I can't believe it's been over five years. I'm so sorry for the long silence and for leaving this story unfinished for so long. Life got in the way, and I lost track, but I never forgot about this story—or about all of you who've supported it. I totally understand if none of my readers come back to this, but if you do, I hope you'll enjoy this newest chapter. -Mercy
Chapter 5
Rage and Restraint
The morning light streamed softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Kim slowly stirred, the dull ache in her body a reminder of the bruises and cuts from her ordeal. She winced slightly as she moved, instinctively bringing her hand to her bandaged eye, the injury still tender despite the careful treatment Erin had given it.
Shego was still asleep beside her, her arm draped over Kim protectively, her breath even and calm. Kim couldn't help but smile, even with the ache in her chest and the lingering uncertainty in her mind. The night before felt like a blur, but she couldn't deny how close she'd felt to Shego, how much safer she felt with her there. The kiss on her cheek, though brief, had lingered in Kim's thoughts, and now she felt a mix of comfort and confusion.
She headed to the bathroom to freshen up, taking a long look at her reflection. Her eye still felt swollen, a deep bruise coloring the skin around the jagged cut showing from underneath the bandages. Erin had been gentle with the treatment, but the pain was still sharp if she tried to touch it. Kim winced at the sight of her injury, feeling a twinge of self-consciousness.
Shego stirred, blinking against the light. She reached out instinctively, expecting to feel the warmth of Kim lying beside her—but her hand met only empty sheets.
The sudden absence jolted her awake, and she sat up, scanning the room. "Kimmie?" she called, her voice rough with sleep. No response. She tossed the covers aside and stood, glancing around, searching for any sign of her.
As Shego moved toward the doorway, she caught the faint sound of the bathroom door creaking open. She stopped, crossing her arms, watching as Kim slowly emerged, her hand resting against the wall for balance, her face pale and tense. Her eye was still bandaged, but she looked shaken.
Shego exhaled, crossing the short distance between them. "You trying to give me a heart attack?" she asked, though her voice softened seeing Kim's expression. "What are you doing up?"
"Sorry… I just wanted to freshen up and…" Kim looked up, her expression strained as she tried to put on a brave face, but her hands clenched, betraying her frustration. "It's still… hard to wrap my head around it all."
Shego's heart ached at the rawness in Kim's voice. For a second, she wasn't sure what to say, but she took a step closer, reaching out to place a hand on Kim's shoulder, grounding her. "Hey, it's gonna take time," she said, her tone soft. "You've been through hell. It's okay to feel like this."
Kim took a shaky breath, offering Shego a small, grateful smile. "Thanks," she murmured, still looking away but clearly feeling the comfort.
Shego gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, letting her hand linger for a moment before stepping back, attempting to ease the tension. "Next time, just wake me up, alright? You can't keep sneaking around like some overachieving ninja."
Kim managed a chuckle, the sound tired but real. "Can't help it. Comes with the job, right?"
Shego rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Yeah, well, you're not on the job right now, Princess. Doctor's orders. My orders," she added, nudging Kim lightly. "Get back to bed."
Kim gave her a mock salute, her good eye rolling. "Yes, ma'am." She gives her a small, tired smile.
Watching her carefully, Shego followed her back to the bed, still alert to every wince and unsteady step. She might not know how to fix all of this, but she'd be there, one way or another. First, she'd need to do a couple things.. Shego adjusted Kim's pillows with a bit more vigor than necessary, her usual smirk playing on her lips.
"Alright, Princess, hate to break it to you, but I've got to run an errand. I'll be back before you know it."
Kim blinked, frowning. "Where are you going?"
"Relax, it's not like I'm ditching you. I just need a few things from my place—a couple changes of clothes and a toothbrush. Unless, of course, you want to share?" Shego raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes.
Kim scoffed, fighting a smile. "As if. Just… don't be gone too long, okay?"
Shego made an exaggerated show of sighing. "Oh, so now you can't live without me, huh? Good to know." She tapped the edge of the bed. "I'll just be gone a couple of hours, tops. Erin's here, and she's got this whole 'professional doctor' thing going on, so she'll make sure you don't fall apart while I'm out."
Kim rolled her eyes but couldn't help but feel a little reassured. "Fair enough. I guess I'll survive."
"Good to hear," Shego quipped, heading toward the door with a lightness in her step. She paused just before leaving, throwing a glance over her shoulder. "Don't go getting all weepy while I'm out, Possible. That eye's got enough to deal with as it is."
"Yeah, yeah," Kim replied, shaking her head.
But before Shego turned, she softened, letting a more genuine expression slip through. "I'll be back soon, alright?"
Kim nodded, her eyes meeting Shego's. "Be safe."
"Oh please," Shego tossed back with a smirk. "Like anyone could get the drop on me. Keep that spot warm for me, Princess." And with that, she was gone.
The house felt a little quieter once Shego left, and Kim couldn't help but notice the strange mix of calm and emptiness in the air. It was silly, she thought, feeling a little lost without Shego's constant banter. Even though she was tough enough to handle solitude, being here alone—without her usual resources or a clear idea of her next step—felt more unnerving than she'd anticipated.
She'd napped on and off, dozing fitfully between Erin's check-ins. But four hours had passed, and Shego still hadn't returned. Kim tried to brush off the worry, but she couldn't shake the strange sense of something being wrong. After a moment's pause, she slipped out of bed, groaning softly as the pain made itself known in her limbs. It was as if every movement reminded her of how close she'd come to never moving again. She shuffled over to the mirror and looked herself over, taking in the scattered bruises, cuts, scrapes, and bandages covering her body. She lifted her shirt, gingerly running a hand down her side as she felt the wraps helping to protect her bruised ribs.
They really had done a number on her… then what happened to her eye. Kim stopped, letting her shirt go as she pushed the thoughts from her mind. She didn't want to think about that right now… Instead, she carefully moved towards the door and peeked out, making sure Erin didn't have company or another patient.
She stepped out, slowly making her way down the hallway, and saw that Erin's office door was ajar. Kim knocked lightly and waited a moment before sticking her head in.
Erin looked up from her desk, a faintly amused smile already forming as she took in Kim's determined expression. "Not sure how Sara would react to you taking an unaccompanied walk. You okay?"
Kim nodded, limping in. "I just need to get out of that room for a bit. Don't worry, I'm not trying to run laps around the place."
Erin set down her clipboard and leaned back, watching her with a knowing look. "I thought you might get restless eventually. Not like you to sit around for more than a day, I'm guessing. Sara being around was probably a good distraction."
Kim shifted, glancing out the window. "I just… thought Shego would be back by now. I didn't think it would take this long."
Erin nodded, her face softening. "Sara's a bit of a wild card. But, believe it or not, she doesn't usually leave people hanging. Especially not anyone she cares about."
The comment made Kim's cheeks warm. She wasn't sure if she should take comfort in it or not. "Well, it's not like I can do much. But sitting around thinking about things I can't fix isn't exactly helping either."
Erin chuckled, standing up. "All right. If you're bored, I can set you up in the back room for some fresh air, maybe get you some tea or something."
Kim's face brightened. "I'd love that, actually."
With Erin's help and the help of a cane, Kim shuffled the hall to a small room at the back of the clinic, with a wide window that let in the late-morning light. She sank into the comfortable armchair near the window, feeling the warmth of the sunlight on her skin.
Erin returned a few minutes later with a tray, setting it down on the side table. "Here. Some tea, and a magazine—if you're really desperate."
Kim laughed softly. "Thanks, Erin, really."
Erin gave her a warm look before leaving her alone. Kim took a sip of the tea, letting herself relax, though her mind kept drifting back to Shego. She'd never spent so much time with her before, and the growing closeness between them was… confusing, maybe even a little daunting. And now, for the first time, she was realizing just how much she'd come to rely on Shego's sharp wit and unpredictable kindness.
Another hour passed, and still no sign of Shego. The tea had gone cold, and Kim could feel her fingers drumming impatiently on the table. She glanced around, debating if she should go for a little walk around the clinic grounds when she heard footsteps down the hall.
Her heart leapt, and she quickly sat up, hoping to see Shego striding in with her usual sass. But when the door opened, it was only Erin, looking slightly more concerned than before.
"Sara called," Erin said, her expression a mix of annoyance and exasperation. "She ran into a few 'minor complications' on the way back but said she'll be here soon."
Kim's shoulders relaxed, and she couldn't help but smile a little. "Only Shego would turn a quick trip into some kind of fiasco."
Erin laughed, shaking her head. "Honestly, I don't know how you put up with her."
Kim chuckled. "I'm still figuring that out myself." She looked out the window, wondering what 'complications' Shego had run into. She hoped they hadn't involved any explosions or Shego's tendency to stir up trouble wherever she went.
-Two hours prior-
Shego zipped up her duffel, glancing around her place to make sure she'd packed everything Kim might need: a few books, her own tablet, a handful of snacks, a little handheld game she'd found in her closet ,and a change of clothes. She even tucked in a couple of things she thought might make Kim more comfortable. some throw pillows, a cozy blanket, and a mystery novel she figured Kim might get a kick out of. Anything to keep her from feeling trapped in Erin's clinic for too long.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she glanced at the screen. Drakken. She felt a surge of anger, but knew it would be better to play it off for now.
"Dr. D?" She didn't try to mask her frustration. "Didn't we already do the whole 'I quit' routine?"
Drakken's voice crackled over the line, brimming with an unmistakable smugness. "Oh, I just thought you'd want to know… it's the end of an era, Shego."
Shego's brow furrowed, but she played it casual. "Yeah? You finally learned how to use the coffee maker?"
"No, you green smart aleck," he snapped. "I'm talking about Kim Possible."
Shego stilled, her hand tightening around the phone. "What about her?"
"Oh, nothing major," he said, a chuckle rolling through the line. "Just that the great Kim Possible's finally been… taken out of commission."
Shego's pulse thudded in her ears, but she kept her tone light, leaning against the wall as if this call was just another irritation. "Really? You got her, huh?"
"Oh, I didn't just 'get her.'" Drakken's voice turned sickeningly gleeful, and he started detailing exactly what he and the others had done: the trap they'd set, the torture they'd put her through, the bombs, the electricity, the way she'd been left battered and broken. Every word was a dark thrill for him, and Shego felt her stomach twist. The more he spoke, the more she wanted to reach through the phone and throttle him.
"Sounds like you really pulled out all the stops. Bet you think you're real clever, huh?" She sounded bored, nonchalant, masking the fire simmering under her skin.
"I must admit," he continued with a sinister laugh, "I'll almost miss her. The way she begged at the end, that defiant little spark finally snuffed out? Chef's kiss. You missed out, Shego. Could've used you on this one. Maybe you'd reconsider quitting?"
Shego's hand tightened on the phone, rage flickering in her eyes. "I think I'll pass," she said, voice cold. "Hearing you pat yourself on the back was plenty satisfying."
"Suit yourself," he replied, a little put off. "I just thought you'd want a heads up, you know—an invite back."
"Yeah, yeah," Shego cut him off, barely restraining the contempt in her voice. "I'll think about it." She forced a smirk. "Gotta go, Dr. D. But don't hold your breath."
As soon as she hung up, she let out a slow breath, her jaw tight. Drakken had taken so much satisfaction in thinking Kim was dead—no, not just dead, but broken. Her fingers curled tight around the phone until her plasma flared to life, crackling across the device. She barely felt it melt in her hand, the screen shattering with a faint pop. She tossed the remains aside, breathing hard, her anger barely contained.
It wasn't enough. Her rage wasn't gone. She grabbed the nearest lamp, hurling it against the wall with a satisfying crash. One of her old coffee mugs followed, shattering into pieces against the floor. Her heart pounded as she felt the anger clawing up inside her. All she could picture was Kim alone in that cell, tortured by the people who'd taken pleasure in breaking her.
With a deep, ragged breath, she steadied herself, looking around at her trashed bedroom. She dropped her hands to her sides, chest heaving as the anger finally began to cool, and she took a shaky step back, stumbling some as she sat on her bed. She wanted to storm back to Erin's place, but she forced herself to stay put, trying to clear her head. It wouldn't do Kim any good to see her like this.
Shego sat there for a while, elbows on her knees and her hands still trembling. She pressed her palms to her face, forcing herself to breathe, to think rationally. But her mind kept circling back to Drakken's words, the sick satisfaction in his voice as he'd described what they'd done to Kim. She felt another flicker of heat crackle at her fingertips and clenched her fists, fighting it down.
After a few minutes, she finally pushed herself up, eyeing the mess around her. Bits of shattered lamp and ceramic littered the floor, remnants of her outburst. She knelt, scooping the pieces into her hand with a muttered curse. Maybe keeping it together for Kim's sake would be easier once she was back with her, in the quiet space they'd made at Erin's.
Shego glanced down at the crumpled remains of her phone and scowled as she pickedht up too, tossing it out. She'd just bought this one... She checked her watch as she grabbed the duffel bag. It was still early enough. She'd just have to go down to town to try and get a new one.
Finally, she zipped up her bag, slinging it over her shoulder as she made her way to the door. The image of Kim alone, injured, flashed in her mind again, and Shego's jaw clenched. She reached for her keys, hesitating, then turned back to grab one more thing. With a shake of her head, she headed out, determination steeling her focus.
Kim wrapped her hands around the tea cup, feeling it's chill after growing cold. She sipped it anyway, her mind distant as the steady hum of pain in her eye dulled her senses. The sunroom was quiet, the vanishing sunlight filtering in, with a warm orange hue. Even though it was fading, somehow felt a bit too bright, almost too much to take in. She hadn't planned on staying in here for so long, but it had given her a small moment of peace.
Setting the empty cup aside, she slowly got to her feet, pressing a hand to her side as a flash of soreness reminded her to move carefully. She steadied herself, gaze drifting back to the bandage Erin had wrapped around her eye and how different everything felt now—fragile, maybe. She hadn't felt that in a long time.
Making her way back to the bedroom, she noticed a slight chill in the air, rubbing her arms as she slipped under the covers to warm up. It felt strange, lying there alone, knowing Shego wasn't back yet. Despite everything, she'd grown used to Shego's presence, the way she lingered just close enough to watch over her without crowding her space.
Erin stepped into the room after a bit, giving Kim a sidelong look as she set a tray on the bedside table. "Looks like someone's a little cold."
Kim rolled her eyes, though there was a slight blush. "I'm fine, Erin."
"Oh, of course, fine as can be," Erin replied, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "But maybe I'll turn the heat on until your space heater gets back.."
Kim looked away, unable to stop the small smile. "Shego has a a lot of explaining to do when she gets back. She said she'd only be gone a few hours" Kim muttered, though she didn't exactly mean it as an insult.
Erin smirked, arranging some of the medical supplies as she began checking Kim's bandages again. "I'm sure she's fine. No traffic to worry about, with her jet. I bet she took a shower and passed out on her bed."
Kim laughed softly, wincing slightly at the tightness around her ribs. Erin worked quickly, carefully unwrapping the bandages around her injured eye with practiced hands. Kim felt a ball of anxiety in her stomach, bracing herself against the discomfort she knew was coming, even as she tried to keep her breathing steady.
"Try to relax," Erin murmured, pulling the last of the gauze away.
As the cool air hit her skin, Kim winced, feeling the raw, dull throb of her injury. She forced herself to stay still as Erin checked her eye, even though she couldn't see a thing on that side anymore. The thought tugged at her, and she felt a bitter sting building in her chest. She'd lost something she could never get back.
"It looks like it's healing as well as can be expected," Erin said gently, catching the slight shimmer in Kim's remaining eye. "But I know that doesn't make it any easier."
Kim swallowed hard, her voice a whisper. "I thought…I thought I'd get used to it by now. But it still hurts."
Erin paused, resting her hand on Kim's shoulder. "Some things just take time, Kim. You don't have to be okay with it yet."
The tears were coming, even though Kim fought them, and she could feel the throbbing in her injured eye worsening. She hated that crying hurt now; it was like the world had decided to punish her for showing any vulnerability. But the more she tried to hold back, the harder it became.
Erin didn't say anything, letting her take her time. Kim's breath hitched, her chest tightening with the weight of everything she'd been holding in since the explosion, since the moment her vision went dark. She pressed her hand to her face, gritting her teeth as she let herself feel the loss, the frustration, the helplessness that had been piling up.
A creak at the doorway caught her attention, and she looked up, startled to find Shego standing there, looking somewhere between amused and genuinely concerned.
"Geez, I can't leave you alone without you starting the waterworks," Shego teased lightly, though there was no real sting behind it.
Kim sniffled, swiping at her tears. "Guess I'm just not as tough as you, Shego."
"Oh, please," Shego said, striding back into the room and dropping a bag at her feet. "After everything you've been through, losing one eye isn't gonna stop you. If anyone can adapt, it's you, Possible."
Kim bit her lip, still feeling the lingering ache, but Shego's words softened it just a little. She cleared her throat. "I… I don't know…"
Shego sat on the edge of the bed, tentatively wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "Look, no one's expecting you to just 'get over it' in a day. But don't start thinking this means you're weaker. You're still Kim Possible, one eye or not."
Erin watched the two of them quietly, hiding a smile as she gathered her things. "Well, I'd say you're in good hands, Kim. Seems someone around here's a pretty decent cheerleader when they want to be."
Shego shot her a glare. "Don't push it, Doc."
Kim laughed softly, the tension easing a little more as she leaned back against her pillows. Shego's presence, even with her sarcasm, somehow made everything feel a little easier to bear.
Shego stood for a moment to grab her bag. She set it on the bed and rifled through it before she carefully pulled out a small, plush toy. She held it out to Kim with a slightly playful expression.
"Okay, don't freak out," Shego said, her tone a little more serious than usual. "I brought you something."
Kim's eyes widened as she took in the plush in Shego's hands. It was a Pandaroo Superstar Edition Cuddle Buddy. There were only twelve ever made, and they were extremely rare. The last time she even held one was the first time she'd met/fought DNAmy.
"No way…" Kim whispered, her voice barely audible as she reached out for it. "This... this is real?" She couldn't believe it. She had wanted one of these for years but had never been able to find one. They were essentially impossible to get, a collector's dream. "Is this the real deal?"
Shego nodded, a smirk pulling at her lips, but there was an odd vulnerability in her expression. "Yep. I thought it might make you feel better... you know, considering everything."
Kim stared at the plush in her hands, speechless for a moment. She looked up at Shego, her voice thick with emotion as she finally spoke. "You really got me this? I can't even—" She trailed off, her eyes shining with surprise and gratitude.
Shego shrugged, but her eyes softened. "Don't get used to it, Princess. It's just a stupid toy."
Kim hugged it to her chest, her heart lighter than it had been in days. "You don't have to be so... Shego about it. This is actually the best thing anyone's ever gotten me."
Shego's lips twitched at the compliment, but she didn't comment. Instead, she just watched Kim, a slight warmth in her eyes.
Kim's voice softened, as she traced the stitching of the plush. "I've always wanted one of these... Thank you."
Kim held the Pandaroo close, almost in disbelief, her fingers gently tracing the stitching and the soft fur. For a brief moment, everything felt… normal. As if the world outside the room didn't exist. She could almost forget about the pain in her eye, the fear, and the memories of what Drakken and the others had done to her.
Shego watched her, a mix of emotions flickering in her eyes. She didn't expect to see Kim so genuinely moved by something so small. She shifted, a bit uncomfortable with the weight of the moment.
"So…" Shego started, clearing her throat. "I guess you like it, huh?"
Kim chuckled softly, nodding. "Like it? I don't even have the words." She paused for a second, then added with a playful smile, "You sure you didn't just want to keep it for yourself?"
"Please," Shego said with a scoff, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "I already have enough junk cluttering up my place. I thought you'd appreciate it more."
Kim's smile lingered as she hugged the plush tighter. She felt a warmth in her chest—not just from the gift itself, but from Shego's effort. It was so unexpected. The same Shego who had been her rival for years, the same Shego who'd never hesitated to mock her or fight her… and yet, here she was, doing something thoughtful.
"Thank you," Kim said again, her voice softer this time. "You didn't have to… but I really appreciate it."
Shego nodded, her usual smirk still present, but there was something different in the way she looked at Kim. "Yeah, well… don't get used to it." Her voice was teasing, but there was a tenderness behind the words.
Kim laughed, resting the plush against her cheek. "I won't. Promise."
There was a long, quiet pause. Kim shifted, feeling the pull of exhaustion in her body, but she didn't want to let go of the moment just yet. Shego notices the tired look and gets up.
"Here, you should rest." Shego moved to the duffel bag and pulled out a soft, thick blanket, draping it gently over Kim's shoulders to keep her warm. "You hungry?"
Kim's stomach gave a quiet, betraying growl, and she flushed slightly. "Yeah, actually. I didn't realize how hungry I was."
Shego raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking up into a grin. "Well, now that you mention it…" She stepped toward the door, her voice playful. "I'll go find you something. Just stay put and don't try anything funny."
Kim smiled, feeling a little lighter. "I won't, I promise. But hurry, I'm starving."
Shego rolled her eyes, the teasing smirk still on her face. "Alright, alright. I'll be back in a bit. Don't go anywhere… or I'll have to come back and drag you back to bed myself."
Kim laughed softly, sinking deeper into the pillows, the plush held close as her stomach rumbled again.
Shego stepped into the kitchen, scanning the space with practiced ease. She'd spent enough time poking around Erin's place to know where most things were. She checked the fridge and found everything she needed to make Kim a sandwich.
Shego stood in the kitchen, her hands moving mechanically as she made the sandwich. The bread felt oddly stiff beneath her fingers, and the knife slid through the deli meat with a little more force than necessary. She had expected this to be a simple task—grab some food, make a quick sandwich, and get back to Kim. But as she spread the mustard a little too aggressively, her mind wandered back to the phone call with Drakken.
She had kept her composure on the phone, but now, away from Kim and the need to stay calm, the anger began to stir again. She didn't realize how tight her grip on the knife had become until the handle slipped slightly.
"Everything alright in here?" Erin's voice broke her out of her thoughts.
Shego looked up, noticing Erin standing in the doorway, arms crossed with a bemused expression on her face, and a small tv on a table beside her. She hadn't heard Erin approach, too focused on the sandwich and her own frustration.
"Yeah, just peachy," Shego said, her tone a little more clipped than she meant. She put the knife down and took a breath, trying to reel it in. "Making a sandwich for Kim. She said she was hungry."
Erin raised an eyebrow, stepping into the kitchen. "Sounds simple enough. What's going on with you, though? You look like you're about to throw the whole kitchen through the window."
Shego let out a humorless chuckle, her hands moving over the sandwich as she finished it off. "I had a phone call with Drakken," she muttered, her voice low, keeping the anger from spilling out too much. "He's still convinced he got rid of Kim. Took a lot of satisfaction in thinking he killed her. He… he even went into detail about the way they tortured her."
Erin's expression shifted to one of disbelief. "Tortured her?"
"Yeah," Shego said, her jaw tightening. "Tortured her. I didn't know how bad it was until he started talking. The sick bastard was gloating about it."
Erin's face softened, but there was no denying the anger in her eyes now. "You didn't let slip that she's alive, did you?"
"No," Shego bit off the word. "I'd never," She slammed the knife onto the counter with more force than necessary, the clatter of it startling her. She took a quick breath, deliberately lowering her voice. "But I wanted to blast him through the phone. Hell, part of me still does. But I don't want Kim hearing me like this."
Erin took a step closer, her eyes searching Shego's face for a sign of the anger that had flared up again. "Just remember, Sara… Kim needs you. She needs you to keep it together. Don't let your rage cloud everything."
Shego paused. The words hit harder than she expected, but she didn't want to hear them. She wanted to go after Drakken. She wanted revenge, damn it. But Kim needed her to focus. Kim needed her.
"I hear you," Shego muttered, her voice softer now, though the anger still simmered beneath the surface. "But it's hard to just forget what he did."
"I know," Erin replied, giving Shego a knowing look. "But it's not just about you. It's about Kim. Don't lose sight of that." Shego didn't respond. She just started making another sandwich, deciding to eat the first one and make Kim a nicer looking one, and Erin approached the bedroom, bringing the TV in.
As Erin wheeled in the small tv and set it up on the dresser at the foot of the bed, Kim tried to push herself up a little higher in bed, ignoring the stiffness in her muscles. She hadn't had the energy or inclination to think about TV in days, but with so little she could do, it was a welcome distraction.
"Hey, I brought you something," Erin said, switching it on and handing the remote to Kim. "to keep your mind occupied. Sometimes it helps."
Kim nodded, offering Erin a quiet "Thanks." Once Erin stepped out of the room, Kim began flipping through channels, not really paying attention, just looking for something to take her mind off the reality around her.
Eventually, she landed on the news, intending to move right past it. But then, her heart clenched as she caught sight of her family. Her father stood on a makeshift stage, looking uncharacteristically disheveled, his face drawn and pale, while her mother clutched his arm, her shoulders shaking. Behind them, her younger brothers, Jim and Tim, were trying to hold back tears, their usual mischievous confidence nowhere in sight.
A news banner below read, "World Mourns the Loss of Teen Hero Kim Possible."
Kim's blood ran cold as she watched. The reporter recounted Kim's last known location, weaving a story of her brave mission against multiple villains and implying that she'd been lost in an explosion. The somber voices of her parents came next, her father choking up as he said, "Kim was… she was our light. She was fearless. We're proud of her, but… we're devastated."
Her mom, through tears, whispered, "She gave so much for everyone. I just… I just wish she could have come home."
The camera panned to Jim and Tim, who stood silently, heads down. They looked like they'd aged overnight.
Kim's heart twisted painfully. She wanted nothing more than to tell them she was alive, to give them some relief from this unbearable grief. But her hand fell limply from the remote as she remembered what Shego had said, warning her about the risk if anyone learned she was still out there. If Drakken and the others found out she was alive, let alone weakened, they would undoubtedly come looking for her. And she didn't even know if she'd survive another attack.
Shego, who had just walked in with a tray of food, noticed the distress on Kim's face and followed her gaze to the TV. Her own expression darkened as she took in the broadcast.
"Turn it off, Kimmie," Shego said softly, her voice gentler than usual. "This isn't gonna help right now."
Kim nodded numbly but didn't move. "They think I'm gone," she murmured, her voice breaking. "They're heartbroken, and I can't… I can't even tell them I'm okay."
Shego sighed, setting the tray down and sitting on the edge of Kim's bed. "I know it's hard. Believe me, I get it. But… it's what's keeping them safe right now. If you make contact, it's like lighting a flare for Drakken, Monkey Fist, every one of those psychos. They'd come for you, and I don't know if I'd be able to keep you safe."
Kim swallowed, her mind racing with guilt, anger, and sadness all at once. "I just… I hate seeing them like that," she whispered. "My dad, my mom… and my brothers. They shouldn't have to go through this."
Shego placed a hand on Kim's shoulder, her grip firm but reassuring. "You'll see them again, Kimmie. You'll get strong enough to go back, but not if you do it on their terms. Right now, your family is grieving, yeah… but they're safe. We'll keep it that way, okay?"
Kim closed her eyes, nodding as tears slipped down her cheeks. She didn't resist as Shego quietly took the remote and turned off the TV, sparing her the rest of the broadcast.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke. Then Kim opened her eye, looking up at Shego with a fierce determination. "Shego," she whispered. "Promise me that we're going to make them pay for what they did—for making my family go through this."
Shego's eyes gleamed with a mix of understanding and resolve. "You bet, Kimmie. As soon as you're ready, we'll make them wish they'd never crossed you."