Disclaimer: I do not own Kim Possible and any characters in this series. Any material similar to this plot or story to other authors in is simply coincidental.

Stampede

Chapter I: The Loss

Courage sometimes escapes the hearts of the bravest of men. In Ron Stoppable's case, courage never reached him. He was not particularly courageous though he would do everything for his best friend.

Kim Possible.

But what he was thinking on doing scared him more than being caged with hundreds of rabid monkeys.

Taking a deep breath, the seventeen year-old blond caressed the small velvet box as if he was drawing strength from it. As if his future depended on it. In a sense, it did.

Unbeknownst to all, the content of the box was the first thing Ron bought when Bueno Nacho gave him his first royalties on his creation of the Naco. Since he had… squandered it, the money was going into his trust fund only to be transferred to him upon his twenty-first birthday.

And ever since junior prom, he had cause to use it. Smiling at himself, he pocketed the box only to find out that his pocket was full.

"Hey!" Rufus, the naked mole rat, complained as he carried the box over his head, glaring at Ron.

"Sorry, buddy," Ron smiled as he pocketed the box on his other pocket. "Didn't see you there." Rufus humped as he retreated back into the pocket. "Well, school's almost over. I got into Middleton U. so I could be with K.P. though we have different courses. Now what?" Indeed, Kim Possible had been accepted into Middleton University on a scholarship. Ron, much to Kim's surprise and joy, was accepted in the culinary arts in the same university. Ever since the prom, their relationship flourished much to the joy of their parents.

And the threat of being launched in a deep space probe never came up.

But now Ron was in a dilemma. Since they were starting college, Ron wanted to give something special for Kim. And all he thought was in his pocket.

"Though I may not be ready, I'm certain that this is the right path to take," with a nod, Ron checked himself in the mirror one last time and went out.

…/

Kim Possible sighed dreamily as she looked out of her window. The past few months with Ron were simply magical. Whoever thought that her best friend would turn out to be the best thing in her life?

Until the night of the prom, she never did.

He was always there and she did not see it. It was not that she did not see but she always thought of him as a friend. Now, more than ever, she couldn't think what she would do without him.

They were a team and she would not let anyone break them up.

A knock on her door told her that she had a visitor. Excitedly, she ran for the door and opened it, then giving the person who knocked a big hug.

"Hi Ron," she said as she gave him a quick kiss.

"Hi, K.P." he smiled dreamily at the kiss, though it was almost like a peck.

"Ready for tonight?" she asked as she got her jacket.

"You bet!" he said but suddenly, the Kimmunicator beeped. "Or not," he sighed crestfallen.

"Not so the drama, Ron," Kim smiled apologetically and answered her Kimmunicator. "Go Wade."

"Sorry to cut your night out short Kim but something came up," Said the eleven-year-old tech guru.

"We haven't exactly gone out of the house yet," Ron sighed in disappointment.

"Sorry Ron," but Ron merely waved.

"There's always next time," Ron gripped the box in his pocket and sighed. Perhaps next time he had more courage.

"So Wade," Kim's eyebrows drew together. "What's the sitch?"

…/

Kim and Ron, now in their mission clothes, entered a highly secret facility to stop Dr. Drakken from stealing another device.

"If the labs are top secret, how are they finding out about it?" Ron asked mostly to himself. "Why not call it "Every Mad Criminal Knows"?" Kim fought the urge to giggle. Ron could always make her smile and she was glad of it.

"Hush, Ron," Kim smiled. "We're almost there."

"It's about time," Ron sighed. "I'm hungry."

"Ron! This is not the time for food," Kim admonished. She had seen him finish a Grande sized burrito not fifteen minutes ago and now he was hungry again?

"Can't helped it," Ron sighed as he followed her, trying to keep his voice down.

"When we get back, I'll treat you," Kim promised, perking Ron up.

"Anyway, what's the mission about?" Ron asked.

"I don't really know. Wade said that our contact will be waiting for us," she said but was doubtful. If someone needed their help, why did the stay in the shadows?

"Who exactly needed our help," Ron asked but stopped as he saw a familiar black and green ensemble that only one person wore.

"Shego," Kim was on the defensive but Shego merely scoffed and waved her hand as if dismissing her gesture.

"You're late," Shego complained as she motioned them to follow her. "Drakken's about to do something and it'll be bad for all of us if he's not stopped."

"Hold it!" Kim said in a harsh whisper. "What makes you think that we're going to follow you? This could be a trap." Shego paused for a second and turned to face Kim with a smirk.

"Princess, if this were a trap, you would have already fallen into it," turning around, she continued on her way, expecting Kim and Ron to follow.

"She does have a point, Kim," Ron said as he braved his reluctance and followed Shego. Sighing, Kim realized that he was right and fell into step behind him. Also, she was curious as to what Shego had to say. However, she was still on her guard. Nothing added up. Why would Shego call Team Possible to foil Dr. Drakken's plans, whatever they are? So many questions in her mind and so little to go on.

And one nagging question kept her wondering.

What was Ron checking in his pocket every so often?

… … …

Ron Stoppable was worried.

Sure, they were in a mission. Yes, he was following his beloved's arch-nemesis to God knows where. And the pathway Shego was leading them seemed to get creepier by the moment. Positive that whatever Shego told them would not be good.

But those seemed trivial to him at the moment. His worries were far more important than at that he mentioned.

Ron was worried that he could lose the velvet box in his pants.

Every now and then he checked whether the box was still in his pocket. Inwardly, he berated himself. What made him bring it in the first place? It should be safer in his room or in Kim's room but instead he brought it with him.

He felt like an idiot for doing it.

Glancing at Kim, he caught her looking at him strangely. It was like she was figuring out a puzzle that she did not understand. Inwardly, he prayed that she was figuring out what was Dr. Drakken up to and not what was up with him.

No such luck. Ron knew that Kim was contemplating on his odd behavior and not on the mission. If she continued, Ron might tell her then and there anything she asked. The only thing that Ron could not stand other than the patented 'Kim Possible Puppy Dog Pout' was her being angry with him.

Ron tried to divert Kim's attention and he did it by talking to Shego.

"What's Drakken's plan this time?" he asked, not losing a step. Shego didn't answer, instead she just glanced back with a sad look on her face. This took him by surprise, usually she would laugh, or smirk, or banter but just then, he saw sadness, sorrow, and pain. He was pretty sure that Kim saw it too. It wasn't really hard to miss it. It was there, plastered on her face in plain view.

Never had Kim seen Shego wear her emotions on her sleeves. The sadness was heartfelt, Kim could see it in her eyes. This was not a trick. If it was then Shego must be one hell of an actress.

"He's trying to summon something across dimensions," Shego quietly said. Kim didn't buy it. If that was the plan, then why was Shego so sad.

"How?" Kim heard Ron ask. Looking at her best friend, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Sometimes, Ron was so thick he lacked tact but seeing Shego's face Kim knew that the question did not affect her. How could it since it did not touch something sensitive?

Did it? Kim wondered as she waited for an explanation.

"I'll tell you all the details when we get back to camp," Shego said making both teens wonder.

"Camp? What camp?" Ron asked but when he crossed and archway, his jaw dropped. It was a large cavern, dark, damp and creepy for his taste. It had a sense of awe and a sense of danger attached to it. Formed by nature, the cave was a marvel on its own. Crystal ores glittered from the light of Shego's camp, reflecting some of it back causing a beautiful display of lights.

Ron heard Kim gasp in the same wonder he experienced. If Ron brought a camera, he would start taking pictures.

"Hey Princess! Sidekick! I don't have all day," Shego said causing the two teens to look. In the middle of the cavern was a tent with Shego's pattern. It was large enough for people to stand but not enough to consider a burden.

When they entered inside, it was almost Spartan. Two cots, a table and a laptop computer were the only things inside. Shego clearly didn't want to stay long.

"What do you want, Shego?" Kim asked as the pale skinned woman sat on one of the cots.

"Simple," she smiled in her usual way but it lacked the snide she usually had. "I want you to stop Dr. Drakken."

"Why?" Ron asked clearly puzzled by this request. "I mean, it's not like he became insane and started plotting to destroy the world instead to rule it."

"Oh, he wanted to rule the world alright," Shego looked at him with sad eyes. The immense sorrow could be felt even through Ron's density, which was quite a feat. "But Drew intends to destroy it first."

"He must be crazier than usual," Kim said, shocked at what Shego said. She could not believe that Dr. Drakken, a villain that he was, could destroy something he wanted to conquer. No sane man would want to rule a dead world.

"Crazy is an understatement," Shego said as she booted her computer. "Insane is saying it lightly. Dr. D. is way beyond. He stole the Pandimentional Vortex Inducer and hooked it up through something that opens portals. He made me get it from Justine Flanners. You know, the same thing that transported that monster D. N. Amy created for him."

"I remember," Kim said, shaking her head in memory. When Mr. Barkin turned on the portal, that same monster was released. It took her and Justine half of the day to trap the monster again.

"This time, he's planning on something more sinister," Shego's computer showed the schematics of a laboratory and by Ron's estimate it was complex.

"He plans to retrieve, capture and control various creatures from other dimensions. So far he had retrieved none but that would change. In one hour he's going to test his new machine and retrieve a creature. If it's worthy enough, he'll use it for his plan."

"And if it isn't, he'll throw it back?" Ron asked hopefully. But the graveness in Shego's eyes told him all.

"Dissection," she said ruefully.

"Why did you call us?" Kim asked. The question was bothering her ever since she knew the Shego had called them. Something was not right.

"Global Justice thinks it's a prank or a trap. Trust me, I tried to convince them but they don't think Drakken's got the guts and the brains to pull it off. You, on the other hand, would give me the benefit of the doubt. I was not sure it would work as well but I took the chance. This is far beyond good vs. bad. It's about salvation and damnation, Kimmie. Drakken's giving it his all and he would expect all. The world or destruction. That simple and that complicated."

"What's in it for you?" Kim asked warily. Shego never acts unless there's something in exchange.

"If a said I wanted nothing, you would not believe me. So I'll settle with a pardon from Global Justice. A fresh start," judging from her voice, Shego was sincere. But how sincere, Kim wondered.

"What about it Ron?" Kim asked her best friend who just shrugged and smiled.

"Honestly, KP? I think she's on the level. But I don't think GJ would honor it. She is wanted in eleven countries," Kim nodded in agreement. Getting a pardon for Shego would be a miracle.

"I can't promise anything Shego," Kim's voice showed deep regret. She knew there was still some good in her and maybe a fresh start was all she needed.

"Just promise me you'll try your best, Princess. That's all I ask," Truly she did not expect more. It was hard for her to place her fate to her enemy but if that was needed to ensure her cooperation, Shego must do what she must.

"That I can promise," Kim offered her hand and Shego grasped it in a pact of trust.

"So…" Ron watched the two women with a smile. Sure there was doubt that this could turn into a friendship but it was a start. "How do we foil Drakken's plan?"

…

Drew Lipsky, a.k.a. Dr. Drakken, adjusted the calculations to his device and smirked in satisfaction. His device was ready. Encased in a thick glass dome was the Pandimensional Vortex Portal Inducer. A machine capable of tearing through known universe and time.

"Soon, everyone will bow down to my genius!" he gloated to no one in particular. It was hard to contrive his master plan and harder yet to convince Shego to help him, in fact she downright refused. And if she hadn't escaped, he would have taught her a lesson she would never forget.

Without waiting for another second, he turned on the device. Immediately he had results. A small tear in the fabric of space and time could be seen right in front of him. Laughing in triumph, he did not notice three individuals closing in on him.

"This stops now, Dr. Drakken!" Kim Possible said as she faced the mad scientist.

"KIM POSSIBLE!" Drakken shouted in surprise and what surprised him more was the individual beside her. "SHEGO!"

"Sorry Doc, but you've gone too far this time," Shego smiled. She always wanted to say that to her former employer.

"Hellooo! What about me?" Ron frowned as he looked at the blue skinned villain.

"The buffoon," Drakken grumbled unimpressively as he face the two women again.

"Oh, man! He forgot again!" Ron complained, throwing his arms up in futility. "Guess I'll need to make him remember."

"Oh I don't think so," Drakken said with a sinister look. It was not his usual goofy 'evil villain' look but a more darker and deadlier gaze. Shego was right, he was beyond insane. "Synthodrones! Attack!" ten massive humanoids approached the three wearing Drakken's henchman uniform. Kim and Shego smiled at each other and poised for attack.

"I could take five in an instant," Shego bragged as she glared at the drones.

"Anything you can do I can do better," Kim smiled in competition.

"Oh, really?" Shego smirked as she attacked the closest drone. Kim agilely evaded and fought the one closest to her and tore its uniform, spilling the liquid that filled them.

"Okay, maybe you're better at cooking than I am," she sighed as she tore another drone into liquid mush.

"When this is over, I'll teach you," Shego said as she blasted two drones at once.

"I don't think Ron would take that kindly," Kim smiled at the offer as she kicked another drone towards a vat of acid that was conveniently lying around. "He's the chef in the team."

"Then we'll swap recipes," Shego smiled as she blasted the remaining drones into a crisp. "I win Kimmie."

"Lucky shot," Kim retorted but was glad that she was working with Shego once again. But before she could contemplate on their partnership, she heard Ron shout out in warning. Suddenly both women were suddenly struck by a powerful beam, knocking them unconscious.

…

"KIM! LOOK OUT!" Ron shouted but it was too late. He saw Drakken aimed a large laser cannon towards Kim and Shego and was not quick enough to stop him. He watched as his best friend was thrown by the force. Not even her battle suit could protect her.

"Even if you could stop me it's too late," Dr. Drakken told him as he aimed the cannon at Ron. "The vortex will reach critical in two minutes and there's nothing you could do to stop it!"

"But I could try," Ron said as he saw Drakken charge his cannon. Instinctively, he reached for his grappling gun at his waist and fired. All those time in the arcade playing western shootout paid off. The hook struck the cannon in the barrel, jamming the firing mechanism, causing the cannon to overload.

Without warning, the cannon exploded throwing Drakken away from the machine's console.

Immediately, not caring where Drakken had landed, Ron ran for Kim and knelt beside her.

"Kim? KP? Talk to me!" he checked for a pulse and thanked God that she was all right. Looking up, he saw Shego, groggily getting on her feet and walking towards them.

"Is she Okay?" Shego winced in pain as she asked.

"She'll be fine," Ron said as he looked at the tear the machine made. It was getting bigger by the moment. Realizing that it may destroy them all, Ron took Kim's Kimmunicator from her battle suit's pocket and called Wade.

"Kim?" Wade frowned in concern. "I can't see you." Looking at the Kimmunicator, Ron noticed that it was cracked in some places.

"Wade, Ron here. Listen, the Kimmunicator is damaged I could see you but I don't think you could see me. And I think the thing Drakken made is going critical."

"That's bad. How's Kim?"

"Unconscious."

"Shego?"

"Not in a position to do anything," Ron sighed almost at the same time that Wade did.

"Then you'd better do it," Wade said as Ron watched him type in his computer fast.

"Okay," Ron said with uncertainty.

"Ron, there's no way to say this but…" Seeing the look in Wade's eyes, he knew.

"One sec, Wade," Ron took the velvet box from his pocket and gripped it firmly. "And I was going to ask her." Shego frowned as she looked at the box and suddenly sighed.

"I'll do it," Shego said but just then, her knees gave and she fell to the ground. Rom was touched by the gesture and touched her shoulder in comfort.

"You can't even stand," he said as he placed the box in Kim's pocket. Leaning down, he kissed Kim softly on her lips and sighed as he stood up. "If you're going straight I have a favor to ask. Take care of Kim for me."

"Oh no," Shego shook her head even though it took her a great effort not to wince. "You're not leaving this piece of baggage at my feet." Ron chuckled and smiled. Somehow he knew that her refusal was covering for an emotion of pain. Surprised that Shego would not let him go and had the heart to care, Ron touched her shoulder and looked into her eyes. Seeing the determination in his eyes, all Shego could do was nod.

"Thanks," he said.

Kim stirred making Ron lean towards her. Kim smiled as she saw his face. Her only comfort in her pain.

"Hey you," Kim said as she took his hand which he squeezed affectionately.

"I love you," Ron blurted out all too sudden making Kim smile.

"And I love you," she returned. Seeing his smile made her world.

"I need to ask you something when I get back," Ron said with a soft smile.

"Going somewhere?" Kim was blinking her eyes, fighting to stay awake.

"I'm going to save to world," Ron said dramatically, even posing like a hero.

"Then I'll wait for you," Kim said in a promise. "Even if it would take you a millennia, I'll wait." Kim closed her eyes and surrendered to sleep.

"I'll hold you for that," Ron said as he stood up and walked towards the console.

"Go Wade," he talked into the Kimmunicator with all the courage he could muster. Ron laughed at himself. Where was this courage when he wanted to ask her his question?

"There is no safe way to turn the machine off," Wade said sadly, knowing full well what would happen. "You need to get to the console and program the machine to shut down."

"Sounds simple enough," Ron said but he knew it was not that simple. It never was.

"Due to the close proximity of the portal to the machine, when it closes you will be sucked into it," Wade said, fighting the worry in his voice.

"I'll be fine Wade," Ron said. He was already at the console, looking at the panel and had no idea what to do.

"I'll walk you through it," Wade said and began to tell Ron what to do. Ron looked back once to see if Kim was all right. Surprisingly, he found Shego protecting Kim with her body from the debris that were flying around due to the portal that was inches from Ron.

"Would Kim and Shego get sucked in the vortex as well?" Ron asked worriedly as he plugged the final connection.

"They are out of range," Wade said, looking glum. "And we can't use a remote control since the vortex creates a lot of electromagnetic interference. Ron…"

"I know Wade," Ron smiled softly and turned on the machine. "I hope Rufus will be okay without me for a while."

"You didn't bring him?" Wade asked.

"I left him with Jim and Tim. I bet the poor guy's worried," Ron felt the pull of the vortex and sighed. "I guess this is it."

"Ron…" Wade asked tentatively. "You weren't asking her to… you know…"

"I was," a single tear ran down his cheek. "And I will."

"See you later Ron," Wade said and Ron turned off the Kimmunicator and pocketed it.

"Wait for me KP," Ron said and let himself be pulled into the vortex. With a force that was stronger than anything imaginable, everything within a five meter radius was sucked in.

And when the vortex closed, all was left was silence.

…

It had been a few hours before Kim realized what had happened. She was looking at the velvet box that Ron placed in her pocket. Shego was beside her, silent and supportive in her own way. Two GJ agents were behind in a respective distance. Shego surrendered as soon as Global Justice entered the facility and took a battered Drakken away.

She couldn't believe Ron was gone. There were so many things she needed to tell him and she missed the chance.

"Relax Princess," Shego smirked as she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Your boyfriend has a stubborn streak. He'll come back. And you did promise to wait."

"What if he's…" Kim really didn't want to think about it but she must face reality.

"Don't go there, Kimmie," Shego admonished severely. "He's alive and he wanted to ask you something. And it's probably connected to that little box. The question is Kimmie, will you wait?" Stunned by the admonishment, Kim was speechless. Taking a deep breath, she opened the box and froze.

Inside was a diamond ring in the center of the box. The diamond was surrounded by a set of emeralds that matched her eyes.

Taken back, she realized the question he was going to ask. Taking out the ring, she placed it in her left ring finger.

And she would wait for as long as it takes.

…

Next chapter: Four years have passed and the world was in danger again, Kim and her temporary partner went to save the day only to be trapped by an old foe only to be saved by a wandering gunman in a red coat who just came home.