan would put them out of business for even suggesting it, as a frown creased across Khan's face. "What do you doubt, the boys abilities, or Baloo's?" which caused a resounding cough from Bagheera as he threw more alcohol down his throat. "Baloo von Bruinwald, no that's one pilot you would never underestimate, he was a hero in the war, to the point everyone knew his name, if he hadn't quit he would have been living a cushy life as a Brigadier general by now, so don't let that relaxed attitude fool you for a second, he's the only man in aviation history to receive the "Medal of Honour" and to throw in back in the Air Force's face…at the ceremony!"
Baloo who never talked about his Air Force experience, preferring to remain silent on the subject suddenly felt very uncomfortable and began to inch back towards the bedroom, however his slight movements drew the gaze from Bagheera who turned his head and looked at him, followed a second later by Khan. After a moments silence Bagheera dropped his glass, and turned to Khan "I'm going to bed, I'll see you upstairs", he informed the Bengal Tiger in s sharp tone, that indicated that this conversation wasn't truly over, but the black panther needed his space from Khan that night, as he passed by Baloo he grabbed a clean glass that was lying on a small table and pressed it into Baloo's hand before Baloo could even react as the dark skinned pilot disappeared into the lift.
What followed was a lapse silence, until Khan broke through the darkness. "Mr Baloo, would you like a drink?" Baloo joined him on the balcony as in a split second the glass he was holding was full of liquid "It's Scotch, a very good year" assured Khan as Baloo took a gulp of the liquid, and burned his throat in the process. As the two men, looked out on the spectacular view of Cape Suzette Khan was the first to speak, "So I gather you over heard the conversation, with my Pilot, regarding the plan". Baloo chose his word carefully, he had only recently met Khan and knew the power he had over everything he wanted "And I gathered, he wasn't happy about it" was the reply, "Your pilot that is". A thoughtful look, crossed Khan's face, whilst Baloo kicked himself inwardly, "Baloo, you must understand that Bagheera isn't just my pilot, he is also my bodyguard, due to the nature of my business and I stress my business, I have gained over the years many enemies, which makes someone like Bagheera a necessity to a man like me"
The tone of his voice, made it clear to Baloo, that this matter was closed…or else, as Baloo's brain fought to change the subject. "But he is right about something, Rebecca doesn't want Kit to go through with it…and neither do I, you do realise how dangerous this is don't you, of what we're really asking Kit to do? Or that you haven't exactly helped Kit settle into his new life, with that damned reward you put out there, which was like painting a red mark on Kit's back", Baloo turned to the Tiger with his firm expression as he watched Khan's demeanour shift. "Don't get me wrong, Baloo I must confess making Kit feel targeted was never my intention, the fact that I've tried to make amends via my ointment he uses doesn't even come close. But do you feel any satisfaction of us both knowing that the moments my pilots and even you were celebrating a defeat against Karnage, that that small boy was bearing the brunt of it all? I've compared the incidents and dates he supplied, and the fact that I was the harbinger of his abuse, is not something that has sat easily with me, for some time which is why I suggest you never do the same".
The look of unmistakable guilt on Khan's face was disconcerting to say the least, as Baloo took another drink of scotch. "All I want is to get Karnage out of the skies for good, and sadly that boy of yours is right, he is the only expert we have. And he has to be the one to do it". Baloo and Khan contemplated the statement in silence, as Khan refilled both their drinks, "So everything lies in the hands of a twelve, year old boy…some great father I turned out to be". Maybe it was the scotch talking, as Baloo pretty mush laid out his fears at the situation, he wasn't afraid of death, but he was afraid of losing Kit, and that Rebecca, Molly and even Wildcat would suffer because of it. Khan seemed to pick up on this, and offered his own solution "You do realise if any incident does occur my company will compensate Mrs Cunningham for it"
"Which Becky would just call "blood money" and slap it literally in your face" Baloo stated matter of fact, and smiling inwardly at how that scenario would look. "No, she would never take money off you…but there is something I would like you to do". Khan raised his eyebrows and said nothing, as Baloo contented, "I never had a chance to finish school, or do much with my life, apart from the Air force, and then my company…which I then lost to Rebecca, because of my own stupidity, and now I've suddenly become a father, now I have to think about my own future, and now Kits who deserves a better life then I can really give him. What I want is for Kit to finish school and go to a good college, to do more with his life then I ever did…and I want the same for Molly, so can you arrange that", he finished quickly before Khan could say anything, before adding "And when my boy goes up against Khan, I'm going to be there right behind him…he is not going to be in that ship alone".
Even with the night sky, Khan caught the fierce look in Baloo's eyes and understood immediately. "Consider, both request done Baloo, I have to say I'm impressed for a recent father, I always assumed you had a screwed sense of responsibilities, I have to say I'm wrong" Baloo finished his glass and turned back to the Tiger, "And can I also have your word, that this conversations, never be repeated to Rebecca, I know it concerns her daughter but she would hate it right now".
"I can imagine her stubbornness, and her reluctance to accept, what she would deem charity, from anyone" came the smooth reply
"That and she may expect me to work harder", Baloo said, which managed to produce a small chuckle from Khan. "You may be right on that, she is an exceptional woman after all"
"Something else we agree on" Baloo smiled, as both men finished there glasses, their business concluded and they both walked through the room. "You have my word Baloo; I will do everything in my power that no harm comes to your family". Khan assured as he stepped into his lift and Baloo went back to the room, Kit was still sleeping soundly as Baloo threw off his shirt and crawled into the bed next to him, he had thought sleep would evade him but perhaps with one more weight off his mind he fell asleep in seconds.
The next morning, all the guests woke up, with the bright sunlight beaming thorough their rooms and someone having come in during the night, and had washed and laundered their clothes, Rebecca with Molly in hand, joined Khan and Bagheera as a continental breakfast was laid out in front of them, with Khan reading the papers, Rebecca and her daughter enjoyed the opulence of the room, as they dined as Molly eventually grew bored and stumbled back to the doll's house, eager to continue her private adventure, whilst Rebecca kept one eye on the clock, eventually voicing her opinions out loud, which caused both Bagheera and Khan to raise an eyebrow at Baloo's suggested laziness. "Mrs Cunningham, though I on occasion, can share in your opinion about your Pilot, May I also make a suggestion is perhaps the reason Baloo is currently not in attendance, is that he wished to ensure the emotional wellbeing of his son, before joining us".
Rebecca raised her own eyes at the smooth statement of Khan's defence of Baloo as he continued, "As you bore witness, last night did take its toll on the young boy, no matter how he would deny it…even to you". Rebecca, felt inwards ashamed at this statement, which caused her cheeks to flush, something she countered by taking another sip of coffee, and was rescued as almost on cue, her two employees joined them at the table. "Did you sleep well?" she asked Kit, in a desperate attempt to save face in front of Khan. "Brilliantly, that bed was so wonderful, Baloo pretty much had to pull me from it", confirmed Kit, who's face bore no trace of the emotional ordeal he had lived the night before, as Bagheera, Baloo and Kit enjoyed the food and continued their conversation about planes from the night before, whilst Khan indulged Rebecca, in a conversation about their respective companies, he had after all started in a very similar position and was sure the hints he gave Rebecca would be promising in the future.
As the clock hit ten, Khan folded his papers, as Bagheera stood up, which all of them knew was the indication that they needed to leave, as Rebecca turned to her daughter in an attempt to wrest her from it, which led to a storm of protest from Molly, whilst all Rebecca could do was apologise, as Khan and Bagheera walked them to the lift, everyone shook hands, with the assurance that Khan or one of his associates would be in contact in a few days, as the lift closed smoothly behind them, and a few minutes later the four of them were being driven home. Molly looking pointedly glum at leaving that dolls house behind, whist the rest of them were just deep in thought as they thanked the driver and stepped back into the Higher for Higher office, finding Wildcat curled up on the couch, utterly exhausted from his own nights adventures which as Rebecca found on from the notes on her desk went beautifully.
As Baloo and Rebecca caught up on the business, Kit and Molly busied themselves with playing on the docks, until as she arrived home, she was greeted by a large parcel addressed to Molly, who ripped it in delight as she revealed to the world her brand new dolls house. Rebecca felt embarrassed by this, she knew that Khan must know of her financial circumstances, and that she would never be able to afford a house so opulent, until she read the note out loud and calmed down somewhat.
"Dear Mrs Cunningham, as you can imagine I receive very few children to my office, and have decided that it needs to be played with, by a child who would really appreciate it. I can imagine little Miss Cunningham was inconvenienced by last night, and hope this will serve as an apology". Rebecca understood instantly, as she watched her daughters delighted smile, no matter how Khan dressed this up, she was sure that this was a gift meant for Molly and only Molly, as Rebecca wrote a thank you note and as was disturbed by a call from Baloo, who told her that they had received a delivery of a new bed and mattress for Kit, since according to his own note, Khan felt it was unjust that he was denied his own "compensation" and deserved his own reward, Rebecca caught the embarrassed tone in Baloo's voice and realised that he was calling because he desired some agreement on the intended plan, which Rebecca assured him, was the right thing , even if in the back of her mind she felt like she was lying to him. As the next day, she walked into her office and all her regrets came true, as Baloo was standing there, with Kit and Bagheera, who informed her in a straight tone that the plan was going ahead…that night.
Ok, well thank you for reading and please review if you liked it, the reason I cast Bagheera in this story, is that in the original Jungle Book, he was the one who raised Mogli, who lets face it is an expy of Kit and I wanted to show a softer side to Shere Khan. Also the reason this had taken so long is that in the last few months, I have self published my first book, completed the NaNoWriMo...and I am also recovering from shattering my ankle, but the stage is set and next chapter yes, finally it all comes to a head