Chapter Eight
Ashes to Flame
It had been a month since Kim's fever and near-death experience, and though she was improving daily, Shego could still see the lingering effects of Kim's injury. Shego wanted her to get back her confidence, to see the Kim who was ready to throw a punch at her, even when she was hurting.
Today, Shego, having started at GJ, had the day off, and she was determined to make the most of it. She'd been itching to spar for a while now, especially after seeing how Kim had been showing interest in it lately. The sharpness that Kim once had in battle, her quick reflexes, and her intuitive moves, were all a little off. But Shego wasn't one to let her get away with taking it easy. She knew Kim wanted to get back to her old self.
Kim had been pacing around the living room earlier, feeling the stirrings of frustration rise in her chest. She was getting better, but the loss of sight in her left eye had altered everything she knew about fighting. Depth perception was vital in combat, and losing even one eye was like losing half of her range of vision. She had to rely more on intuition and her other senses, and while she was improving, it wasn't the same.
Shego knew that, of course. But Shego, being Shego,didn't want to baby her. She was stretching in the middle of the room, warming up as she grinned at Kim. "C'mon, Red, you've been avoiding this for a while now. Erin gave you the go ahead to get back to training. Don't tell me you're scared."
Kim rolled her shoulders, feeling the weight of her own self-doubt. "I'm not scared, Shego."
Shego raised an eyebrow, her smirk never leaving her face. "Well, guess that means you'll be putting up a good fight. Don't give up on me when it gets hard." She chuckled as she set up a couple of sparring mats to make it comfortable for them.
Kim clenched her fists. She wasn't sure if she was angry at herself or Shego. She wanted to fight, she wanted to prove she could still hold her own, but she wasn't sure how to get that confidence back. Her left eye didn't even let her see what was coming from the left anymore, so everything felt lopsided, off-kilter.
"I'm not giving up. I'm ready for anything." Kim's voice betrayed her anxiety, though she tried to hide it with a nonchalant shrug.
Shego didn't respond immediately, her smirk fading just slightly as she eyed Kim closely. She could see the tension in her body, the way she was standing, trying to convince herself that she could still do it. Kim was frustrated, Shego could tell. But if there was one thing Shego knew about Kim, it was that when she was frustrated, she could be pushed to be even better.
Without further warning, Shego lunged forward, testing Kim's reaction. The impact of Shego's strike sent Kim sliding back, her hand barely swiping Shego's arm in retaliation.
Kim's breath caught in her throat. The movement felt... off. She wasn't fast enough, her footing too unsure, her timing off. Her mind screamed at her body to respond, but it didn't move as quickly as she wanted.
"That's it? Really?" Shego taunted, her voice like a whip cracking through the tension. "I thought you'd be more of a challenge, Cupcake."
Kim's heart raced, her pulse pounding in her ears. She swallowed down the frustration rising in her chest. This wasn't what she needed. She didn't need Shego to make fun of her; she needed support.
"Will you just hold still?" Kim scowled, holding her hands out, trying to regain her balance. Her right eye locked onto Shego's movements, but her left side felt blind. It made her feel exposed, vulnerable. And that made the anger rise.
Shego stepped back, her lips curling into a sly smile, though her eyes betrayed concern. "You've got to figure this out, Princess. You can't let your weakness dictate how you fight."
Kim's fingers curled into fists. Her muscles ached, her limbs felt heavy, and Shego's mocking words were only making it worse. She grumbled to herself and tried to force her body into a fighting stance again. She moved too quickly, her foot slipping out from under her as she tried to dodge Shego's strike.
The next thing she knew, she was on the floor, flat on her back, staring up at the ceiling. Shego stood over her, the faintest trace of amusement in her eyes. Kim's cheeks burned, both from the fall and the frustration that came with it.
Shego extended a hand to help Kim up, her face softer now. "Hey. You can't keep holding yourself back like this. You're still an amazing fighter, Kim. You'll get the hang of it again." Shego helped her up and pulled her into a hug. Kim sighed and leaned into it, knowing Shego's right, but was still angry. They stayed like that for a moment, Kim catching her breath, and then parted, each standing at an end of the mat.
Shego studied Kim for a moment, watching the frustration simmer beneath the surface of her confident exterior. Kim had always prided herself on being adaptable, on learning quickly. But this—fighting without depth perception, without the ability to fully gauge distance—was something entirely different.
"Hang on," Shego said, a smirk tugging at her lips. "I've got an idea."
Kim raised an eyebrow, a little wary. "What now?"
Shego grabbed a roll of cloth bandages from Erin's first aid kit. Kim's eyes immediately narrowed.
"I'm not sure what your plan is, but no way am I letting you blindfold me," Kim protested, taking a step back.
"Oh, come on," Shego said, the smirk on her face growing wider. "Trust me, it'll help you. You're already half-blind anyway. This'll force you to use your other senses. Your ears, your instincts. You've always been quick, Kimmie. You just need to adapt."
Kim stared at her, completely unconvinced. "Shego. Fighting blindfolded? Really?"
Shego shrugged. "Suit yourself. I'm just trying to help."
Despite her skepticism, Kim's curiosity got the better of her. She wrapped some of the bandages over her eyes, tying it securely behind her head. It felt strange to be without even a hint of light. The world went completely dark, and she felt an immediate rush of unease.
"This is stupid…" Kim muttered, taking a few steps forward, trying to get a sense of the space. She felt like a fish out of water.
"What," Shego raised an eyebrow. "Can't take the heat, Princess?"
"Of course I can, but I don't need rehab." She mumbled, turning her head away as tries to find Shego.
"Is that so?" Before Kim could respond, Shego lunged. Kim instinctively tried to dodge, but without her full depth perception, her movements weren't as fluid as they should have been. Shego's quick jab caught her side, making her stagger. Kim's fists clenched as she fought to stay upright, her other senses suddenly more acute. She could hear Shego's footsteps behind her, feel the tension in the air before the attack even came.
"Watch your blind spot, Kimmie," Shego warned, aiming another strike. This time, Kim anticipated it and managed to block, though not without struggling
Kim gritted her teeth. Shego's tone was deliberately provoking, trying to get under her skin. Kim could feel her pulse quicken, the frustration building. "This isn't fair! I can't see."
Shego's voice was cold, almost mocking. "When's the enemy ever fair? Be grateful I didn't light up!"
.Her heart raced, and frustration was mounting. Shego was right. Kim could feel the rhythm of her surroundings, the faint rustle of Shego's movements, the slight shift in the air before Shego made her next move. But every time Kim tried to fight back, it felt like something was missing. She couldn't get her body to react fast enough.
"Use your ears!" Shego taunted, her voice edging on amusement. "Don't just stand there. You're better than this." Kim took a deep breath, forcing herself to center. She hated it. She hated how helpless she felt, how much she had to adjust just to stay on par with her old self. But Shego was right. The world wasn't going to wait for her to catch up.
She spun around, trying to move on instinct, and she landed a light kick to Shego's side. It wasn't much, but it was something. Shego grinned, clearly impressed. "Hey, not bad. But it's going to take more than that."
Just as she was about to strike again, Shego knocked her off balance with a quick swipe and grabbed her arm, flipping her to the ground with a hard thud. Kim winced, the impact jarring her whole body.
Shego stood over her, not offering any sympathy. "You okay?"
Kim was breathing hard, still feeling the sting of frustration, and stared up at the ceiling, the bandages hanging off the side of her face. "I'm fine."
Shego held out a hand to help her up, the challenge still in her eyes. "Wanna quit?"
Kim's chest heaved with effort, but her gaze sharpened, and she took Shego's hand without hesitation. "Let's keep going!"
Shego gave her a look of respect and pulled her up with a firm grip, and Kim stood a little taller, already bracing herself for the next round.
Kim reached up and pulled the blindfold off, tossing it aside. Her eyes, one strong and clear, the other clouded over, seemed to settle into a new calm focus. Her body still felt a bit off balance, but she was starting to understand the space around her better, letting her instincts take the lead.
Shego stood across from her, a smirk still on her face but a hint of respect in her eyes. She hadn't expected Kim to bounce back so quickly after the first few rounds. There was something about her that always impressed Shego, even when she was frustrated. She had an innate tenacity, a drive to push forward that no injury or setback could completely snuff out. Despite what they did to her, she was still Kim, even if Kim herself didn't see it all the time. Kim will come back, twice as strong.
Shego smirked, cracking her knuckles. "You ready to actually give me a challenge, Red?"
Kim grinned back. "We'll see."
And with that, Shego lunged again, faster this time, trying to catch Kim off guard. Kim sidestepped just in time, narrowly avoiding Shego's fist, and brought her knee up to block another strike.
"Better," Shego grunted, but Kim was already moving again, using the momentum to twist and land a solid punch to Shego's side. It wasn't a knockout hit, but it was enough to make Shego grunt. Kim's breath hitched with a mix of satisfaction and surprise. She'd finally caught her off guard.
"Nice," Shego muttered, stepping back and raising an eyebrow. "That was unexpected."
Kim gave her a half-smile, feeling a bit more confident now. She didn't feel invincible, and she still had a ways to go, but she wasn't going to let herself back down.
Shego didn't waste any time. She dashed forward again, aiming a quick series of jabs. Kim ducked one, blocked another, and sidestepped just enough to avoid the third. This time, she pushed herself to keep up the pressure, firing back with a couple of swift kicks.
Shego had to give it to her. Kim was improving fast. She managed to land one clean kick to Shego's stomach, throwing her off balance just long enough for Kim to get a few more strikes in.
"Alright, alright," Shego said, laughing breathlessly as she backed up. "You've got some fire today. Let's see if you can keep it up."
Kim, still breathing heavily, nodded. Her legs were starting to feel a little stiff, but the excitement of making progress outweighed her fatigue. "Bring it."
They circled each other, tension building as they both seemed to take a deep breath, waiting for the next move. Kim was starting to see things she hadn't before, the little nuances of Shego's motions, the way she shifted her weight before she attacked. It wasn't perfect yet, but Kim was starting to feel like she could react in time.
Shego launched herself at Kim again, this time with more speed and intensity. Kim barely avoided her first attack, but then she felt the adrenaline surge. She managed to catch Shego's wrist mid-swing, twisting it and using Shego's momentum to throw her off balance. It wasn't a clean throw, but it worked.
Shego stumbled back, eyes wide with a mix of amusement and surprise. "Well, I'll be damned. You actually got me Princess."
Kim grinned, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. "Told you I'd get better."
Shego shook her head, chuckling, but there was real admiration in her expression. "You're stubborn as hell, you know that?"
"Hey, I'm not giving up," Kim said, hands on her hips. "I'll beat you yet."
"Oh, you think so?" Shego replied with a sly grin. "We'll see about that. I might actually have to break a sweat now."
Kim's confidence was soaring. She could tell she was pushing Shego harder than ever before. Each successful dodge, each kick that connected, made her feel more like her old self again, like the unstoppable Kim Possible. She was on fire, feeling like she could take on the world.
Kim's energy was waning a bit, but she wasn't about to back down. Shego could see it, though, a slight shift in Kim's posture that suggested she was tiring. She wasn't as fast, wasn't as precise, and Shego saw her opening.
Suddenly, and with a burst of speed, Shego lunged forward. She feinted left, then swept Kim's legs out from under her, sending her crashing to the mat. Kim hit the floor with a loud slam, her breath coming in sharp, frustrated gasps.
Shego goes off to the side to grab a towel and a drink for them. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," Kim grumbled, sitting up and smacking the mat with her hand, her chest heaving in frustration. "I should've had that."
Shego dried her face and neck. "Hey, it's alright. You did great. It was a close fight. Don't get so hard on yourself. You got me to break a sweat, That's a win to me."
But Kim wasn't listening. Her gaze was focused on her hand, which she'd slapped down onto the mat with all her frustration. Her fingers tingled, and as she looked closely, she noticed very small scorch marks were starting to form along her palm and fingertips, almost imperceptible to the naked eye. Kim's heart skipped a beat and she swore saw a faint wisp of smoke curling up from her skin, the marks disappearing as the skin cooled.
Kim froze. She could feel it. It was a strange warmth on her hand that hadn't been there before. It felt like the burning heat she'd get in her chest occasionally when she was too hot. Her mind immediately jumped to one conclusion. Shego's blood. That had been the only thing that had changed in her body since she'd been injured. She had to be experiencing some kind of side effect from it.
Shego noticed Kim's silence but didn't say anything at first, thinking Kim was just frustrated with herself. But then, Kim quickly hid her hand, wiping it on her pants and giving Shego a tight, forced smile as she approached.
"I'm done sparring for today," Kim said, her voice a little more strained than she intended. "I think I need to rest."
Shego raised an eyebrow, but she could tell from the look on Kim's face that she wasn't in the mood to keep going. "Alright, Kimmie. No worries. You did good."
Kim didn't look at her as she stood up, still hiding her hand. She was trying to keep her thoughts from spiraling. She needed time alone to figure this out. She couldn't tell Shego or Erin yet, not until she understood what was happening to her. There was no way she could let them worry about this, not when she wasn't even sure what it was.
"Thanks," Kim said quietly, still avoiding Shego's eyes. "I'll just... stretch out on the couch for now."
Shego didn't press the issue, but she could tell Kim was off. "Okay, well, we can pick back up later if you change your mind. Don't be too hard on yourself, alright?"
Kim nodded quickly, her gaze flicking back to the mat for a brief moment. The scorch marks on her hand were gone, but the memory of them lingered. She had no idea what was happening to her, but she was going to figure it out. She'd been through a lot before. This? This was just another obstacle.
As Kim slowly walked off toward the couch to sit and rest, Shego watched her for a moment longer, wondering if she'd said something wrong. But then, with a sigh, Shego stood up and began to clear the space.
Shego and Kim were sprawled on the couch, the quiet hum of the television filling the otherwise peaceful house. It was rare for them to have downtime, with Shego working so much now, but today had been a welcome break, especially after the sparring session that had left Kim more frustrated than anything else. Shego, on the other hand, had enjoyed seeing Kim push herself, even if she hadn't fully noticed the toll it had taken on her.
Kim leaned back into the couch, still trying to process the earlier sparring session and the strange sensations in her hand. She kept her thoughts to herself, not wanting to worry Shego, even though she could feel the curiosity and concern in Shego's gaze every time their eyes met.
"Hey, Kim, you're getting better, y'know," Shego said, nudging her playfully. "Don't beat yourself up. You were moving faster than usual today."
Kim gave a half-smile, but her thoughts remained elsewhere. "Yeah, I guess. Just... wish I didn't feel like I'm always two steps behind."
Shego snorted, a familiar smirk tugging at her lips. "You always have a thing for perfection, don't you? It's okay to not have it all figured out."
Kim's gaze softened. Shego was right. She was trying so hard to adapt, to be as good as she was before the accident, but the truth was she was still adjusting. And that was alright, as long as she had Shego by her side to help her through it.
"I know," Kim muttered, leaning her head against Shego's shoulder. "I'm just... tired."
Shego wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. It wasn't very rare these days for Kim to admit when she was worn out, but Shego still couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness. And though she didn't want to baby Kim and help her get strong again, she didn't want her to push herself too far.
"Well, we have the whole palace to ourselves while Erin is out of town," Shego whispered, her hand rubbing gently along Kim's back. "I don't think she'll mind if we just lounge around on her couch all day."
Kim closed her eyes, nodding in agreement. It felt good to just be with Shego,even if she was distracted by whatever happened earlier. They were comfortable in the silence, the movie playing in the background and the occasional laugh from Shego whenever a joke landed.
But their quiet moment was interrupted when Shego's phone buzzed on the coffee table. She hesitated, but then sighed, knowing exactly what it meant. Global Justice.
Kim sat up, her eyes flicking toward Shego's phone. She could see the regret on Shego's face as she read the message. "Looks like there's an emergency… Duty calls," Shego muttered, her tone reluctant as she rolled her eyes.
Kim nodded, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I figured."
Shego placed a hand on Kim's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "I hate leaving when you're like this, but... I don't have a choice. They need me."
Kim didn't want to make a big deal of it. She knew Shego's work was important, even if it kept her away sometimes. Better for her to stay on GJ's good side or they'll come here, which would cause a whole slew of problems. "You're a meddling hero now, right? Go save the world, or whatever," Kim said with a teasing smile, though it was tinged with a bit of sadness.
Shego leaned in, brushing a strand of Kim's hair away from her face. Her touch lingered, and she leaned in closer, her lips brushing against Kim's in a soft, tender kiss. Kim's breath hitched, her hand resting on her own leg, and for a moment, the world seemed to disappear. It was just the two of them, and that was all that mattered in that second.
When they pulled back, Shego gave Kim a small smile. "I'll be back as soon as I can, promise."
Kim smiled back, but there was a quiet sadness in her eyes. "Be careful, okay?"
"I always am," Shego replied, though there was a hint of something uncertain in her voice. She gave Kim a final look before standing up, grabbing her jacket, and heading toward the door.
As soon as the door clicked shut behind Shego, Kim felt the silence of the house swallow her whole. She sat there for a moment, her fingers still lingering on the spot where Shego's lips had just been. She felt the warmth of that kiss, but it wasn't enough to quiet the restlessness that churned inside her.
Without thinking, she grabbed her jacket and stepped outside, the cold air hitting her face as she walked to the backyard. The snow had fallen in thick, soft blankets, covering the ground in a pristine white layer. It was quiet out here, too, save for the occasional breeze that stirred the snowflakes, sending them swirling around her.
Kim stood in the middle of the yard, staring at her hands. The warm, soft gloves Shego had insisted she wear were stuffed in her pocket. She flexed her fingers, feeling the cold against her skin, but not caring. The cold, in fact, was a relief compared to the heat that had flooded her body when Shego kissed her.
She closed her eyes and focused. She tried to feel it, whatever it was that had made the scorch marks. She tried to focus harder, willing her hands to do something, anything. But it didn't come. She even tried rubbing her hands together really fast, like she was trying to make fire with sticks.
Kim gritted her teeth and tried again, her hands clenched into fists, then open, then clenched again. Nothing. Just the steady beat of her heart and the cold air. "Come on..." she muttered under her breath. She could feel the anger rising in her chest as frustration built, her fingers trembling with the effort.
For a moment, she just stood there, staring at her hands. She felt her breath coming quicker, the familiar heat of frustration flooding her face. Maybe it was all in her head. Maybe she did just imagine it…
Kim let out a frustrated sigh, her hands falling to her sides. Her hand shot out instinctively, slamming down on a snowbank in a fit of anger, and for a second, she swore she felt something—just a flicker, a tiny warmth, almost like an ember—but then it was gone. Kim froze, her breath catching in her throat.
She stared down at her hand again, eyes wide, but nothing more happened.
Her pulse quickened, but there was no heat. No flame.
"I think I'm actually going crazy now. It's all in my head..." she whispered, as if saying it aloud might make the feeling go away.
She let out a long breath, her shoulders slumping in defeat. Slowly, she walked back toward the door, the cold biting into her skin, but she barely felt it anymore. She didn't care. Her hand touched the handle, but she paused, not opening it. She was lost in a thought as she looked at her hand.
Kim stared and felt the warmth that had lingered in her chest for the past month. The idea of gaining powers wasn't something she'd ever seriously considered. They'd joked about it when she'd received Shego's blood, but that was just to see if she could gain her healing factor. Powers? That had always been Shego's domain, something to watch out for in battle but never experience herself. But after the scorch marks she'd seen, she couldn't help but wonder.
The warmth in her chest started after she'd gotten sick, and though the fever didn't come back, that inner heat never really went away. Taking a deep breath, Kim took a few steps back and focused on that heat, closing her eyes and imagining it gathering in her hands, like Shego's plasma. She felt a pulse, a small, faint flicker in her palms. She opened her eyes, but there was nothing visible, no sign of energy or power.
For a moment, she felt silly. Maybe all of this was just a result of the trauma she'd been through or her body's way of adjusting. But as she concentrated again, a faint warmth spread through her hands, not just from the cold but something deeper.
Kim's brow furrowed. Focus, she told herself. Focus on that.
The snow beneath her feet crunched lightly as she shifted her weight, her heart beating a little faster with the uncertainty of what she was about to do. She felt the chill of the air, but the heat in her chest had become a constant hum that she had barely acknowledged before. It was like the time she'd received Hego's power, the one that had, but different. This was a slow burn, always simmering under the surface, just out of reach.
The wind blew lightly through her hair, but she didn't move. She breathed slowly and deeply, in through her nose, out through her mouth, trying to focus only on the warmth she could feel. It wasn't quite like a fire, more like the heat you felt after a long day in the sun—softer, persistent. She brought her hands up slowly, holding them in front of her as she concentrated, her eyes still closed. The warmth in her chest grew slightly, a ripple of something just below her skin. She tried to direct it, to pull it into her hands.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, just as she was about to give up, she felt it—a faint heat spreading into her fingertips. It wasn't much, but it was something. She gritted her teeth, concentrating harder, trying to pull that warmth into her palms, to make it more than just a faint tingle.
And then, she felt a flicker of something more.
Kim's breath caught in her throat. Her palms were growing warmer, the heat spreading from her chest into her hands, and she could almost feel it in her fingers, like the beginning of a flame. She opened her eyes, staring down at her hands. They were glowing faintly, the heat becoming a soft, golden glow that shimmered at the edges of her palms. It wasn't like the fire she was used to, but it was something. Something new, something she hadn't had control over before, but now—now she was feeling it, even if it was just a trickle of warmth.
Kim slowly raised her hands, watching the glow spread, feeling the heat pulse from her fingertips. She could feel it now. There was so much behind the power. It was more than just the lingering warmth she'd been feeling. A tentative smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she held her hands out in front of her. She was no longer just imagining it. The orange glow flickered again, stronger this time, and Kim felt a sense of exhilaration rush through her..
Kim's heart was still racing as she stared down at her glowing hands, the orange light flickering with every movement of her fingers. She could feel the warmth radiating from them, but she had no idea how to control it, how to stop it. She felt a rush of excitement mixed with panic.
What the heck am I supposed to do with this?
She held her hands out in front of her, watching the glow flicker. She wasn't sure whether to feel amazed or terrified. The heat was manageable, but it felt so foreign, like a power she had no business wielding. She was used to her own strength, her agility, but this… this was something else.
"How do I turn this off…" Kim began to wave her hands a bit, bit it literally fanned the fire, causing it to flare up. She backed away, stepping further into the stretch of blank snow so she wouldn't catch the house on fire.
Kim's hands trembled as the orange glow continued to flicker. She wasn't sure how to control it, the fire-like power coursing through her fingers. Fear swirled in her chest, but her mind raced for a solution.
Without thinking, she shoved both hands into the snow, hoping it would extinguish the heat. The cold snow stung her palms at first, but within moments, the glow dimmed, and the warmth slowly receded. Kim could feel the fire dying down, the orange flicker fading to nothing as the snow melted around her hands.
She exhaled sharply, feeling the pressure in her chest release as the power finally left her hands. The snow had worked. She looked down at her palms, now normal again, just slightly wet from the snow. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, feeling a little more grounded.
Kim wiped her hands on the snow, but the unease still lingered. What had just happened? She had fire. Actual fire, and she had no idea what to do with it. The thought sent a shiver through her. She didn't even want to think about what could happen if it got out of hand.
She glanced around the yard quickly, half-expecting someone to have seen, but there was no one there. The snow was still falling softly, covering the ground in a blanket of white. Kim's heart still raced, but at least now she had a small sense of control.
She turned back toward the house, her hands still a little warm from what she had just discovered, but she quickly stuffed them into her pockets to keep them hidden. She didn't want anyone to notice that something was off. Kim made her way back inside, her thoughts running through everything she'd learned in the last few minutes.
She closed the door behind her, the warmth from the house immediately wrapping around her, but she didn't feel it. Her thoughts were elsewhere, focused on the new power she'd just started to tap into, and the decision she'd made to keep it to herself for now. For her own peace of mind—and to keep everyone else from worrying.
Tomorrow, Kim thought, I'll test it again. Maybe more control next time. Just… in case.
Kim had spent the last few days in secret, her thoughts consumed by the strange power she'd discovered. Every time she was alone in the house, she'd venture outside and focus on drawing out the warmth, trying to find a way to control it fully. The heat was always there, like a constant pulse under her skin, but the more she tried to access it, the more she realized how little she actually knew about it.
Today, she was in the backyard again, standing in the cold snow, focused intently on her hands. She clenched her fists, trying to focus on the heat in her body, willing it to flare up and pour through her fingers. Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, the warm sensation began to build. Her fingers and palms tingled, and then they started to glow.
Orange light flickered around her hands, brighter than it ever had been before. The heat seemed intense, but it felt like nothing to her. The glow was mesmerizing, a rich flame that she held in her palms. It was exhilarating, but the unfamiliarity of it still made her anxious, too. She still didn't know how to control it entirely, but she figured out how to pull it out and make it go away, without the use of snow this time.
Crunch
Kim exhaled sharply, focused on the light, but then she heard footsteps crunching in the snow behind her. "Shego? What—how are you back so early?"
Shego stepped outside, her breath visible in the cold air as she muttered to herself. "Can you believe those GJ idiots? Send me home because I told 'em off? They should've known better than to ask me to file paperwork all day…" She looked up and froze when she spotted Kim, standing in the snow with no jacket on.
"Kim? What are you doing out here without a coat?" Shego's brow furrowed as she approached, concern mingling with irritation. "It's freezing."
Kim's eyes widened, and she tucked her hands behind her back, trying to act casual. "Oh, uh…just…getting some air. I wasn't out here long."
But Shego's gaze narrowed, catching a hint of orange peeking out from behind Kim's back. "What is that?"
Kim tried to stall, but it was too late. Shego stepped closer and saw her hands, each glowing with a warm, orange light, the faint heat reaching her even in the chill. Shego stopped in her tracks, staring.
The shock on Shego's face was instant. Her eyes were wide, darting from Kim's glowing hands to her face as the realization hit her like a freight train. She stepped back, the worry etched into her expression transforming into something more urgent, almost fearful.
"Oh, hell. This… Kim, this isn't possible. It—this has to be from… from me," Shego stammered, her hands shaking as she pulled out her phone and dialed Erin's number without taking her eyes off Kim.
"Hey, Erin, you need to come back. Now. No, don't ask why. Just—get home," Shego barked into the phone before hanging up. She turned back to Kim, and her gaze was a mixture of anger and fear, something Kim rarely saw on her.
Kim tried to calm her down. "Shego, it's okay. I'm fine. I'm still me," she said softly, trying to sound more confident than she felt. She could sense how much this was rattling Shego, and part of her didn't blame her for it.
But Shego ignored her attempts at reassurance, her expression growing even more concerned as Kim's hands began to dim, the glow fading as Kim tried to pull back the warmth. But Shego moved forward, grabbing one of Kim's hands to stop her, her grip firm as her gaze bore into Kim's.
"Don't pull it back in, not yet," Shego whispered, her voice barely steady. She brought Kim's hand up, turning it over, inspecting it as if searching for answers. Then, slowly, Shego extended her other hand, summoning her own familiar glow. The green light ignited in her palm, steady and bright, but as her fingers grazed Kim's, her green blended with Kim's warm orange in mesmerizing, swirling patterns.
For a moment, Kim forgot her own fear and uncertainty. She couldn't help but be captivated by the sight of the colors intertwining, moving like threads of fire and emerald light, creating an aura that was both beautiful and surreal.
"Shego… it's beautiful," Kim breathed, her voice barely a whisper.
But Shego looked anything but reassured. Her mouth was set in a grim line, her eyes dark and stormy with worry. "Kim, don't you get it? This… this shouldn't be happening. I gave you blood, yeah, but I didn't know it would actually… change you like this."
Kim dropped her gaze, embarrassed. "I didn't want to worry you. I didn't know if it was real at first, and then… well, I wanted to make sure I could control it before saying anything."
Shego sighed, her tone softening. "And you thought I'd just… what, flip out? Kim, you can't keep this kind of thing from me. You know I'd want to help, right?"
Kim finally met Shego's eyes, a guilty smile on her face. "I know. I just… I didn't think you'd take it well. But… thanks for being here now."
Shego held her tongue. She was close to saying something that would hurt the redhead's feelings. Kim wasn't wrong. First thing she did upon finding out was freak out on her. This wasn't Kim's fault, it was hers for agreeing to that damn experiment.
Shego hesitated, glancing at their hands again, where the green and orange still flickered gently together. "I just… I don't want you to end up hurt because of me. This isn't some fun new trick to me, Kim. It's a part of me that's caused nothing but trouble, and if it's in you now…"
Kim gave Shego's hand a squeeze. "Hey, I can handle it. And I'm still Kim. No powers are going to change that."
Shego took a deep breath, her expression hardening as she looked at Kim. "Promise me," she said firmly, her voice low but intense. "Promise me you won't try to use this… whatever it is, not until we figure out what's really going on."
Kim hesitated, the warmth of her new power still fresh in her mind, the possibilities tempting. But the seriousness in Shego's eyes made her pause. She swallowed and nodded. "I promise. I won't use it again until we know what it is."
Shego exhaled slowly, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "Good. This isn't just some new skill you pick up, Kim. I know you're curious, but this stuff can come with consequences." She let go of Kim's hand, her fingers lingering just a moment.
Shego pulled Kim inside, her jaw clenched as she started pacing the room, frustration and guilt radiating off her in waves. Kim sat on the couch, her hands fidgeting as she watched Shego silently berate herself. After a few tense moments, Shego muttered under her breath, "I never should've… what was I thinking, turning you into a freak like me?"
Kim frowned, her heart sinking as she caught Shego's words. She was about to respond when they both heard the door open. Erin burst in, looking frantic and a little breathless, her eyes darting between them. "Sara! What's going on? You told me to rush home like it was an emergency!"
Shego's pacing halted, and she looked at Erin, struggling to find the words. Finally, she pointed to Kim, exasperated. "Look, I... I think I did something to her—something permanent. Somehow, she's… she's got powers now, Erin. Like mine."
Erin blinked, her brows knitting together in disbelief. "Powers? Sara, what the hell are you talking about?"
Kim looked down, then held out her hand, igniting a faint orange glow in her palm after a minute or so. Erin's eyes widened, shock flooding her face as she turned to Shego for an explanation.
"I think this happened because of the blood transfusion," Shego admitted, her voice breaking slightly.
Erin studied the glow in Kim's hand, then looked between the two of them, realization dawning in her eyes. "Shego, I know you're feeling guilty, but powers aren't a death sentence," she said gently. "We'll figure this out, and we'll keep Kim safe."
Erin knelt beside Kim, checking her pulse and carefully examining her injuries. She frowned thoughtfully, looking over the healing cuts and bruises still present on Kim's arms. "Well," she murmured, her eyes narrowing in focus, "you didn't get Shego's healing factor, that much is clear. Your injuries are healing at a completely normal pace—no sign of accelerated recovery."
She turned to Shego, then back to Kim, curiosity and caution in her gaze. "But... this glow," Erin continued, gesturing to Kim's hands, where a faint orange warmth still lingered under her skin, "it looks like you've gained some form of Shego's power, but it's different. Almost like it's adapted to you, in a way."
Kim nodded slowly, closing her hands and extinguishing the glow. "It feels like... like a heat I can pull from deep inside," she admitted quietly. "I don't know how to explain it, but it doesn't feel dangerous—not to me, anyway."
Shego folded her arms, still visibly tense. "It doesn't feel dangerous now," she muttered, a touch of bitterness in her voice. "But powers like these… they come with risks. You need control, and you need to be careful."
Erin gave Shego a gentle but firm look. "You're right. And that's something we'll work on together. But Kim," she turned back to her, a reassuring smile softening her expression, "if you're feeling okay and you're careful, this is just one more thing we can handle."
Kim nodded again, more determined this time. She could see the worry in Shego's eyes, but Erin's calm confidence was grounding. "Alright," she said, her voice steadier. "I'll be careful. And if anything feels wrong, you'll be the first to know."
"Alright, now, can you do more? Can you show me?" Erin lifted Kim's hand, examining it, but Shego slapped Erin's hand away.
"Not inside." She frowned and grabbed Kim's jacket, making her put it on. The three of them went outside and a good distance away from the house before they felt it was safe.
Erin watched Kim intently as she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, focusing on the warmth inside her. After a few moments, a soft glow emerged from her hands, slowly intensifying until her palms were surrounded by a steady, controlled flame.
Erin's eyes widened, and she reached out, intrigued. "Incredible…" she whispered. The flame flickered in response to her hand, and she touched it briefly, wincing as it left a small burn. She quickly pulled her hand back, her expression a mix of surprise and fascination. "Okay, that's hotter than I thought."
Kim looked at her apologetically, but Erin just waved it off with a smile, shaking her hand to cool it. "Don't worry, that's not your fault. I couldn't resist."
Shego, meanwhile, hesitated only a moment before reaching for Kim's hand. She slowly pressed her palm to Kim's open one, feeling the heat but noticing it didn't burn. The orange glow seemed to blend seamlessly with the faint green tint in her own touch.
Kim glanced up at her, a bit in awe. "You're… not hurt by it.."
Shego shook her head, her voice soft. "No. Guess my powers recognize it as… familiar." She gave Kim a faint smirk. "Though I'll admit, it's weird seeing you light up like that."
Erin observed them both, nodding thoughtfully. "Looks like there's a unique connection here. This could be useful if we need to figure out ways to help you control it. Sara, if you can touch Kim's power without getting hurt, you might be able to help her figure out ways to control it, as her body adjusts."
Kim tested it again, drawing the fire back in, and a couple minutes of concentrating, brought it back out, though it was a bit weaker this time. It took a lot of energy to use and she was becoming tired.
Shego raised an eyebrow, watching intently. "It took you a while to do that," she noted, studying Kim's hands carefully. "It's… different. But that makes sense. You're new to it."
Kim shrugged, still fascinated by the flickering glow. "Yeah, it takes a lot of focus," she admitted, glancing up at Shego. "But I can feel it getting easier each time."
Erin nodded, examining the flames closely without getting too near. "For something like this, your body probably just needs time to adjust," she suggested. "The more you use it, the easier it'll become. Like learning a new muscle."
Shego nodded thoughtfully, relaxing a little. "Just don't rush it," she said, her tone softening. "You're dealing with something powerful, and if you push too hard, it could backfire."
Kim smiled, holding the flames a little higher, her confidence growing. "I get it. I'll go slow," she promised, glancing at Shego with a spark of determination in her eyes. "Thanks for… y'know, trusting me with this."
Shego gave her a small, approving nod. "Just don't make me regret it."