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gothicthundraog · 5 days ago

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RANDOM TALES OF DRAKGO Chapter 26-31

Chapter 26 Online

Shego was enjoying her weekend off. She'd gone out, got some shopping done, caught a movie, and it was only Friday. She tossed her bags in her room and began rifling through them for her new clothes. After a giant dinosaur wreaking havoc on the last caper, she'd needed some retail therapy. Although it was nice to have someone else occupying Drakken's attention for once—well sort of; she rolled her eyes—she hadn't minded DNAmy.

Although she minded how mopey Drakken had been since Wednesday; another reason she needed to get out of the lair, and for once her taking off on a Friday hadn't been stopped. She heard the familiar wheeled carts of the henchmaids at their job early this evening. She opened the door.

"Hey, there was a mess in the entryway. Don't know what happened, but make sure not to forget it," said Shego. They froze.

"Uh, yeah we got that. Dr. Drakken had an incident with a router earlier," said Hector. The other henchmaids kept their heads down.

"What do you mean, 'incident'?" asked Shego with a raised brow. "He said he wasn't working on anything this weekend."

"I don't know. All he said was the router blew and it was a small fire," said Hector. He looked at the other two. "Come on guys."

"Now what is he doing?" sighed Shego as she left her room and walked to the lab.

Drakken wasn't in the lab—a first honestly. He wasn't in the kitchen either, and it was starting to annoy her. She looked at the time, shrugging. Perhaps he was at karaoke early tonight...though...she had the hover car, so what had he drove? She heard a wheeling sound from one of the rooms that was left unused for various storage purposes at this new lair, and also because more henchmen lived nearby instead of at the lair. She opened the door cautiously, and froze.

Drakken was wearing a strange get up of mesh and wires over his normal attire and several large screens were around him. She had a flashback and rolled her eyes. Was he trying to control a fake Wade again? Then her vision caught something else; the screens were set up to show terrain.

"Are you gaming?" asked Shego. Drakken jumped. The goggles he wore obviously obscured his senses. The screen paused.

"Actually, yes Shego, I am," said Drakken. He looked annoyed rather than excitable, which was the usual. "If you don't mind."

"Someone has an attitude today," said Shego. She leaned against the door frame. "What are you playing?"

"...It's called Questopia," said Drakken, an edge to his voice as he crossed his arms. "I am currently on my way to meet my hoard, so...I need to leave."

"Is this one of those games where you're like an elf or something?" asked Shego with an eye-roll.

"You can be. I'm a necromancer," said Drakken. He looked agitated as a message popped up. "I have to go on a quest for world domination, so can you..."

"Excuse me. Are you...wait what?" asked Shego. She looked at the screen.

"The point of this particular game is to grow your ranks, conquer areas and teams, and turn it into your own utopia... Then prevent others from trying to ruin it."

"So...you're doing in the game, what you're failing at in life?" asked Shego. Drakken stared.

"What do you think games are for?" scoffed Drakken. He put his headgear back on. "Drakill300 is back on. RDog6, where are you at, yo?"

"Drakill300...RDog6... Wow bunch of losers," muttered Shego, but she watched as Drakken's character was joined by a blue character with blonde long hair and wearing armor. "Who's that?"

"That's RDog6. He's my head monk for my crew," said Drakken. Shego raised a brow. "Martial artist."

"Oh my god," said Shego. She watched as they were joined by others and she watched as a fight took place. "You know if you used those moves in real life, we could actually get that little utopia of yours going."

"Hold on I got a griefer," said Drakken. He sighed and paused the game and looked at Shego. "Can you not? I thought you had plans this weekend."

"You know I'm a better fighter than him," scoffed Shego, indicating to RDog6 on the screen.

"...Leave," said Drakken, an authority to his voice. She smirked and tossed her hands up.

"All right, go ahead and live in your little world. I'll be in reality," said Shego. She scoffed and walked away.

Shego stretched on her bed as she flipped the page of her book. A nice, relaxing, evening it was. She had music playing on her speaker and for once, there were no bangs or interruptions from the lab down the hall. Normally, even on her days off, she'd have run into Drakken asking her questions or running ideas past her, but not today. In fact he hadn't said much to her since the whole dinosaur thing and DNAmy flop.

She wondered what had transpired between them before she'd yanked him out of his fry trap. She pulled out her computer and began typing away. He was obviously deflecting from something and trying to escape reality... It bothered her that his normal escape of schemes wasn't where he'd landed. She didn't get the whole VR thing. She'd played video games once or twice with Mego, but he was a sore loser... She smirked. She was a sore winner so it worked.

"Questopia, game..." said Shego. Clicking through it, she could see the appeal.

Can't take over the world in real life, do it virtually and with unlimited abilities if you know how to gain the right attributes. She glared. Drakken's setup was easier; full body gaming. She rolled her eyes. He'd probably spent a fortune on it. It didn't seem hard to play... She shrugged. Why not give it a try and see what apparently captured millions of people's attention? She entered Drakken's usual login information. She wasn't about to spend money on a game when she could just piggy back off his account for a small fee.

Drakken unplugged his gear to run and grab something to drink, his emotions running on wires, literally. It was easy to be yourself when you weren't. He wished Shego would get that, for all the interruptions she'd given him since Friday night. He wondered if he could take more time off and maybe get back to planning on Tuesday instead. It was Sunday, but he and RDog6 had gotten a decent team together and were just about to take on a kingdom for their own. If Shego spent even a fraction of the time following his lead like RDog6, they would— Shego appeared as he closed the fridge door.

"Uhg, damn it Shego... What have I said about sneaking up on me," snapped Drakken as his water rolled away.

"Let me borrow your staff. You're not using it and I can," said Shego. She glared. "But apparently I can't raid inventory until I can get your character to release it. So lame."

"What?" asked Drakken. He picked up his water. "Wait, are you playing Questopia?"

"Yeah, yeah, don't make a big deal about it. I decided to give it a shot. It's not that lame, actually... But I have a quest and your staff...you're not using it. Put it in inventory," said Shego.

"Are...are you piggybacking my account?" asked Drakken, his eyes narrowing. "Shego, get your own hobby."

"I did. I have a group of hostile virgins following me around like lost puppies and I'm about to destroy the kingdom of Impossible Deviance and take it as my own," snapped Shego.

"No, we are," replied Drakken with a glare. "Find a different kingdom."

"You," snapped Shego. "It's the biggest and I want it."

"You can't possibly have leveled up that fast," said Drakken. Shego glared and held up her character stats. "Wait? How...what?"

"I haven't slept since Friday night, unlike some weaklings with blue skin," said Shego. Her tired eyes narrowed. Suddenly Drakken noticed she wasn't wearing eyeliner.

"You need to sleep," said Drakken with a sigh.

"Not until the kingdom is mine," said Shego. "Give me the staff."

"No," said Drakken. He drank his water and then crossed his arms. "Not until you get some sleep."

"So you can get the kingdom, hah, I'm not falling for that," snapped Shego. She stormed off back to her room. "Don't make me your enemy, Drakill300. GreenGoddess1 doesn't leave them alive."

"Well...oh, okay," snapped Drakken as she disappeared in the shadows. "It's on!"

"All right, make sure everyone is powered up, we're going to have to battle before takeover begins," said Drakken in his ear piece. "There is another hoard trying to take over."

"So, we can take them, right boys!" came the jovial voice of RDog6. "We'll wipe the floor with them and take this kingdom as our own!"

"...Kill the cackle, it needs work," came the gruff accented voice of 2KillAgain. "What's the plan?"

"Listen up, we're about to take out another team," said Shego. "This kingdom will be ours. HermesG3M, I thought you said your friend was joining us."

"She's busy," said their mage. Shego groaned.

"All right. Wade4Bkup, S_SquaredJ1, Rufus. Let's do this... Also Rufus you need a better headset," snapped Shego. "Let's defeat Drakill300 and his hoard."

"There are other kingdoms... My father said I could buy one of our own," came the cheerful accented voice of S_SquaredJ1. Shego rolled her eyes... Why did she invite Junior?

"I should have never double-crossed and killed my first group," sighed Shego as she covered her ear piece. She smirked as she saw the oncoming team. "Let the battle begin."

Drakill300 wielded his sword against S_SquaredJ1, who kept attempting to hit him rather than wield any of his weapons. GreenGoddess1 was angrily fighting RDog6, whom she was furious to find had more stamina stats than her and was at an advantage. She needed that stupid staff that was on the back of Drakill300, not even in play. There had to be a way to cheat inventory and get that thing. There had to be a button or a control... They were on the same account. She gave it a shot, and grabbed it. She laughed maniacally into the microphone.

"Suck it, I got the staff!" laughed GreenGoddess1. She used it to fling RDog6 and do mass damage.

"Drakill300, how did she do that?" asked RDog6.

"She's piggybacking my account," said Drakill300 as he swung the sword at her.

The two began battling it out while the others slowed their own fight. Drakill300 gave a frustrated yell and swipe-kicked GreenGoddess1, causing her damage to go up and him to grab the staff. She kicked him back and used her own magic to shoot him and his team. She was going to defeat them and get the kingdom.

"Fine, if you think you're leveled enough, go for it. Try to take on the castle," snapped Drakill300, stepping aside.

"I will," said GreenGoddess1. "Come, let's load up and take them out."

"GreenGoddess1, he's right, that castle is too strong and you need at least four to fight," said Wade4BkUp.

"Hear that, they're going for a slaughter," laughed 2KillAagain, his tank crossing his arms.

"Join me!" yelled Shego as she busted into Drakken's gaming room, a look of forced apology on her face. "Let's take it down. Ditch your guys and join me."

"Nope," said Drakken, arms crossed the same as his character. "I'm sorry you're just not on my level."

"Come on," groaned Shego. She gave a playful smirk. "We could rule the utopia together?"

"I'd rather not. I have no intention of sharing my kingdom with you," scoffed Drakken.

"Forty-sixty," said Shego, arms crossed. Drakken glared.

"Real life is a different story," said Drakken, rolling his eyes.

"With your staff I'm stronger than RDog6," snapped Shego. She crossed her arms.

"Fine...but I'm in charge," said Drakken. Shego rolled her eyes. "I'm serious."

"Damn, fine," said Shego, taken aback as she sat down with her laptop.

"New plan guys, we're going in together," said Drakken, as he put it back into play. "Let's take down this place."

"Not so fast," came another voice as three players exited the kingdom gates. TPKing101, Jpro3000, and JTPRuthless joined the game.

"No one's taking over my kingdom," said JTPRuthless, a large battle sword swinging.

"Yeah," said TPKing101.

"Make your own," finished Jpro3000. Both held their own weapons.

"All right, let's... Where's HermesG3M and Rufus?" asked GreenGoddess1, looking at her team.

"He had to go while you two argued," said S_SquaredJ1. "He gave his love. Rufus disconnected."

"Oh great," scoffed GreenGoddess1. "All right—"

"What did I say?" asked Drakill300. GreenGoddess1 groaned. "Okay, man your battle stations, let's tango."

"God you're bossy," scoffed GreenGoddess1.

"Did I stutter?" snapped Drakill300. GreenGoddess1 walked to where he indicated in the game.

"Yes, sir," said GreenGoddess1, sashaying to her spot.

The battling began, marked by an array of over-dramatized sounds, hits, and smack talk. While there were only three of their enemies, they had more damaging weapons than the others. Still, the group was gaining momentum until Wade4BkUp signed off abruptly. TPKing101 took too much damage and his character was defeated with a whining groan. Drakill300 and JTPruthless battled it out with a few helpful hints from GreenGoddess1, as she was the only one with a healing ability around.

"Ah man!" yelled Jpro3000 as his bar dropped.

"Take that wee one," laughed 2KillAagain as his character faded.

"You've been defeated, your kingdom is ours," said Drakill300 as JTPruthless's stats dropped from a hard hit.

"I'm only a guard," laughed JTPruthless. Two others signed on. "They're the rulers."

"Sorry it took me so long; patience," came one of the two characters, QueenAnneKi33.

"All right, let's do this," said the other character, WtstheSitch1. "I have to get to New York."

"On a school night," came JTPruthless, just as Drakill300 swung his sword for a final hit. "Hey!"

"RDog6, are you seriously attacking our kingdom?" said WtstheSitch1. RDog6 gave a nervous laugh.

"I didn't think we'd get this far," came the nervous reply of RDog6.

"You're part of our guards," said QueenAnneKi33 as she swung her sword at Drakill300. "You chose the wrong kingdom, sweetie."

"We'll see about that," replied Drakill300 as they began a sword fight.

"All right Princess, it's on," snapped GreenGoddess1. As she began fighting WtstheSitch1, RDog6 shot a blast at her. "What?"

"Oh come on, I was going to double cross you," snapped Drakill300. He took a hit from QueenAnneKi33. "One second Your Majesty."

"Of course," said QueenAnneKi33 as Drakill300 sent a hit to RDog6.

"I expected this," sighed RDog6 as his character took a critical hit.

"As we left off," said Drakill300 as he and QueenAnneKi33 continued their battle.

"You know, I could use more guards," called QueenAnneKi33.

"Hey! Don't even think about it!" snapped GreenGoddess1 as she used her staff on WtstheSitch1. "Where's our backup! 2KillAagain, S_SquaredJ1, what are you two doing?"

"So what exactly is Haggis?" asked S_SquaredJ1. "Does it truly smell?"

"It has a kick to it, yes," said 2KillAagain.

"Great. Like always, it's just us," snapped GreenGoddess1 as she and Drakill300 fought. Drakill300 defeated QueenAnneKi33.

"Sorry Your Majesty," laughed Drakill300. He moved to assist GreenGoddess1 in fighting WtstheSitch1.

"Hold on," came WtstheSitch1 as a beeping sound could be heard through the earpieces. "What's the sitch?"

"Possible?" asked GreenGoddess1 and Drakill300.

"Yeah... Okay...wait... Drakken? Shego?" asked WtstheSitch1. "How do you like them odds."

"Uh, bye," said S_SquaredJ1, and he and 2KillAagain disconnected.

"All right, now we have to defeat her," said GreenGoddess1, and the fight began.

"Listen you two, I've got a robbery to take care of, so this is going to have to be fast," sighed WtstheSitch1 as she swung a large flaming sword.

"Where did you get that?" asked Drakill300. "That's not part of the game."

"Oh, I know the creator. Kind of a favor for saving his lost data on a lost submarine," responded WtstheSitch1, "Normally I don't use it, but I'm in a hurry...and it's you guys."

"Quest Over. You lose," read the game as Drakken tossed down his goggles and glared.

"Even in the game, defeated by Kim Possible! All I want to do is take over the world! My team double-crossed me or was no help at all...uhg!" yelled Drakken as he threw his gear down. "Just once. Once! I just want... The betrayal of RDog6 is personally hurtful. We've been through the swamps together, the volcanic city, the...why are you laughing Shego?"

"Because of all the odds..." said Shego. Drakken glared. "Oh don't get in a huff at me. I didn't leave you... Mostly because she defeated us both at the same time."

"It's not just... Never mind, you wouldn't understand," said Drakken as he stalked out of the room, leaving Shego to watch him depart.

Shego crossed her arms and looked after him, her mind trying to piece it together. She looked at the screen and then at her laptop. In the game he seemed more confident, more assured...more social, even. She smirked and followed after him. Drakken was in their shared kitchen getting something to eat out of the fridge and giving her a hostile look.

"You know, we still haven't had that party," said Shego. Drakken put the plate down. She continued. "What? Who knows, there's lots of people I know and maybe they play the game?"

"That's...why? What?" asked Drakken, apparently both confused and annoyed.

"Clearly, you're escaping your loneliness with a game. So if you're lonely...let's have that party," said Shego. Drakken rolled his eyes.

"I am not lonely," scoffed Drakken, grabbing his sandwich again. "How could I be? You're always here. Even this weekend."

"You love me being around," smirked Shego. She watched Drakken give a shrug. "I'm your favorite person and you know it."

"You are not...my favorite person," said Drakken. Shego felt a little hurt by his declaration. "I'm not yours either."

"How do you know?" scoffed Shego, crossing her arms and taking half his sandwich.

"Am I?" asked Drakken with a raised brow, passing her a pickle.

"...So this party," said Shego.

XXXXXX

Chapter 27 Villain Party

"I don't know about this Shego," said Drakken as he looked around the lair's third floor where the henchmen were currently stringing up lights. "I've never really thrown a successful party before."

"Hard to believe..." muttered Shego with an eye-roll. "Too late Drakken, because all the guests are coming tonight."

"We could move," said Drakken. Shego stared at him. "Fine, guess we're doing this...wait."

"Yes, you have to be there," said Shego. She pointed at him. "Listen, we agreed we tied the game. So my win is a villain party. It's not hard. Everyone drinks a little too much, there's stupid plot shares, more often than not the plot turns up with a naked villainess, a henchmen spin the bottle, and Global Justice running around in tears trying to figure out who did what. You'd know that from the last one, you know...if you hadn't run off with Killigan and Monkey Fist all night."

"They're coming, right?" asked Drakken quickly. Shego rolled her eyes.

"Dr. D... There are more villains than those two," said Shego. Clearly she was annoyed with him. Drakken rolled his own eyes.

"I am aware of...you didn't invite Dementor did you?" asked Drakken quickly with sudden agitation.

"Obviously not, but I can't believe you invited DNAmy," said Shego. Drakken felt a wash of panic; he'd forgotten about that. Shego smirked. "Going to try to woo her away from Fist?"

"No, Amy and I agreed to be friends," snapped Drakken. He looked at the henchman stocking the bar. "Am I going to have to sway you away from the bar tonight?"

"No, I'm good," said Shego. She cringed at the result of her last intoxicated incident. "Okay, here's the deal. No drinks for me and no running and hiding from you."

"This is going to be a long night," said Drakken. He was regretting this more and more.

Drakken wasn't sure who everyone was in his lair. In fact a majority of those on the guest list were all Shego's old contacts... Okay, they were all hers. He'd only added Monkey Fist, Duff Killigan, and DNAmy. He would have invited six from Questopia, but he felt betrayed by his former co-leader. Honestly, they'd already been on the list; he just wanted to feel like he'd contributed. Though he had a sneaking suspicion his bank account was going to take a pretty big hit from the weekend. He jumped as Shego's hand touched his shoulder out of nowhere.

"Okay, so here's the down-low. I told everyone to bring a guest so that way we could meet some new people. The both of us. If you don't know someone, don't pretend to, it's lame," said Shego. Drakken rolled his eyes, and Shego's widened. "Oh god he came."

"Who?" asked Drakken. His eyes widened as an extremely tall man in what could only be described as a giraffe patterned suit came in. "Who is...is that The Giraffe?"

"Of course you're going to know that one?" sighed Shego. "I met him at a mixer once... I may need to find Junior soon."

"Anything going on there?" asked Drakken with a raised brow and a smirk.

"No," said Shego with an eye roll. "Giraffe brought a friend..."

"How nice," said Drakken as a woman in overly dramatic frilly attire walked in next to the excessively tall villain. "Do they work at the circus?"

"I don't know, why don't you ask Amy about her zipper friend and see if she knows them," said Shego with an eye roll. She waved to a woman near the door. "I'm going to start greeting our guests. Hey Adrena!"

"Yeah so then I got my talisman back," said Jackie the Jackal. "I've gotten it all handled now. I mean wrestling is a no-go now, but you know..."

"Fre-aky," laughed Adrena. She and Shego were listening to Jackal recount the loss and gain of his power talisman. "If I had someone like that on my show, the ratings would have killed. Right June?"

"Sure," came the melancholy voice of Adrena's skater cousin, June Key.

"So what do you do now?" asked Shego to Jackal. "Adrena and June apparently rig networks and sabotage high clientele for extortion."

"It's a lot more exciting than it sounds," said Adrena, June smirked.

"At the moment I am trying to work on a network revenge plot," said Jackal, rubbing his muzzle.

"Looks like the three of you have something in common," said Shego. She took the moment to leave. "Have fun scheming... Drakken?"

"Yeah?" laughed Drakken as he stood talking to The Giraffe and the woman who'd come with him, and another. "Oh Shego, have you met Carmella and Cleopatra?"

"No, I haven't," said Shego as she looked at the pink-clad woman with candy buttons and the woman with dark hair in a slinky gold outfit and jewels.

"This is Cleopatra. She's just recently stolen a collection of high priced cursed jewelry," said Drakken. The woman gave a haughty chuckle.

"It was sheer child's play," said Cleopatra, swiping her hair back. "You must know how it is, dear. Bat a few lashes and no one notices a few trinkets or millions missing. Besides, people are afraid of supposedly cursed items. Peasants."

"This lovely woman is Carmella. She's been working on mind control candy," said Drakken. "So delicious."

"You're such a charmer Doctor," giggled the overly pink woman. "It got a lot of trash talk in my previous profession, but nothing's better than obedient children to do your bidding."

"Isn't she delightful," said Drakken. Shego was taken aback as she looked at Drakken. "She was a professor," he continued.

"Oh, you're so sweet, it wasn't much. Just neurobiology. What better access then to mind controlling substances," she giggled. "But I've always fancied owning a bakery, so it was a perfect match. People don't always see my vision."

"It's such a sweet vision," said Drakken. Shego looked to see if he held a drink in his hand.

"Interesting. What about you Giraffe? Anything new?" asked Shego. The Giraffe gave an overly throaty laugh and his wheezy voice responded.

"Why yes, actually," he laughed. "I recently found my niche in villainy. Turns out people tend to avoid you if you talk too much. I've been swiping high powered parts for quite a few villains. Mercenary work was calling my name. Though my fiancée does encourage me to still keep making my mark on my own."

"Fiancée?" asked Shego, she looked around.

"Oh, Summer couldn't be here today. She's working on a new project of her own," said The Giraffe. He grinned widely. "Her weather machine was destroyed by that pesky little brat with the side-kick."

"Possible," said all of the others. He nodded.

"I've yet to meet her. Most of my things were stopped by Global Justice," said Carmella.

"You'll meet her, everyone does," said Shego with an eye-roll. She looked towards the entrance. "Hermes is here... I told you about him right?"

"Appraiser you met while working for Brotherson? Yeah, you mentioned him," said Drakken. Shego rolled her eyes but smiled. He was currently too focused on Carmella.

"Hermes?" asked Cleopatra. She grinned. "Haven't seen him in ages. Should have brought my rubies for him to look at."

"What kind of rubies?" asked Drakken. "Rubies that could be used in a high intensity laser perhaps?"

"Cursed, supposedly. Apparently you go blind if you stare at them too long. I'm fine... Though a few of my henchmen have had some eye troubles lately," she shrugged. "It comes with the job."

Shego walked over to the older man she knew, a bit shorter than her and in a crisp nice suit. Though he did come off as a bit stuffy at times, he was great at getting to expensive and unique items with many not batting an eye. An appraising villain was where it was at, as he'd put it. Not many appraisers turn a blind eye to where their clients acquire rare and expensive items so casually.

"Hermes, long time, no see," said Shego, "Especially since you bailed online."

"Been too busy with my new partner," said Hermes with a shrug. He dug in his jacket pocket and pulled out a box. "It took longer than expected."

"New partner? So you're really going into competition with all these choice villains..." Shego dramatically indicated to a few of their guests. "Yeah, you'll do fine. How much do I owe you?"

"Nothing, I'd save it for a new entrance light... Shego?" asked the woman behind him, dramatically dressed in a white dress and jewelry. "What are the odds."

"So if I use sulfur hexafluoride..." came the high pitched voice of Falsetto, "do you think it would affect my voice?"

"He sounds like I imagine a balloon animal to sound," came Paulson, an older man with dark hair and former assistant to Drakken. "It'd be interesting to hear."

"The question is, would it make his voice normal or abnormally low," said Monkey Fist, sipping the drink in his foot.

"Ay, Drakken, you got any?" asked Duff, drinking his third mug.

"I don't know..." said Drakken, trying mostly to figure out how his former assistants had gotten invited. Dwayne was off dancing with Cleopatra at the moment.

"You do, I remember cleaning the bottles," said Hector the night henchman. He and the others were all over the room with many other henchmen.

"You should go get it Drakken," smiled Carmella. "I'm curious to see its effects."

"Do you think it might damage my vocal cords more?" asked Falsetto.

"Can it be any worse than sounding like that?" said Monkey Fist. His eyes shot open. "Oh no, I have to go."

"Monty, there you are," giggled DNAmy as she headed their way. "Hiya Honeybunny."

"I'll be right back," said Drakken with a start. He felt a wave of discomfort wash over him as he saw DNAmy follow Monkey Fist into a crowd.

"Would you like some company?" asked Carmella. Drakken was in such a hurry he didn't actually catch her suggestion until he had already declined and was down the hall.

"You idiot," scoffed Drakken at himself. Of course he'd missed that.

He shook his head and made his way to his lab. He tried to keep positive; he was certain he'd have plenty of opportunities with the candy-sweet Carmella, as sweet as she seemed... He found her twisted humor very enlightening. He made his way around his lab looking for the particular gas he needed... His idea could prove to be a disaster or humorous for all.

"Dr. D.?" said Shego. He nearly dropped a vial of methyl propyl ether.

"What is it Shego?" asked Drakken as he grabbed the container he needed.

"I knew you'd run off and hide. Listen I am currently dealing with an awkward situation of my own. My pal Hermes, who I had hoped to get to know a little better tonight, is here with an ex of mine. If I haven't run away from that, you can deal with whatever made you hide," said Shego, practically shoving him out of the lab.

"I wasn't...really? Oh, what a dilemma," said Drakken. He said with amusement. He saw Shego glare. "Perhaps a ménage à trois? Not judging."

"...Shut up," said Shego, but he saw the smirk on her lips as she rolled her eyes.

Shego stared at the bar longingly as Adrena danced with Jackal on top of it. The music was loud and the party had officially started. What she wanted was a drink, or perhaps some poison for herself. She'd officially ditched Hermes and his partner Pandora, who had nothing kind to say about the lair's décor. Shego was suddenly remembering one of the many reasons it had ended... She took a deep breath, she'd been talking to Dwayne, a former henchman of Drakken's...but that had fizzled fast when he'd bailed because his ride got kicked out. Shego had no idea what had occurred between Drakken and the guy.

"Do you want to dance?" asked Junior, leaning over Shego. She smiled.

"Sure," said Shego with a sigh as she took his hand.

"Avoiding the bar I see?" asked Junior as he spun her, causing her to actually smile.

"Last drink I had didn't end well," said Shego as they danced to the tempo.

"You're alive, so all in all, I'd say it was fair," said Junior. He raised a brow. "Do you need a wingman?"

"No, I'm good," Shego smirked. "But, how about next weekend you and I go clubbing in Madrid?"

"You know, I am always up for dancing," grinned Junior with a shrug. "And attractive people."

"Sounds like a date," replied Shego. Her eyes caught sight of Drakken as she danced; he was at the bar with Duff.

Drakken spun his empty shot glass, he'd only had two and it was not doing him any good. So far this night was a bust. He'd come back from the lab to find Carmella and Hector on the dance floor, and the excitement of the gas had really faded for him. To top it all off was Monkey Fist dodging DNAmy all night, so there he sat, alone, and listening to Duff tell tales of Nessie. Duff was three sheets to the wind right now and the only thing keeping Drakken from drinking honestly.

"Nessie was a good cat you know," said Duff. "Always ate me mom's cooking that I didn't want..."

"Hey, soo...hey. Fre-aky fun idea," laughed Adrena, crouching in front of them on the bar. "Who's in on messing with Possible?"

"I think you've had too much," smirked Drakken as he took the drink away from the young woman.

"Besides, it's too far," laughed a drunk Giraffe.

"I know someone who can get us into Global Justice," yelled Jackal.

"That's nice," said Shego as they watched the television screen. "Looks like Carmella got to meet Possible after all."

"Good for them," said Drakken. Shego raised her brow and nudged Drakken.

"Everyone had a good time," said Shego. She drank her water. "More than I had."

"Pft, funny how that works," said Drakken. Shego saw his tired smirk.

"So you know Hermes, care to elaborate on that?" asked Shego. Drakken choked on his drink and waved his hand.

"Long time ago, not important. I'm going to retire," said Drakken hastily. He looked to his left. "After I help Killigan find his room.".

"What are you deflecting there Dr. D?" asked Shego with a smirk. "I want the story."

"Come on Killigan, let's get you to the guest room," said Drakken. He swung off his stool to help the inebriated villain.

"I know my way," said Duff as he stumbled off his stool.

"Don't worry, we'll help him find his way," said Senior with a smile. "We appreciate the accommodations."

"Of course," said Shego. As they left the room she grabbed Drakken's arm and whispered, "He called you Drew?"

"That's my name," he whispered back, though his tone had annoyance in it. "Good night."

"Uh huh, this conversation isn't over," said Shego. She watched as Drakken walked out of the room.

XXXX

Chapter 28 Moment's Missed

Shego combed her hair idly as she sat in her room. Her mind was in turmoil. That night had been both a huge success in getting them more villain allies, but socially a total disaster. A room full of exes, bosses, lovers, and love interests... What had she been thinking? She knew why she'd invited some; it had been a while and she'd hoped dancing would have led somewhere else, yet there she was...alone...in her room... After, according to the guests, a fantastic party. She felt pathetic as she looked at herself; she was attractive, strong, witty...but times like this reminded her she was only human... And with it came doubt and loneliness. She threw her brush down and got in bed.

"Don't be so pathetic," said Shego as she stared at the ceiling. "Loads of people are probably feeling like that right now."

Her own comforting words did little to help. Plenty of people had gone to their respective homes and lairs alone, so it wasn't like she was the only one. Her mind fell on the person a few doors down from her in particular. He'd had a similar rough night to hers: exes, former colleagues, and rejection. She narrowed her eyes as she thought about it. Carmella was an idiot. She hoped one of her candy treats broke Hector's fillings. Then DNAmy, following Monkey Fist like a lost puppy who he didn't even acknowledge... In fact he'd been chatting up Cleopatra most of the night until Jackal cut in. Poor, pathetic, obnoxious DNAmy... Shego felt hostility towards her when she knew she shouldn't. It was mostly due to the fact Shego felt no self-respecting villainess should act like that for any other man or woman. It was also partly out of anger she was sure; anger that she'd rather follow a genetically altered monkey man around than actually be respected and cared for. Compared to her current situation, Drakken was a prize for sure. Sure he could be whiny, annoying, arrogant, petty, and obnoxious. He could also be witty, caring, confident, and honest. Monkey Fist was just... She rolled her eyes.

"She's an idiot," scoffed Shego as she rolled over on her side and looked at the door.

It figured that the two hosts of the party were spending the evening alone. She imagined Drakken must be feeling similar to her right now... Alone, bitter, and petty. It made her smirk, wondering what names he was calling people in his head right now or out loud. Her smile faltered. She always felt like he seemed lonely, though he never once indicated he was. Even before the party, he'd said he was never lonely with her around... Did that mean he was when she wasn't there?

Wow.

She was reading a whole lot into things, even not having had any drinks that evening. She was glad she'd decided to stay sober that night; there was no telling what she would have done with a chemical push.

"I would have made a fool of myself," she laughed to herself and stared at the door.

Her mind wandered over what she would have done in an intoxicated state. She would have told off DNAmy for sure, causing a scene perhaps... She would have done something wicked to Carmella, she was sure of that. She would have probably tried to make out with Pandora, and that would have been a whole can of worms that didn't need to be opened. Drakken would have witnessed all of that, and he'd already seen her in terrible states before and she didn't need another one added. And there it was again—Carmella and DNAmy had no idea what they were passing up. They could make a fool of themselves in front of him and he'd shrug it off. Monkey Fist and Hector probably wouldn't.

She rolled her eyes at herself at what she would be doing right now under the influence. In her self-doubt and pity she would have marched over to Drakken's room... Her eyes shot open and she shook her head. Great, next time she drank it was going to go there... Might as well dedicate her life to sober living right then. She tried to close her eyes to get some sleep.

Would it be the worst thing? Yes... Yes it would. Don't ruin an already shitty night. Maybe it wouldn't change anything... It didn't the last time I did something stupid. Shego sat up and shook her head. She was feeling emotional, that was all... Rejection and being ignored does that to a person.

She spent the next ten minutes tossing and turning before she made what was probably the stupidest decision of her life, and she was completely sober no less. She walked out of her room and smoothed out her hair and nightgown; she'd forgone her robe because...well...who cares. She knocked on his door and tried to keep her nerves down.

"What... Shego?" asked an angry and the concerned Drakken when the door opened. "What is it?"

"Ohm," said Shego, her mind racing. She had nothing, so she gave a nervous smile. "The heat seems to not be working in my room...and our stay-over guests are in the guest rooms..."

"Oh," said Drakken. He seemed unsure of what to say.

"Maybe I could stay in here?" asked Shego. She'd said it. She'd done it. She felt her stomach twist.

"I... Yeah," said Drakken, stepping aside to let her in. "It's fine."

Shego felt a wave of both relief and panic as she walked past him into his dark room. She noticed the sound of water flowing through the moat, which also gave a faint green glow to the room. It wasn't like she hadn't been in his room before...this was just for a whole different reason. The round bed had music playing in its built in speakers, soft and calming. It was a reality that she had come in there, completely sober, and was still walking over to the bed as if it was nothing. She should really contemplate her actions more...

No...no reading into this. It was just...just a night.

"Thanks," said Shego as she slid under the silken covers. They felt thick and rich, and she wondered where he'd bought them.

The faint glow of the water showed his silhouette as he closed the door and walked to the back of the room. She waited for him to join her, the whole while her nerves making way for annoyance at how long it was taking him. She made herself comfortable, but he still hadn't come into bed and she didn't see him in the water's glow anymore. She sat up and looked around. Where was he?

"Drakken?" she asked a little urgently. She jumped as his voice came from behind the bed.

"Yes, Shego?" he asked with a sigh. "Do you need another blanket?"

"Where are you?" asked Shego, leaning over the bed-frame. Her hand lit a green glow.

Drakken squinted his eyes from a couch behind his bed where he had a small lounge set up for himself. He covered his eyes slightly as they adjusted to the intrusion into his corneas. Drakken lay on a black couch, snuggled up with blankets and looking slightly agitated at his guest's need to find him. Shego looked at the situation and sighed. What had she been thinking? She should just go back to her room, nothing was happening... Well...maybe...

"You don't have to sleep on the couch," she said softly. She felt the nerves again. "Your bed is huge."

"I... I think it's best," said Drakken. He gave a slight smile. "'Night Shego."

"Oh... 'Night Drakken," said Shego as she diminished her hand and slid back into bed. She gave a deep sigh before closing her eyes and attempting some sleep.

"'Morning Killigan," said Drakken as he entered the shared kitchen. The Scotsman and the Seniors had stayed over in the guest rooms the night before.

"Morning Drakken," smirked Duff. Drakken couldn't place his mischievous expression.

"What's with the look, did someone make an acquaintance last night?" asked Drakken, rolling his eyes. It would figure.

"No such luck on my part. Same can't be said for you, ay?" smirked Duff as he drank his own beverage as Drakken sat with coffee.

"I don't follow," said Drakken. Perhaps Duff had mistaken what he said. "I meant..."

"I know what you meant, but I didn't have a beautiful lass sneaking out of my room at the wee hours of the morning," sighed Duff. He rolled his eyes. "How long has that been a thing? Can't say I'm surprised."

"Wait... Shego?" asked Drakken. He nearly choked on his coffee and glared. "Nothing happened."

"Really?" asked Duff with a chuckle. "It's none of my business what goes on in your lair."

"Before gossip starts, I'm ending it here. The heat in her room went out last night so she stayed in my room. I slept on the couch in my private lounge," snapped Drakken, suddenly panicked over Shego possibly hearing gossip. The last thing he needed was for her to blow up at him and bail.

"Really?" asked Duff. He seemed to look at Drakken longer than normal and then sighed. "I believe it. You're as daft as they come, you know."

"Excuse me?" asked Drakken, he was confused by the statement.

"The only time a woman comes to a man's bedroom late at night in attire like that and asks to come in, it ain't the heat she's fretting over," said Duff, sipping his drink again and shaking his head. "If she was cold she'd grab another blanket, not another bed."

"That's not how it is between Shego and I," said Drakken. He felt his stomach flip at his words.

"How do you know she didn't want to change what was between you last night?" asked Duff, winking at him.

"No," said Drakken with a deep sigh, the bowling alley in cinders flashing in his head. "Those cards are definitely off the table."

XXXXXX

Chapter 29 I'm Fine

Shego coughed as she walked down the many stairs of their lair. She felt miserable. She'd even thought about calling in, but after the chaos of last time, she really couldn't deal with the aftermath again. She sneezed so hard she saw stars as she reached the final platform and had to lean against the railing for a few seconds. She blamed Junior this time. After putting off their Madrid weekend because of catching Possible's miserable cold, she'd finally felt well enough to go a few days ago. Unfortunately for her he was just starting his own cold via Stoppable, and the two's night of dancing had ended up with her getting sick of the good looking person she'd been dancing with and having to drag a sick and crying Junior all the way home. It turned out Junior was even more dramatic and demanding than a sick Drakken had been, and she'd booked it home after that in hopes of getting rest. She leaned against the doorway of the lab and took a deep breath.

"'Morning Shego," said Drakken, not looking up from the high density laser she'd helped him swipe before Madrid. "Have a good weekend?"

"Sure," she breathed as she sat down in her chair. "It was fide."

"That's good, because with these borrowed rubies we will be able to…Shego?" asked Drakken, "Shego!"

"What?" asked Shego, having drifted off. "I'm listening... Go...rubies...yeah."

"Shego? Are you sick again?" asked Drakken. He stood up quickly and reached in his drawer for a mask.

"I'm fide... Besides I'm only contagious the first forty-eight hours. Lucky you. I wasn't here then," said Shego. She waved her hands, "Continue. World take over. Ruby laser."

"As I was saying," Shego rolled her eyes as he put the mask on anyway. "With the cursed rubies that Cleopatra loaned us, we should be able to break down any metal..."

"Why...don't...we...use...the...curse," said Shego. In between each word she sneezed, and then blew her nose after. "Because...huh...does this look okay?"

"...I will not look at your tissue," said Drakken. She looked up at his raised brow and squinted eyes, and he shook his head. "Because we don't know if the curse is factual or how to tap into it. I'm not calling Monkey Fist, before you suggest it."

"Trouble in Bro-adise?" She chuckled at her own joke and then coughed. "Uhg."

"Shego, can you make it through today or do I have to call a replacement again?" asked Drakken with a dramatic sigh. "Honestly as much as I enjoy Killigan, three weeks in a row is a bit much. This time he'd have to fly here too because before he was still here from the party and..."

"I said I'm fide," snapped Shego. She waved her hand. "Let's do this."

"I'm fide!" snapped Shego as she stood in Drakken's office, Cleopatra sitting across from him reading a contract. "We can take over the world without help."

"Is she always so...charming?" asked Cleopatra as Shego began coughing into her tissue.

"This cold has really mellowed her out," said Drakken. "So, co-villains it is?"

"This is quite interesting, I've never tried the whole world-takeover thing. But if you're certain the rubies have that much power, I wonder what else I have in my tomb lair that could be as dangerous..."

"Well this seems like a delightful partnership then, so just sign here," said Drakken, handing her a pen.

"Stop...trying...to...uhg." Shego felt dizzy again with her sneezing. She waved her hand for a tissue, and was given a box.

"Excuse us one moment, Cleopatra," said Drakken. Shego felt his hands on her back as he hastily steered her from the office. "Shego, you're sick. Get some rest. I'll have a henchman bring you soup."

"I said...I am..." Shego began.

"Say fine without a D. In the end, I dare you," said Drakken, hands on his hips.

"...Fide... Fi-de... I'm okay," said Shego with a glare. Drakken rolled his eyes and went back in the room.

"So, you get Egypt in the event of world-takeover with your rubies or any cursed items used from your...tomb?" asked Drakken. He raised a brow, and she smirked.

"You'll have to come see it sometime. Made of gold because, well," she indicated to herself, "I have an aesthetic... Hello again, Shego."

"I thought you were getting rest," said Drakken with agitation as Shego sat in her usual chair.

"I'm good," said Shego. She crossed her arms and gave a smile at Cleopatra.

"We have to be very silent..." said Drakken as he set the laser settings.

"Achoo!" sneezed Shego, almost causing Cleopatra to drop the rubies she held in gloved hands. "Sorry."

"Shego, could you...maybe not stand so close to us?" said Drakken. Cleopatra had joined him in wearing a mask earlier.

"You two look like idiots, I'm not contagious," said Shego as she sniffed. She attempted to saunter away but ended up having a coughing fit.

"We'll play it safe, dear," said Cleopatra. She handed over the rubies as Drakken tightened the laser settings.

"In no time..." Drakken began.

"Phew!" Shego blew her nose, and sniffed.

"In no time, our laser will be ready to break into the most guarded vault of high powered..."

"Phew!" Shego blew her nose again, and Drakken threw his arms in the air. "I'm done."

"As I was saying, once we..."

"Phew!" Shego tried to be quieter, but Drakken's expression was blank.

"Let's just do this," said Drakken with a sigh as they began to wheel the laser towards the vehicle. Or rather he did. "Ohm, a little help here."

"Oh, I don't do that," said Cleopatra waving in a vague gesture. "I hold things, swipe things, flirt. I don't do…pushing and lifting."

"...Shego," sighed Drakken. Shego smirked as she walked over to help him push.

"Aren't you glad I'm here," said Shego with a loud sniff, though the laser was heavier than she thought. "How much does this weigh... A ton?"

"No," said Drakken. Shego groaned and looked to see him not even moving it, but looking at her. "Not even close."

"More," said Shego. She pushed again, but the laser barely moved. "A little help here... Hey!"

"Just...just stand there," said Drakken as he moved her away from the laser and pushed it himself, mumbling all the way.

"I'll have to try that sometime. Feigning weakness to get a man to do something for you. I mean, it is a classic," said Cleopatra. "Dated but I do like it."

"Once I get this loaded, it's just a drive away and the world will... Cleopatra, at least get the door..." groaned Drakken as he pushed the laser halfway up the ramp.

"Allow me," came a response. Drakken let go of the laser as Ron Stoppable closed the door, and the heavy device rolled over his foot.

"Ow! Kim Possible!" yelled Drakken. He looked around in his jump.

"Just me," said Ron. He looked confident. A sound came from his pocket and Rufus ran up his arm. "And Rufus. Sorry to say Dr. Drakken, I can't let you take over the world today. I mean I really am because it would get me out of my English test tomorrow."

"What are you doing here?" asked Shego. She sneezed and blew her nose.

"Someone...never-mind," sighed Drakken as he took a fighting stance.

"This is different," said Ron. He made a noise and took a martial arts stance.

"Isn't this your thing?" asked Cleopatra, gesturing to the fighting stance.

"I kind of want to see where this goes first," sniffed Shego. Her ear made a popping noise. "Ow, my ear."

"I'm really reconsidering this team up," said Cleopatra as Drakken and Ron began missing each other in their attacks. "Uhg, I hate getting my hands dirty."

"I've noticed," said Shego. She was about to interrupt when a familiar voice came from the entrance way.

"I was going to say that," sneezed Kim as she slid in the room. She looked at Ron. "I told you I was fide."

"If there's a D at the end, you're not," said Ron as Drakken landed a punch. "Ow!"

"Oh I'm sorry, were you not trying to stop me from taking over the world?" responded Drakken.

"Yeah, but it was witty banter time," said Ron as he kicked Drakken in the stomach. "Rude."

"Someone got the sniffles, Kimmy?" laughed Shego as she and Kim took a fighting stance.

"Won't stop me from wiping the floor with you," coughed Kim, giving her best smirk.

"I think we all need Lysol wipes," said Cleopatra. She saw Rufus on the laser. "Hey, get off those rubies!"

Drakken and Ron continued to fight it out, but it seemed to be the only fight making any headway. Shego's powers seemed to be on the fritz and her aim wasn't as good when fighting Kim, who in the same sense was mostly just moving a beat too short to keep up with Shego's fighting. Cleopatra was wrestling with Rufus over the rubies, and the laser was rolling away down the ramp. As Drakken and Ron fought, the sound of a splash caught their attention. Drakken's nose was bleeding, the laser had fallen into a small pond, Cleopatra was running away from Rufus, Shego and Kim were both having a coughing and sneezing attack while looking miserable, and then Ron slapped him in the face.

"That's it. I'm canceling it!" yelled Drakken as he got up, swiping at Ron as he did so. "World-takeover day is ruined. Everyone go home."

"What?" asked Ron. He thought as he looked at the scene. "We're taking the stolen laser..."

"Fine, sure, whatever," said Drakken, rubbing his head. There was a definite migraine coming on.

"Dr. D., I'm fide," said Shego angrily. Her hand fizzled, and she looked at it. "I am a little tired."

Drakken sat in his office watching the fire in bitter annoyance. The day had been a complete waste of time. Turned out, the laser wouldn't have worked either way. The rubies were fakes after all. Cleopatra was furious, and was going to be making a nasty house-call to Hermes later on. He'd decided to end their contract when she attempted to sway him to be her...and quote... Strong Arm. Yeah, her flirting and batting eyelashes may work with some, but it irritated him to no end. Perhaps the laser falling in the water and the punch from Stoppable had pushed him to that point... Nevertheless... His mind began mulling over the idea of what Cleopatra or others would do if they had to be honest in their intentions. He was no better mind you; he'd flirted with DNAmy to get help with his monstrous creations, but he hadn't really not been forward with what he wanted. Monsters. Stupid idea really, it was the synthodrones all over again. He should give them more personalities. He could cut back on henchmen costs really... An idea for later. He sneezed and groaned.

"Great," scoffed Drakken, which only was made worse when his nose started bleeding. "Stupid buffoon."

Drakken groaned as he finally got his nose to stop a few minutes later and began heading out of his office. He walked past his lab and glared inside. Maybe he should start working on his own projects again, though they haven't achieved results either. Even Shego and his many contacts couldn't track down a steady supply of some of the needed materials. He began walking up the dark metal staircase. They really needed a lair with fewer steps, honestly. He nearly tripped on something in the dark stairwell, and he heard a groan.

"Watch your feet," came the groggy reply of Shego. Drakken clapped his hands and the lights sprang on.

"We...have...a clapper?" asked a bleary-eyed Shego looking around. She coughed into her arm. A litter of tissues lay around her, and Drakken saw a trail from one landing to another. "How far did I make it?"

"Not even half way... Have you been here all night?" asked Drakken. He was concerned. The laser incident had been hours ago. "I thought you were going to bed?"

"I did... There...and there...and here," said Shego, indicating to the platforms. Her breathing seemed off. "I'll eventually make it... Why do we have so many stairs?"

"The elevator cost too much," said Drakken honestly. He watched as Shego pulled herself up and began making the steps. He slowed his walk to match hers. His hand found her back but she swatted it away.

"I can make it," said Shego. Her brows knitted together as she took slow steps up the stairs, her breath hitching with each one. Drakken was becoming more and more concerned.

"I don't think you have a cold Shego," said Drakken. "Your powers aren't even working."

"It does that when I'm sick sometimes, not a big deal. It's just a cold," said Shego. "I'm fi— good."

"You're fine?" asked Drakken with a smirk. She glared, but it wasn't as effective as normal.

"Yeah," she muttered, but as they reached the next platform, she sat down. "I need a small break."

"Uh huh," said Drakken. He looked up the two more flights of stairs and then to Shego and sighed. "Come on, let's go."

"I just need to take...a small break." She took deep breaths as she leaned back against the stairs and then began coughing. "I hate these stairs...and I hate Junior...and Madrid. And the fact I can't breathe without wanting to die... I'm not fide."

"Clearly," sighed Drakken. He leaned down and prepared himself to get a verbal whip-lashing as his arm slid under her legs.

"What are you doing? No, put me down. You're going to fall and the henchmen are going to find us dead at the bottom of these shitty, ridiculous stairs. We need an elevator," said Shego as she shoved him away from her, though probably not with as much force as she intended. "I just need a moment... Okay, I can do this."

"Shego," said Drakken as she stood again. She took two steps and leaned against the railing. "I'm tired and I don't really want to spend the next two hours trying to get up the stairs."

"Go to bed," said Shego. "I got this, I'll make it."

"Fine," said Drakken.

He walked up the stairs and down the hall to his room. He made it all the way in before turning around and heading back to the stairs again. He stood at the top and watched as Shego sat only two more steps up from where he'd left her. She was having a coughing attack and blew her nose on another tissue. He rolled his eyes and walked down the stairs towards her again. It wasn't like she could blast him really; she could barely make it up two stairs. He walked down and stood next to her. She was leaning against the railing and just looking at the ground.

"Fide, I need help," she breathed. She held up her hand.

Drakken slid her arm over his neck and began walking beside her up the steps. He said nothing, but aided Shego in their slow paces up, but as they reached the next landing Shego withdrew and leaned against the railing, taking a breather. Drakken held a mixture of annoyance and of concern at seeing her so out of it. Even when she'd been sick last time, she'd only been miserable and less snarky, not like this. Drakken knew this might come back to bite him or very well get them both killed as he looked down the stairs, but he didn't want to spend all evening there...or deal with leaving her. He put her arm over his neck again and when she went to take a step, he took the chance and swung his arm under her legs.

"Put me down," said Shego in a quick panic, "before you trip and take us both out."

"If you keep wiggling we will," said Drakken, and as he was about to put her down, Shego stopped moving and groaned.

"I think...I need...a doctor," sighed Shego, her breaths wheezy.

"I am a doctor," said Drakken.

"You dropped out," said Shego. He didn't have to look to see the eye-roll.

"I have a degree," said Drakken. He glared, and he heard Shego open her mouth. "Yes, it's real."

"I'm not a robot," said Shego after they reached the final step.

"Clearly, you'd be less lippy," said Drakken under his breath.

"The Bebes were lippy." He looked at her smirk. "What?"

"Do you have a roster of comebacks?" asked Drakken as they made their way to her door. "Want me to put you down?"

"For you... Yes," she smirked, and made no effort to move, her breathing more labored as they walked through her door.

"Get some sleep. I'll call the doctor in the morning," sighed Drakken as he helped her into bed.

"No need, I have one," sighed Shego as she sniffed and pulled her blankets close. "His credentials are questionable, but he's free."

"Who said I'm free?" asked Drakken with a raised brow. He smirked. "It might be pricey."

"Bill my boss, it's work related," said Shego with her eyes half closed and a half smirk on her face.

"I'll make sure to do that," said Drakken with an eye-roll. "Good night Shego."

"'Night Dr. D."

XXXXXXX

Chapter 30 Mother Knows Best

Shego smirked across the dinner table where she, the henchmen, Drakken, and his mother sat. She'd been loving this all day long. She had gained so much fuel to annoy Drakken with for months if not longer. Drewbie? She fought a laugh as she heard it in her head. The glare he shot her was like he was reading her mind. Another helping of casserole found her plate as she was in mid-bite of the last one. She looked at the smiling woman as she put out more helpings of her home-cooked food. Shego shot a look at Drakken who had a smug smirk on his face.

"I'm actually pretty full Mrs. Lipsky," said Shego. "I'm sure Mitchell would love some more."

"Oh yeah," said Henchman Mitchell as he and Lucius high-fived when more food found their plate.

"Nonsense dear, there's plenty, and as active as you were today you need to eat. I still don't understand what an unusual treatment those women needed," said Mrs. Lipsky as she sat down again. "Mrs. Lipsky? No need to be so formal dear. You can call me Estelle or Mama Lipsky. Drew talks about you all the time. I feel like I've known you for ages."

"Does he?" asked Shego with a raised brow. The henchmen snickered. "Should I be worried?"

"All work-related things, Shego, all work," said Drakken. He seemed more agitated as he stabbed his food. "Mother, how long are you staying today?"

"Well, I was planning on calling and getting a hotel. I don't want to impose on you and your work today...even though it's still Mother's Day," said Estelle, drinking her beverage and giving a squinty smile.

"A hotel, that's a good idea. Let me call and find you the best room," said Drakken confidently, ignoring the guilt in her voice as best he could.

"Drew, how rude," said Shego, and Drakken glared. "Your mother shouldn't be in a hotel room. There's plenty of guest rooms here."

"Guest rooms?" asked Estelle. Shego didn't hesitate to respond.

"Some of Dr. Drakken's patients need more intense treatments, so we have spare rooms," said Shego. She shot a look at Drakken, who was tapping his fork angrily.

"Oh, Drewbie, you're such a caring doctor. Letting your patients stay at your home... Oh, Shego, you live here as well?" asked Estelle. Drakken took over.

"She stays here from time to time...when it gets too late and patients are double-booked," said Drakken. He shot Shego a look, and she rolled her eyes. He could have done better.

"From time to time?" asked Shego. Drakken was doing his best to smile at his mother and give Shego a death glare. She got an evil idea. "Sure, if every night means time to time. I live here."

"Maybe," said Drakken. Estelle raised a brow.

"Drew Lipsky are you keeping secrets from me? What have I told you about secrets!" snapped Estelle, waving a finger at her son.

"Secrets are poison and they can kill, especially if someone might have the cure," he mumbled. Shego raised a brow and watched Estelle nod.

"That's right. So why are you lying about Shego living here... Oh...wait... Are you two...?"

"No," said Drakken and Shego at the same time. The henchmen all gave various looks to each other.

"Shego, as I've told you, is my assistant, Mother. Nothing more. She does live here, I just didn't want to alarm you..." said Drakken. He was glaring at Shego even more.

"Alarm me? Alarm me to what? So your assistant lives in your massive home. If you have patients who stay overnight it makes sense. She has her own room, doesn't she? I...oh don't go anywhere dears. I made apple pie for desert. I'll be right back," said Estelle as she quickly exited and the henchmen sat back down.

"Yes Mother... What are you all doing?" asked Drakken. The henchmen jumped and Shego shrugged. "It's not funny. The sooner we get her out of here, the sooner we can get back to working on taking over the world. Shego, what was that?"

"You were going to try to stick me in a crummy hotel room for the night," said Shego. She was guessing but his expression proved her right. "I knew it. Besides, your mother can stay here for one night."

"You told her we have guest rooms. She's going to want to stay all the time," said Drakken in a quick low grumble as his mother's voice came back into the room.

"Here you go dears... Oh you two aren't fighting are you?" asked Estelle looking between the two.

"No, no..." said Drakken shaking his head. "We were having a discussion about patients..."

"Meaning we have a full booking of overnight patients tomorrow and he was worried about rushing you out the door in the morning," said Shego. "I told him that one of the patients isn't coming until the night time, so there's no worry of rushing you out the door."

"E-Exactly," said Drakken, raising a brow.

"Oh, it's no trouble. I'll be out of your hair by morning. I have a flight back to New York in the afternoon," said Estelle happily.

"You know dear, that Shego has a pretty good head on her shoulders," said Estelle as they sat in his living room part of the lair. "You really should think about setting up roots, you move so much I can barely keep track."

"Oh well... My show needs to do that...for...sponsors," said Drakken quickly. He laughed nervously but cleared his throat. "Mother, Shego is my assistant. Besides, I am far too busy to ohm...settle down."

"Oh, you're just like your father's family. Work, work, work. Honestly, if they didn't have strong women in their lives, the Lipsky line would have died off ages ago," sighed Estelle. She opened her mouth to keep talking when she saw Shego walk past the doorway. "Shego, dear."

"Mother, I'm sure she has places to be," said Drakken as Shego stepped back into the doorway.

The day had been a nightmare. He could already sense the amount of snarky remarks and jokes that Shego was holding in her deck for the next few weeks. The less time she spent with his mother, the better...for both of them. He hoped Shego would just excuse herself and avoid the chatter that would follow. Instead, he noticed Shego's expression seemed...softer?...as she looked at his mother. That was different.

"Yes Estelle," said Shego as she came in. She shot a look at Drakken.

"Would you mind showing me to my room?" asked Estelle as she got up and moved swiftly near Shego.

"Mother, I could have..." Drakken began. A wave of panic hit him. She was trying to isolate Shego. "I'll take you."

"I can show her," said Shego with an eye-roll. It turned into a smile as she took Estelle's arm. "It's next to mine."

"Shego..." Drakken muttered, but Shego gave him a confident smirk and vanished. "Great...just great... Wonder if I can get away with taking off and hiding for a week."

He slumped in his chair, thinking about following the two, but there was nothing to do there now. If his mother was going to vent and rant and attempt to marry him off, there was no stopping her. He was less worried about Shego freaking out; the woman could handle her tongue much better than people might think. No, he was more worried about what Shego might ask, and she really didn't need more fuel for her lippy cut-downs. The idea of him settling down and having a family...it was laughable really. Him. He... No. He found his mind becoming blank for a moment and then a counter argument in his head returned. Curse his mother, why did she have to put these thoughts in his head? This was why he preferred mail with her; he could skip over those parts in the letters. He needed a drink. Who am I, Shego? He shook his head. He needed his lab.

"I don't mean to pry dear, but was your skin a chemical accident as well?" asked Estelle, her arm still tight around Shego's as they walked.

"Sort of, environmental," said Shego. She wasn't lying.

"Not that it matters, but do you think that would affect your future children?" asked Estelle. Shego's eyes shot open.

"Ohm...never...really thought about it," said Shego. She honestly hadn't, and the random question threw her off. "Maybe. None of my brothers have children so I guess we won't know until then."

"Are you brothers the same shade of pale green?" asked Estelle. Shego saw her shocked look fade to curiosity.

"No, we're all different colors... A pastel rainbow really," said Shego with a shrug.

"Really? So what if the pastel colors continue... I mean if you're all different colors, then perhaps it would continue in shades," said Estelle. She shook her head. "If it's a family trait, what about your parents?"

"Ohm, they were normal. The environmental thing happened later," said Shego, and she had an overwhelming wave of panic at Estelle prying. She was not going through that again. One person a decade was quite enough.

"Oh," said Estelle. She didn't press, but her hand patted Shego's as they reached the door of the guest room. "Such a big place, no wonder it gets filled with patients. It'd be awfully lonely without it. I'm glad you live here dear, I know my Drew. He says he doesn't get lonely, but he does. He gets stuck in his head far too long. He got like that after he left college. Before, you could barely get him to stay home, he was always out and about. Mr. Social. The older he gets the more he reminds me of my Theo."

"Your husband?" asked Shego. Drakken had never mentioned his father before. "Drakken doesn't mention him."

"Oh, that's because he passed away before Drew was born," said Estelle. There was something in her eyes that made Shego want to inquire more, but she didn't. "He had a good heart, Theo. I'm just glad my son is a doctor and I don't have to worry about him in dangerous situations somewhere. Although, some of your patients seem a bit extreme."

"Yeah, they can be," said Shego. They stopped outside a door. "If you need anything, my room is right there."

"You're such a nice girl. Bit of a silver tongue, but any good woman should have one," said Estelle, giving a wink at Shego as she let her arm go. "I appreciate you looking after my Drewbie, I know how he can get sometimes. But his heart's in the right place. I just wish he didn't work so much. He's missing out on what's important in life you know. It's late dear, I'm sorry to keep you."

"It's no problem. Good night Estelle, and Happy Mother's Day," said Shego. She felt a mixture of emotions at the woman's look and words.

"Good night dear," said Estelle. She grabbed Shego's hand. "As I said, you can call me Mama Lipsky, no need to be formal."

"Good night then, Mama Lipsky," said Shego as Estelle shut the door, and she let go of a deep sigh.

"If I can connect this..." Drakken was working on a very delicate wire for a new hand-held laser gun—something in his panic he'd decided to rework on.

"Dr. D.?" He watched the wire melt away as Shego's voice made him miss.

"Yes, Shego," said Drakken. He prepared himself for the onslaught of one-liners and digs as he sat up and pulled his magnifying goggles up. "Come to toss a few digs before bed? Let's hear them."

"Oh, no... Those are for much later," said Shego with a smirk. It faltered as she sat on his desk. "What are you working on?"

"...A laser gun?" asked Drakken. What was Shego up to...? Her expression seemed unreadable. "Everything okay?"

"Your mother thinks you work too much," said Shego. She was playing with his papers. "Got me thinking."

"You want to go on another vacation?" asked Drakken. That would solve the problem of him avoiding her comments.

"No, just thinking. Maybe because you do work all the time, you're missing the big picture," said Shego. She moved his papers in front of him. "Maybe stepping back for a few weeks might help you come up with a better scheme."

"Are you telling me to take a break?" asked Drakken. This was...this was new. "You tell me I procrastinate all the time... You've literally sat in that chair and told me I'm not working fast enough."

"I changed my mind," said Shego. He saw a look of agitation float past her eyes. "You need a break."

"...If you want to take on a mission, I'm not going to stop you. It's in the contract, that if you feel I'm taking too long..." He was cut off physically by Shego shoving a crumpled up paper in his mouth and covering it.

"No, dodo brain. I'm telling you to take a break and can it," snapped Shego with an eye-roll. "Do you need me to sign it to you?"

"Whyfh didd ustj wayhs it?" came his muffled reply and Shego rolled her eyes and removed her hand. He spit out the paper. "Why didn't you just say that?"

"I did," said Shego. She looked around. "I'm kicking you out of your lab."

"Excuse me," said Drakken. He felt a wash of panic. She had to be joking.

"Eventually," said Shego, as she got up and walked out of the room. "'Night...Drewbie."

XXXXX

Chapter 31 Grounded

"SHEGO!" came the yell of Drakken from down the hallway.

Shego relaxed in the cozy chair in her room, reading a large book instead of her usual magazine. It was Saturday and her day off, but as she heard Drakken's voice call her name she closed the book and waited. She'd left her door open, expecting this very reaction. She waited until an irate-looking Drakken stood in her doorway. For a moment, it actually startled her. His eyes were pure fire, his brow was furrowed, and the darker hue to his blue skin would have made her take a step back if she wasn't already sitting down. She shook off the odd feeling in her gut and chose to re-open her book and not look at him.

"Shego?" he asked, and she could hear him trying to calm himself down.

"Uhm hmm," said Shego. He didn't come into her room at first, but then he walked over to her chair. She watched his boot tap in front of her. She took a drink of her lemonade and flipped a page. "Need something?"

"Shego... Conniving, insane, malicious, lovely Shego." She could feel the venom in his voice, but the smirk spread across her lips. "May I interrupt your reading?"

"Well, after the compliments, how can I help you?" asked Shego as she closed her book and smiled up at him. His eye twitched. "You okay Dr. D.? You look flustered."

"Shego, where...is...my lab?" asked Drakken. Shego fought the smile that wanted to spread on her face.

"Other side of the lair," said Shego."Big metal door... You know the one that we just had to have."

"Shego, my lab is empty. So. Tell me... Where is my lab?!" he growled at her, his arm above her head and his face close.

"Morning bagel? You've got cream cheese on your lip," said Shego, and without telling herself to do so, she wiped her finger over his lip. The anger in his face fell to confusion. "So... Your lab's missing?"

"Uh...yes." He stood up and she watched as he took a large step back, his anger returning but not as strong. "Shego, where is my lab?"

"I told you last weekend, you needed a break," said Shego. She shrugged. "Then you continued to come up with a new plot. I helped you, it failed. I said take a break. You were in the lab last night until three in the morning. So this is me...not giving you a choice. Take a break."

"What? How? Why?" He spun in place, as if processing was too much. "You're telling me. You moved my lab...in three and a half hours?"

"I think you need more sleep," said Shego. She groaned and got up, forcing him to sit in her chair. "It's not the end of the world. Honestly, this could help you come up with a better plan. It's one week, you will live."

"One week... A whole week. You're hiding my lab for a week?" asked Drakken. He stood up and pointed at her. "I'm finding my lab."

"No you won't..." muttered Shego as he stormed out of the room.

"Okay, where is it?" asked Drakken. He stared at Shego as she drank her coffee and ate her breakfast. "I have been in every room of this lair. The henchmen aren't talking and are running and hiding on me. I can't sleep. My head hurts. I don't feel good."

"It's called detoxing," said Shego, not looking up from her paper. "No Internet either."

"...Why do you hate me?" asked Drakken. He felt his lips quiver and a sudden urge to cry. He took a deep breath. "Shego, did my mother put you up to this?"

"She suggested you need to slow down, and she's right. Though hers was a different reason than mine. I think you need to clear your head and get back on track. You have the drive to take over the world...and maybe the genius. You just have too much going on," said Shego. "One week without distractions and noise will do you good."

"Five more days isn't going to kill me, you're right," said Drakken. He took a deep breath and sat down, taking the toast Shego offered him and a cup of coffee she'd had sitting there for him already. "I can do this. Never taken a vacation before... Hey Shego..."

"If your plan is to annoy me until I cave and give you your lab back, remember I can leave, and you won't find it," said Shego as she flipped the page of her paper. Drakken threw down his toast and stood up, angrily leaving the kitchen.

"What do you mean seven more days! It should be four days!" yelled Drakken as he followed Shego out of the kitchen with his sandwich. "You said one week!"

"Yes, but you spent three days tearing this place apart and you hacked back into the server yesterday to join a chatroom with Killigan and Monkey Fist," said Shego casually. She handed him a notebook. "If you want to scheme and write, this is it. But seven days, Dr. D."

"Who told you? Was it Williams?" asked Drakken. He glared down the hall.

"No, I have my connections," said Shego with a shrug.

"Killigan?" asked Drakken. Shego shrugged. "Damn him."

"How's that vacation notebook going?" asked Shego. She leaned over Drakken as he sat at the coffee table writing away. "Do you want to give it a break... Go catch a movie...shower maybe?"

"I have four more days Shego, and I want my lab back," he said, staring at her. "This is cruel by the way."

"Is that a picture of me...being eaten by a snake in a kilt?" asked Shego as she looked at his work.

"No. It's a witch being eaten by a serpent monster...in a kilt," said Drakken, covering his notebook and sliding it away.

"Okay," said Shego. She smirked. "That's a pretty witch."

"It's a bad day for her," said Drakken looking at Shego. She glared and with a blast his colored pencils were gone. "Hey! Great, now I have to go to the store."

"What's happening?" asked Shego as she walked into the kitchen. Piles of cupcakes and snacks littered the room where henchmen ate happily.

"Enjoying my vacation," said Drakken. He held a plate of cupcakes up to her. "Cupcake?"

"Sure?" said Shego as she looked around the room.

"Did we get new night henchmaids?" asked Shego, looking around the spotless lair as she came out of her room and walked to the kitchen. "It smells good too?"

"No, I cleaned it. I couldn't sleep," said Drakken. He had his notebook again and was sitting cross-legged on the counter. "We need more synthodrones... Maybe we could give them personalities."

"Okay? What did we say about working?" asked Shego, raising a brow.

"Not," said Drakken. "Just thinking...thinking."

"Are you okay?" asked Shego as Drakken stared off into space for a solid minute. "Drakken? Dr. D.?"

"Hmm, what was that?" asked Drakken. He looked at his watch and jumped up. "Karaoke! Let's go!"

"I'll pass... Hey!" yelled Shego as Drakken grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the room.

"Two more days, two more days," hummed Drakken. His grin wide as he looked at Shego. "Two more Shego. Come on tell me how you did it? Where is it? Is it in the lair?"

"Nope, that's my little secret. Remember this the next time I tell you to take a break. Just do it and you wouldn't have had to deal with this," said Shego as she ate her dinner. "This is delicious by the way."

"I know, but seriously where is it?" asked Drakken. Shego watched his fingers rap against his notebook, and her brow rose.

"Did you spend your whole vacation scheming?" asked Shego. Her hand swiped at the notebook, but he was faster for once. She blinked rapidly. "Dr. D.?"

"No, but the majority of the start of this notebook... Well it was a dark time and...you shouldn't look at that," said Drakken. "The witch thing was the mildest."

"How many deaths do I have in there?" asked Shego with a smirk, curious to see them now.

"I don't know off the top of my head," said Drakken. He put the notebook in his coat and looked at the time. "I'm going to retire early, so..."

"One less day," said Shego. She rolled her eyes. "You know I should extend it. Day two and three you took sleeping medication and slept through them."

"You can't tell me how to spend my vacation Shego. Being in a coma was my way of relaxing," snapped Drakken. He glared at her the whole way out the door. "Two days Shego... Two. You can't keep up this...grounding thing. Two days left!"

"Fine, whatever. No forced comas, Drakken!" she yelled after him.

She rolled her eyes, glad the vacation was actually ending. She was starting to get worried over what he might do next. He'd started getting a little more odd than normal, talking about synthodrones, which he'd abandoned the last time due to malfunctions in the fluids. When he'd gotten back from the store the other day, he also had a series of magazines and romance novels. She thought maybe getting him out of the lab and off the Internet had finally made the evil megalomaniac snap. She'd been forced to go to karaoke and hadn't even been able to have any drinks, because every one she'd ordered, Drakken had indulged in. Which meant she'd dragged his intoxicated ass back to the lair, and all the henchmen were gone and there was no lab, so she'd had to deal with him the whole night. Her only godsend was that stupid notebook, which she really wanted to see. There was more than doodles in there, she knew that. She'd seen sketches, graphs, numbers...

"What are you up to Drakken?" asked Shego as she looked down the dark hallway.

Drakken sat in his bed, his notebook and notes strewn about. Magazines and novels all tagged and torn, it was like the giant puzzles in his head now had a visual outside it and things were making sense. Perhaps Shego had had the right idea; he'd needed time away to rethink his plans. Without his many unfinished projects and sketches in the way, he'd been forced to concentrate on his new one. He didn't need to get rid of Kim Possible and her stupid side kick to take over the world... He just needed a distraction—a big one. He also needed to stay under the radar, which meant this plan was going to take more time than normal. Less things to track, less things to ruin, more distractions... Yes, in two days he would be able to start.

"First step, synthodrones. Then the real fun begins. You won't stop me this time Kim Possible, because no one will know what's coming. Not even Shego." Drakken began to laugh at his own genius, deep and maniacal.

"You'd better be on vacation in there!" came a yell from Shego outside his door.

"I'm working on my evil laugh!" he yelled back. "You should too because yours needs work."

"...Whatever," came a snappy reply and then a door closed.

"Soon...the world will be mine," grinned Drakken.

TO BE CONTINUED

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