Team Possible was dropped off at the Kimjet, which was waiting for them at a private airport. Soon they were aboard and heading for Middleton.
As they rested, they watched the TV News reports were coming in that the CeCes had inexplicably shut down all over the world, and were being destroyed while the chance had come. The final death count had risen to over seven million people.
Then some new information became available. Team Possible, led by internationally renowned hero Kim Possible, was responsible for the elimination of the CeCe threat. Once again, they had saved the world.
"I guess Adrena is responsible for that report," said Ron.
"She is," answered Wade, "I've been keeping the rest of the team up on events."
Kim sat by herself, staring out the window but seeing nothing. They had stopped Drakken's scheme at a huge cost to the world. How many more such schemes were waiting? Why didn't she kill him long ago?
"I was weak," she said softly. "I was weak and the world has paid for it."
"Iye, Kim-chan," said Yori, sitting down beside her. "You were very strong. You did not give in to your rage and hatred and desire for revenge. You did the right thing. Now the proper authorities will deal with him."
Kim shook her head, but made no other reply.
"Senior-san was right. If you had killed Drakken-san, it would have destroyed you as a hero and a person. And I must say that is a price the world, and you, cannot afford to pay," said Yori.
Kim looked at her. "He said that?"
"Hai. I think he admires you," Yori replied.
Kim smiled. "He always did have a strong sense of what is proper."
"In this case, I think he shows much wisdom," said Yori.
Kim sighed. "I think you show a lot as well. Thanks. I do feel better about it."
Yori ducked her head. "It is my honor to help."
kpkpkp
Middleton International Airport was mobbed by what might have been the whole population of the Tri-cities waiting for them.
In the lobby they found their families waiting for them, Bonnie's and Tara's as well.
Adrena was waiting for them too, and she moderated the interview with the press. She was really in her element, passing questions to the appropriate person, and answering others herself.
Kim made sure to emphasize that Shego had not been a part of Drakken's scheme. She demonstrated Shego's glow, and said it had been key to beating the CeCes. But she kept secret how she had gotten it.
"Wow," said Jim to Tim, "Sis has Shego's power. COOL!" They high fived.
The Doctors Possible were a bit worried, and resolved to talk to Kim about it later.
Bonnie was loving all the attention, while Tara seemed to be embarrassed by it. Kim and Ron were used to it, while Yori tried to be inconspicuous while not actually pulling a ninja-style disappearing act.
When the interview was over, the Mayor of Middleton took them outside where they discovered an improptu parade had been organized. They tried to beg off, but nobody would hear of that.
They also had to agree to attend a banquet in their honor the next evening.
An hour later they were dropped off in front of Team Possible Headquarters. Repairs were already under way.
"Mr. Miller? You're doing the repair work?" asked Kim.
The contractor smiled at her. "Free of charge, too! After the way you prevented that fire from spreading and destroying my lumber yard, not to mention saving the world again, it's the least I could do."
"No big!" said Kim, "Anyone could have used a tank truck full of liquid nitrogen to put out a fire!"
Bonnie rolled her eyes and shook her head. Tara put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a look that said 'behave'. Bonnie broke away from her and went to her parent's car.
Bonnie's and Tara's parents took them home for the night.
Inside, Kim, Ron and Yori were met by Francis, Monique and Adrena.
"Adrena, you did a great job with that interview! Thank you!" said Kim.
The older girl smiled. "Thanks! That's the first time I've been on camera in several years. It's still quite exciting."
"FREAKY!" she added, pumping a fist.
Kim and Ron and Rufus looked at her strangely.
"Kidding, you two. I haven't said that in years," said Adrena, smiling and pulling Yori to herself.
Kim went to the remains of her office and recovered the box with the Crystal. It was a bit scorched, but intact. Inside, the Crystal was fine, but seemed dimmer, somehow. Kim imagined it was because some of the power of it was now in her.
When asked, Mrs. Possible revealed that they would be staying with Aunt June until the house was restored, and the Stoppables would be staying with relatives as well.
One thing bothered Kim. "Since the house was destroyed, I don't have any banquet clothes, just my battle suit, my mission clothes, and what I was wearing before we left."
Monique answered, "Girl, if that's all you're worried about, come on. The mall was damaged, but Club Banana survived and is open. Let's go!"
They dragged Ron with them, kicking and screaming, since he didn't have anything to wear either.
Francis decided to go find a tuxedo store and left, which left Yori and Adrena alone. They had kept their relationship private, and had not paid more than polite attention to each other since the arrival at the airport.
Finally alone they hugged tightly, and kissed.
"I have missed you, and been so worried," said Adrena.
"And I missed you," replied Yori.
"Next time, aim between the eyes," said Adrena smiling.
Yori pulled back and looked at her, puzzled. "Your pardon?"
"Never mind, just an 'American-style joke'," was the answer.
"Let us go home," said Yori, "We must decide what to wear tomorrow night."
"Oh, is that all you have in mind?" asked Adrena, pouting.
Yori eyed her. "Perhaps we may find some form of entertainment to occupy our time before the banquet." She smiled shyly.
Adrena grinned. "Now THAT'S my golden treasure!"
kpkpkp
Drakken's trial was held a month later, under the auspices of the United Nations. It was televised world wide, and was one of the highest rated events ever on television.
Investigation had found no link between Drakken and Senior, except for the eyewitness accounts of Team Possible. The note he had left was missing; presumably under the mountain. He also provided evidence of his whereabouts during the time in question, so no charges were forthcoming against him, much to the frustration of Team Possible.
Drakken was sentenced to death by gas chamber, and that was held two weeks after the trial ended. It too was televised.
As he was led to his place of execution, he looked over at Team Possible, who were there in person. He stopped walking, and stared directly at Kim.
"Kim Possible, you think you're all that... but you're not!" he said, then turned and went into the chamber.
A great evil had been taken from the world, but the five members of Team Possible all knew there were others waiting in the wings.
As time passed, life slowly got back to normal. At least, as normal as it ever got for Team Possible. But it wasn't to last. It never did...
The End
Author's note:
In Chapter 1, Francis working at Nasty Burger in Amity Park is a reference to Danny Phantom. Adrena working in a cracker factory is a very oblique reference to The Simpsons.
Bonnie and Tara taking a firearms course is an answer to a number of writers who feel that, because Team Possible doesn't use such weapons, they have either not been exposed to them, or are ignorant of them. I find this to be an unwarranted assumption.
The conversation between Tara and Yori about Adrena's attraction to Asian girls reflects a real fetish. It isn't politically correct, but it is real. This is discussed more in the "M" (i.e. "R") rated side story "Getting Together".
Thanks muchly to all my reviewers!
There will be at least one more story in this series, but the events of it are jumbled up right now. I also have a third Danny Phantom story to write, so please be patient!