Chapter 25 – Best Story and Best Writer of 2017

(9:55pm)

Agent Trepid and Slam, like last year, was heading security. Because of last years' interruptions, they had to be on high alert for anything suspicious, especially anything from WEE. So, once again, they have been confined to the rooftops

"This is strangely enough a quiet night, Agent Slam." Trepid said while his eyes were scanning the entire audience from below a glass window.

"No broken walls, no bad Earthlings controlling every Earth television in the world, no evil plots to foil!" Slam remarked, "I think this'll be an uneventul awards ceremony after all."

But just as Slam finished his sentence, two GJ agents finally came through on the roof escape. They were panting and out of breath.

"Agent Trepid...Agent Slam! We have a serious security breach!" the first agent exclaimed to them.

Ken and Slam gasped at what he told them.

"We HAVE to warn Kim and the others!"

Once Cyndi Lauper's song came to its final lyrics, Sharper approached the podium and said, "And welcome back, everyone. So it has come down to this after 3 hours of anticipation: the last two awards of the evening. Two very big awards that everyone in the Kimmunity has been waiting to ask all night long: Who will win them? It is my duty, then, to bring you the first big award: Best Story of 2017! And the nominees are:

Beyond the Stars by Mahler Avatar

"Come now, Stoppable-san," he chided. "We both know her better than that. Her sense of honor would never allow her to carry out something that extreme. And her implication was that she does not know which shrine she will end at: certainly not that she would end her life."

Ron let out a short sharp breath of relief. "Yeah, you're right. Her devotion to duty is to live for her friends and her honor, not to die by her own hand because of a broken heart."

Sensei nodded. "Well said." He paused a beat. "Now, are you certain that it is not because of your own feelings for her?"

Ron was brought up short by Sensei's incisive query. A vision of Kim popped into his head, and conflicting feelings immediately began to war within him.

"Or perhaps, could ego also be a part of it? You just revealed that she failed to seek you out this time around."

"But I… I…" Ron was cut to the quick as he recalled his own history of big-headedness.

"You wish to help her now, but again I ask you, what is your true motivation? Yes, if you could find her, you could reveal the truth behind Hirotaka's note, but have you considered if that would truly be for the best in the long run? I need not remind you of what you've already shared with me, and what your choices in the other timeline ultimately led to."

Feeling remorseful, he slowly mumbled, "Yeah, a lot of hurt for a lot of people."

"And what of Kim-chan, your new beloved? What would she think about you chasing after another girl, even with the best of intentions? Or are they truly… the best?"

His pride now pricked, Ron angrily shot back, "What I need is your help, Sensei, not a lesson in morality!"

A PostGraduate Sitch by Jimmy1201

"Was there no other way?"

"I…I couldn't think of anything; the monkeys were screaming so loud it was hard to think…"

"Were you under the influence of Mystical Monkey Power?" he asked.

"Yes, besides enhancing my strength and speed, it gave me an arrogance, a disdain for my enemy that I found disturbing even while in its grip," Kim admitted.

"Perhaps we should change the list of precepts to include 'not to take drugs, alcohol, or Mystical Monkey Power'?"

"Since then I have been taught to draw on the power without drawing on the rage and arrogance," Kim replied.

Master Po gently prodded her to restart the kata.

"We will talk more about this later, but I wish to discuss another precept". Po took his staff and gently adjusted her arm angle, "Mr. Alfadurson has caught your eye. While I am celibate, as are most Shaolin monks…"

"Master Po, I am not chasing after Dr. Alfadurson!" Kim was on the edge of outrage but waited to see where the old monk was going before throwing herself off that edge.

"Perhaps. But I wish to talk about stealing or to be more exact, to take that which is not freely given." Po gave her another nudge to continue the kata, "Dr. Alfadurson is handsome, charming, a skilled doctor, in all appearances, a truly good man. But I believe that something in him is blocked. It is as if a geas has been laid on him, that before he can reclaim his old life, he must do some task. Surely you have noticed that he is very vague about his past and if you press him he seems disturbed that he can't remember. A short time later he has forgotten all about his distress.

The Hunter – Sentinel103. However boos and hisses were heard. Some of them even took off their shoes to prepare to throw at poor Sent.

Hi Kimmie, did you have fun tonight?", James inquired, though he could obviously see his teen daughter seemed to be floating on a cloud. He was sitting in his chair in the family room, reading a scientific book while taking refreshment in the form of an amber liquid.

"It was dreamy. Eric is soooo adorable. I'm glad he came to Middleton."

"I am happy for you honey. Did you see Ronald today honey? I wanted to speak with him about something.", James asked as he kept his face neutral.

"Huh?"

"You know your best friend?"

Still confused, since she was in 'Eric is so sweet mode', Kim asked again, "Huh…I…?"

After took a sip of his Scotch, James frowned, "Ronald Stoppable, your best friend, until a couple of weeks ago honey."

"Oh, Ron. Uh, I didn't speak to him today. He wasn't in any of the classes that he and I share, but I had word that he was studying for his tests on Monday. I did see him getting on a transport for a mission when I was going in for lunch.", Kim replied with a frown, not really understanding why this irked her.

"A mission…And they didn't call for you, Kimmie? Were you overly busy today?"

All Kim could do was clench her fists when that scene was played.

"I so hope Sentinel does not win this award! Please do not give this important award to Sentinel for that pile of wasted data bit thingys!"

Sentinel, meanwhile, was ducking in his makeship bunker with Cajunbear. He saw several hundred people with their shoes, armed and primed to throw at him.

Sharper cleared his throat to prevent any further conflict between Kim and the audience and Sentinel. "Moving on with the nominees...our next entry for Best Story of 2017 is Past and Present: Volume 2 by Levi2000a."

Shaking his head in frustration…Yes. It was going to be a long day.

"Hana." he called his sister's name in an attempt to calm her down. The look she shot back was one that showed a building anger, an anger that could explode like a bomb.

"This isn't about us.", his look firm as he shook his head at her, "You, me, Kim, or the folks." He saw her momentum slowing, "This is for Michael and Michelle...and their future." Drawing upon their martial arts training as a reminder, "You need to get your emotions under control."

What he said, and how he said it got through to her, as she seemed to release enough of the pressure she had held in so that it was no longer near the critical breaking point.

Again, Kim calmly offered, "I was only trying to reach out to you." as she tried to defuse a volatile situation between her and Hana.

Her head shaking sharply, her hands shot up abruptly. "Just...", Hana blurted before stalking away. Anger radiating from her with each step she took.

Pausing, the glare Hana gave her brother lasted far longer than any he'd ever gotten from her before.

Finally, after taking a measured breath, she gave a quick glance back at Kim and one more to Ron, "You're right. Maybe I haven't gotten it out of my system like I thought." Then masking her emotions, she walked over to the other side of the room.

Turning to her long-ago-bf-lover, "Ron, I was only trying to help...", Kim pleaded to him.

Not taking his eyes from his sister, "It's alright Kim." he said as she walked to an opposite wall. After considering what he was going to say was the truth or not, he turned back to Kim. "I believe what you told me last night, Kim. I really do and I can understand it." Pausing to take a breath, "I let a lot of my own fears control me in the past." Extending a hand to his sister, "Hana...", he let the hand drop, "had a different way to go with this…and…it may take a little more time for you to reconnect with her." He tilted his head down a bit, looking to her from below the edge of his upper eyelids.

Team Possible's Predicament by Whitem

After each teen finished watching their respective videos, which seemed to end at the exact same time, both heads snapped to look at each other in surprise and worry. Each of them spoke at the same time saying something similar, but actually different.

"Ron!" ("Kim!") We have to save my family!"

"Drakken and Shego" ("Motor Ed and Adrena Lynn") Have taken everyone! We've got to save them!"

"What?" ("What?") "We'll save your family first!"

During this little exchange between the two, Rufus… who had been sitting on Dr. Director's desk ever since they had sat down… was looking back and forth at the two as if he were watching a tennis match. Finally he just slapped a paw on his head and fell over as if he fainted.

"OK Kim…" Ron said in an effort to break out of the pattern, "In an effort to work together, we can save my family first, and then we'll go get yours from Ed and Lynn."

"What? Why does your family get to be saved first Ron? Isn't my family important enough? Motor Ed and Adrena Lynn are obviously the most dangerous of these villain teams since they are the wild-card here, so it stands to reason to get my family first!" Without realizing it, Kim had stood from her chair and was now looking down at Ron.

"Look Kim…" The blond boy started, "We've got to work this out so both of us can save each of our respective families, but Drakken and Shego have a history of being the most dangerous! I mean, they tried to take over the entire planet! They are the most dangerous, therefore my family is in more danger! Besides… They have my sister, who is still just a toddler!"

To Find Your Way Home by Daccu65

"I don't think I understand the issue," Ron confessed. "If I won't let things cross that line, how can I take advantage..."

"Young man." The matron stopped and turned towards him again. "You are in a position where you can inadvertently cause her more emotional distress than a dozen lawyers, fellow council members or professors could, intentionally. That gives you a certain power over her, the ability to manipulate her into providing you with financial, social or even physical concessions. That is what I want you to promise me you won't do and that is what I will be watching you like a hawk to make sure you don't do."

"I promise," Ron had no hesitation. "I won't manipulate her that way."

He then emitted a bitter chuckle.

"What is it that you find so darkly humorous?" Einsam demanded of him.

"This whole sitch...er, situation," Ron shook his head. "You're telling me that I can manipulate a very intelligent, capable and pretty girl, one who could pretty much have her choice of...hot...young men. Almost all my life, I've been the loser, the sidekick, the one who nobody ever remembered."

"Your sort can be the worst or the best," Einsam told him. "When you remember your past, you can either pledge yourself to never treat anyone the way you were, or you can look for revenge. Which sort will you prove to be?"

"The sort who doesn't want to see anyone treated like I was," Ron assured her.

"Good, remember this conviction when you have the opportunity to harm her. Now, be a good boy and see me to the gazebo, then have Kline show you to your rooms. There was a reason I spoke to you while walking outside; you desperately need a shower before spending any sort of time with anyone in a closed environment."

and finally, Break Away by DismalOrc29177

Ron's eyes bulged. Monkey Fist kills his apprentice or whatever? That just couldn't make much sense, Fukushima just wouldn't turn against him for Yamanouchi, especially after being incarcerated by them. Or maybe he didn't do it for Yamanouchi, it was for himself.

"Why would Monkey Fist kill him, after escaping… it just doesn't fit." Ron said as his hand tapped his chin.

"We found an old temple. It held another power similar to your own. But it was far darker, evil… a blade that rested in its center was taken. I'm afraid Monkey Fist has now succumbed to the Path of Yono."

So that was what his meditation was all about. "I meditated here and I saw this golden aura leave a body and make its own I think… what does that mean?"

"I believe Yono has found another person to corrupt, but with Fiske…" she paused. But Ron came up with the answer. "He accepted Yono entirely, its power actually left me and I didn't know about it." Ron also thought of something, there wouldn't be another relapse. Not to say Ron always relied on Yono, he used the MMP on several occasions. The casino, the fight with Monkey Fist, the Sakurajima volcano, parkour for a bit, protecting himself. So that's something off of his shoulder. "So how powerful is he?" He mumbled.

"He can somewhat match your power. With the sword he has, it would be increased. He would have an aura, his eyes would also change. But he would be more… unstable."

"Ok, so a psycho madman who's leveled up, has a sword that gives him extra power. That's… hehe… that's uhh… wow." Ron stammered with his words, he didn't want to admit it, but he didn't like his odds very much so.

"Which I why I came to bring you this." She disarmed herself on the blade and gave it to Ron whereas he removed it from its sheath and takes a look at the appearance. It was the Lotus Blade!

"Yori I-"

"We know you entrusted us to watch over it… but as of now, you're the only one who can stop him. He is coming for you. All has not bode well in Japan, strong winds and storms have appeared ever since what happened. It'll reach your home next."

A sharp exhale came from his breath as he nodded his head. "Ok… could I just get some people around real quick." He walked away with her following him.

Sharper then proclaimed the winner of the next-to-last award in this year's ceremony.

"The winner for Best Story of 2017 goes to Daccu65 for To Find Your Way Home!"

As the camera focuses on Daccu, he looks even more dumbfounded than he did the last time. However, his smile is wide as he gets to his feet and makes his way to the stage, shaking a few hands along the way. Accepting the golden, naked mole rat, he again approaches the microphone.

"Wow," he shakes his head. "Another unexpected honor. I'm humbled and grateful."

He takes a few moments, collecting his thoughts, as he clearly didn't expect to receive this award.

"Again, I have to thank Joe Stoppinghem for beta-reading this tale," he finally says. "I hope everyone here sees a pattern forming; Joe has been a big help to me. I'd also like to thank another three writers; Jimmy1201, Cajunbear73, and Sentinel103. The four of us often exchange ideas, plot bunnies and use each other as sounding boards for what reality throws our way. Thanks, guys."

"The first time that I stood on this stage, I stated that I consider the heart of Fanfiction to be the questions 'what if' and 'why'," Daccu continues. "And it was those questions that started this story; what if Ron suddenly found himself in Remnant and why would he suddenly be there. From there, the story took off. I'm sure that many of you will agree that stories tend to branch off in directions you, the author, don't expect them to." Daccu pauses while several authors nod their agreement.

"That said, please let me make another request of you, my fellow Fanfiction authors and members of the Kimmunity; please, continue to put our characters into situations they haven't been in before. Continue to challenge our perceptions of their personalities and capabilities, their wants and motivations. Force us to see sides of them that we've never seen before, or never even considered. Force us, the readers, to wonder how these characters would react in such a situation. Stories that challenge our opinions keep the Kimmunity active."

"Thank you for this award," Daccu holds the trophy up again, and looks out over the audience. "And let's write more stories to judge next year!"

Offering the audience a short, but heartfelt bow, Daccu returns to his seat.

"Give it up for Daccu for winning the Best Story award." Sharper replied as the audience applauded for the longtime writer with his fourth Golden Rufus of the evening. "It's amazing that we've gone through almost the entire ceremony without any incidents."

"Or any big 6-ton elephants in the room!" Ten said.

At the Stoppable table

"It's such a relief that we don't have to deal with Bonnie ruining things for the both of us this year." Kim replied.

"She should've kept that mic off for that plan of hers to work..." Ron began.

Kim cleared her throat at her husband in a threatening manner.

"...but luckily for us, that didn't happen!" Ron corrected himself. "KS, we're about to go on!"

"Ready whenever you are, hubby!" Kim grinned. "Let's do this sitch!"

Sharper went to the mic and said, "And, as per the tradition of the KP scribes and elders, they need no introduction. Please welcome Kim Stoppable and Ron Stoppable, along with their two children, to the stage!"

"Okay, kids, follow me and Daddy!" Kim insisted.

"Got ya, Mommy!" Justin replied as he and Alexa walked behind their mom and dad up to the stage.

The audience awwed at the sight of the Stoppable kids' overwhelming cuteness.

"Thanks, Sharper, for giving us the opportunity to host it at a real convention center for once and not some rich heiress' opera house." Kim began.

"Or at a burger joint!" Ron said, interrupting his wife's speech.

"So interrupting much, Ron?" Kim questioned.

"Sorry, KS! Please continue!" Ron apologized.

"Thank you, sweetie!" Kim said, smiling at Ron before she continued.

"For those of you that are relatively new to the fandom or to my show, it has been a tradition that me and Ron usually present the Best Writer award every year. It was true when me and Ron were juniors in high school, and it is true now as a husband-and-wife combo."

Without saying a word, Sarah and Sharper handed Kim and Ron the envelope containing the winner and the Golden Rufus.

Ron smiled as he said this, holding Kim's hand. He also blushed as well, which was also a Fannies tradition.

Kim said, "The nominees for Best Writer of 2017 are as follows:

Mac-man3778

kdaniel

Jimmy1201

daccu65

General Quinn

Whitem

and..." Kim shuddered at his name, "...Sentinel103."

"I'll let little Justin open up the envelope." Ron grinned, handing the envelope to Justin. "Here you go, little guy!"

"OK, Daddy!" Justin said, giving a sweet smile to his father before he ripped opened the envelope.

"Here's the winner!" the six-year old insisted, handing the winner to his dad.

Kim said to her entire family, "On the count of three, we announce the winner of Best Author."

"Gotcha, KS!" Ron replied.

The drumroll began, as the audience was on its feet.

"One...two...three!"

Justin said, "And the winner of Best Writer of 2017 goes to ..."

Kim announced the winner, "For the second year in a row, it's a clean sweep: Daccu65!"

The camera focuses on daccu65, who isn't so much dumbfounded as he is stunned. He takes a short time to gain a bit of composure before rising to his feet and, accepting the congratulations of those nearby, makes his way, once again, to the podium. Accepting the trophy, he stands and looks out over the audience again, trying to come up with the proper words to express his appreciation.

"I really wish I could say more than thanks," he finally says. "But thank you doesn't seem to be enough, and anything else seems to be just me babbling...and keeping everyone away from the after-parties. Instead, let me share a little of my hopes for the Kimmunity in the future."

"I started writing just over ten years ago," daccu65 continues. "Back then, the original series had wrapped up just over a year previously. There were numerous writers who had been around for years; Captainkodak, MrDrP and Zaratan are just a few that come to mind. Still more writers, such as myself, showed up, as the episodes were still being aired regularly, generating interest in the series and some of that interest spilled into Fanfiction. I remember updating my single KP story back then, and seeing it wind up on the second page of the listing the next day; new stories and updates were flooding in that fast!"

"It wasn't always a big, happy family," he chuckles just a little. "Flame wars were fairly common on the forums, some reviews got downright nasty, and there could be some vicious PM exchanges...and I'll admit to sinking to joining in on all three. However, this shows how much interest and passion the series generated. It shows just how much we authors could relate to the characters."

"All in all, the passing years haven't been very kind to the Kimmunity," daccu sighs. "As time has gone by, fewer new writers have joined our ranks. Personally, I believe that without the regular showing of the episodes, there wasn't enough interest generated to draw people to write their own tales about it. This isn't to insult the newer writers; far from it! I sincerely appreciate those of you who have written new tales and forced me to view the characters from a point of view that may not always be comfortable for me. The only problem is that not enough new interest has been generated to counter the fading of interest that time and reality inevitably impose. However, there is hope. I'm sure that we all know that The Empire of the Mouse will be airing a live-action movie sometime next promises to be a boon to the Kimmunity, as it will undoubtedly generate interest for the show and some of that interest will certainly translate to greater interest in Kim Possible Fanfiction. However, this imposes a challenge for us, as well."

"When these new writers show up and post, what will they encounter?" Daccu65 asks the audience. "Will they find what I did; readers generous with reviews and PM's? Authors who respond to a review? People willing to discuss topics on the forums...usually in a civil and humorous manner? Or will they find an uncaring Kimmunity, one in which new authors aren't given encouragement, where slight errors in spelling and grammar are hounded on, or where new views on the characters are mocked or insulted? I've experienced, and to my shame I've performed, all of these. In the end, it's up to us. If we welcome these new authors into the Kimmunity, if we give them honest reviews and helpful criticism, the live action movie could turn into the shot in the arm that will keep the Kimmunity lively for the next decade. Please, let's come together and take that path."

"I know that I'm droning on," he confesses. "So, let me give one last thanks, to the Fannie Committee for their work in putting together this show. Thanks again, everyone, and now I'll get off the stage!"

With a bit more spring in his step, daccu65 walks back to his seat, holding the trophy up for all to see.

Sharper and Sarah both smiled as they came up to the podium.

"So with all of the awards passed out..." Sharper began.

"...and with no incidents or kidnappings to speak of." Sarah added.

The two longtime friends then said, "We would like to officially declare the 13th KP Fannies Awards a wrap!"

"Or the Golden Rufus can be wrapped in maroon and white!" Sharper chuckled before Phantom performed a Landshark, pressing his thumb against his forehead and extending his hand, creating a fin. "Or in red and blue."

But then, Ken and Slam threw open the doors.

Kim and Ron saw them and demanded an explanation.

"What the sitch is going on here?" she asked.

"Agents K and R Stoppable, GJ has suffered a very severe security breach!"