Mind, body, and Soul

The Present: Middleton

The music was loud, ear achingly loud, in the basement of Middleton’s new and premier club ‘Nightdust’. It was so popular, having been open for only three days, that the only way to get into the intense heat and atmosphere was to have been invited. And only the most famous and popular had been sent such things.

Even if they didn’t want them.

“Ron, I don’t want to come here.”

“KP, you need some time out of your room. You need to have some fun, some enjoyment.”

Kim Possible sighed. A weary and sad expression almost etched into her face gave the young woman years she did not deserve. Even the fantastic dress that Monique had given her, tight dark red silk with the lick of black flames that played around her curves, was unable to hide the slumped and reluctant pose.

She ignored the shouted questions from the media clustered around the carpet, had learned how to do so for the past week at her home. She couldn’t even go outside or to school without being mobbed over her… ‘declaration’.

“Ron, I really don’t think that this is going to cheer me up, let alone make me end up having fun.”

“Kim,” Ron turned to her in the queue, and his face was as serious as his voice. “Your mom and dad asked me to take you out. They’re worried about you, staying in your room and barely coming out apart for food.”

“I’ve only just recovered from a brain controlling network of tiny robots. I think I’ve earned a few days rest in my room, relaxing… not doing much. So not the drama!” Her argument lacked any enthusiasm and her normal ‘Kimness’, to Ron anyway, seemed to be missing.

“So, this isn’t about her then?” Ron watched Kim hunch and glanced across at his date for the evening, raising an eyebrow in worry.

A demure, but quietly excited Yori hung on his arm. With her makeup artfully applied, and the light blue one piece suit that Monique had advised her to wear showing curves that her usual loose clothing hid, revealed Yori to be truly beautiful. She was anxious to see what Ron would think of her efforts, in the quiet, intimate dark of the clubs dance floor.

Still, she cared for her friends, and the ninja frowned and shrugged ever so slightly as she noticed Ron’s worried reaction. The subtle movement was missed by Kim.

“Who?” Kim asked, cursing the way her voice quavered ever so slightly, despite her attempt to remain nonchalant.

Ron stared and then sighed. “KP… you know who I mean. Don’t start that again.”

“Start what? What exactly is the problem, Ron?” Kim turned away, only to whirl back and the tears in her green eyes frightened him more than any physical attack. “I mean, she only saved my life, is back on the run from every law agency the planet has, and my plea to her at the photo conference was useless. I think I have every right to not wanna go out! Don’t you?”

“Kim San,” Yori stepped forwards, worried. “Staying in your room will not solve this for you, nor will it deaden the ache I see you suffering over Shego’s disappearance.”

“I don’t need advice from you, Yori.” Kim snapped the words and the ninja blinked, confused. “It took me breaking up with him, and the Jade making an appearance in the USA, for you to ask Ron out. Lucky for you that he didn’t have other plans, or people, or stuff getting in the way! He’s not wanted by the cops, villains too! And he’s certainly not a woman, that’s for damn sure!”

Yori stared at the ground, her face flushed, while Kim stared at her, chest heaving with exertion. Around them, glancing as surreptitiously as possible, the other patrons and stars walked by along the red carpet. The media were less unobtrusive, and flashbulbs painted the air with blasts of white light and made news.

“I did not mean to offend.” Yori murmured quietly, turning away to stand next to Ron, who closed his eyes in dismay at the upset expression on his girlfriends face. “Ron, I think that maybe we should-“

“Ah, hell. Yori… wait.” Kim stepped up to her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, tugging slightly. “That was so uncalled for. I didn’t have the right to say stuff like that to you. I’m sorry, really!”

The Ninja glanced up at Kim’s guilty expression and sighed. “This is how Jasmine felt, all those months ago. Her pain was terrible, and I see the same in your eyes as well. I wish I could help.”

“So do I…” Kim whispered, her own eyes casting down at the carpet. “I really wish you could…”

A sudden female cry had the group of three glancing across. There, running as fast as heels would let her, and clad in a soft grey satin two piece, was Monique. With the fabric clinging to every curve and her hair twisted into an elegant waterfall of dark brown, she looked stunning.

“Hey, Girlfriends and boyfriend!” Monique twirled, happily. “What’cha think? I was able to finish this sexy little number off while I was recuperating at home!”

“Hey, Mon.” Kim managed, smiling so weakly she wondered that it had to be a miracle her face didn’t crack. “Why sexy?”

Oh ho! Don’t let the grey fabric fool you, Kim! This entire baby of mine is covered in UV reflective paints, fabrics and other stuff. Just you wait ‘til we get in there! I’ll blow the socks off everyone!”

“Hey, Mon… wow, nice job on the healing.” Ron smiled, and wished it didn’t feel so forced. “You look as sexy as ever.”

The African woman smiled with glee. “Yeah! They put this new cream stuff on at Middleton Hospital. I’ve got a scar, but it’s tiny. The rest of my back healed the burns like they weren’t there. When I see Shego, I'll be able to stare her right in the eye and-“ A sudden choked breath from Kim had Monique blinking in shock as she watched the redhead turn away, clutching her chest tightly. “Kim, you okay?”

“F… fine. I’m fine.” The redhead breathed in deeply and turned back, her smile back in place. “It’s nothing.”

“Damn girl, you really do suck at lying. Even to yourself.” Monique took her arm gently, folding it through the gap in her own and linking their hands together. A gentle tug had Kim reluctantly wandering down the carpet towards the club. “You still got the blues over Shego?”

“Shouldn’t I?” Kim felt a laugh, empty of humour; spill itself past her lips before it could finish threatening to slip into a sob. “She saved my life, is on the run, and I can’t get her to come back to me! I’ve sent emails, used a damn in-terror net unit to surf the forums for her, asked Wade to run every single search he can think of… and sold my soul to the devil that is the press. I've doe everything I can think of!”

Monique nodded, carefully keeping the pressure on Kim’s arm as it started to tremble. She felt Ron and Yori slide up behind them, blocking Kim’s escape route if she bolted. For her, as Kim’s closest female friend, she felt it her duty to force the redhead to talk about what was, literally, eating away at her.

“You think that mean’s she doesn’t care?”

“Ye… no! No! She promised that she’d do everything she could!” Kim spluttered and Monique felt her heart bleed in sympathy. Kim was in love, or at least heading that way. The redhead sighed. “She promised… promised me that. But I don’t think that even everything she has will be enough, Mon.”

“No?” Monique bit her lip. “Why not?”

“There’s too much in the way. She’s evil… was evil. Oh god! She could still be for all I know. GJ wants her, as do everyone else I know of in the law business. Drakken’s swearing revenge from GJ’s cells, the other villains have issued bounties for her… some alive, some for dead.” Kim trembled at the thought of Shego running from a hail of bullets, the projectiles shredding her body into a mess of bloody tissue. She forced the image away. “There’s nothing I can do to help her.”

“Kim.”

“I spoke to GJ… Doctor Director is too ‘busy’ to take my calls. I pulled in a few favours from government officials, even those around the world. Everyone I speak to sympathises with how I feel, having had my life saved by her, but they can’t do anything, Mon. God, I shouldn’t have said what I did at the conference!” Kim broke off and sighed. “I… I feel useless Mon. No, I am useless!”

“No, you’re doing everything you can.” Monique told her, stilling the anxious trembling in the arm she clutched. “You’ve worked yourself to exhaustion doing things to help Shego, when you should be recuperating from this Servus stuff.”

“I haven’t got time to-“

“Relax and take a break?” Monique shook her head and Kim felt herself deflate. “Yeah, you do.”

Ron, walking behind Kim, grinned at Yori, who smiled in return and nodded, relaxing at the sight of Kim so easily disarmed by her friend. The smile widened as Kim glanced back, a beseeching look on her face, which Ron merely shrugged at. “Hey, she’s the boss tonight. Sorry, KP.”

“Damn right. Now, let’s get a drink in you, Girl!”

With that, Monique pulled Kim past the smooth onyx doors and into the loud, busy and crazy crowd of people, all dancing, kissing, and enjoying themselves. Lights, huge multicoloured streamers, flashed, span and dazzled across the crowd, bathing them in strange coloured hues, showing up ultraviolet clothing and makeup with neon shimmers of lurid colour.

The dance floor itself, solid glass with a dark red under lighting that pulsed and strobed in time to the music, was packed with hundreds of people, all dancing to a pulsing rhythm. The DJ, standing atop a marble column, decked with two massive plasma screens on which shapes and images played, span and mixed the music effortlessly.

It was, as Monique told Kim loudly. “One hell of a party, Girl!”

Kim could only stare, and feel the pounding rhythm stomp itself into a growing headache.This is going to be hell.

Two hours later, and the party had continued unabated. Kim, and her group, now sat round one of the larger tables around the dance floor, bottles of various soft drinks sat around glasses half full and snacks of varying types joined them in Tupperware bowls. Somehow, and Kim dare not ask, Ron had managed to battle his way to the small hot snack section of the bar and order up nachos.

Everyone, even Monique, who true to her word had become dressed in a blinding mix of neon hues, colours, and patterns designed to show off her curvy body and various assets, tucked into the food every few minutes that she could pull back from sliding around the dance floor like a snake.

Even Yori, demure and quiet Yori of Yamanouchi, had relaxed to the point that she now sat propped on the corner sofa section of their shared table, next to Ron, happy, sweaty, and thoroughly exhausted. She’d gone up with the blond teen, who had tugged her initially reluctant form into the dance floor, to show Monique that she was not the only one who could bend and twist herself into shapes that had both men and women drooling. She had succeeded beyond her wildest dreams, and now had gathered quite the enraptured audience, again both men and woman, who hung around her area of the table with hope in their eyes.

The sudden change of the pounding dance number into a popular pop tune made Ron glance across at his foreign beau.

“Hey,Yori. Wanna dance with me?” Ron grinned, winking at Kim as Yori flushed

“Again? You are incorrigible, Ron!” The Ninja slid to her feet with un-ninja like giggles to a set of cheers from the dance floor. “Why did nobody tell me you had so much stamina, or that this would be so much fun?”

“Wait until we get on the floor, I’ll show you some of the Ron man’s special moves!” The blond man turned to look at his best friend, hunched over her soft drink, the smile on her face so fake it hurt, deep down, for him to see it. “Hey, Kim. Why don’t you come dance with us?”

Kim shook her head, not even dignifying him with an answer, and Ron felt the worry bite into his exhilaration. “Kim…”

“No, Ron. I’m fine, really. You go have fun with Yori. I’m enjoying seeing you two dance, really! I’m just tired.”

Ron frowned and then as the woman in question danced up to him in a cloud of dark hair and perfume, he nodded slowly. “As long as you’re okay…”

“Go, dance. Have fun.” Kim commanded, mustering up as much of a genuine smile as she could. “Show Yori how great it is to have you as a boyfriend.”

“Okay!” Ron managed, before being tugged into the frantic crowd of stomping boots and laughing, swaying bodies. “Come join us if you change your mind!”

Kim nodded, not even noticing that Ron was in no position to see her do so, while her emerald eyes watched the ice bob in her glass of diet soda.

That could be me right now. Me, dancing with Ron, laughing with Ron… happy with Ron. Kim felt a flush of jealousy swamp her, all of it aimed at Yori. Does she even know how lucky she is to have him? Everything I’ve done for the world, and I’m the one sitting here, without anyone to laugh with, or hold me. Someone I can lose myself with.

A vision of black hair, of exotic green skin and a deep, silky female laugh had Kim feeling even more bitter, but not at Yori. No, the jealousy and pain was aimed at another.

“Damn you, Shego.” Kim whispered, closing her eyes. “Damn you for making me fall for you, need to be with you, fall in love with you. How could you do all that, and then just leave me… God, what a way to finally win.” She sighed and her head slipped onto her arms. “You’ve destroyed me all right. But not the way you wanted to do it, not this way. And I can’t find a way to free myself.” She broke off as her voice trembled and then moaned, before sighing. “God, I miss you.”

“Hey, Sweet thing,” a sudden female voice, thick with a New York brogue accent, intruded into her personal space with a quiet offer. “Whatcha doing all alone in this party? How about I buy you a drink?”

“No.” Kim stated flatly, her head not shifting from her shoulders. “Go away please.”

“Now that’s not very nice, especially from someone so sexy.” The voice was amused. “Care to tell me why?”

“No.” Kim repeated. Go away, damn you!

The voice was silent, and then chuckled. “Only one thing I know that can affect a girl like this… It’s gotta be about a boy, right? You’re not gay then?”

Kim felt her eyes snap open, only to take in a table leg. “What!?”

The female voice laughed, the thickness of her accent making it deep and throaty. “Sorry, just that I could swear you were playing for our side. My ‘gaydar’ must be off.” It paused and then continued with a much quieter and reflective tone. “Cause you look a lot like that KP girl who told everyone she had the hots for that piece of tasty green candy… what’s her name? Oh, yeah… Shego. Though I Can’t say I blame you. Bet anyone with a pulse would want a quick nibble of that.”

For some reason, Kim felt anger well up at the words, but she couldn’t find the energy to stand or even raise her head. “Yes, it’s about her! And no I don’t want to talk about it! I didn’t even want to come here, to this place. I just wanted to stay in my room and think.”

“Think about what?” There was a sound of one of the chairs from an adjoining table being pulled into place. “Come on, Sweet thing, lay it on me. A problem shared and all.”

“I don’t want to talk about it!”

“Did she dump you or you dump her?” The voice pressed.

Kim stared at the floor, taking in the un-scuffed linoleum under the table. She felt a sudden urge to unload, but fought like a wild thing. “Leave me alone!”

“Ah, she dumped you then. Deliberately?”

“No…” Kim blurted the word, horrified at how pained it sounded.

“Ah jeez. Always the worst.” The voice softened, though the accent was still thick enough to sink bricks into. “Come on, tell me about it. Please?”

“Just who the heck do you think you ar-“

“Damn, you have such the Princess personality, dontcha. Listen, I’m willing to sit here, quietly, while you tell me what’s hurting you. Something they charge a couple of hundred for at a headshrinkers. I think that’s a pretty good deal and it might make you feel better, Princess.”

The nickname made Kim jerk in distress, in memory, but she nodded. “I… I… hell! Damn you! Okay!”

Eyes still fixed on the floor, unwilling to give this woman the benefit of her defeated expression, Kim spoke in a quiet, neutral tone.

---

Middleton Hospital: one week ago.

“Kimmie, please listen to reason. It’s too early for you to be exerting yourself this way.”

Kim, propped into a sitting position on her hospital bed, rolled her eyes and jiggled her foot in annoyance. “Mom, I’m fine.”

“Who’s the Doctor here?” Doctor Possible folded her arms and glowered at her daughter, who glared right back. “You’ve just had a major infection of the brain, Kimmie. I don’t want unseen damage causing injury to your brain that I won’t be able to fix.”

“Mom, I’ve had three scans of my brain, okay? Two of my body, and even a full set of X-Rays. Servus is gone, and your colleagues have all signed off that I’m healthy.”

“That may be, but I’m not happy, and as your mother I refuse to let you get out of bed until I am happy that you’ve made a full recovery.” Her mother sat next to her on the bed and sighed. “Kimmie, listen to me. What happened to you is unique. I know of no other case where nanites have infected a human mind and taken control of it, and then been freed.

I think I’m right to err on the side of caution. I also think you realise it too.”

Kim huffed, but reluctantly nodded. “Okay, yeah I see how big a sitch it is. But look, Mom, it’s only a press conference. A conference being held in the hospital, with the doctors and nurses who treated me invited as well. I can’t think of a safer place to be. Besides, you know have to do this… I have to.”

Her mother remained silent.

Since Shego’s present of the cure had been injected into her body, Kim had made a startling recovery. Servus Mk 2, it seemed, had a nasty side effect not present with Shego. The nanites had not only subjugated control of Kim’s nervous system, but had been rerouting it entirely in some circumstances. The effect had been akin, as Kim’s brain slowly realised it had control, to someone looking at an outdated road map. Pathways that were normally present and used, had become bypassed entirely. So, as she recovered, Kim’s body and brain had been forced to undo any ‘damage’.

Dr Possible had been proud of her daughter. Kim had gone from being barely able to raise her hand and slurring her words, to sitting up on her own and chatting to Ron and Yori when they visited twelve hours later. She had begun walking, with the occasional stumble, on the second and now was back to normal, if very tired, as her body continued to recover from the injuries and exhaustion Kara had caused.

Of course, when Kim had managed to get enough control of her motor functions, she had repeated her request to see Shego. Ron had been the one to tell her, gently as only he could, that Shego had gone, vanished. Kim refused to believe that, repeating that she knew Shego had gone to find the cure, and promised to return.

It had taken another day and Kim sitting patiently, quietly hopeful, for the realisation that Ron had told her the truth, to sink in. Shego had gone, had left her after providing the cure, and vanished. The knowledge of that had been like an icy punch in her stomach, and Kim had barely been listening when Doctor Director reluctantly asked if she were feeling strong enough, capable enough, to sit through a brief press conference.

Kim had agreed to the request, and had quietly hoped that she would be able to look around the crowd and see a flash of green skin, of emerald pupil, dark hair… something! Anything to show her that Shego was at least keeping an eye on her, waiting for the attention and vigilance of GJ to relax and allow the thief access to see her.

And if not… then Kim swore that she would work to find Shego, to find her and tell her the one thing that Shego didn’t know, hadn’t heard from her lips.

“I’m falling in love with you… I want to be with you.”

So now, as her mother shook her head in reluctance, Kim reached out and patted her hand. “Mom, I need to show the world what happened to me, to warn them of stuff like Servus. More importantly, I need to tell them what Shego did for me. I won’t let the world not give her a second chance, not when I think she might just be interested in one. Imagine what she could do if she came back to being, well, good. Imagine what we could do together!”

“Calm down, Kimmie. Yes, I know she said she loved you. But this could all be a phase or-“

“I’m old enough to make my own mind up, Mom.” Kim cut her off. “I know the risks I want to take. And if I do end up being heartbroken by her, then I’m heartbroken. It’s my choice to see if there’s anything there, to take it further if there is. Jeez, Mom, I’ve never felt anything like this for a person before… it’s like we’re connected or… or…”

“You sound just like me, when I met James.” Her mother sighed and smiled reluctantly. “I remember what you told me in the cells, how you felt. It didn’t sink in until now, how similar those words are to what I told my parents.”

Kim looked down at the sheets on her bed. “Please, Mom. I wanna try and get her to come back. After all, I do say I can-“

“Do anything. And your father is right that nothing’s impossible for a Possible.” The redheaded Doctor slid to her feet and fluffed her daughter’s hair. “You know, considering Shego has you on her trail now, with something far more important that just apprehending her for justice on your mind, I think she’s going to find out how true that is.”

“Mom…” Kim managed, flushing. “Kinda corny.”

“Whoever said corny, isn’t true?” Her mother countered, smiling slightly. “I’ll let you do this Kimmie, but after the conference, you stay the night in hospital and we’ll talk about releasing you tomorrow. Those are the rules young lady.”

“Fine.” Kim conceded. “While we wait, I can check with Wade on the Kimmunicator to see if the search he’s running has found anything.”

“No luck yet then?”

“No. But then he’s searching the entire net for one person to pop up on a camera or something. Considering Shego’s good at stealth, heck brilliant even, it’s going to take time.” Kim paused and then fumbled with the sheets, running the fabric through her fingers. “Unless she comes here, to see me.”

“Oh, Kimmie.” Doctor Possible shook her head. “Do you really think that Shego would risk that the press would shield her from the agents global has around you right now? It wouldn’t be the smart thing to do.”

---

“Of course it’s not.” Marie yanked Shego by the arm, across Middleton Hospital car park. Dressed in a blue skirt, white shirt, black tights and a pair of brown knee length boots, she was the image of French chic, and nothing at all like the thief who had helped Shego break in to Hench co. three nights ago. “But they know that you know that… so it is the perfect time.”

“Damn it, Marie!” Dressed in a lime green top and red slacks, a baseball cap with a long brim shoved on top of her head to hide her face, Shego resisted the yanking of her mentor. Underneath the cap, grey eyes glinted at her from behind glasses and the face was a healthy shade of pink, as were her arms. All benefits of a makeup process that took hours. “You’re going to get me arrested!”

“Better that than being forced to listen to you second guess yourself, again and again, in the airport hotel room.” The thief let go of Shego’s arm and turned to her. “You want to leave her, because you think it’s best for Kim.”

“Damn it, yes!” The words came out as a hiss. “I’m a wanted thief, and if she shows affection, even just friendship towards me, the press will destroy her! Global will drop her like a hot stone if she ends up with me, I know it! Marie, she needs their support- no, their acceptance- to remain what she is, a hero. If she can’t do what she’s doing now? It’ll destroy her.”

“Shego…” Marie watched her friend struggle to work things out, and then gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “Emerald, no matter what you do, Kim will have to face whatever happens on her own. The question is which of the possible outcomes do you wish her to face?”

“I… I don’t know.” Shego glanced across. “Marie, why did I do this? Hell, it’s my fault Kara got to Kim in the first place. It’s my fault that I fell for her, kissed her in the heat of a fight… God, I’m screwing her life up!”

“No, I do not think you are.” Marie shrugged quietly. “How on earth could you know that you would fall in love with someone you hated so passionately at the start? You told me once, and I happen to agree now, that the universe loves a practical joke. Hatred has turned to love… amusing in a way.”

“Oh yeah, laugh a minute.” Shego whispered, upset.

“The question for the moment, what you must ask yourself now, is that do you wish to see her again?” Marie waved a hand. “Because you can see her today, with little risk.”

“Well, Doy. Of course I do… She’s… of course I do.” Shego repeated and then bit her lip. “Marie, I used to enjoy my life, really! A little fighting, a little theft, a lot of relaxation and time with my magazines… I was happy single. Why, suddenly, do I need someone? When did my life become so complicated?”

“Ah, that I cannot answer.” Smiling gently, Marie tugged her friend once more. “Come, Shego. I can, at least, help you face the first question you asked yourself.”

---

“What?” Doctor Director sighed into the mobile phone she had clamped to her ear and stared in annoyance at the gathering press from the side of the hastily erected stage. “I said no.”

“Yes, that’s why I intend to brief her about that. But I will not sit on one side of Ms Possible to keep an eye on her or regulate what she has to say about her experience. Those agencies that have a problem with that will just have to-“

“What?” The one-eyed woman shook her head in disbelief. “Very well, I will order her, as per my authority as head of Global Justice, to do so. And that is as far as I will go. Clear?”

Betty flipped her mobile phone closed and scowled. “What a slimy little-“

“Sir?” Will Du walked up from behind and tapped her on the shoulder, only to take a step back at the angry expression that met his eyes. “Um, sorry.”

“Oh, no, no, Will. I’m not angry at you. Somehow, a few ‘agencies’ managed to get a majority in the Security Council to authorise a block, via GJ authority, towards Kim. I’m to tell her not to say anything about Cerberus and its link to Servus, or anything in regards to Shego helping save her life. The clamp on the Cerberus technology is butt saving.”

“And Shego?” William looked up, confused. “Why?”

“Oh, I bet that’s the FBI and CIA. I made them look bad when Shego first arrived in the hospital, and now that she’s vanished, they’re using the UN’s annoyance with GJ to try and prevent her getting any support from the public.

“Sir?”

“William, the agency that actually captures her and locks Shego away… to accomplish something GJ has so far failed to do, would give them huge brownie points in the security agencies of the world. Let alone that ‘some’ people have often been interested in seeing if her power can be duplicated or nullified, and to do that they need her in a lab somewhere, rather than a jail cell.”

“Sir, that sounds a little suspicious and-“

“Will, I can think of eighteen separate ways of putting the case for Shego’s powers to be ‘investigated’ that would be accepted by the UN. All the public cares about is if this dangerous woman is stopped from hurting them. If they gloss the details, do some PR, then that would be that, and if they came up with actual technology to keep Shego permanently in jail? Well, then no harm done.” Doctor Director kept out the words drugs, physical surgery, and restraints. They were clear in her expression however, and in her tone. “No… certainly no harm done.”

Will made another face. “Although I don’t like Shego, nobody deserves that.” He paused and then glanced at his boss with a guilty expression. “Sir, what would we have done if Shego had been held by us?”

Betty sighed and smiled faintly. “What have we done the last few opportunities Shego has graced us with her presence, William? Despite her escaping time and time again after various periods of incarceration, I mean?”

Will recalled that GJ always sent Shego to jail. Oh, jails with improved designs and shields to try and navigate her plasma. Special alloys, technology… warning systems. Even harmless temporary tranquiliser based systems. But they had never drugged her to the point of incoherence, or experimented on her… or operated on her brain to make her ‘docile’. He stared at Doctor Director with respect and the one-eyed woman nodded once.

“There are some things that even I won’t authorise, William. Remember that.”

“So, what can we do? She did save Ms Possible.”

“Agent Du, I still have to take orders from the UN council. So, the ones that requested this of me will undoubtedly be watching this little conference. I will instruct Ms Possible not to reveal such information.”

“Sir, I don’t think she’ll listen to you.” Will sighed.

Betty raised an eyebrow. “She will do as she’s told, Will, or I’ll throw the GJ book at her, as I’ve been instructed.”

“Throw the book at who?” A familiar female voice called from behind them and both GJ agents turned to see Kim slowly walking towards them, occasionally using the walking stick she clutched to give her support. The redhead was smiling, and gazed at them with curiosity. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Doctor Director nodded at Kim and then acknowledged her mother and Ron standing next to her. “Ms Possible, I think you and I need to talk.”

---

“So many people here…” Marie glanced around with fascination. “Look! NBC, ABC, Those satellite people… The BBC, Russian, French, Italian… even the Chinese and Japanese. A large number of others as well… All these people are here to listen to what Kim has to say.”

“Yeah, well GJ allowed Middleton news to break the fact that the Blood Jade exist.” Her face hidden by the cap, the only thing visible was Shego’s slightly nervous smirk. “I bet someone high up in the Jade is cursing Kara’s name about now. Of course the media wants to hear from the young woman who fought them. After all, Kimmie was almost killed doing it.” Shego sighed. “She doesn’t like the media; always hid as often as she could… this has got to be annoying her.”

“Still, such an impressive number of people…” Marie smiled. “And out of all of them, one person is here to see Kim for Kim, not because she is a hero.”

“Jeez, Marie. Do you do this to embarrass me? What, you find it funny or something?” the cap shook from side to side. “I swear, if this ever gets out, I’ll never live it down in the thieving community.”

“Oh I don’t know. Some would find it quite… interesting that the great Shego is in love. With Kim Possible no less… it would certainly make you very unique in our circles. Very unique indeed.”

“Okay, this isn’t helping me decide to take the plunge and go and see Kim to tell her what I need.” Shego let out a huff of breath. “We’ve been here for ages. Where is she?”

---

“I’m not allowed to talk about where Servus came from?” Kim stared at Doctor Director while Ron and her mother exchanged glances. “Okay… okay fine. I can talk about Servus itself though?”

“Yes, to an extent. Nothing about where it came from, where Drakken stole it from. If asked, I request you tell them you have no idea.”

“Right, okay.” Kim nodded, biting her lip. She was leaning on her cane a little more than she had done walking down the corridor, and she barely noticed the trickle of sweat running down the side of her face. But her mother did.

“Kimmie, you should take it easy.” Doctor Possible took a step towards her daughter, but Kim waved at her.

“I’m fine, Mom. Fine. So not the drama, I’m back at a hundred percent.”

“I’m going to have words with Mr Barkin, young lady, if your mathematics are that bad.” Mrs Possible glared. “Because if you claim you’re a hundred percent, I seriously wonder what you define that to be!”

Doctor Director raised an eyebrow. “Is this press conference a good idea? I thought you had fully recovered and there were no side effects to Servus.”

“There weren’t, but Kimmie still needs time to recover. Her body has undergone some terrible stress and damage recently; it needs time to heal her injuries. But Kim wants to do this, so…”

“Mom, yeah I do want to do this.” Kim stared at Doctor Director and unable to help herself, blurted. “What about Shego?”

“Ah, yes.” The one-eyed woman sighed. “Certain ‘parties’ do not want you telling the media who saved your life. You can mention that Shego was involved, but not go into any depth in any way.”

“What?” Kim stared in disbelief and her fingers trembled on the cane. “Why?”

Doctor Director felt herself shrink inside at the pained tone in Kim’s question. Think, Betty… think of something. “Shego is a wanted criminal, and these certain parties know that a large part of their budget is dependent on her remaining at large. I don’t think you grasp how wanted as a thief Shego is, despite a lack of actual… well, evidence. Anyway, now that Shego has been involved in saving your life… well, they don’t want her getting any sympathy because she’s still a criminal in their eyes.”

“But I want to tell them what happened!” Kim pleaded, her green eyes wide and glistening with moisture. The shivering had begun to slide up her arm, and she barely noticed her mother gently support her. “Doctor Director, please! She saved my life, our lives… yours! And Ron told me you know about… well, you do know.”

Betty nodded. “Yes.”

“Then please let me tell them what happened! Please! Shego deserves a second chance, after what I learned about her these past weeks, she really does!” Kim was almost in tears, her eyes wet and Betty tensed herself as the young woman’s lips trembled. “I can help her, Doctor Director, or at least stop her thieving! Maybe I can-“

“Ms Possible, I sympathise. Really I do. Maybe if Shego had stayed in hospital, I could have cut a deal with her. As it stands, I have official requests for you to say nothing about the change in your… relationship with Shego.” Betty paused and her single eye blinked and then narrowed in thought. “Yes… officially. Ms Possible, I am hereby ordering you as a GJ agent, to reveal nothing we have discussed! If you do, then as the controller of Global Justice, I’ll be forced to throw the book at you.”

Kim stared, just stared, while Ron glared at Doctor Director from her side. Kim’s mother stroked her daughter’s hair, while shaking her head gently from side to side. “Kimmie… maybe this isn’t such a good time to-“

Kim pulled free and walked towards the table and chairs on the stage, glancing back as she did so. “Doctor Director, I really think you should be gone when I come back.”

Betty watched the redhead limp into the hubbub of cameras, newspaper journalists and radio microphones. The resounding cheers, cries, and questions from the less patient, made the GJ agent shake her head.

“Well, Doc. Good to know that GJ isn’t like the other security forces Kim and I’ve met.” Ron stepped forwards, next to where Doctor Director remained watching Kim, as she sat down and poured herself a glass of water. Her mother joined her, ignoring the same questions that were hurled at her as they had been towards her daughter, sitting quietly. They both glanced across and waited patiently for the blond teen.

“You know, I’ve never really had a problem with you or your agency… but today? Today I have to kinda wonder what makes you different from your brother.” Ron heard the GJ leader grunt in agreement and turned to her. “I know how attractive the idea of Shego working to help us was. Couldn’t you have done anything to help make the others realise that?”

“Your friend and her mother are waiting, Mr Stoppable. Kim knows full well that as a GJ agent, she is within my jurisdiction and orders. Remind her of that, would you?”

“I…” Ron paused as Kim made a hurrying motion, and he realised how pale and unhappy she now looked, all thanks to the woman next to him. “I’m not sure if I like you as much as I did when you chewed out those guys in your office. What’s the difference right now between them and you?”

Will stepped up, waiting for his commander to scowl or tremble or do anything in response. Instead, as he glanced across at her, he blinked in shock. Doctor Director was smiling faintly and nodding in satisfaction.

“Sir?” Will coughed and as Betty glanced across, offered his support. “You couldn’t do anything for them.”

“Mm’nn, Will… let me ask you a question.” She stared back at the table, locking eyes with Kim’s upset green gaze, and schooling her own into one of mild question.

“Sir?”

“In all the time you’ve known her, how long has Kim been a Global Justice agent, or was ever offered the role as one for that matter… considering she is only just starting college and is not yet at the mandatory age of twenty five?”

---

God, what am I going to do?! Kim stared at the one-eyed woman whose gaze continued to bore into her own from the side of the stage. She had never felt so torn in all her life, not like this. Respect for the woman who ran GJ, something she hoped to maybe become part of, directly conflicted with her growing and changing feelings for Shego.

“I am hereby ordering you as a GJ agent, to reveal nothing we have discussed.” The words hurt, terribly. Kim knew she was a lousy liar, but she had another reason for needing to break that order… a certain green skinned need. Someone who had hidden herself away from Kim and now she wanted her to come back.

What am I going to DO?

“Ms Possible!” The call from the floor had Kim blinking and she focused her attention onto the massive group of journalists who had gathered to see her, Ron and anyone else involved in the revealing of the Jade. The man who had called raised his pen and Kim nodded. “How’s it feel to be back to normal?”

“Um, fine thanks.” Kim felt her mother gently squeeze her knee and she licked her lips, suddenly nervous. She smiled. “Bit of a dumb question really.”

Laughter filled the hall and the man who asked the question grinned. “Sorry, how about how it feels to finally have control of your body back?”

“Great. I can finally feed myself. That’s a really big plus. Oh, and the freedom to go to the bathroom on my own, when I want? Also a big plus.” Kim smiled. “So, yeah I feel great, thanks.”

The laughter faded and the room filled with the air of sudden interest. A woman raised a hand and Kim nodded.

“What exactly did it feel like to have such a mind controlling substance injected into you?

“Oh, painful I guess. Well, I mean with the stuff Drakken injected into me, it was bad. When Servus started to take me over, I felt loads of pain… it hurt really bad. Very much like, um, liquid fire, and it slowly spreads across your entire body. Then, just as it gets as bad as it can… it just fades. Then, you can feel sensations normally, but you can’t move. At all… ” Kim remembered the feeling of numbness, the terrible… nothing. “You can’t move and this Servus is controlling you like a puppet.”

“That sounds very painful and quite humiliating.” The woman murmured, and many heads nodded, one being Kim’s.

“It was. I’m really grateful that a cure was found and I’m back to normal,” she faced the cameras and looked intently into the camera lenses. “Very grateful.”

“I’m sure that my colleagues, as I am, are glad to see you’ve recovered.” A journalist with a tape recorder and a pair of outrageous pink rimmed glasses smiled at her. “You have recovered fully I take it?”

“Mom?” Kim asked, motioning to her mother. “You’re the Doctor.”

Mrs Possible cleared her throat with a quick slip of water and nodded. “Yes and to answer your question, Kim has made a full recovery. The reasons for her continued stay in hospital, and the reasons behind us having the conference here, is that the injuries my daughter sustained in the fight with the Blood Jade were quite severe.”

Kim tuned out of the detailing of her injuries to the journalists who, she vaguely noticed, were hooked on every word. Spilled blood and wounds sold papers and TV shows it seemed. Instead she focused on the words of Doctor Director once more. Something about them nagged at her again and again.

“I am hereby ordering you as a GJ agent, to reveal nothing we have discussed!”

What was it about that sentence? About the way Kim had heard the woman say the words?

“I will be forced to throw the book at you.”

For what, telling the truth?

“Ordering you as a GJ agent…”

“Ms Possible.” Kim blinked back into the here and now. “We understand that you met the leader of this new organisation?”

“Yes, and they’re not new. The Blood Jade are ancient, they’ve just been very good at hiding. I met one of their leaders, if what she told me was true. Her name was Kara Fang, and she was the one who managed to shoot a hypo dart into me, loaded with Servus.”

“What was she like?”

“Psychotic.” Kim answered shortly, and then blinked at the sudden sharp nod of a cap wearing figure, partly hidden by the crowd of journalists. “Um, yes. Psychotic and deadly.”

Kim went on to describe Kara Fang, her appearance, her demeanour, her predilection for torture. That was given to the people around her in a quiet, monotone voice, and she left the attempted rape of her mother out of her descriptions. Finally she came to an end.

“Would you like to know anything else about Kara Fang and how I feel about her?” Everyone shook their head. Kim’s voice had carried a tone that indicated the subject was closed. “Great, and thanks for being so understanding. I’d very much like to forget I ever met the woman.”

“Ms Possible.” Another journalist stood up and raised her pen. “How did you escape their clutches? GJ were very vague about the whole event.”

“Well,” Kim swallowed as Shego’s face popped into her head, and she forced it away. Her hand quickly gripped the water glass in front of her and she sipped to hide her confusion, buying time.

What do I say? What do I do?!

A sudden thought almost had her sighing in relief and she placed the glass down firmly. “I don’t think I’m in any position to tell you what happened.” At the consternation Kim raised a hand. “Let me be clear. I was tied into a chair, with a collar full of needles jabbed into my neck. I wasn’t exactly in a position to see what was going on when the rescue party first attacked.”

“Oh,” The journalist opened her mouth and Kim waved the hand in the air.

“But there is someone here who can.”

She turned to where Ron had tuned out, knowing full well that as a sidekick, he wouldn’t be asked any questions. Nobody gave a damn about what he thought or did. Until today…

“Ron, would you mind giving these people a condensed blow by blow of your fight, with Global’s help, into Drakken’s lair and through the Blood Jade forces?”

“What?” Ron blinked as all attention focused on him. “Oh, uh…”

Rufus, who had been sitting on his shoulder, squeaked in distress and scampered down the blond teen’s body and into his pocket as the camera lights slid onto his face, and the lenses themselves, like hungry animals, fixed on his nervous expression.

“Me?” At Kim’s nod, Ron licked his lips. “Well, first we assembled a strike team with the help of Global Justice and-“

Kim listened once more with half an ear, sipping her water slowly. Again, she ran the words of Doctor Director through her head. A part of her knew, just knew, that they would soon be coming to the questions involving Shego. They always did. Where you had Drakken, you had Shego. Where you had Shego, Kim would be. Where Kim and Shego met, violent combat was a usual outcome. And violence sold…

But what was she going to say? I’ll be dammed if I’ll let these people think Shego attacked me like she normally would. She deserves the truth to get out. But what am I going to do? Doctor Director said that… that…

“I am hereby ordering you as a GJ agent, to reveal nothing we have discussed!”

Wait, what? Kim blinked and felt the sudden trickle of hope.

“As a GJ agent.” Her head shifted to one side and the redhead glanced across to where Doctor Director still stood, smiling faintly. Beside her, mouth open, stood Will Du. The one-eyed woman’s smile widened as Kim stared at her, hope in her eyes, and as Kim watched, she crossed her arms and tilted her head.

“GJ agent…”

Kim blinked. But… but I’m NOT a GJ agent! I’m a freelancer, asked for help from time to time. Everything else comes through my website as an independent! So… oh, oh!

Her head whipped back to Doctor Director, green eyes wide in sudden understanding, but the commander of Global Justice tilted her head in a clear question. “So now that you know… what do you intend to do?”

Turning back to the assembled media, Kim felt elation burst through her, and a genuine smile curled her lips as she thought through, and refined again and again, how to deal with the next set of questions.

“And that lead us to the main audience chamber where Kim was being held by the Jade and Doctor Drakken.” Ron finished, nervously tugging his collar. “Um,”

Kim moved to take the opening, but another journalist was faster. “So, according to the information given to us by Global Justice, Doctor Drakken created Servus with the intent on using it on you. To turn you into his puppet and wreck havoc and destruction. Is that right?”

Kim nodded slowly. It was now or never. “Yes. Myself… and one other.”

“Other?” The journalists went silent, the only sounds in the room the scratching of pen on paper, hands tapping laptops and the quiet whine of the cameras as they recorded Kim’s calm expression.

What are you doing, Kimmie?! Her mother squeezed her knee, the worry making her hands tremble.

Kim simply gripped the hand and squeezed back, hr grip confident, smooth and powerful. As she did so, she shot a glance at Ron, who had gone stark white in shock. A quick smile, wink and her closest friend felt his own smile curl his lips. Kim had a plan.

“Yeah. There were two of us in the grip of the Blood Jade and Drakken. Two of us who got tortured, two of us who fought to get free, and succeeded. But there was only one who saved me from Kara Fang, Doctor Drakken and the Jade themselves, before fighting a life and death struggle to get the cure to Servus.”

At the back of the room, Shego’s head snapped up and Marie whimpered slightly as a green hand gripped her wrist and dug indestructible, razor sharp nails into her skin. “Merde!”

No, no! Don’t say it Kimmie! Don’t! The thief glanced around, felt the hunger of the media hounds around her, the terrible hunger for a story. They’ll rip you into shreds! Don’t say anything!

“Ms Possible, the reports we received indicated that only one person was injected with Servus. Reports that Global Justice forwarded from the FBI, CIA, and other agencies as well. Are you telling us this is incorrect?”

“In a way.” Kim softly took a sip of water, feeling the tension in the room begin to build.

I can do this, I can… I can tell the world how I feel about Shego. About how I want them to see her. I can do this… I’m not afraid anymore of being singled out. Kim placed the water back down and felt her resolve stiffen into iron. I’m already singled out for being the woman who can do anything. Now, let’s see how you take that in regards to Shego.

“There was, as I have stated, one other who had been injected with Servus. She endured a great deal more than I did right from the start. In fact, the only reason we knew of the Jade was because this person ended up at my home, wounded, bleeding, and semi-conscious with pain.”

“She means you,” Marie whispered, glancing across at Shego with an excited expression. One that faded as she took in her friends face. “Shego?”

“They’ll destroy her… they’ll crucify her for being gay, hell even for being bi-sexual!.” The green woman glanced across at Marie and her face was paler than usual. “Worse, it’ll be for being gay and wanting me… a villain! I know what they’ll say! God, the press almost killed me back in my Go days just for the rumours of my sex life, real or not. If Kim says it outright, she’ll be ripped apart by them!”

“Don’t be silly.” Marie managed, whimpering as the hand around her wrist convulsed painfully. “Things have changed so much.”

“Not enough,” Shego felt the hunger of the press build and bit her lip hard enough to taste the metallic flavour of her own blood. “Not nearly enough… Doy! What was I thinking, telling her how I felt? Kissing her! I must have been crazy! She’ll blame me for this, when it all goes to hell… she will!”

Marie blinked. She knew that Shego, sarcastic, and arrogant Shego, had, deep down, a much softer side to her. One that she hid from everyone, even herself… The young girl who grew into a young woman and had little friends and even less love though the process. That woman was who stared at Kim now, not the arrogant thief.

“I doubt it. After all, she is doing this for you.” Marie murmured.

“I know!” Shego hissed and turned. Marie saw the anger in her eyes, the conflict. “I’m not worth it! I’m bad tempered, surly, sarcastic, and a pain in the ass. I know that too… you’ve told me enough times.”

Marie shook her head as the droning voices and questions echoed around them. “Now that is one of the most foolish things you’ve ever said. You have many fine qualities, Shego. You-”

“I hated her, all those years ago. I wanted to destroy her and couldn’t.” Shego’s head slid into her hands. “Now I’ve fallen in love, god knows how and… and I’m actually going to destroy her with it.”

“Ms Possible, I suppose it comes down to me asking the most obvious question.” The man with the glasses smiled toothily, scenting a major story in the works. “Who was this second person?”

“Oh, well.” Kim braced herself. I can do this. “You all know her for the times she’s fought me in battle.”

The room went silent, and Shego let go of Marie’s arm to bury her head into her hands with a quiet whisper of. “No…”

“Are you saying that the person who Drakken injected with Servus was Shego? His sidekick?!” The man with glasses stared in disbelief as Kim nodded. “In the name of the public’s right to know… why?”

“Well, he’s done it once before. You all recall the time where he managed to mind chip me?” A few brief nods had Kim nodding. “Well, he also chipped Shego. Made her do things that even she couldn’t stomach.” Like listen to his whining!

“So, Shego was mind controlled with this Servus stuff as well?” At Kim’s nod, the journalist blinked. “Why?”

“That has to do with the Jade. But, basically, Shego was brutally attacked and only survived thanks to her incredible fighting and stealth skills.” Kim ignored the murmuring and the frantic squeeze of her knee from her mother. “Even so, and I don’t know if you received this in the information given, her injuries were severe. Most especially the stab wound through her shoulder and a broken leg.” The murmuring increased, as the whole room realised this conference was going to be a ratings breaker. “So, when she was injured, Shego came to my home-“

“Okay, woah Ms Possible! That’s another thing. Why come to your house? A super villain, more importantly your personal nemesis, comes to your home looking for help?”

“She did, yes.” Kim quietly gazed at the crowd. “Thanks to Kara, I found out that Shego trusts me.”

Shego watched the scene unfolding and hated it. Hated herself. I’ve done it… I’ve destroyed Kimmie. Her life as a heroine’ll be over. No more Kim coming to save the day, she’ll be too busy fighting off the insults, the taunts, and the hatred from idiots… Jesus, I’ve screwed her life up!

“Wait a second. Shego trusts you?” A woman raised her pen. “But… you fight each other.”

“We do.”

“A lot… and I’ve seen some of the injuries you both have after you’ve stopped her and Drakken.”

“Yeah, fighting means we’ll get hurt occasionally.” Kim simply answered the questions as plainly as possible, as all the while her heart thundered uncontrollably, her fear for what was about to come attacking her resolve. She clamped down and focused. “But she trusts me, respects me.”

Loves me, wants me… I hope to god anyway. Kim almost blurted the words, but managed to hang on. Forcing herself to wait.

“So, she told you about the Jade?” The man with the glasses watched Kim nod. “And she was badly wounded by Kara Fang?” Another nod. “I take it that you believed her story.” A third nod had him narrowing his eyes. “So what about Middleton mall?”

“I told you, Servus.” Kim quietly gazed into his eyes. “Shego was injected first. Everything she did, anyone she hurt, the damage, working with the Jade ninjas, and especially taking me prisoner, was due to Servus. All of it.”

“I… we find that hard to believe.”

“Would you find it harder if I told you that the reason I’m sitting here, talking to you, free from Servus is because of Shego? She saved me from the Jade, and then from Servus, and risked her life many times to do so. Shego saved my life.”

The room erupted. Questions, hundreds of questions, all screamed from various journalists turned the room into a wall of sound. In the middle of it all, Kim sighed, while her mother stared in horror as some of the crowd stood up, screaming even louder in a desperate need to be heard.

“Oh, Kimmie…” She managed quietly, and winced as Kim glanced at her with an apologetic look. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Sweetie.”

“Me too, Mom.” She turned to Ron, who was sweating at the media attention, yet had the same supporting look he always gave her. “Sorry, Ron.”

“No Problem, KP. But like Mrs Dr P says, I hope you know what you’re doing…”

Almost there… you can do this. Not just for her, but for yourself too. No more lying to yourself, Kim. Take the… the damn plunge and screw the consequences! This is so, so, not the drama about this one thing!

“Ms Possible, are you saying that Shego, world renowned thief, sidekick to Doctor Drakken and also your nemesis for over three years, risked her own life to save yours?” Every single journalist leaned forwards, hooked on the answer the redhead would give.

“Yes, she did. Because we’re no longer enemies.” Kim told them simply.

“She’s crazy!” Shego whispered, and absently rubbed at her arm, the skin itching from the makeup coated across it. “Totally crazy!”

“No longer enemies?” The room went quiet and Kim could feel the hints of fear seeping through the hunger. “Surely you don’t see her as a friend, Ms Possible?”

“No, no. I don’t see her as friend.” Kim smiled and the room relaxed, all except for a woman at the very back, who felt as though her heart had stopped beating and frozen. In defence, she raised a hand and swept it across her brow, trying to remove the sweat that was trickling down her skin.

Kimmie, you can’t hate me for leaving you at the hospital… do you?

The redhead licked her lips. “I don’t see her as a friend becau-”

Kim broke off suddenly, staring at the very back of the room. She blinked and then stared very carefully. Because Kim would swear that, at the back of the huge hall, a woman with long dark hair secured under a broad baseball cap, was rubbing her face with her hand. A hand attached to an arm that seemed to have large swatches of a very pale green skin showing through patchy pink makeup.

Shego? She shivered from an odd mixture of delight and worry. Shego… you came here. But why come and then not see me? The redhead worried her lip.What do you want from me? Do you want me to admit how much I need you? Am I supposed to take the next step after you told me that you needed me, after you kissed me?

Well, wouldn’t she if the roles were reversed?

The redhead took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Her turn…

“Okay then…”

Sitting up and opening her eyes once more, Kim stared at the figure intently and then leaned forwards onto the table, her whole body radiating confidence.

“Shego’s not a friend, because right now she means an awful lot more to me than just that, a friend.” The room went silent, completely and terribly silent at this statement, and Kim smiled coolly. “I see Shego herself, and have done so since she kissed me about two weeks ago in Drakken’s empty lair, more as a soul mate now.”

She glanced around, taking in the shocked, but proud, expression of her mother and the quietly confident smile Ron sported, before turning back to the shell-shocked media. Her eyes, however, sought out the green flash she had seen before, and finding it, fixed onto the emerald gaze that stared at her with horror, admiration, and shock.

“And I have to say that I think she’s someone I’m falling head over heels in love with.”

Feeling the weight lift with that admission, Kim stood slowly, took a deep cleansing breath, and shrugged, her eyes never leaving Shego’s.

”So not the drama, ladies and gentlemen! Now, any questions?”

For a second time, the room exploded into a fury of screaming voices. Some were angry and outraged, swearing and cursing at the redheaded woman. Others were calling out questions and begging Kim to respond, some even were applauding quietly. Many were fighting the Middleton police cordon at the base of the stage to try and get closer to the redhead. Even more were running for the doors, hurtling towards any phone available as they found lack of signal of their mobiles. Others cursed their personal laptop as they sought an internet connection.

Every single journalist wanted to be the first to deliver the news to their county, country or the planet!

'Young superhero, Kim possible, announces that she is in love with arch nemesis Shego!'

A single tabloid journalist, lucky enough to get the barest signal, muttered hurriedly into his phone, ignoring the cursing and yelping of his fellows as the perfect headline scored into his brain.

'Kim Possible admits to being ‘Shegosexual’ at press conference!!'

In the middle of the chaos, the young woman who had caused it stood staring at a woman at the back of the hall she had done it for. A woman who gazed back in terrified disbelief.

Black lips working soundlessly, Shego stared helplessly at Kim, trying to process the incredible sacrifice, the… the gift Kim had offered her. And the realisation frightened her even more. The knowledge that despite everything that they’d done before; fighting each other, wounding each other… even placing each other in jeopardy, Kim was offering herself to Shego. Actually offering herself because she… she loved Shego back!

“She said it… she said it! Oh god, she said she was falling in love with me!” The words escaped the thief in a quiet whisper. “She never said that in the lair… or the jail or… oh god. This is real! Kimmie feels the same way!”

And the realisation of that scared the shit out of Shego even more than her realisation that, despite her normal blasé attitude to others, she would willingly risk her own life for the redhead. The moment was broken as a scrambling technician elbowed her in the stomach. Shego blinked, gazed around in horror at the screaming, clambering, and pleading journalists, and then grabbed Marie.

“Wha-“ Her mentor managed.

“I can’t do this!” Shego managed, before yanking the confused French woman behind her and darting for the exit. “We’re leaving!”

“But she loves yo-“ Marie managed to blurt before a second violent tug from the green thief had her letting out a gasp of surprise.

Kim stared helplessly, confused by her actions, before shaking herself out of her stupor. Limping across the stage, she grabbed Ron by the arm, stared at him with pleading eyes. “Ron, she was here! I think she‘s going to leave! Help me!”

Ron nodded, and both ignored the still pleading, screaming mass of journalists as they battled their way towards the front of the stage and then began to push through the thong of begging people. Though the police formed a protective cordon around them, Ron wasn’t above stomping on the occasional media foot that got in his way as he supported a still wobbly Kim. And Kim wasn’t above jabbing her elbows, and also in some cases stick, into the soft parts of journalists who tried to stick a tape recorder into her, or Ron’s face.

Gotta make it… gotta stop her leaving. I have to tell her to stay! I can make everything right. I can do anything!

Finally reaching the swinging doors, Kim and Ron pushed through them, the police blocking the desperate journalists from following.

---

As she watched Kim push her way through the crowd and out, Doctor Director surveyed the chaos in front of her as every single news agency went insane. And she smiled. The smile was still there when her mobile phone rang, and it was still there as the screaming female voice on the other end made her hold the phone away from her ear ever so slightly.

“Yes, I did tell her, Angela. No, I have agent Du next to me who will verify I implicitly told her not to reveal anything or I’d throw the GJ book at her.” She nodded at the screamed reply and handed the phone to a horrified, yet grinning, Will Du. “The head of the UN security council wants a word, William.”

Will licked his lips. “Agent Du… yes, Mam’n. Doctor Director told Kim not to reveal anything about Cerberus or Shego or she would be punished as a GJ agent.” Agent Du cocked his head and tried not to sweat. “No, I was as surprised as the Doctor that she didn’t care. Yes, Mam’n right away.”

Will handed the phone back and Doctor Director winked before placing it back to her ear.

“Yes, Angela? Damage control… well, that depends. If Shego gets any public support because of this then… no, I think it very likely due to Kim Possible’s popularity. Oh, she may weather some scorn and some people will loathe her for who she is, but the majority will… yes, I see. Okay, I’ll contact my commander and let him know. You’ll inform the FBI and CIA? Excellent. Very well… I’ll get right on it.”

The one eyed leader of Global Justice snapped her phone closed and grinned. “We may, William, ‘may’ just end up being allowed to have a uniquely talented third member of Team Possible.”

---

Kim staggered along the linoleum lined corridor of Middleton hospital, Ron supporting her and trying to move as quickly as the redhead wanted to. Rufus had decided to help out by scampering along in front of them, breaking the beams of the automatic doors so Ron didn’t have to wait for them to open.

All the while they chased in the direction Kim knew Shego had gone, a swift and direct move to the main exit of the Hospital, all she did was breathe and try to ignore how desperate the sound was to her own ears.

“KP, I think we’re almost there.” Ron huffed, thankful as they limped speedily past the waiting room for outpatients. “Just a little further.”

“I know.” Kim managed, trying to ignore the way her shoulder and other areas of her body were screaming in pain and exhaustion. She bit her lip. “Ron, why did she run away?”

Ron frowned and shook his head wordlessly. He honestly didn’t have an answer. Shego, for all the years he’d been with Kim, still puzzled him. He just didn’t know her well enough to tell Kim why, and the fact that Kim herself was puzzled and hurt over Shego’s bolting, spoke volumes about his ability to lend any advice.

The main doors to the hospital loomed in front of them and the two heroes slammed through them violently, Kim glancing frantically around herself in the blazing sunlight, looking for the dark haired woman she knew had been watching.

Around them, the journalists who had stepped out of the conference for a quick smoke, and had then gleefully been told what they had missed inside, gazed in shock and then scrambled for pads, pens, cameras or recorders, as they realised that the story of the year stood in front of them.

Kim ignored the questions tossed at her once more and continued to glance around desperately. “Ron, where is she?”

“Dunno…” Ron glanced around with Kim. “How hard can it be to find a green woma-“

The sudden roar of a sports car had Kim twisting her head in desperation. Both she and Ron took in the sight of a deep red sports roaring along the park exit, screaming to the right to hurtle onto the main road and then spurt gouts of burnt rubber as it took off. Kim, however, could only take in the long dark hair of the driver, and stare at the emerald eyes that met her own in the rear view mirror, eyes that were wide and sparked with… something Kim had never seen before.

Don’t go, Shego! Kim thought, limping as quickly as her body would allow towards the car.

She was too slow and the car sprinted off, causing the few journalists still heading for Kim to leap out of the way, cursing.

As the red vehicle shot into the distance, Kim felt her world shatter, and she slumped heavily onto Ron for support.

She left me… she leftme! God, was it all a lie?

The blond teen felt Kim’s shoulders begin to shake and he swallowed as the redhead burrowed into his shoulder, the soft sobbing of her despair tearing into him like a knife. Kim never cried. Never unless it was something so terrible she had nowhere else to go, to do.

“It’ll be okay, KP.” Ron murmured, and felt his heart lurch as she shook her head and looked up at him, the tears spilling in huge fat drops down her face.

“She… she hates me! It wasn’t real, she was lying to me!”

“No, no. She saved you, Kim. Of course she doesn’t hate you. Maybe she was shocked by what you did in there?” Ron hugged her close, and then glared at a few journalists and camera men who came close, pads and equipment at the ready. “Back off! Or I’ll show you how much I’m not in the mood!”

“I wanted to show her I wasn’t afraid of what everyone else would say!” Kim blurted, hugging him tighter. “But she left me! She left me! I told her I loved her, and she left me!”

Kim crumpled to the floor and Ron closed his eyes in sympathy as the woman who could do anything sobbed helplessly and clutched him in desperation. Around them, he could hear the snap of the cameras going off, the quiet murmuring of the media, but he ignored them and simply held onto his friend since childhood, held her and comforted her.

The fact that Shego could bring Kim to tears almost had him wishing he could hate the green thief right then, it would have been so much easier. But he’d seen her risk her life against the Jade, fight to free Kim, and knew that there was something else, some other reason for Shego to have bolted.

Could this be the first time Shego’s been afraid, for a very long while?

Sighing, he continued to cradle and reassure the weeping redhead, long after her mother arrived and gently held the both of them.

---

The present

In the club, Kim continued to stare at the floor and ignore the pounding music that swirled around her. Her mind was far away, back at the point where she’d watched the woman who had meant so much, still did, vanish into the dark.

“That must have hurt.” The voice was quiet and Kim blurted out a laugh filled with pain and disbelief.

“You have no idea how much that hurt. I… I told her everything in that room. I hid nothing, from anyone! And she ran away from me! She left!” Kim sighed. “Now I’ve told you what you wanted to know. Please, just leave.”

The figure remained silent and then Kim heard a gentle cough. “Did you ever wonder what happened afterwards? I mean, for Shego to run away? That’s got to be for one hell of a reason.”

---

Paris: The past

“God,” Carmen sighed and rolled her head gently. ”What a mess…”

Marie laughed with little amusement. “That, my dear Carmen is an understatement. She drove the hire car back like a demon, locked herself in her room until the jet was ready, barely spoke to me on the flight… or did anything for that matter except gaze out of the window or sleep.” Marie sighed. “And when we arrived here, you can see how much Shego’s been drinking. Getting herself into the state you see now.”

“This isn’t her.” Carmen blurted and then shook her head. “This can’t be the Shego I know. She’s always so confident! So aggressive in knowing what she wants, and how to get it! She’s certainly not a slurring drunk!”

Her friend stood and ambled across to the balcony of her lounge. Staring at the Eiffel Tower, Marie frowned. “You know, she never did tell me what happened to her while she was at school and then college. Not fully. I know she was laughed at, insulted… considered a freak, was for most of her teenage years. Well, until Team Go. I wonder how much of that is buried underneath the Shego we know now?”

“I don’t follow.”

“Well, look at it this way. She was laughed at for being green, considered a freak and ugly. So, now look at her. She dresses in a suit that makes anyone admire her body, the curves. Her hair is long and lush… she uses expert makeup to show off her eyes. She made her green skin something to desire, to lust after. To make her unique.”

Carmen blinked. “I never thought of it that way.”

“She takes insults from no one. She won’t be belittled by anyone. Her wit is dry and sharp… and she’s a very private person. She’s one of the top thieves, the top mercenary… the top sidekick. She’s worked hard to prove herself…” Marie waved a finger. “Then she finds herself falling for the one person she can’t beat, Kim. In a frantic fight she finds herself blurting how she feels to her… and is then pushed away.”

“And from what you’ve told me the Jade, and everything else that happened, changed Kim Possible’s mind.”

“Or made her face something equally hidden.” Marie shrugged. “Regardless, our Shego has now been forced to face something she never thought she’d have to. Probably in her entire life…Carmen, I think Cherie is scared. Deep down inside somewhere, she’s terrified.”

“Of what?”

“Of having someone in love with her, that doesn’t just want her for her skills, or her body.” Marie smiled faintly. “I know how frightening that can be. For such a secretive person like Emerald? It must be terrifying.”

Carmen sighed. “Ah hell, this is screwed up. So, what do we do?”

Marie hummed and began to pace, waving a hand at her desk and the laptop sitting neatly on it. “Global Justice has… altered the warrants for Shego’s arrest. She’s to be taken unharmed now, no shoot to kill, and then moved to their secure facility in Middleton. My contacts at pretty much every single agency, have told me this has… annoyed them. But, they’ve got little say in the matter as the order came from the UN SecCon.”

Carmen raised an eyebrow. “Wow… wish I had that pull. I could do with some of mine getting squashed. Especially that business with the Tower of Pisa.”

“Mmmn.” Marie sighed. “If Shego wants to go back to Kim, I can do something to help her there. I have strings I can pull, especially one favour I’d love to use right now. But the way she ran from the conference… I just don’t know if it would help or make things worse.”

“Maybe you’re right. Maybe Kim saying she loved her was a shock and Shego didn’t know how to handle it.” Carmen tapped a finger. “Hell, the way she used to love being with you… I wonder if that’s cause you cared for her.”

Marie smiled. “Heh. Bon, I did and do now.”

“Yeah?!” The slurred and angry tone had both women spinning where they respectively sat and stood, to take in the messy, drunk, and outraged expression of Shego as she leaned against the cellar door jamb. “Tha’ include talking bout me behind my back?!”

Oh, Merde…. Merde!

“Shego-“ Marie began with a placating tone, only to have Carmen get up and interpose herself between the two of them. Her friend ran a hand smoothly along the hat she normally wore and then tilted her head up, just enough for her to glare at Shego, who seemed equally shocked as she stared at a face that she’d never seen before, shadowed or not.

“Damn right we’ll talk about you behind your back,” Shego blinked at the anger in Carmen’s tone. “Especially when you’re being an idiot!”

“What?” Shego glared and stumbled forwards to prop herself against a wall. “Wha’ the hell do you mean I’m an idiot?”

“You are an idiot.” Carmen shook her head and waved a hand towards the window through which Paris gleamed in the sunlight. “This ‘Kim’ is crazy about you, considering what she said and have you seen the papers for the past few weeks? She’s weathering one hell of a media storm. All for you, and you ran away!”

Shego flushed. “No I haven’t and I don’t want to! I never asked her to… shut up!”

Growling, and trying not to imagine what the media were saying about Pumpkin, the thief stumbled at Carmen, fists raised. Carmen simply strode out of the way and watched her stumble past and collapse onto the sofa with a quiet swearword. Turning, Shego blinked rapidly, fighting against the way her eyes threatened to moisten up.

“You don’t know anything about it!” She managed, wishing the room would stop spinning. If it would stop spinning she’d be able to get up and then try to hit her fellow hat wearing thief. At least it would make her feel slightly better. “Nthing!”

“If it’s about why you fancy women, then no. But I especially don’t understand your fascination over this Possible girl.” Marie’s eyes widened in alarm at Carmen’s scathing tone, but her friend winked slightly and turned to Shego with a sneer. “I’ve seen her on television and she’s all skin and bones. You could do so much better than a cheerleader, Shego. Someone with an actual brain maybe.”

“Don’t talk about her that way!” The thief clenched her fists. “Kimmie’s been my nemesis for years! I don’t regard anyone worth that unless they’ve got wha’ it takes! Kimmie’s got that in spades!”

“Oh yes?” Carmen, crouched next to her and gently tapped a green covered knee. “If she’s so great, why’d you run away? I thought you’d come to your senses about her.”

“I didn’t run away!” Shego hissed defensively. Her stomach was beginning to rebel, taking the opportunity of the green woman’s pause in her drinking, and she felt paler than usual. Having someone she considered a friend insult both her and Kim wasn’t helping.

“That’s not what Marie told me. She said you yanked her out of the building.” Carmen countered and her tone suddenly softened as Shego moaned and clutched her stomach. “Why’d you run away, Shego?”

“I… I guess I…” Shego closed her eyes and clamped her mouth shut, glaring at Carmen with anger. Or she did until Marie gently rubbed her shoulders, making the thief relax.

“Shego…Cherie. Why’d you leave Kim when she told you that she loved you back?”

“I… I…” Shego bit her lip, but the gentle rub was gently forcing her barriers to crumble. Or was it the alcohol? Anger was easier than telling them, than facing the sympathy. “I… Oh, damn the both of you!”

Both Carmen and Marie blinked and shared a glance of disbelief. The French thief touched Shego gently, and felt her protégé flinch. “Emerald, we only want to help. What’s wrong?”

Shego broke.

“Damn it! I won’t have her do this because she feels sorry for me!” Shego screamed the words and forced herself to stand, ignoring the way her stomach lurched in protest. “I won’t let her go through this because she feels sorry for the lonely green girl!”

Marie opened her mouth, but Shego span and began to stalk towards her, eyes wide.

“I told you everything, Marie! You know what it was like for me as a child, a teenager. No friends at school after the meteor hit! No offers to join the cheerleading squad later on! At college, either I was that ‘Team Go weirdo’, or to those who didn’t know about my ‘heroism’ a goddamn green freak of a woman!” Shego’s breath was quick, violent. “I told Kimmie about some of that, after she saved my life! I felt she deserved it! Stupid, stupid woman that I am!

“But she-“

“She loves me, because she feels sorry for me! Well fuck that!”

Her chest heaving, Shego suddenly burst into tears and collapsed onto the floor, her head burying into her hands. “Fuck that… I’m not a pity case! I… I’m not! oh god!”

Her friends watched, quietly embarrassed. There was nothing worse that seeing a strong and confident woman cry. Shego, for her part, barely noticed them as she fought to stop the tears falling.

“I don’t want her pity! I don’t want her sacrificing everything she wants for me! I know how it felt when I did it for Hego, because I felt sorry for the blue moron! I ended up hating him, the team itself, everything! I don’t want Kimmie to hate me!”

Marie crouched down and gently shook Shego until the dark hair was shakily swept aside and she could see her protégés eyes. “Kim is not doing this out of pity, Cherie.”

The thief shook her head. “How do you kn-“

“I was there, Shego. I listened to her; I saw how confident Kim was when she told them that she was falling in love with you. There was nothing about feeling sorry for you. And why would she?”

“I-“

“You saved her from the Jade, fought Kara to the death to try and get the cure to Servus, came to me for help even though you knew GJ would drop any offer of a deal, and finally sent the cure to her mother.”

“But-“

“Let alone that Kim is probably aware that Drakken is swearing revenge, the majority of the villains he knows will reject you, and that the Jade may return one day.” Marie pulled Shego to her feet, brushing a strand of her dark hair away from the green woman’s face. “Someone who would need, or want, Kim’s pity would not have been able to accomplish that.”

“But Kimmie-“

“Do you really, deep down, think Kim pities you to the point of doing this?”

Shego closed her eyes and reluctantly shook her head. “No, I guess not. Okay fine… she’s not doing this out of pity.”

“No, she loves you. The fact that she’s willing to put her fans, hero career… everything on the line for you… that is a powerful declaration, Cherie.” The French thief watched Shego nod slightly, reluctantly, and sighed. “Come, you need coffee to soak up the alcohol in your system, comet powers or not.”

A few minutes later, all three sat around the kitchen breakfast bar, Shego staring miserably into an empty cup that had held a double strength espresso. The third she’d knocked back.

“Okay, so why’d she tell the world, at that conference, about… us?”

“Possibly because she was trying to use them to reach you.” Carmen chipped in. “After all, you’ve vanished off the face of the earth.”

“Use them to try and find me… oh. That was foolish, Pumpkin!” The guilt shone in Shego’s eyes. “Those bastard journalists, I said they’d destroy her. Bet I’m right and they’re loving every minute of this.” Shego sighed and glanced across at Carmen. “What’re they saying about Pumpkin in the paper?”

Carmen shook her head. “I don’t think I should-“

“It’s that bad huh?” Shego snorted into her coffee and knocked it back; nodding at Marie who had cocked her head towards the machine.

“Some, yes. Others, no… and while she has had quite a few insults, others have been very positive.”

“But she’s still getting flack. Just great. I bet it’s a thousand times worse in the States, let alone Middleton. I bet Kimmie can’t wait to turn up at college or university and face the music there too. The taunts, the suggestions… the looks.”

“And you think you’re going to be responsible for that if she does?” Marie asked, worried at Shego’s depressed expression. “This is going back to that little discussion we had in the car park, yes? Back at Middleton hospital? I told you that you have to let Kim decide. You’re not responsible for her choice.”

Shego turned away. “Oh, come on Marie. She loves me, so yeah, I will be. You know how bad I had it at school, then college. I told you what happened when I ended up with Anna, all those years ago. When she told me in front of everyone that it had all been a joke… a goddamn bet! To see if she could hook the bisexual green girl! You have no idea of the laughter I endured, the pain… the shame I felt! I don’t want Kimmie to feel how I did… worthless, humiliated.”

“That’s Kim’s choice. And she’s chosen you over the chance of that happening.” Marie slid the fourth coffee in front of her. “But I think she’ll need your support, as well as her friends, to get through it.” As Shego stiffened, Marie smiled. “I can help you get back to her…”

“She must hate me by now.” Shego muttered, staring into the dark depths of her coffee.

“You think Kim hates you now?” Carmen stared at Shego in disbelief. “Oh for the love of… why?”

“Because I’m the one who made the advances, doy!” Shego huffed. How dare they just simply listen and… and fix things! Life wasn’t that simple for her, it had never been that simple. “I told her I loved her. To just leave… she’ll think I’m a liar, or manipulative, or just a real bitch. Worse, that she means nothing to me, that I used her!” The two women sitting with her watched Shego work herself up. “I can’t face Kim saying that to me! I can’t go back!”

Marie sighed. Shego’s private and withdrawn nature, a shield as a child and teenager in the past, was working against her now. She shook her student gently and quietly considered another way of shaking Shego out of her apathy and maudlin state.

“Cherie… Shego, listen. The fact that that you’ve chosen to offer Kim companionship speaks volumes about her. Because of who you are, it is obvious how unique Kim must be.”

“But-”

“Just listen. She isnot doing this out of pity, she is strong enough to take any insults about it, and I very much doubt she hates you. Will you please, please, go back to her? You love her and she loves you. It’s time to face that and see what happens.”

Shego trembled, her excuses being destroyed so easily. It wasn’t fair! “Marie… I don’t know if I can… There’s so much I’m kinda apprehensive about. I mean, we’re talking a… a girlfriend here! I… I don’t know if I’m able to-”

It was time, in Marie’s opinion, to try the other way available to her. After all, it had worked for Carmen. Growling, Marie stood and thumped the breakfast bar with a fist, scowling at Shego angrily.

“Oh, Mon du! Cherie, I have had enough of this! Will you please stop this begging for sympathy and bring back the Shego I know?! The one I trained to be my protégé, a thief per excellence! The one who knows what she wants and will fight to get it! The Shego full of strength and sarcasm and biting wit! The Shego that makes men, and women, want her!”

“Marie, what’re you-“ Shego managed, astonished at Marie’s sudden change in attitude, and over how much it hurt.

Push, Marie. Push her into action.

Marie clamped down on her real feelings and forced herself to glare at Shego with disdain. “Stop feeling sorry for yourself, Emerald, and do something about Kim. Instead of whining about it! You know what you want, so go get it, get her, and stop ruining my home and wine collection. It’s reminding me of why I let you storm out the last time!”

“Hey,” Shego countered, feeling her own anger, always close to the surface, bubble at the words, at the way Marie used them. Standing up, and sending the coffee cup hurtling to the floor, bouncing a few times, Shego snarled. “Fuck you! This isn’t a damn sympathy session! I don’t need sympathy! From you, or anyone! And I certainly don’t fucking beg! Nobody makes me beg!”

Yes! Now thatis the Shego I know. Come on; keep it up… push harder!

“Well what would you call this little discussion? Eh?” Marie snapped the words, while inside she cheered on the growing anger that rippled across her friends face. That’s my Shego!

“Damn well not fucking begging! I asked for advice!” Shego snarled.

“Oh, so ‘She hates me, she hates me… Do something, please!’ ‘Oh Marie, whatever will I do?’ does not ring a bell?” As Shego’s breathing increased, her eyes flared with anger, Marie waved a hand. “I’ve had to live with you, drinking yourself into a crying, blubbering mess for a week!”

“You… you bitch!” Shego hissed, her fingers curling inside her gloves, the urge to punch her mentor making them twitch. “I don’t believe this! I’m trying to work out how I feel for Kimmie, trying to cope with what she told me and you… you…”

“What? Held you, let you cry, decimate my wine cellar in your attempt to drink yourself away from everything, and coddled you for days!? Do tell me what I did wrong! Perhaps a lack of a good slap across the face?”

Just a little more… come on Shego, time to pull yourself together!

“Fuck this bullshit! I came here for a little understanding, damn you! A little timeout so I could work out what I was going to do. I didn’t ask for you to coddle me, or tell me that everything was going to… be okay…”

The green thief trailed off and her angry gaze became suddenly embarrassed as she recalled what she could about the past week. The bottles, the tears, the maudlin words as she lay on Marie’s lap… The way the booze made her drift and dulled the pain and confusion. She also recalled the whispered reassurances, ignored. The pleading for her to stop drinking, also ignored. And the more she thought about it, the more her face flared a bright green.

There was also Hench Co. and Marie’s help there, the breaking in, the guards, the Doombot, the escape… everything! Marie had barely said a word when Shego had asked, and had flown all the way to the States to help. And then, when she’d… okay, she had run away from Kim’s quiet statement of love, Marie had been there for her too, fully supporting her. And how had she repaid her friend?

Shego was now so green in the face, she practically glowed. “Ah shit. I’ve been a total asshole.”

“Not how I would have put it.” Marie muttered, glaring at her while Carmen stifled a laugh. “But close enough.”

“Oh man.” Shego sighed and her fingers relaxed. Locating a lounge chair, she sank into it slowly and then glanced up, her face full of apology. “What a fucking mess, all of this. Maybe I was a little upset. I… haven’t handled this very well have I?” She shook her head and sighed. “Jeez, it’s you saving my ass at Middleton Museum all over again.” The sigh became a weary smile. “Thanks.”

“You didn’t know what to do.” Marie sat down on the sofa and finally let a smile slip into her expression. It was time to work positively. “Now you do, don’t you Shego? Because Shego goes after what she wants and…” Marie broke off, frowning and exchanged a quick burst of French with Carmen. “Ah, yes. ‘Damn’ the consequences. Now then, what does Shego want?”

Fighting her own sly grin, and feeling better than she had in days, Shego rolled her eyes and rose to pace.

“She wants her Kimmie. Doy! Fine, I’ll… I’ll go back and see her. I… I suppose I started this and I should finish it, no matter what happens.” As Marie and Carmen shared relived grins, a thought struck Shego. “Oh, damn. What about Global Justice? I left without a word. I bet they’ll have me on every wanted list from here to Alaska! They’ll-”

“Ah,” Marie interrupted and Carmen grinned, cracking her knuckles and making Shego blink. ”Now, helping you twist Global Justice’s arm is something I can both appreciate and enjoy.”

Shego stared and the smirk was back in full force as she sat next to Marie on the sofa. “Oh, now this I have to see.”

The Fox nodded, and then sniffed gently, a disgusted expression creeping across her face. “Not until you do something about your suit, body odour, hair, and general appearance.”

Shego blinked. “I’m not that bad.”

Carmen snorted. “Emerald, you look as if you have been dragged through a hedge… backwards, forwards and sideways too. You have wine stains everywhere on that ripped T-Shirt, and I have to agree with Marie that you’re… a little ripe.”

“She has been for days, my rose plants wilt when she walks by you know. Maybe now I can finally get her to do something about it.” Marie coughed gently. “Yes, please do something about it.”

“I’m not that bad!” Shego insisted, before sniffing at her armpit. The quiet silence, followed by the way she looked up in horror, had Marie and Carmen stifling more laughter. “Jesus, where’s the nearest shower?”

“In your room, I would imagine.” Marie tried to stifle a laugh as Shego bolted for the exit, and she felt happy for the first time in days. “The shower would be the side-room on the left, next to the toilet. Do you want direc-“

Shego leaned back in, her green eyes blazing with annoyance. “Will you please stop talking? Doy!”

---

Middleton

“I’m sorry, Sir, but there’s been no sighing of Shego at all.” Will sat next to Doctor Director as he and his commander went through the weekly reports. “It’s like she’s vanished off the face of the earth.”

“Or into friends who hide her very well indeed.” Doctor Director sipped coffee and leaned back with a sigh. “William, it would seem Kim’s admission at the press conference didn’t shake Shego into coming back. How very depressing… and worrying.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“How’s Kim taking it, Will?”

“Oh, she’s fine. Well, physically.” Will sipped his own coffee. “Mentally? I don’t know to be honest. According to her parents she’s becoming a little withdrawn. The fact that she still has about ten or so media trucks and agencies parked outside her home doesn’t help.”

“Oh,” Betty Director stared out of her office window. “Wonderful. GJ can’t even guarantee Kim’s privacy from the press, let alone how they report it.”

“Well, they’re the press, and as intrusive as only the press can be. In regards to how this is playing out? She’s had support from some papers and networks, while others are vilifying her. I’d say a sixty-forty split right now. Though one magazine went as far to ask if this was the start of Kim Possible: evil genius, and her sidekick Shego.”

“Oh again, wonderful.” Doctor Director sighed. “Worse, I have to ask myself the same question, William. If Shego does come for Kim, how do we steer such an event?” As her best GJ agent frowned, the one-eyed woman waved a hand. “If Shego were to come back, if she accepts the deal I’ve been able to generate, then we have an even more powerful Team Possible to call in for certain situations. Understand?”

“Right… I’m following.” Will nodded. He’d seen both Kim and Shego in action, in their respective specialist areas. Both were supreme in what they did. The thought of them working together was fascinating.

“But what if Shego manages to… to corrupt Kim in some way? I have to bear that in mind. Shego could manipulate Kim into becoming another Shego. And despite her lacking Plasma, Kim could end up being an even bigger threat that Shego is. Couple them together, not working for us, and that’s a threat the world’s never faced before!”

“So what do we do?”

“What I’ve been trying to do. Keep Kim focused on day to day issues, while I hunt the globe for Shego and try to let her know about the deal I’ve managed to negotiate for her. I have to play this by ear and work with whatever I can get in regards to these two. I have to, because this could be the greatest thing to happen to GJ for some time, or it could end up being the greatest clusterfuck ever!”

Will blinked at the swear word. Betty Director never swore unless she was either outraged to the point that she couldn’t hold it in any more, or if she was teetering on the point of physical collapse. Seeing the way his commander’s arm shuddered slightly as she sipped coffee, Will guessed it was reason number two. Yes, tired and depressed to the point of total collapse, and practically staggering around drunk on sleep deprivation, stimulants and coffee. Certainly reason number two.

He sighed. “Maybe we can use other resources to find Shego, offer the deal?”

“None spring to mind. I’m using everything I’ve got, everything I shouldn’t have, and stuff I’ve begged from other agencies. I’ve even got Mr Load on retainer, hunting the villain forums for any sniff of her, even a sighting by one of the other masterminds.”

“And?”

“Nothing… Wade managed to check her account, and it’s still active, but she hasn’t logged in since this nightmare began. It’s like you said, William, she’s vanished… gone to ground.”

Doctor Director slid to her feet and quietly toyed with the worry ball, hidden inside her uniform pocket, her mother had given her after coming over for dinner a few weeks back and commented about how ‘tight and wound up.’ her daughters body seemed. She squeezed it rhythmically as she stared out of the window.

“And then of course, there’s the shadowy possibility of this being one huge and elaborate ploy. A ploy to destroy Kim, destabilise GJ, and the UN security council… everyone.” She rubbed a hand gently across her eye-patch. “Shego’s smart enough to work something out like this, to do something like this.”

“Yes, but it’s not her style.” Will pointed out, making his commander glance across. “Say what you like about Shego, but she’s always been quite forward with her intentions and decisions. I’ve never seen her actually concoct a scheme like this… I don’t think she’d have the patience for it, or the inclination.” He shrugged. “Plus, the fact that she was in a critical condition, and that was confirmed by the medics, when we got to her… it pushes this into the realms of fantasy.”

Betty nodded, and then smiled with more enthusiasm that she had for days. “Well thought out, Will. Why didn’t I see that?”

Because it’s taking all your remaining brain power to stand right now? I’ve never seen you look so tired.

“Maybe it just needed a fresh perspective, Sir. I say we focus on Shego having told us the truth and that she does have… romantic intentions towards Kim. As you say, that could bag us quite the Team Possible… or at least allow us to tentatively offer Shego a role as a paid Mercenary…”

“Yes, I suppose so.” She sighed. “No point continuing tonight, Will. I think I’ll finally go home and get some food and some rest.” As will nodded and got up to leave, she quietly watched him walk confidently out of the room. “Goodnight, Agent Du. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes Mam’n.”

Betty took a few minutes to pack up, her movements slow as the events of the past week, and her own decisions with them, swam again and again through her head. Eventually, however, the last piece of work had been tidied away, and she made her tired and yawning way out of her office.

The trip home, thankfully via GJ travel tube, was quick and uneventful, landing her literally just next to the gate that guarded her homes driveway. She yawned again and stumbled up the path, wondering if she had enough energy to fix some dinner or if she should just give up and head to bed.

Her key slicked soundlessly into the neat and well designed lock and as she turned it, pushing the door open with her boot, the only though running through her head was the idea of a ham, cheese, and rocket sandwich, followed by bed. Betty had added pickle by the time she’d keyed in her alarm ID pin and as she took a step forward, that’s when her tired senses picked it up.

The whole house felt wrong. Terribly wrong… as though she were not alone.

Betty had never taken such feelings for granted, or as figments of imagination. Glancing across at the alarm, she noted that every single light was green down the board, and silent fingers keyed in the request for the last twenty four hours alerts. Again, nothing. She recalled the lock had been secure, no signs of damage. But the backdoor remained an unchecked quantity right now.

For a second, Doctor Director made her way towards the kitchen and the rear pantry that housed the door in question. Her movement, however, stopped as a sudden, almost muffled clink of china on wood behind her had her turning slowly, eyes wide in alert. She gently slid the bag containing her GJ laptop against the wall as soundlessly as possible, and then made her way to the doorway leading into the dining room. There was another muffled clink and she knew, just knew that someone was in her house. Theft or mugging she couldn’t say, but the people in question were about to get a lesson in GJ hospitality.

Breathing gently, she placed her hands against the door and then launched into action. Her boot slammed into the neatly painted wood, forcing the door to slam into the plaster next to it, just in case anyone had any ideas. Betty of course wasn’t there anymore. She had moved to the side as the door had slammed open, ducking down into a crouch to avoid any gunfire aimed at where her head would be on the other side of the wall. A few seconds later and she tucked herself into a ball and rolled into the dining room, where she flipped upright into a guarded crouch and held out her arm, the tiny defence bracelets built into her uniform ready to fire electrodes, darts, smoke pellets, or even small rockets.

As she struggled to breathe and remain cool, a sudden gentle once more, again of china on wood, had her spinning to the right, gasping and opening her mouth to give the standard warnings. Warnings that fell unsaid as she stared at the figures sitting at her dining room table.

A sudden gentle clapping had Betty blinking, quickly followed by a feeling of mixed embarrassment and annoyance, as she stared at long dark hair and pale green skin.

“Finally, thought you’d never get here! What time do they make you go home, Betty?” Shego continued to clap, grinning, while the carefully masked figure of Marie, her fox symbol shining dully in the lights, sat next to her. Both had cups of hot chocolate in front of them, alongside a tiny plate of Betty’s favourite cookies. As Doctor Director watched, The Fox daintily sucked the straw in her own hot chocolate and sighed with satisfaction. Her attention wavered back to Shego who grinned. “Gotta say that was damn impressive, Bets.”

Focus and get a grip! Shego… here! Here! You’ve been looking the whole globe over for weeks trying to find her! Have to play this carefully, by ear. She can’t be here to attack you, not even with that other woman… jeez, the Fox in my dining room as well! Betty slid to her feet, mind spinning. I’ve got two of the worlds most wanted women in my dining room!

“I made snacks and hot chocolate, cause The Fox likes that in America, she can’t stand the tea here.” Shego muffled a laugh as she took in Betty’s shell-shocked face. “Wanna biscuit? Your chocolate chip ones were too nice not to have while we waited. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Shego!”

“Yes?” Shego raised the cup, an unholy gleam in her eye as she watched Betty Director struggle to cope with the situation and sipped. “Mmmn. Damn good hot chocolate. Here, have a cup.”

As she poured, desperately ignoring the gentle shake of Marie’s masked head as her mentor indulged her antics, Shego felt better and back to her normal self than she had in days. Perhaps Marie had been right. She’d always known what she wanted, and ignored the problems of how to get it. Perhaps, just perhaps, she should have done that with Kim. It would have saved time, effort and a embarrassing past few days of going all to pieces, something that she, Shego, shouldn’t have even been able to do!

“Shego…” Betty repeated, while inside something clicked and the fatigue of the past few days simply melted away. She sat down slowly; ignoring the cup of chocolate pushed into her view, and raised an eyebrow. “I’ve been looking all over for you. I’m sure you’re aware of that. As have the FBI, CIA… everyone really.”

“Oh? For business or personal reasons?” Shego smiled again, confident, sexy, and amused. “Sorry, Doc, but I’m already interested in another goody two shoes.” Shego paused and just like that the conversation dropped into becoming serious. She sighed. “So, come on Doc. Joking aside right now… What’s been happening to Princess?”

“Very well, if you want to know then I should tell you that Ms Possible has been every so slowly going to pieces.” Doctor Director murmured and watched guilt sweep over Shego’s face for just a second. A terrible, deep, guilt. “You know why of course, and how. I’m sure that you’ll agree it was quite the thing she did, back at the conference. Wasn’t it.”

The way Betty said the words, the lack of inflection, told Shego that it wasn’t a question. “Yeah, it was. And before you even bother asking, yeah I know how much she put on the line for me, Doc.”

“Good.” Betty leaned forwards on the table. “So, lets cut the preamble, considering you took the effort to break into my home, undetected, to speak to me. What do you want, Shego? Really?”

Shego glanced across at Marie, who quietly ran her hand under the table and gripped hers tightly. The green woman took a gentle breath and stared directly at her one time pursuer. “I want a chance to find something out.”

“And what would that be?” Betty asked, her head tilting to one side.

Shego glowered. “Damn it. You know what I want… who I want! Doy!”

“I want to hear you say it, Shego. Just so we understand the cards on the table. I’m not sure, after all, if I even can help you.”

As Marie felt her student quiver in a curious mix of nerves, anxiety, worry and anger, she decided to step in and aid her. Also leaning forwards, the Fox’s mask stared at Betty, who stared back as she felt the gaze hit the side of her head.

“What?”

“Betty, Betty, Betty. Always playing mind games.” The mask’s electronic filtering hid Marie’s own voice perfectly, but the tone and smoothness of her amused annoyance came through perfectly. “Even when they’re not necessary.”

“I don’t believe I was discussing anything with you.” Doctor Director muttered, rankled that The Fox had used her first name. Worse, deep down, a part of her worried over the dark secret she had carried for years, and she wondered if today she would have to pay. “This is between me and Shego.”

“Oh, come. You’re telling me that you, Betty, leader of Global Justice, can’t and haven’t already, arranged the possibility of a deal for my Emerald?” Marie leaned close and Betty shrank back, unable to help herself. “Makes me wonder if I should not use my own favour.”

Betty growled. It looked like she’d been right. “Damn you, Fox! That has nothing to do with this! Don’t waste what little leverage you do have with me! You’re just as wanted as Shego is and may need that favour later on.”

Shego watched the discussion with disbelief. Since when had Betty Director ever used the services of The Fox, of Marie, for herself. She wanted to squirrel this information away, but as she watched she could only listen in total fascination.

“It’s my favour to call on, Betty. After all, you know as well as I do that I helped you save hundreds of people. Oui? Saved them from a biological agent that would have killed indiscriminately across the globe if your brother had managed to keep it long enough to use it. You had no idea where he was or what he was doing. That’s why you called me in the end… you were only a field agent then, but you knew that I could help!”

Shego almost choked. “You… asked my mentor for help?”

Betty glowered. “You’re blackmailing me over something that saved countless lives!”

“Yes, I am.” Marie sat back and squeezed Shego’s hand. “You still don’t know who I am, Betty. Nobody does. So I’m calling in my favour and I want a deal for my Emerald here, a good one too!”

“I can’t just-“ Betty began, already trying to work out what else she needed to possibly extend to Shego on the deal already agreed to. The thought worried her, considering the effort involved in getting it in the first place.

“Yes, you can.” Marie told her. “Because you know as well as I do, that you’ll still be getting the better end of the deal. This is Shego, my emerald here, who has run circles around you and all the other law agencies on the planet. She’s an excellent fighter, skilled in many martial arts, is a thief par excellence- and I know this as I trained her, and finally she has her powers. What more could you want?”

“A far less detailed and varied criminal record!” Betty snapped. “She’s wanted in too many countries to name here, has a large prison term to pay off, has caused hundreds of thousands of property damage to boot, and has been implicated in god knows how many thefts of rare or famous artefacts! Let alone has attempted to help a madman take over the world!”

“Hey, can I get a word in here?” Shego butted in, making Betty turn to her with an angry and annoyed expression. “Betty, listen.”

“The name is Doctor Director!” Betty snapped.

Shego felt her own temper flare, but then the thought of Kim, sad and upset, popped into her head and she forced herself to calm down. “Sorry, Doctor. Look, it’s not just me you’d be getting. I… damn!” Shego took a deep breath. “I hate working with teams, you know I do, but how about you consider the fact that I’m willing to work with Pumpkin. Even the idiot she wanders around with.”

Inside, Betty’s anger subsided and a deep part of her jumped up with enthusiasm. “You’d be willing to join Team Possible?”

Shego shuddered at the name, but nodded. “Yeah, I would. I’ll also work for GJ freelance and sole if you want. Do the dirty little thief or merc jobs you don’t want Kimmie to know about.”

“I don’t know what you-“

“Yeah, you do Betty.” Shego stared at the one-eyed woman with a matter of fact gaze. “I’ll do the thieving you want, aid you in some ops… but I won’t do any black bag stuff. You order me to do one of those, no matter how covert, how much money, or how much the target deserves it, and the deals off.”

“I… see.” Betty leaned back in her chair and fixed Marie with a stare. “And you, Fox. If I try to arrange a deal that can incorporate what you two wish into it, I’ll no longer owe you a favour?”

There was a nod. “Correct.”

Betty stood, wandered across to the outside corridor and picked up her briefcase, before walking back, sitting down and opening it. The laptop inside was slid out and turned on. She hit a few buttons and twisted the laptop around to face the other two women as well as herself. On the screen the spinning GJ symbol flashed and suddenly all three women saw the tired and half awake face of Betty’s commander. He blinked, yawned and then tilted his head.

“Betty?”

“Sir.” Doctor Director watched as he rubbed his eyes and then took in the sight of Shego and the masked woman sitting next to her. He rubbed his eyes harder. “Oh… this is interesting.”

“You have no idea, Sir.” Betty took a deep breath and plunged in. “Shego has come here, to my own home, to request a deal. The… person next to her is The Fox who-“

“Was Shego’s mentor for some time.” As Shego raised an eyebrow, the burly man smiled faintly. “Don’t look so surprised, Shego. You know as well as I do that everyone who matters has probably read your file as much as possible.” He grinned suddenly and that had her blinking. “Still, it’s good to see you again….even after all these years. Quite the young woman now though, not a teenager, and certainly not a hero.”

Shego wondered where this was going, and some of that must have leaked onto her face as it made the man on the laptop screen laugh lightly.

“Don’t worry, Shego. I won’t remind you of things you’d probably rather forget.” At her quick nod, he grinned. “You’ve got an ace in the hole here, a very rare thing… remember that.”

“Great, then you can give me what I want.” Shego told the screen, ignoring the way Betty winced.

The man smiled, and stroked his face. “Tell me, Shego. What do you want? And then how’re you going to pay for it? And be honest.”

Shego glanced at Marie, who squeezed her hand tightly for reassurance, then at Doctor Director, who scowled, and finally took a deep breath. “Here’s what I want in the deal…”

---

“I don’t see why I’ve been shoe-horned into this thing!”

Ron, hands over his eyes, sighed in dismay and glanced over at Yori who sat next to him, resplendent in a dress that hugged every right curve, and there were many to his eyes, and hid the ones that weren’t. Catching his gaze, Yori smiled and shrugged, happy in the knowledge that this hadn’t been her idea, and willing to let Ron handle it himself.

“Mara, listen-“

“Look at the paintjob! It’s ancient, and the wrong colour for me… and it’s scuffed” Mara’s hologramatic personality sat in the drivers seat of Kim’s old vehicle, and huffed in annoyance. Arms crossed, she gazed out of the windscreen as the traffic sped by, her destination Kim’s home and one depressed owner. “I’m not some two bit… well, people carrier, Ronald! Sadie is going to have a field day if we ever meet up while I’m manacled to… to… this tin shell!”

“Listen, Mara. Vivian thought it would do you good to get back to driving people around. She thought you were getting depressed in the lab and agreed that hooking you into Kim’s car was a good idea.”

“Huh. Well she’s always cooped up in that lab. Besides, as well as having brains, she’s damn model material. Of course she wouldn’t understand what it’s like to be… ugly! I have street cred to consider!”

“You do? Surely being a brain without a body is worse. So Mara, what’s the problem?” Ron tried to cheer the car’s AI up. “Okay, so Kim’s old car is little old, but it was tricked out by Wade and the twins all those years back. It’s got to be as good as the other body you had, right?”

“Oh dear,” Yori muttered, staring out of the window. “Not something any woman wishes to hear, Ron Kun. You have a lot to learn, and I will have to teach you.”

“As good,” Mara repeated flatly and Ron swallowed as the glowing pale blue woman turned around and fixed him with an icy stare. “This shell is second hand, has a very small engine, the gadgets on it are over two years old, and it doesn’t even have a decent radio!” Marie turned away and sulked. “When I get my new body, I’m setting a new rule. Blond men with freckles and who carry naked mole rats can travel in the damn boot!”

“Uh oh…” Rufus muttered from Ron’s pocket, knowing the expression of an insulted woman, even if she were a hologram for an AI. “Ron in trouble!”

What did I say?” Ron gulped. “Honestly, what did I say?”

Wincing, he tugged on Yori’s hand and the Japanese ninja turned back from the window to stare into hopelessly lost and confused eyes. “Oh, Ron. You and your American way of… what did Monique say? Ah, putting a foot in it.”

“I dunno what I said!”

Sighing, Yori coughed and attracted Mara’s attention. “I think what Ron is trying to say, Mara San, is that despite all your hardships, you are being a valuable and welcome addition to Team Possible. Much like myself I hope. I have to say that even with this less than perfect body shell, you drive with the skills of a ninja.”

“Yeah?” Mara shrugged nonchalantly, but Yori saw the flash of a quiet smile. “Thanks, and I suppose Kim needs me… though I still feel pretty bad about what happened back at the lair. Being crippled and all. And as for searching everywhere for Shego, I couldn’t even drive her around!” She turned to Ron once more and fixed him with a stare. “You sure Kim’s going to appreciate this?”

“No.” Ron admitted honestly, earning a scowl from Mara. A scowl he held up a hand to. “But that’s due to the fact that KP is… well, KP. She has a natural Kimness that’s as stubborn as Shego.” The blond man sighed and felt Yori sneak a hand round the back of his neck to stroke it gently. “Mara, she’s sulking in her room and Mr and Mrs P are worried she’s becoming withdrawn. She needs to get out and relax, even if we force her.”

“So this is what… tough love?” Mara hazarded. “Taking her out to a club, making her have some fun?”

“Yeah, along with her pals for the evening… people who care for her.” Ron leaned back on the seat. Yori’s stroking was really quite relaxing, very relaxing in fact. “Honestly, I don’t know if it’ll work. But it’s the only idea I’ve had. God knows KP’s parents have been staring at me hopefully for days, thinking that I can just wave a wand and have Kim back for them.”

“You spoke to her mother, and she thought it was a good idea. I do as well. Kim needs to be reminded she is not alone, especially considering what the media are saying.” Yori murmured reassuringly.

“I just hope I know what I’m doing…”

---

“Well, I think that covers everything. Yes?” Doctor Director’s commander gazed out of the laptop and smiled warmly. “You see how easy it is when everyone just sits down together and works something out?”

Shego shrugged, Marie nodded politely and Betty glowered at the screen. Something not missed by the person she was glaring at. “You have a problem, Betty?”

“I still say that allowing Shego to remain unchipped and untrackable is a dangerous risk. What’s to stop her from learning how we function as a group, stealing our technical plans and then vanishing?”

“You don’t trust your own assumptions that Shego has a second, far stronger reason to play by the rules this one time?” The man shifted, amused. “I thought you agreed, especially now that Shego here has confirmed it, that Kim is the main reason for Shego doing this?”

“Yes Sir. And I stand by that analysis.” Doctor Director fixed Shego with a glare. “I just want her to know that I’ve got my eye on her.”

“That could make life difficult for you, Betty.” Shego replied sweetly. The muffled laugh from Marie made Doctor Director glare.

“Just remember who your boss is.”

“Yeah, I am.” Shego grinned. “I always know who the boss is in regards to me.”

“Well, if that’s all for tonight, I’ll bid you all a good evening. Betty, when you’ve got the hardcopy of the agreement with both your and Shego’s signatures present, let me know. As for now, I’m recording my own decision and authorisation into the GJ database. Should hold until we can hammer out the finalisations for the paperwork.”

“Yes Sir.” Betty nodded and finally allowed herself a small smile. “Goodnight.”

As the screen winked off, she turned back to see Shego grinning at her again. “What on earth do you find so amusing? You’re working for me, with GJ, have a criminal record that means you’ll be working with us for a very long time, and have agreed to give up eighty percent of your criminal earnings.”

Shego smirked. “I just love watching you play hardball, Doc. I bet you’ve been working your butt off to get that agreement for me. I’m kinda touched.”

Doctor Director rankled. “I’m doing it because I don’t have the resources to keep an eye on you in jail, nor do I want the jail itself to become damaged when you break out! Plus, I happen to agree with my commander that your skills, if used properly, could be very beneficial to the security of the globe. I think the pro’s of that, outweigh the fact that I’m letting a known felon get out of jail time practically scott free.”

“Mmnn, plus the fact that you get a more powerful Team Possible to boot.” Shego murmured and then nodded. “Well, what’s done is done and as much as this has been fun, I think it’s time for me to go and find my little redhead.” Shego tapped a glove on the desk for a moment and then shifted slightly. “Uhh…”

“Yes, I know where she is.” Doctor Director told Shego quietly, answering her unspoken question. “Ron and her friends are going to take her to the new Nightdust club. They’re really worried about her depression and withdrawal from society. She needs something… someone I think.”

Shego stared at the one-eyed woman, and realised that, for first time, Betty Director’s eyes held a gleam of approval. For her, and what she wanted to do. “Uh, thanks. Have to say though, I’m not really dressed for-“

A bag, the gleaming red fox symbol of Marie’s alter ego blazoned on it, thumped onto the table in front of the green thief. As Shego turned to her, Marie smiled. “I planned ahead and had Enlaine from La Rose make this for you especially.”

Her friend, student and protégé opened the bag and stared inside. The way her eyes widened, coupled with the gentle admiring gasp, had Doctor Director standing up to also stare into the bag. As she too took in what lay inside, her mouth opened.

“Ooohh…” Shego cooed, deeply in love.

“I am not having an agent of mine wearing that!”

“Yeah? Well tough, this deserves my body.” Shego grinned and sauntered across to the door, the contents of the bag swishing inside with an almost liquid sound. “I’ll be changing in the kitchen. I’m sure, Betty, that you’ll give me a ride to the club?”

As the green woman wandered out, Betty sighed and glanced wryly across at Marie, who remained seated with a quiet air of satisfaction. She finally allowed herself to smile. “Well, I can’t say that your timing wasn’t annoying.”

“Well, Emerald wanted to make an impression.” Marie smiled. “And she wanted you angry so she had the position of power. Without it, I feel Shego would have remained suspicious of any deal, even with my input. As for the deal you have agreed with her, I can only give you my thanks, and tell your commander that I also thank him for aiding me.”

“Why’d you do this for her, Fox?” Doctor Director propped a thigh on the table. “I wasn’t joking about the fact that you may need my favour in the future. I’m happy for you to use it for her, saves me trouble later. But I’d still like to know why.”

Marie sighed. “Betty, I’ve been retired for years. I no longer want to wander around stealing things. I had my fun, enjoyed myself and made a lot of money working for both sides. I want to relax, to retire, and besides you know as well as I do that I treat her like a daughter.”

“True.” Betty nodded and then tilted her head with a gleam in her eye. “Still, I want you to know that if she breaks this agreement, I’ll be coming down on her like a tonne of bricks. Oh, and your record is still active in my GJ database. Don’t get too comfortable.”

The Fox stood, stretched, and laughed. “Ah, the ever ongoing challenge that is evading Global Justice. It keeps me young, Betty. After all, for me this has always been a game. It’s just the stakes are higher than others.”

The sudden click of the door had both women turning, and then staring in shock at the green woman who stood in the doorway. Shego smiled. “Well?”

While Doctor Director snorted and shook her head, Marie clapped. “Oh, very nice! You look beautiful!”

Shego’s smile widened into a grin and she flushed ever so slightly. “Thanks.”

“Right, if you have both finished then can we go?” Doctor Director stood up and moved to the door. “Fox, as much as I don’t want to seem an ungracious host, I’d prefer it if you’d leave when we do.”

Marie chuckled and shrugged. “Well, I know I can trust you to look after Emerald now, so I’ll be heading home as you suggest.”

“Hey, gimmie a second would ya, Doc?” Shego glanced back and the one-eyed woman sighed and nodded.

“I’ll be in the car.”

As the door swung shut, Marie suddenly found herself gripped tightly in the warmest hug she’d ever felt. Displays of affection were incredibly rare for Shego, and Marie blushed as the green woman sighed and tugged even harder. “Damn, I’m gonna miss you.”

“As will I.” Marie murmured. “You take care of yourself, Cheri.”

“I will. I always do.” Shego chuckled and then let go, stepping back and smoothing her dress. “Anyway, time to go and find Kimmie.”

As her protégé walked out of the room, her footsteps confident, Marie sighed and nodded gently. “Bonne chance, Shego.”

---

The Present: Nightdust

“No, I don’t know why Shego ran away.” Kim whispered the words, her already depressed state sinking further. “It was all starting to make sense. Why I found her so interesting, why we always fought each other to a standstill, the nicknames she called me, the fact that I never really bothered to pursue her if she got away… everything! And when she kissed me, I thought we had something special, something cool, and… and something that felt, god, that felt right.”

“Would you give her another chance?” The voice was quiet. “If she realised she’d been an idiot?”

“I… I don’t know.” Kim whispered, biting her lip in anxiety. “I’ve never had my heart broken as badly as this, not even that… that synthodrone made me feel like this.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, more sorry than you’ll ever know.” The thick New-York accent was sad.

Kim grunted and then sighed, leaning back on her chair. “Listen, I appreciate the friendly ear, the time you’ve given up to patiently sit behind me and watch me pour my troubles out. I’m thankful, really. But… right now, can I ask you to go now? Please?”

“Before I do, let me tell you a quick story. You’ll like it, honestly.” Kim heard the scrape of a chair as the person behind her got up. “It’s about this Princess you see.”

Exasperated, the redhead stood and began to turn around, her face angry, her eyes bright. “I don’t want a damn story, so… so…. God! Will you please-“

Two hands slid onto her shoulders and pushed her back down with a gentle thud, onto the chair. Kim growled and moved to stand up a second time, only for the hands to slide gently across her eyes, the soft fabric of gloves whispering across Kim’s skin. But that wasn’t why Kim suddenly froze and instantly relaxed. No, even as her mind whirled with annoyance, confusion, and anger, her body knew the touch, knew the hands. Tight and tired muscles slackened instantly.

“I’m going to tell you the story.” The voice only had a smooth layer of accent remaining now, across a voice as inviting as a kiss. The warm breath of the woman behind her tickled and played inside Kim’s ear, while the soft whisper had the redhead jumping a little and her heart fluttering. “Be quiet and listen for a second.”

“Who the hell do you think you ar-“

“Shhh,” The voice murmured, sending even more skitters of confused excitement through Kim.

Why aren’t I getting up? Why aren’t I kicking this woman’s butt? She’s touching me and I never asked her to… to do anything at all! Damn it, why does this feel so… so… good? The sudden realisation that the hands across her eyes, the murmur in her ear, and the sudden waft of an, oh so familiar scent, did feel good sent Kim’s mind reeling. It… it can’t be!

“Now then. A long time ago, in a country far, far away, there lived a little redheaded Princess.” The voice was just as deep and silky, but the accent was now nothing more than a whisper and Kim felt her stomach tighten with pleasure and need. She knew that voice… knew it so well. “Now, she fought the good fight against this really annoying blue Emperor. She was also one of the most amazing fighters the world has ever seen, and her magic was second to none thanks to the armour crafted for her.”

Oh god… oh god! Kim began to tremble, feeling the tears wet the fabric of the gloves over her eyes.

“She fought the emperor and would always win and have him at her mercy, no matter how trapped he initially thought she would be. But the emperor also owned a female genie, green skinned, incredibly powerful, and also incredibly hot I might add. The genie was always able to save the emperor, but could never get past the Princesses powers to kill her. Which, secretly, the genie never wanted to do anyway, because life would be dull without herPrincess in it.” Kim felt a body, warm and soft, press gently against her. “One day, however, the redhead managed to steal the genie from the emperor. And she pondered what to do with the one wish the genie could give her, after she had used the other two to set things right with the Kingdom… making them boring too, but we won’t go into that.”

Kim felt the hands shift slightly as the owner of them moved in front of her and sat down slowly.

“The genie thought the redhead would ask for power, or money, or something selfish like that. She had been let down before, betrayed with promises of being freed before… of being free for the rest of her life. So, she expected her redhead to once again betray her and be selfish.”

“And?” Kim managed to whisper, wishing her voice were far steadier.

“Well, princess, as much as I’d like to tell you, I can’t. You see, the story ends there, with the female genie hanging on her Princesses decision… praying that the redhead would do the right thing, would ask her to be with her forever. Because she loved her you see. She loved her a lot. Hell, she’d do anything for her. Doy!”

The exclamation had Kim smiling, even as more tears spilled down her face. The soft gloved hands slid away from her eyes, but Kim kept them shut, frightened that if she opened them, her hope at who sat in front of her would be shattered.

“Princess, open your eyes. Please?”

As the room swam back into focus, Kim felt her heart beat so painfully she swore it felt as though it were trying to hammer its way out of her chest. For there, smiling with genuine affection, emerald eyes bright and happy, sat the pale green skinned, dark haired woman, who had managed to do the one thing even Ron had failed at.

Steal Kim’s heart.

Black lips curved. “So, Pumpkin, here I am… the green genie for a certain redheaded princess. You only have one wish, so make it a good one.” The thief told her quietly.

“Shego… you came back.” Kim whispered. She drank in the sight of Shego’s face, the curves, the way the thief and mercenary seemed so relaxed, happy, and enjoying herself. “You came back to me…”

The thief leaned forwards in the dull lighting. “Of course I did. I promised I would.”

The dress Shego wore was like nothing Kim had ever seen, and it spoke directly to the redhead’s libido. Fashioned out of a fabric that seemed to stretch and flow like water across her curves, it was truly a sight to behold.

The top half was a smooth single piece of black, so dark and glossy that it almost seemed as if Shego were wet to the touch, cut low at the front to trail seductively across the green thief’s chest, just above the curve of her breasts. It was supported by a single thin band of the same dark cloth, which slid lazily around Shego’s slender neck, and this allowed the rear of the dress to be slit open wide and low down, to the small of her back. The seductive design of the top was only the start however. For the designer dress used colour as powerfully.

Across and trailing down to trace wickedly across her firm toned stomach, the black fabric gave way in various areas to a light gauzy material, spattered with threads of the most intensely bright green. The effect was a mimic of Shego’s normal outfit, but the dress did not limit itself to alternating panels black and transparent green like her suit. No, this dress was designed to use the slick black and gauzy material to greatest effect where Shego’s own body spoke volumes about her.

The green traced almost muscle defining lines across the wet black, playing with Shego’s own curves and then dipped lower, widening into a oval panel of soft transparent green as it stretched tightly across her abdomen. The fabric allowed he muscles underneath to define the enticing sight of Shego’s firm stomach and bellybutton. It traced her curves once more at the bottom, backtracking to play across the sides of her body, enticingly giving the viewer glimpses of even more smooth, gleaming skin. The lines of green ended by dipping low and following the dress as it morphed into a matching and elegant skirt, the base just brushing across the bottom of Shego’s knees.

The skirt itself, black, slick and just as tight, was seductively slit on either side, the cut ending neatly just below the very top of her thigh. So, although the lower half gripped and enticed by concealing the long legs, firm thighs, and the gleaming green it nevertheless treated and teased by slithering open slightly whenever Shego moved.

So, as the thief sat in front of Kim and crossed her legs, the flash of green skin had Kim biting her lip as desire clashed with the swirl of emotions already storming through her, uncontrolled, confusing… wonderful.

“I wish-” Kim began, only for Shego to smile, lean close and gently rest a finger against her lips.

“Not just yet… come with me.” A gloved hand gently pulled Kim upright, while the other slid seductively across Kim’s dress, rubbing ever so softly across her stomach. Dazed and delighted, Kim let Shego pull her away from the dark corner she had been skulking in and then into the crowd of people dancing in the middle of the club.

People glanced across as Shego moved through the throngs like a shark though water, Kim following her wake with elegant grace. They recognised her, and many either stared at her and the redhead behind her with approval, amusement, resignation or anger… some with a combination of the others. Still, who Shego and Kim were caused a gap to form around them and the green woman took advantage.

She span round, skirt swishing like silk in the air, and gripped Kim’s arm and waist with strong hands. The young woman barely had enough time to gasp before Shego had pulled her into a gentle dance. The low lights flashed hypnotically around and across them as they danced, and Kim felt light headed as the dark haired woman moved sinuously with her, her body gently brushing against the redhead with gentle, pleasant touches.

“Why did you run away?” Kim blurted suddenly. Shego’s smooth dancing faltered and Kim could see the guilt swim in the emerald eyes in front of her for just a few seconds, before the thief resumed the elegant movements of before. “I told you I loved you and you ran away from me. I thought you wanted that and… oh.” Kim choked slightly and her voice became a pleading whisper. “Why did you run?”

“Oh, Kimmie. I’ve never had anyone say they love me for just that… being me.” Shego pulled her close, the hand on her waist sliding round to rest gently on Kim’s back, while the one that had held her hand gently brushed at Kim’s red hair with a surprising tenderness for those quietly watching.

“Everyone who’s ever claimed to love me has always wanted to change something, a part of me, in some way. My father, my brothers, and the one woman I fell for when I was at college. Not one person ever offered what you did. And that, well, it scared the living hell out of me. I haven’t felt like that for years, so I ran.”

“All I did was try and tell you I love you.” Kim managed. “Was it supposed to be a secret? I know I shouldn’t have done that in front of the media, but I didn’t know what else to do. You’d vanished and nobody could find you. I… I didn’t know you’d come to the conference, Shego. I’d never have-“

“Oh, shh, Kimmie.” Shego kissed her forehead gently, making the redhead’s toes curl in pleasure. “You have no idea how it feels to have someone do that, especially after you’ve kinda resigned yourself to never being allowed to have what other people do. How frightening such a simple thing to say is to someone like me.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Ah, Princess, and there we have the reason why it was so scary.” Shego chuckled and breathed in the scent of Kim’s soft lemony perfume. “You really do love me, despite the fact that you of all people have a better idea of how much of a bitch I can be? You’ve read my file, my criminal history, and yet you could love me?”

Kim smiled. “I’d like to try.”

“Damn, Kimmie, you really know the right thing to say sometimes.” Shego chuckled weakly and then grinned. “Now then…”

Kim gasped as the room suddenly span for her as Shego shifted and leaned forwards, letting Kim drop into her waiting arms. For Kim, the sight of Shego staring down at her, dark hair trailing across her pale green shoulders and framing her beautiful and striking face, it was intoxicating.

Shego stared into the soft green of Kim’s eyes and tilted her head. “I think I should warn you of something, Kimmie.”

“What’s that?” Kim asked, staring back.

“It’s not going to be easy, loving me. I’m short tempered, gruff, annoying at times, and I’m really demanding about some things. Ask Drakken.” Kim groaned as Shego whispered this to her, mainly due to the pale green hand gently running across the curve of her bottom. “In return for you putting up with that from time to time, I’m going to let you see a side of me that barely anyone has ever seen before.”

“Oh?”

“Mmn, I’m going to show you my tender side.” Shego whispered, leaning close to Kim’s face. Her dark green, almost black lips curved. “So, Kimmie… gonna make that wish? And don’t forget that you only have one. Make it good.”

Shego leaned in before Kim could speak and as she cradled the redhead tightly, feeling the pulse of her heartbeat from the intimacy of their bodies, kissed her deeply. It was long, slow, and heady, and Shego could only marvel at how amazing it felt, how wonderful and, as Kim had pointed out, how right.

For Kim, it was just as heady. This time there was no fear, no sudden shock and a need to escape. Instead, she let herself be kissed, and kissed back in return. The muffled mix of cheering, wolf whistles, jeering and crude insults barely registered to her. And when she felt the gentle touch of Shego’s tongue slip into her mouth, she returned it just as gently, just as deeply. When the kiss broke, and she stared up into those intense Emerald eyes of her one time nemesis, Kim could only marvel at where her life had ended up and how right it felt to be in the thief’s arms.

As Shego slowly righted her, pale green hands still placed at the small of her back and the other gently running across her bottom with smooth, delicious motions, Kim grinned. “Yeah, I am… I just wanna do one thing first though.”

“What?” Shego asked smirking suggestively; only to blink as Kim suddenly slapped her hard across the face, pulling a gasp from the forgotten crowd around them. “What the hel-“

“That, Shego, is for leaving me to face the music on my own. I put my neck on the line and you drove off!” Kim told her sternly, staring into shocked and angry eyes, as pale green skin darkened slightly where the slap had landed.

“Hey! You think that I wanted to? Well fu… mmn!“ Shego managed hotly, before Kim’s soft red lips slid back onto her dark green ones in a kiss that she was sure had the back of her head feeling as though it were flying off.

As she slid back, the moistness of Shego’s lips painted on her own, Kim smiled. “And that is for coming back, for telling me how you felt back at the lair, for risking everything to see me tonight…”

Shego stared, the hand that had been on Kim’s back now rubbing her bruised jaw gently. “Damn it Kimmie, that’s a hell of a clichéd move. Didn’t take you for the romance novel type. What’s worse is I really liked the second bit. Doy!”

“Well, it got my point across, right?” Kim asked sweetly, and Shego snorted before smiling a little.

“Yeah, I got the message. I’ll remember that I’m dating the one and only Kim Possible. I promise. I also promise that I’ll only touchee my Kimmie from now on.”

“Good, because I’m a one Shego woman,” Kim felt the hand slip back onto her spine and she sighed, leaning into the dark haired woman with an air of contentment. “And I’ve decided what I’m going to ask you to do for me… the wish I mean.”

“Oh?” Shego nuzzled Kim’s neck, savouring the smell and taste of the redhead who had stolen her heart without so much as a single warning. “Well, your wish is my command, Princess.”

“I…” Kim bit her lip and then gently wrapped her arms around Shego’s neck as her legs slowly snaked around Shego’s waist. With barely a grunt from either of them, Kim wrapped herself around the taller dark haired woman with a sigh of contentment. “I wish that you’d do everything you can to stay with me and love me until we both grow old and die.”

Shego felt her heart leap at the words, much to her own shock and while part of her ruefully prodded her soul with the fact that she was going soft, another thought back to the fights, the missions to rule the world, the taunts, and then to the time with Kara Fang. Shego saw only one thing in all those periods of her life that had been constant, that had amused and then aroused her. And she lay in Shego’s arms right now, wrapped tightly around the green woman’s body.

Grinning and supporting Kim’s weight with effortless ease, Shego continued to dance slowly in the soft lighting of the club, listening to the gentle sighs of pleasure from Kim as they mingled with the smooth music flowing around them.

“Your wish, Oh my Princess, is granted. And I for one am damned pleased it has been.”

“Me too…” Kim replied softly, before gently kissing the green woman’s neck. “Shego? I… I want you to hear me say it. I know you haven’t really heard it direct from me yet. And I want to… I really want to.”

Shego smiled and let the pleasure of the moment sweep through her. “Go ahead.”

“I love you, Shego.” Kim murmured, hugging the green thief tightly. “I love you.”

“I know. And I love you, Kim Possible.” Shego murmured in reply.

And she knew, deep down, that she would until the day she died.

The end… Or is it a beginning?

---

Well, there you have it… KP:MBS is now well… done. Though I do have one little epilogue to write now… just a little taster for… something I'm mulling over. So, wait and see what I'm planning. Still, I hope you all enjoyed MBS and what I have offered and that you liked this final chapter. If you haven't posted a reply before, please do… and feel free to say if you liked it or hated it. Buthave a REASON for either. After all, how can I improve my writing unless I know where I went wrong.

PS- Sorry if this ending was too “saccherine sweet” for some, but I felt after all they had been through, Kim the hero deserved to end up with the girl. grins And for those who wanted sex, they've only realised how they feel for each other for less than a month. Give it time!

Thanks for reading!

Your obedient writer, Hob.