A Displaced Sidekick (Kim Possible/Demon Souls)

[WaywardWriter]

A/N: I told myself I'd take some time off, make a backlog for my two main stories and chill since they both reached 100k words. Instead I did this. I will say I don't plan to work too much on this, definitely going to make it super sporadic but I really enjoyed the premise. I hope you enjoy it too.

Prologue: I'll See You Soon​

Disclaimer: I do not own Demon Souls or Kim Possible. I own the OCs.

---

Ron Stoppable was never much of a superstitious person. Despite the sheer number of strange things he's seen over the years and the practically supernatural people, robots or in between he's faced, he was always a man of science. Something his religious parents found heretical while his friends found ironic.

Hey, just because his motto is 'Never be normal' doesn't mean he didn't believe in science. It's a life style and all the trouble they've been in was because of science gone wrong. At this point, Ron was confident Mystical Monkey Fu or whatever Sensei is has a perfectly rational explanation…somewhere.

Anyway, after everything Ron and Kim have been through, superstition just doesn't hold up with how often their lives are in danger. Yet, as Drakken's evil lair collapsed around them (pretty par for the course) and they were being sucked towards the open portal of his latest failed scheme (also normal) Ron's heart dropped when the rock he was holding onto became dislodged.

Ron's life flashed before his life. Meeting KP in kinder garden, buying Rufus, finding the holy land known as Bueno Nacho, everything came back to him in the moment he was flying towards his doom…It was pretty nice now that he-

Then KP caught him by the arm.

"Hold on, we'll get out of this! J-Just, hold-" Kim said but stumbled when the other hand that was holding onto a wall started to slip. Shego and Drakken had long evacuated the room when the portal started to destabilize. Feeling the suction getting stronger and the struggle on Kim's face to hold them both, he made a decision.

He just wished it was under better circumstances. Digging into his pocket, Ron grabbed Rufus and placed him in Kim's pocket. A moment of confusion went past Rufus' face before Ron gave him a quick head rub.

"I'll see you soon. Take care of each other alright?"

He had to admit, he knew what had to be done for both their sakes but the look of horrific realization that went through Kim's face almost made him hesitate. Prying his hand from her fingers before she could clamp down on it, Ron flew towards the portal and threw a rock floating around towards the power source. He didn't know if it worked. All the side kick knew was that an ungodly amount of sparks came out of the machine as he was consumed by the portal.

Kim's scream would stay with Ron for a long, long time…

---

The first thing Ron saw was fog. A fog that ran for miles around. It was thick enough that it blocked the sky and the sun (or moon). He was standing in ankle high pool of water and looked around.

"Rufus? KP!?" His voice traveled through the darkness. An odd biting cold wrapped around him and he could see the cold air when he breathed out. Rubbing his arms, Ron took out his Kimmunicator and tried to get reception. He frowned when he got nothing. 'Damn, that's not a good sign.' The sheer range Wade's invention had was great and if he couldn't get a single bar then it meant he was definitely far from home. Seeing no other recourse, he started walking. He didn't have any particular direction in mind but staying here gave him a bad feeling.

'I hope they got out in time.' Ron stayed with that thought as he walked for what felt like an hour and found nothing. 'Where did Drakken's portal send me?' The cold became worse as time passed but it was strange. Instead of Goosebumps or a loss of feeling in his body, Ron could feel a subtle pounding in his head. It didn't hurt or was annoying. It was just…odd.

A light in the distance grabbed Ron's attention before he could dwell on the topic. The sidekick's heart pounding at the sight and he picked up the pace heading for the light. He hesitated for the slightest of seconds, the thought of heading towards a light in a cold and dark place sounding too on the money, but he quickly stepped through and had to close his eyes from the intensity.

When his vision adjusted Ron found himself in the countryside. Fields upon fields of grass and woods as far as the eyes could see. He stood on a wide dirt road leading into the mountains.

'Whoa…' Turning around, his eyes widened when he saw the literal mile wide wall of fog blocking the way he came in. The fog reached above the clouds and curved in the distance. "Well I guess I'm not going that way." Snorting, Ron glanced at the hole in the fog closing before following the path.

He had walked for roughly two hours, navigating over trenches, rivers and the occasional fallen tree before he came to the first glimpse of civilization. A small town that rested in between two mountains, the town had apparently seen better days because it was in sad shape.

"What happened here?" Ron frowned as he looked at the half destroyed village. It looked like a small place with mainly one-story wooden houses and a wall surrounding it (though it was tattered now). Stepping through the totaled front gate he came to the main street. It was a ghost town. "Hello! Anyone here?"

He got nothing. Whoever lived here had moved on and there was no evidence in what direction they went. Sighing, Ron entered one of the demolished houses and tried to find a house phone or something that could tell him where he was. He started moving aside broken pieces wood and rubble and what he found stumped him.

There were no electronics in any of the homes. No phones, TVs, or laptops. There weren't any showers and stoves either. If anything, everything that wasn't destroyed in the houses looked like they came from the Middle Ages. A crazy hypothesis came to mind.

'No, no way. Drakken may be smart but he's not that smart.' Ron thought with a shake of his head. 'Then again, it would just be my luck to be sucked into a time machine and I get stuck in an era where the internet wasn't even a thing.'

He kept looking and eventually arrived at the tallest building in the village. A simple two story long house Ron made for the entrance but paused when he heard the tell tale sound of footsteps. Turning his head, he watched a man clumsily walk down the street. The man was tall, with short black hair and wore a tunic. His skin was horribly dry, grayish even and he held a sword limply in his hand.

"Hello?" Ron said and the man continued approaching him. "Um, do you know what happened to this place?"

The man didn't respond. Becoming slightly unnerved by the vacant gaze the man was sending him, Ron raised his hands in a placating manner.

"Easy. There's no need for the sword, I only want to-hey!" The sidekick hurriedly side stepped a forward thrust from the man. Dodging a couple more lazy swipes, he grabbed the man's arm and smacked the sword from his hands before pinning him to the floor. "What the heck is your problem!?"

The man thrashed under him. The sidekick tried to tell him to stop before he hurt himself but he didn't appear to hear him. Closing his eyes Ron took a deep breath and raised his arm. Slamming his elbow into the back of his head, the man was soundly knocked out and Ron stood up with a huff.

"That was weird…" Frowning, Ron hauled the man to a nearby building and laid him against the wall. "Not even here for a day and I've already assaulted a civilian. KP would be proud." He said with a sarcastic shake of his head.

Though that wasn't fair. Ron knew Kim would understand considering the guy tried to skewer him with a sword but it was strange. Despite having a hand on his chest, Ron couldn't feel the man's heartbeat or hear his breathing. It's like he wasn't even alive. He didn't kill him did he?

Worrying and checking the man for a pulse (and not finding one) Ron attention was caught when the front door the two story building came flying open. Four men in armor stumbled out and turned their gazes toward Ron. The sidekick looked between the men and the man he knocked out before panicking.

"O-Okay, this probably looks really bad but I swear I didn't-I mean I did do this b-but he attacked me first!"

A halberd barreling towards his head was the response Ron got and he rolled out of the way. Ducking under the swing of another sword, Ron backed up and put some space between them. The sidekick got into a basic fighting stance and waited as the soldiers rushed him.

Leaning to the side and dodging a swing Ron's fist connected with his attacker's temple. The sidekick ignored the man as he dropped to the ground and kicked away the next man's sword when he got too close. Sending a barrage of punches to his chest Ron lunged at the last two men. Stepping on the halberd when it was thrust at him, Ron's knee connected with the man's chin and he sent a high kick to the last man's face. They both dropped like sacks of potatoes.

'Wow…these guys sucked worst then Drakken's guys. And that bar is damn low!' Ron thought as he stood in the middle of the unconscious bodies not even winded. 'Still, this ain't good. I have no idea where I am and I just got into a fight with whatever local militia they have here. I need to-'

Ron rapidly turned around and raised his fists when he heard more shuffling behind him. His stance loosened a little when he saw it was a short blacked haired teenager in some sort of leather armor and a sack over his shoulder. He was coming out of the long house the men were in earlier and he glanced at them before looking to Ron.

"You beat them? Surprising. I thought no one was left that was willing to fight the Soul Starved." The boy said while walking towards Ron and the sidekick frowned.

"They attacked me first." Ron said, hoping to portray his innocence in the matter before he attacked him too.

"They often do. Such the fate of those who've faced a Demon." The boy said with a shake of his head.

'Soul Starved? Demons? Has this kid read too many comics and mangas? No wait, this is probably the middle ages and those aren't a thing.' Maybe he was just crazy. Ron watched the boy as he approached one of the down men and kneeled next to them.

The sidekick's eyes widened to the size of saucers when the boy swiftly took out a small knife and jam it into the man's neck. Ron closed the distance between them, grabbing the boy's hand and holding it with a furious scowl.

"What the hell are you doing!?" In his anger, Ron didn't notice the practically see through wisp that escaped the man and entered the boy. The boy let out a small sigh of contentment as Ron kneeled and checked the wound but the damage was done. Blood was leaking like crazy and the man's eyes lost all light. "You killed him!"

"He was already dead." The boy said simply, emotionlessly and Ron gritted his teeth.

"No he wasn't! I just knocked them out!" The boy tilted his head at Ron's tirade and observed him for a couple seconds.

"You're not a native of Boletaria are you?" The boy asked. "You came from outside the fog wall."

"Is that what this placed is called? Boletaria?" Ron asked, still incredibly pissed off at seeing a man murdered in cold blood but figured getting information took precedent. The boy's eyes widened.

"You…you didn't come here to slay Demon, did you?"

"There you go again talking about Demons again. Is that why you killed this man? Because you thought he was some sort of demon? You need to see a psychiatrist kid." Ron said with a shake of his head and for the first time since he met him, Ron saw another emotion flicker through the boy's eyes rather than the usual surprise or apathy.

Pity. The boy, that looked to be around Wade's age, looked at Ron in pity. The emotion caused Ron to frown further and the boy stood up.

"Well, that explains quite a bit. You truly have no idea where you are?" The boy asked and Ron, against his better judgment, nodded his head and the boy sighed. "Now I can't leave you here without feeling like a complete monster. Come, I'll bring you back to my camp and bring you up to speed there." The boy unsheathed his blade and moved to finish the other men but Ron got in his way.

"You're out of your mind if you think I'm about to stand by and let you kill these men."

Frustration. That was the next emotion the boy conveyed to the sidekick and Ron saw how easy it was to read the kid.

"They aren't Men anymore. They're just hollow husk animated by the barest fragments of their remaining souls. They exist only to kill and take other's souls in a futile attempt to regain their humanity. They are beyond saving."

"…Okay, you know what? I think I'll take my chances on my own. Thanks for the offer earlier but I'm going to have to pass-"

The boy pointed a wooden stick at Ron. Pausing to blankly stare at the object, Ron was about to make a snarky comment on why it's rude to point a man's 'special wand' at another man without buying him dinner first but it died when a blue light erupted from the tip and shot at him.

Or rather it sailed past his ear and impacted something behind him. Ron turned to see one of the men had gotten up and snuck up behind him but was now on the ground once more. Probably due to half his face being missing.

'Wha-'

"So do you believe me now?" The boy asked and Ron blankly looked to him before looking back to the man's corpse. Whatever the blue blast was it didn't burn the man because there wasn't the smell of burning flesh nor was it a freeze attack because there was no ice remaining. There was just a clean, straight stump where his head used to be. "Well?" He asked one last time and Ron gave what he thought was an appropriate answer.

He threw up all over the boy's boots.

---

1 Hour Later

Ron marched quietly behind the boy who he learned, after helping him clean boots, was named Haran. His bag now bulging after ransacking the untouched houses Haran had led Ron outside the town and into a dense forest. The scene from earlier still on his mind Ron had kept his questions to himself until they made it somewhere safe.

And when he met someone that wasn't a murdering teenager that can shoot death beams.

'What was that? Some sort of high tech gun shaped like a wand?' Ron thought and immediately scrunched up his face by how stupid it sounded. 'Even by Drakken's standards that's dumb. Besides, I couldn't find a simple phone in that town. There's no way a random kid is carrying around that kind of technology.'

…Aliens then? Ron was confused and just wanted answers. Another couple minutes of walking and the sidekick holding in his questions had them arrive at an open plain. A large bonfire was lit in the middle of the field with many pitched tents surrounding it. Two men with spears were standing at the outer edge of the camp and spotted them instantly.

"Haran! Thank goodness your back." One of the guards stepped forward and breathed a sigh of relief when they came into view.

"What do you mean? Did something happen?" Haran asked with a frown.

"There was a group of Soul Starved that passed by earlier and attacked some of the women when they were washing clothes. We were able to drive them off but the others are a little shaken up about it."

"As long as everyone's okay then it's fine. We're almost there." Haran said, comforting the soldier and waved for Ron to come over. "This is a foreign warrior I found in my last run. Try to get him situated while I go and give out supplies."

"Yes sir!"

Ron watched Haran walk away and silently followed the soldier. He was an older gentleman with black hair that was fading in color, a stern but kind face and a stocky frame. He saw many haggard men and women as he entered the camps. Most sat by their tents, either eating or talking while some cleaned and played with their children. Ron saw a woman breast feeding her baby, her eyes meeting his and she gave the side kick a warm but tired smile.

"Are you guy's refugees?" Ron asked and the soldier gave a humorless chuckle.

"In a sense. Haran said you came from the outside correct?" The man asked, glancing back at Ron and he nodded. "Many people here are victims of the Demon Scourge, their villages and homes were terrorized so they had no place left to go. We hope to find a safe haven to weather this nightmare. Ah, here we are."

The soldier brought Ron to an unassuming tent with a blanket and a small lantern.

"It ain't much but it'll keep you warm and no one is using it."

"It's fine. Thank you." He and KP had roughed it in worse and Ron didn't feel like making their lives any harder than they already was. Sitting on the makeshift grass bed, Ron turned to the soldier. "If you don't mind, can I ask you a couple questions?"

"Sure." The soldier shrugged and sat on the ground. Ron thought for a second, trying to formulate a good way to go about this. Subtly was never much his thing, his years of stumbling into evil lairs and denying basic social norms enough evidence, but he felt explaining how he may be from the future or even another dimension altogether was going to be more trouble than it was worth. So he went with a safe (in his opinion) question.

"Where am I?" Ron asked and the soldier quirked a brow.

"That's an odd question. You entered the fog wall without knowing what was on the other side?"

"Something like that." Ron said, choosing to play dumb and the soldier sighed.

"Another wasted life…" He gained a pitying look in his eyes before shaking his head. "Well lad, I may not be the most knowledgeable person in Boletaria but I'll tell you what I know."

"I appreciate it." Ron bowed his head and frowned when the man laughed.

"Tell me that when I'm done."

The soldier started explaining where they currently were and the history behind everything that happened to them and despite Ron preparing himself to take everything he was about to hear with an open mind, the sidekick still found himself in disbelief.

'Kind of hard not to when he's talking about swords, magic and soul stealing Demons.' From what he was able to gleam, Boletaria was a formerly prosperous kingdom that was well known for its widespread use of magic known as the Soul Arts. The king of this land, Allant, had apparently been the first person to promote such arts and spread it to every corner of his kingdom. Men and women from all walks of life could use the Soul Arts and it had rapidly raised the kingdom's standing among the others that rested in this strange world.

Then the Demon Scourge happened. An otherworldly fog had erupted from the Palace of Boletaria and from it, terrible abominations that could wretch the souls of the living started spawning and terrorizing the populace.

"Those weak of will find their souls ripped from their bodies when in front of a True Demon and become Soul Starved. They forever stalk the earth until they kill enough people to regain their former humanity. Or until someone comes along and finishes them off." The soldier at some point had taken out a jug and was taking long sips between breathes. "The fog expanded from there ever since, creeping forward ever so slowly. It had once stayed at the border of the Palace but now it sits on the outskirts of the Great Plains. I've heard many warriors have entered from the outside to slay the Demons but as it appears, no one has succeeded…heh, you still feel grateful now?"

Ron was in a bind. On one hand, everything the man said sounded like it came out of a budget horror flick but on the other hand, those people from earlier had the sidekick thinking.

They weren't breathing. They didn't feel alive and that kid had shot a high power energy blast from a stick.

'But Shego could do the same with her bare hands and she got her powers from a meteorite. Who's to say that kid didn't get his powers in a similar way?' Ron couldn't take everything the man said at face value. 'I'm stuck here anyway, might as well wait and make my judgment later.'

"Thankfully, there is a single place in this horrible kingdom that is safe for the common folk. It's where we're headed now." The soldier meant to continue but the tent folds opened to show another soldier sticking their head in.

"It's time for dinner. Haran wants everyone to meet in front of the fire."

"Got ya, I'll lead our new friend there." Exiting with a nod, the first soldier stood up and cracked his back. "Well, we should get going. I hope you like rabbit stew mister.…holy shit, I never did get your name." The soldier said with a laugh and Ron chuckled.

"Ron Stoppable." He said raising his hand and the soldier shook it.

"Odd name. My name's Marston but most people just call me Mars. Pleasure to meet you."

Ron followed Mars to the center, many people following along and Ron found that at least a hundred people were living in this camp. He saw Haran with a couple middle aged women near the fire surrounding a giant pot full of stew. The smell was good enough that Ron's stomach growled in protest and he realized he hasn't eaten since before the mission.

People were lining up with bowls and taking seats in the nearby open grass. Mars also got in line, telling Ron he'll be back soon and the side kick went to find a spot. While most of the field was taken by the random families Ron found a lone tree to lean against.

"O-Oh sorry, I thought this spot was free." Ron turned his head to see a little girl with long, unkempt black hair and hazel eyes standing a little away from him. She was holding a blanket close to her chest.

"It's okay. You can take this spot if you want." Ron said as he made to stand. He could always find another.

"No!" The girl yelled and blushed when Ron blinked. "I-I mean, you don't need to move. We can share."

Silently retaking his seat, the little girl unfurled the blanket and sat down. Ron watched the people being distributed the stew, many holding multiple bowls and taking them to their waiting families. A single soldier was nearby, probably to keep the peace.

"U-Um." A voice caught Ron's attention and he looked to the girl next to him.

"Yes?" He said and she appeared hesitant.

"I-I was wondering, where are you from?" The little girl asked and Ron tilted his head.

"Why do you ask? Ah, I don't mean that in any hostile way. Just curious. Name's Ron by the way."

"H-Hana." Ron didn't react at the girl having the same name as his adopted sister and patiently waited for her answer. "I guess you look…cleaner than the others. You wear a weird outfit and have no weapons. N-Not that's it bad! But most carry a weapon to defend themselves."

"From the Demons right?"

"Yeah…"

"I'm from somewhere far. It's peaceful enough there that no one needs to carry around swords to fight." They can carry things far more dangerous but they were rarer. "I came to this place by accident and I'm trying to find my way home."

"If that's true then I'm sorry to say but you're a bit out of luck." Haran said, appearing in front of them with two steaming bowls.

"What do you mean?" Ron frowned at the teenager.

"Here you go Hana. Eat it slowly." Haran kneeled and handed her a bowl, Hana taking it with a cute nod. He took a seat next to her and blew on his stew before speaking. "The fog stops everyone who's tried to go through it. Be they Demon or Man."

"There must be a way. If the outside world knows of what's happening in Boletaria then someone must have escaped to them."

"Doubtful. There are rumors of a soldier from the Royal Army that escaped but this isn't the first Demon Scourge."

"It's not?" Ron asked and Haran shook his head.

"It happened right before the founding of Boletaria in the ancient times. The Scourge at the time had engulfed most of the continent and countless warriors died to suppress it."

"You sure know a lot of stuff."

"My father was one of the first Soul Arts users when the Old King Allant taught the people and he brought it back home to teach me." Haran lifted his hand and Ron's eyes widened when it glowed a pale blue. It morphed into a ball, floating above his palm before Haran dispersed it. "Some say our usage of the Soul Arts is the reason why the Demon Scourge happened."

"Do you believe it?"

"Frankly? I don't really care." Haran admitted with a shrug and he glanced at Hana contently sipping her stew next to him. "All I know is that I have to get my people somewhere the Demons can't get them. I won't stop until that happens."

"…Are you sure you're 13?" Ron asked after a moment of silence and Haran furrowed his brows.

"I turned 14 two months ago. Wait, why does that matter?"

"It's just sad to see a kid so young thinking such heavy thoughts."

"Wha-you don't look that much older than me!"

"I'm 16." Ron clarified and Haran deadpanned.

"That's only two years apart."

"And that's two whole years you haven't lived so respect your elders!"

Hana giggled at their back and forth. Haran grumbled, returning to his stew and Ron smiled softly at the reaction more in tuned to his age. The memory of the teenager in front of him killing a man cracked that a smile a little but Ron chose to keep his reservations to himself. This wasn't his world and from the things he's heard they haven't had the best of circumstances. The sidekick would help these people as best as he could while finding out how to get home. It was as good a plan as any.

He just hoped he wouldn't have to do something too drastic. Seeing Mars approaching them with two bowls of stew, Ron looked to Haran.

"Oh yeah, Mars was talking about something of a safe haven earlier but he didn't get to finish." Ron said and the teenager nodded.

"It's the one place left in the kingdom where the Demons can't enter and is big enough to hold my people. It's a sacred place." Haran took a long sip of his stew and let out a sigh before turning to Ron once more.

It's known as the Nexus."

---

1 Week Later, Outskirts of the Capital

Ron stood atop a hill that overlooked a long strip of forest and at the end of that forest was a gigantic city wall. Even by his world's standards where giant machines could do incredible things, such a huge wall seemed like straight out of a fantasy book.

'Took us longer to get here then I was honestly expecting.' The camp had made ample time in the beginning with the main road leading directly where they planned to go but a series of encounters with Soul Starved caused them to stray from the path. Haran said it was because people typically use the main road to get to and from Boletaria and Demons were attracted to large groups so they were more likely to get attacked if they stayed on it.

That hadn't stopped a couple Soul Starved from getting too close and they were forced to fight back. Ron tried to lead the fight; taking them down none lethally when he could but more than one were killed. It was the first time he saw a soul entering the victor's body and it unnerved the side kick.

'Like some kind of vampire grim reaper.' Apparently, with the collapse of Boletaria, its original currency went out of style and Souls were used as the new currency since they could be freely traded. Souls could do many things. They could heal people, both physically and mentally though Ron learned later that there was a branch of magic known as Miracles that could do the same. They could increase a person's strength and many Soul Art users use Souls to increase their proficiency with certain spells.

Granted, this wasn't the norm in this world. Haran had told Ron that such easy use of Souls was thanks to the Deep Fog since the people couldn't do so before it arrived.

'Thank god.' Ron honestly couldn't imagine living in a world where stealing and using people's Souls for everyday life is normal. Ron had also hunted, cleaned and did anything he could have helped with as the days passed. Haran and Mors appreciated it and with Boletaria in sight things the mood of the camp was becoming more upbeat.

"We're almost there." Haran stood next to Ron and looked towards the Gate of Boletaria. "Soon everyone can stop running and we can be safe."

"Yep." Ron said, feeling quite happy with himself. Despites his own unknown situation, he found a chance to help some people in a bad spot. 'Kim would have done the same.'

"Should we make for camp or do you think we can get a little closer?" Haran asked and Ron fell into deep thought. As the day passed the magic wielding 14 year old had come to ask for his advice more often and Ron gave it when he could.

"I think we should rest for now. The sun is about to set and everyone is tired from walking. Boletaria ain't going anywhere."

Haran looked at the orange glow in the horizon and nodded. Left unsaid was the current situation in Boletaria and the potential Soul Starved that could be lurking around. They didn't want to risk moving in the dark with how close they were. No, it was better to wait for daylight and head to the Nexus when it was safest. Speaking of…

"I'm been meaning to ask Haran but how exactly will we enter the Nexus?" Ron had asked the teenager a couple times about the Nexus and the more he learned, the more Ron became confused on how exactly Haran planned to bring his people into this supposedly impenetrable hidden fortress.

"I had met a guard that escaped the capital and he spoke of how there are multiple entrances to the Nexus. He said to look out for a 'sword in the stone'."

That sounded ominous…and a little cliché. They returned to the camp to see Mars and another guard waiting for them. Haran told them of his decision and they accepted it without complaint, going to tell the others. Another thing Ron learned that Haran commanded a lot of respect among the group.

'I guess being the greatest fighter and magic user bumps you to the top of the hierarchy pretty quick in a place like this.' Regardless of how young you are. Ron entered his tent and got ready to go to bed in time for Hana to peek her head in the entrance.

"Um, are you about to go to bed Mr. Stoppable?"

"That's right. Did you need something Hana?" Ron asked with a smile and Hana timidly lowered her head.

"I-I was hoping you can tell more stories of your adventures."

"Of course." Ron said and couldn't help smiling at the way her face brightened up. The sidekick had also gotten closer to the younger sibling and always opened his door to her whenever he wasn't busy. Scooting over, Hana quickly took a seat. "So which one did you want to hear?"

"Can you tell me the one about the red headed hero and the green plasma witch again?"

"Oh, you became a fan of the hero?" Ron asked and his grin turned into a confused frown when Hana shook her head. "Then who is your favorite?"

"I-I really like the golden haired sidekick and fearless rodent ninja. They were funny."

"…" He loved this girl.

Patting her on the head as he regaled of how they had to stop a mad blue wizard from controlling the world by outperforming him on stage so his mind control elixir never gets popular, the sun set and a dense darkness was cast over the camp. Perhaps it was an effect of the Deep Fog but, from what Haran and Mars said, they hadn't seen the moon since the start of the Scourge. Just dark and cloudy night skies yet it never rained.

"Is something wrong?" As he got to the part where KP distracted Drakken on stage, Ron noticed how downcast Hana was and asked.

"It's nothing…" She said that but Ron knew better. Being the best friend of an incredibly prideful girl like Kim Possible for years taught him better then to let that go.

"Hana, I may not have known you for long but if anything's bothering you then I would be happy to listen."

"…Really?"

"Of course. Swear on my life or hope to never eat Bueno Nacho again." Which may not be saying much considering where he was but the vow stood. Hana tilted her head cutely.

"What's Bueno Nacho?"

"The food of the gods." Ron said with a completely straight face and Hana went silent for a couple seconds.

"My brother said our mother and little sister are most likely dead." Hana said and Ron recoiled.

"Oh…" He simply said. He wanted to say more but waited for Hana to finish before giving his two cents.

"I know he didn't mean to cruel about it. They were in the capital the day the Demons came and that was months ago. I know if it'd be better to not hope so I'm not disappointed but I-I…" Hana placed her face on her knees, her shoulders shaking and Ron grimaced.

'Sheesh, talk about having no tact. She's 9 for god's sake!' But he could get where Haran was coming from. It was practically impossible for a mother and her child to survive in a scenario where countless more able have died. It was only logical.

"What should I do?" Hana raised her head, tears in her eyes and any rebuttal Ron had died on his tongue.

"You should hope." Ron said confidently. "Hope that your mom had found a safe place or even the Nexus and you'll meet her again."

"B-But what if she didn't?"

"Then at least you hoped. Never stopping hoping Hana, to stop is to go down a slippery slope and you won't be able to come back." Hana looked conflicted. Her face went through multiple phases of conflict and grief before she steeled her features. Ron knew her answer and petted her again. "Good girl. Now, let me tell you about how the red haired hero only won thanks to the musical genius of our plucky young squir-"

A resounding crash violently shook the ground. Hana screamed in fear and latched onto Ron, the sidekick holding onto the little girl until the shaking had stopped.

Then the screams of the people from the outside drew his attention. Making sure Hana was okay, Ron hurriedly exited his tent and looked around for the source of the panic and his blood ran cold.

Wrong.

That was the word that came to mind when Ron gazed upon the 10-foot-tall monstrosity that stood in the middle of the camp. Grayish skin with numerous spikes jotting from its arms and back, three red glowing eyes scanned the crowd as its sharp maw clacked eerily. It also had two large horns on its head and tiny wings (for its frame) on its back. The grey Demon carried a giant black club in its hulking arms.

So wrong.

Ron's head panged painfully the longer he stared at the monster. He averted his gaze and noticed how a couple people were motionlessly standing in front of the Grey Demon. He thought it was because of fear but his eyes widened when wisps exited the people's bodies and were drawn to the Grey Demon.

'No.' Ron's forehead started to sweat. 'Those are Souls.' It was eating their souls.

Ron felt a tug on his hand and looked down to see Hana shivering behind him, holding onto his leg. He needed to get her out of here.

'But what about the people?' As the Ron contemplated his next course of action the Grey Demon let out an eldritch grunt when it consumed the last soul and turned to stare at the sidekick. The people around the Grey Demon also turned to stare at Ron and his throat became dry.

They all had vacant looks in their eyes.

Those weak of will find their souls ripped from their bodies when in front of a True Demon and become Soul Starved. They forever stalk the earth until they kill enough people to regain their former humanity. Or until someone comes along and finishes them off.

'Ah crap.' Ron immediately lifted Hana and booked the moment the first Soul Starved took one step towards them. The pattering of feet and the small flapping of wings caused Ron to look behind him as he ran and he withheld the urge to shout. Like mindless zombies the people chased after him with the Grey Demon flying above the tree line. 'Ah crap crap crap crap!'

It shouldn't have terrified Ron as much as it had. He's been chased by arguably worst in his career fighting crime and there was always a chance for death despite how often their enemies tried not to go for lethal force.

Then again, having your soul ripped out of your body and consumed in what would definitely be considered death in its totality was a little higher on the risk factor then he was used to so there was that. Thankfully, all his years of running away from danger had Ron quickly widening the gap between him and his pursuers before he lost them entirely. Now there was just the problem of the flying monster who was still chasing after him!

'Go away you damn overgrown lump! I still want to get into Bueno Nacho heaven!' Ron thought, trying to dash between the trees but was having little luck shaking the Grey Demon off. 'Where the hell is Haran and Mars in all of this!? I know we wanted to spread out the camp in case of an attack but we weren't that far off! You'd think the noise would-'

Ron leaned back in time to dodge a blade meant for his neck. Sliding to a stop, Ron grimaced saw it was two guards and cursed lowly when their eyes were vacant.

"Stay there Hana." Placing the little girl down and having her run to a nearby tree, Ron barely had the chance to get into a stance before a guard stabbed at him. Dodging the thrust, Ron punched the man threw times in his ribs and leaned back when he haphazardly swung at his head.

Jumping back when the second guard tried to flank him, Ron kicked his foot and nailed the Soul Starved guard clean in his face when he kneeled.

"L-Look out!" Hana yelled from behind her tree and Ron leaned out of the way of a downward slash. Kicking sword out of the guard's hands, the sidekick hooked his arm under the guard's armpit and threw him over his shoulder. The guard landed with a loud thud and was promptly knocked out.

'That should do-'

"M-Mr. Stoppable!" A towering presence sprung to life behind Ron and his throat felt like it was closing. Rolling away on instinct, he narrowly dodged a man-sized club impacting where he originally was standing. A giant bang resounded and dust flew everywhere. When it settled Ron gulped extra hard when he saw the large crater left by the strike.

Ron got back into focus when the club came flying at him and ducked. The trees behind him that were at least three times wider than him snapped like toothpicks. He couldn't dodge the next attack thanks to his close proximity and was slapped by the Grey Demon's free hand.

Ron was sent flying. His vision swam as he slammed into a tree and fell to the ground.

'This thing hits harder than Shego!' The sidekick thought as he coughed out clops of blood. His breathing became shallow and he was sure that hit broke a couple ribs. The Grey Demon rampaged after Ron, wildly swinging its club and he was forced to dodge, aggravating his wounds further. Every swing either uprooted a tree or left craters large then Ron. One good hit and Ron would become paste.

"Mr.Stoppable! Here!" After another narrow dodge that still drew blood thanks to a rough edge, Hana tossed a sword lying around to Ron and he caught it. While hesitant on using the murder weapon Ron threw such thoughts to the wind when he realized it was either do or die.

Taking a sword stance that he learned in the week he spent in Yamanouchi even though it was more meant for a katana, not like he was going to complain, Ron ducked under a swing of the club and cut the Grey Demon on the leg.

'Its hide is tough!' Ron thought when he barely pierced the skin and backed up when the club came down. The sidekick stayed to his advantage, outmaneuvering the Grey Demon and attacking when he had an opening. His heart panged in his ear as he dodged every swing that promised death and his wounds ached less as he toed the line. 'Thank god for adrenaline.'

The Grey Demon suddenly jumped up, passing above the tree line before dropping back down in wrestler fashion. Ron back pedaled rapidly and nearly tripped when the ground shook from its landing.

'Now!' Seeing the Grey Demon on its stomach, Ron charged at it and jumped on its shoulder. Dodging its hand when it batted at him, Ron got behind its neck and held his sword in a reverse grip.

Ron's sword became embedded in one of the Grey Demon's eyes. Letting out a deafening roar it started thrashing, sending dirt and stone in all directions. Ron's just stabbed his sword in deeper. The Grey Demon slammed its back into a nearby tree and Ron gritted his teeth, his spine crying out in agony but his grip didn't waver.

A couple more slams and Ron feeling like his spine was nearly splintered in half the Grey Demon finally fell face first in the dirt. Ron's breath was taken from him as a thick, ethereal light escaped the Grey Demon and engulfed him.

'I-Is this…is this what taking a Soul feels like?' It felt amazing. No words Ron knew could properly describe the sheer power that he felt coursing through his veins. He took a deep inhale before he blinked and shuddered. 'No! This-this isn't right. I shouldn't take pleasure from this.' But it felt so damn good.

Ron had to hold back a despairing whine when he felt the Demon's Soul simmer but it didn't leave. He could sense it, sitting in his subconscious. How to draw its attention or use it was put on the back burner when pain wracked his body and he remembered the pounding he took from the Grey Demon.

"Urrggh…everything hurts…" Sliding off the Grey Demon's back, and leaving a worrying amount of blood behind, Ron winced when he sat on the ground. 'Really wish I asked Haran how to manipulate Souls.'

Hana approached Ron and worriedly hovered around him. While the little girl was awed that Ron had beaten a True Demon, beings that have destroyed her kingdom and laid waste to legions of men, she was more preoccupied with how bad Ron looked. His clothes were soaked with blood (both his and the Grey Demon's), his chest rose irregularly and his entire back was swollen beyond belief.

Honestly, Hana was just surprised he was still kicking. A shuffling of feet rang out in the distance and caused both to stiffen.

"We can't stay in one place." Ron said in finality and with a deep groan got to his feet.

"C-Careful!" Hana fearfully said, helping Ron to stand straight when he swayed.

"Thanks." Ron smiled at her before focusing. "We need to find the others; it's not safe out here."

For either of them. Walking, or limping in Ron's case, they made for the rest of the camp. Ron had run in the opposite direction of it in his chase and when they made it back they both recoiled.

It was chaos. Fire spread madly, from tents to trees to people. Soul Starved were attacking the defenseless refugees, those few able to fight overrun by those without Souls. Ron had to block Hana's sight when he saw a mother kill her son. The only reason he knew they were related was because the kid yelled for his mom, reaching out to her and she responded by strangling him with her bare hands.

That image was going to haunt him for long time, he just knew. Ron made to go forward, to stop the mother, to do something but a hand grabbed his arm and pulled him and Hana behind a tree.

"Mars!" Ron made to punch who grabbed him and relaxed when he saw it was the old guard. He was bloodied, deep cuts on his shoulder and arms but what caught Ron's attention was the look in Mars eyes.

He was terrified. Not the usual fear for your life type of scared, the type Ron had intimate experience with, but a bone numbing fear that made you lose all function. It was odd, seeing it on the old happy go lucky guard he's come to know. Ron would have questioned what he saw that made act like that but he had bigger issues to deal with and tried to escape Mars grasp.

"NO! No. I-It's still out there. It just flew overhead. T-The fire…the fire…"

Ron frowned as he saw the old guard withdraw into himself and he tried to snap him out of it.

"Mars get a hold of yourself! These people need help! We need to do something or els-"

Another boom echoed in the distance and rumbling was more apparent now. Ron fell to his knees while Mars and Hana screamed. The sidekick grunted from having his wounds aggravated and saw a dust cloud pick up in the distance.

"T-That's where Haran took those still sane." Mars said and Ron bit his lip. He wanted to help the people here but as time passed the clearer it became that there wasn't much he could do. More and more people were dying and sooner or later only the Soul Starved will remain.

"Mr. Stoppable…" Hana said and Ron looked down to see the pleading look in her eyes. Ron made his decision.

"Let's go." He hated it. Being powerless, for not being able save those dying. Glancing back as they left Ron gritted his teeth when the few left alive were torn apart by the hoard of Soul Starved. 'God fucking damn it…'

It was all wrong. It shouldn't have been like this. Ron remembered all the times he and Kim had saved the day, either from a super villain or a natural disaster. They rarely failed and when they did the taste of failure was never this heavy.

But Kim wasn't here was she? A disemboweled voice spoke and Ron stiffened though he kept walking. These people could have been saved if she was here. She can do the impossible; she could have saved them and even found a way home by now. But sadly, they got you.

And now they're dead for it.

Ron hated himself as they got further away and the screams faded. He was walking on autopilot and when they finally arrived Hana's voice was what bought him back.

"It's Haran!" The 14 year old Soul Arts user was standing out in the open a couple meters away from them. The rest of the survivors were also around him but they were all ram straight, staring towards the mountain in front of them.

"Wait." Ron grabbed Mars and Hana before they could continue. Something was wrong. 'This scene is awfully familiar…'

They were between the trees so Ron guided them a little closer, careful to not be too obvious and his took in a deep breath when he saw the people's souls escaping their bodies. The odd thing was that he didn't see any Demon. All the Souls were going towards the mountai-

Faster then he thought possible Ron hauled Mars and Hana behind a nearby three. His heart hammered in his chest almost painfully as he slowly peeked around the corner and took a look at the moving "mountain".

His heart stopped beating. He ears no longer picked up anything and he could have sworn his lungs just took an unscheduled vacation because he wasn't breathing anymore. Not that it mattered when all of Ron's attention was on the…enormity that, when it stood, seemed to scrap the clouds.

It was a Dragon. Ron had seen enough fantasy shows to know what a Dragon looked like and this thing was definitely one. It had the wings, the horns, the scales but there was appreciating a mythical creature on the page of a book and having it not even a hundred meters away from you.

And for the Dragon in front of him, a hundred meters probably meant nothing.

'So this is how the people in the movie felt when being in front of Godzilla.' If Godzilla was meaner looking, had demonic eyes and could eat Souls. Every breath it took echoed across the forest and caused Ron's ribcage to rumble. The Grey Demon's presence was nothing in front of this thing and he desperately wracked his brain to find a way out of this. Hana and Mars were scared shitless next to him. 'Come on, come on! Think! Think!! What can I do!? How can I hel-'

Ron's eye met Haran's. Against all odds, the 14 year old was able to directly stare at the Dragon and not have his soul ripped from him. But that did nothing to lessen the growing despair in his eyes. Ron wanted to convey his intentions. That he was going to get him out of here. That they'll reach the Nexus alive.

Haran, as if he knew, just slowly shook his head. Giving a shaky head, Haran mouthed something towards Ron before staring back up at the Dragon.

'Take care of Hana.' He couldn't read lips but it wasn't hard to infer in this situation. Closing his eyes and lowering his head, Ron turned to the two.

"Mars. Take Hana and go towards Boletaria. I'll catch up." Ron said leaving no room for discussion and Marston picked up on that. Hana didn't say a word as she was led away and Ron took a step towards Haran.

He couldn't run. Regardless if it was suicide, he'd never be able to face Kim again if he ran without at least trying to help. Time was ticking as the last remaining person had their souls slowly ripped from them and soon Haran would be surrounded on all sides by the Soul Starved. Ron waited for his moment. For the Dragon to realize there were no more souls to reap and fly away, allowing Ron to handle the many Soul Starved with Haran. A daunting task but it was doable. Far more doable then fighting the behemoth.

'It could work.' So Ron waited.

"Ahhh!" Unfortunately, like many moments tonight, fate did not smile favorably upon him. Ron whipped his head around to see a Soul Starved had snuck up on Marston and stabbed him in the arm with a dagger. Punching them away, his yell of pain in the dead of night echoed far.

Eight giant malice filled red eyes sprung to life above them.

Hana screeched. Mars grabbed her and blocked her body with his while Ron sprinted towards them. Haran yelled and shot a ray to draw the attention of the Soul Starved. To all this, the Dragon did nothing but raise its colossal arm…and then dropped it.

The world was flipped on its axis.

---

He was on his back. This was how Ron found himself when he regained consciousness. Dust filled the air and he could scarcely recognize the surroundings. What was once a vibrant forest was now a disaster zone full of giant craters and deep valleys. Through the haze and tears, he could see the nearby mountains were also cracked open and giant boulders were rolling down unstable slopes.

'O-One hit d-did this?' Ron thought in horror. He couldn't see Haran or any of the people anywhere. Ron moved his head, a strenuous task, and he found Mars and Hana. They were banged up but alive, miraculously, lying unconscious under a bunch of fallen trees. Ron willed his arms and legs to move but it was like they were full of lead. 'Actually, I can't feel my legs at all…that's probably a bad sign.'

A shadow appeared over him and he turned his head to see a woman. He couldn't tell how tall she was from his position but she had short black hair, white skin and was dressed in odd black wrappings. Her eyes were covered in some sort of wax and she was holding a black staff.

"H-Help…" Ron said through parched lips and the woman tilted her head. "H-Help…them…p-please." Ron pointed to the two with the last embers of his dwindling strength and she stared at them.

"Thou wish for me to save them?"

"Y-yes."

"…Very well." The woman said after a moment before looking at Ron. "But to worry for others in thou position is…"

He was confused…until the woman looked down and Ron followed her gaze.

Everything below his waist was gone. No clothes, no exposed legs. Just a messy stain of blood on the rock.

'Oh…' Ron simply thought and blood started leaking from his mouth. 'I'm dying.'

It was a bit surreal. To die in a place like this. Not to some crazy super villain or doomsday scheme. Nope, he was going to die in another time or dimension thanks to a giant Kaiju reject. What a way to go.

Ron barely registered the woman walking away. He didn't register the blood that continued to pool under him nor the way it clogged his throat and made it harder to breath. The only thing that he registered was the memories that came flooding back to him and he gave a small smile.

'Sorry…KP…I broke…my-'

……….

……

…

Soul of the Mind, Key to Life's Ether

Heed thy Call from Beyond the Coil

Soul of the Lost, Withdrawn from its Vessel

Let Strength be granted so the World might be mended

So the World may be mended

...

Ronald Stoppable opened his eyes.

---

A/N: Let me just say this now, this will not be a happy story. Will there be moments of happiness and wholesome moments? I hope to deliver yes. Will it ultimately be depressing, painful and downright grown man crying inducing? Absolutely.

To all my Soulsborne brothers and sisters out there and everyone else, I hope you enjoy.

 

[AlphaWolf112480]

Soul of the Mind, Key to Life's Ether

Heed thy Call from Beyond the Coil

Soul of the Lost, Withdrawn from its Vessel

Let Strength be granted so the World might be mended

So the World may be mended

Click to shrink...

He going to unleash his inner MONKE

Spoiler: Return to MONKE

 

[James Archer]

interesting, very interesting.

keep up the awesomeness and stay safe.

 

[Stormbringer117]

As a professional Soulsborne Weeb, you have my attention.

This is a seriously awesome start! Well Done!

 

[questionablequestioner]

Hot dang! This is definitely a neat concept, though it's gonna be sad if Ron loses his upbeat self due to the horror that is Demon Souls. Still, the image of Ron unleashing his inner monke and becoming the King of Kongs might make up for such

 

[NathanHale2SB/nowQQ]

There is the issue of names gaining more letters than they need like Hana becoming Haran and vice versa throughout the chapter and other little grammar slip ups. Other than that. Interesting hook.

 

[WaywardWriter]

Chapter 1: The First of Many​

Disclaimer: I do not own Demon Souls or Kim Possible. I own the OCs.

---

The smell of incense and idle chatter flooded Ron's senses as he came to. Blinking a couple times, Ron sat up to see he was lying on a floor mat. He was in a long hallway that had large pillars, yellow glowing circles floating on the walls and candles everywhere.

"I-I'm alive?" That threw the sidekick for a loop. Last he checked, getting cut in half was about as fatal as it got. He heard a soft chuckle nearby.

"Ah, so the newest son awakes from his slumber. How unfortunate, I would have stayed asleep if I had the choice." Ron looked over to a man sitting on a pillar tiredly smiling at him…or at least what he thought was a man.

"Ghost are real too?" Ron asked only in slight shock when he saw the man's ethereal appearance. Having already seen Demons, Dragons and magic, meeting a ghost doesn't have the same impact.

"Ghost? Hm, well I suppose that's not inaccurate. Welcome back to the land of the living, my fellow ghost." The man said in a bitter tone and Ron frowned.

"What? I'm not a-" Ron stopped when he raised a hand and finally noticed how transparent it was. Turning his palm over a couple times in a daze, Ron looked down and saw that his entire body was also see-through. "I…I really did die didn't I?"

"Yes." The man bluntly said and Ron slumped.

That…well that tanked. Ron expected to feel many things. Anger, either at the Dragon that killed him or at himself for getting in this scenario. Denial that this was how it ended for him. Disappointment for never seeing KP or Rufus or any of his friends one last time. All the emotions Ron expected to feel never came. He just…

Ron lied back down on the mat, completely defeated.

"You alright there boy?" The ghost asked

"I'm dead." Ron said in annoyance. "How do you think I feel?"

"Beats me. I've forgotten how I first reacted when I first got here. For all I know, you're taking it better than I did."

"And where is this exactly? Heaven?" The candles and intricate architecture did give off a holy vibe.

"Oh right, I've almost forgotten. You didn't immediately wake up so the Maiden allowed you to be carried off into a corner to wait. I suppose even Demons can run out of patience with enough time. But to answer your question, no you are not in heaven."

"Then where am I?" The ghost motioned to the entrance and Ron stood up groggily, feeling an odd sense imbalance in his body. He walked to the opening and his eyes widened.

It was a massive temple. Giant pillars held up a sky high ceiling and countless statues were sculpted onto the walls. A particular statue stood dozens of meters tall above the main area, it was a blind woman holding a book and a knife. Five totems the size of houses surrounded the woman with a sixth one half destroyed and in the very center was glass floor with magical symbols on it.

"Welcome to the Nexus. Don't let its pretty appearance fool you; this place has its fair share of ugliness." The man said and Ron stared at the temple in awe.

"So this is the Nexus." It was more impressive then he was expecting. What the man said seemed strange but Ron couldn't be bothered to think too heavily on it because he saw two familiar figures chatting below and immediately walked down the stairs. "Mars! Hana!"

The old guard and girl stiffened before turning with joyful expressions. Mars laughed as Hana rushed to Ron and hugged his waist tightly.

"Good to see you awake kid! The girl's been anxious since we're arrived and wouldn't leave your side unless it was to eat." Ron reflexively hugged Hana back, noting the empty bowls left in Hana and Mars' original positions.

"How long was I out?"

"About a day." A stocky middle aged man with brown hair and darks eyes said.

"It's already been a day?" Mars asked in shock and the man kindly smiled.

"It's difficult to tell time when you first come here. I'm Thomas by the way."

"Ron. Ron Stoppable." The sidekick nodded at Thomas before looking around at the other inhabitants of the Nexus. There weren't many. Besides a woman in armor praying in the corner and a man in royal looking robes reading a book most of the other people were haggard and huddled together in their own groups. "Did no one else make it?" Ron asked after not seeing people from the group he came with.

"None." Mars said sadly and Ron bit his lip.

"And Haran?" Mars just gave another saddening shake of his head. Ron felt Hana quiver in his arms, the girl's face fully planted in his waist. "Oh Hana, I'm so sorry."

A somber mood washed over the group. Mars looked on as Ron comforted the crying girl. The sidekick was mentally kicking himself for being so useless. It took more than 20 minutes before the girl could stop crying and even longer for her to disconnect from Ron.

'She must have been holding it in for a long time.' Ron thought as Hana wiped her tears and snot with her arms.

"Here, use this." Thomas held out a clean rag with an understanding smile. Hana made to refuse so Ron took it on her behalf and wiped down her face.

"I'm sorry I got your shirt dirty." Hana apologized, blushing when she saw the stain she left behind on his shirt and Ron chuckled.

"It's okay. Though I do wonder how dry cleaning for ghosts works." That got a giggle out of Hana. Despite dying and leaving his mortal body behind Ron noticed that he was wearing the outfit he had when the Dragon killed him (he was still coming to terms with that one). He had his mission attire, the small bag given to him by the others for food and- "Wait, I don't remember having this before."

Ron saw some sort of bracelet was locked around his left wrist and tried to take it off. It didn't budge.

"She didn't explain it to you?" Thomas said in surprise and Ron frowned.

"Explain what?"

"Huh, she's usually more attentive than that…" Thomas said, falling into deep thought. "Well, I think it's better for the big man to explain things."

"Big man?" Ron said and paused when Thomas pointed up. Looking up and back to Thomas, Ron sputtered. "Y-You don't mean…" If God was also a proven fact here and he could meet him then Ron was going to lose his shit.

"The Monumental." Thomas clarified and Ron blinked. "He's on the upper most floor."

"Oh…Oh! R-right, of course." Ron said scratching his hair awkwardly.

"You do know who the Monumental is right?"

"I-I do! I was j-just confused that's all. I'll go meet him now." Ron stood up but paused when Hana gripped onto his pants. Smiling, he kneeled and patted her head. "I need to go talk to someone now Hana. Just stay with Mars and Thomas for now okay? I'll be back soon."

Frowning, Hana nodded nonetheless and let go. Watching Ron walk up the steps a sigh came from the corner.

"It's cruel you know. He's just a kid." A random man sitting next to his son said.

"I know." Thomas gave a sigh and Mars narrowed his eyes at the two.

"What? What's cruel?" Mars asked but they didn't answer, avoiding the old guard's suspicious gaze. Hana looked between them in confusion.

Ron didn't hear the monologue between Thomas and the man. He walked up the multiple flights of stairs and when he reached the top floor he was slightly exhausted. He leaned on a pillar to catch his breath.

'So I can sweat as a Ghost? Guess you learn something every day…' Ron thought when he wiped his forehead and saw his wet hand. 'Why am I so tired?' He frowned when a full minute passed but he was still catching his breath.

This has never happened to him before. Ron had done far more physically taxing things when on missions with Kim and while he couldn't compare to the teen hero's physical ability, he could keep up if pushed came to shove. You don't follow Kim Possible on death defying missions' everyday without some skill.

Yet Ron waited a good 3 minutes before he could properly move again. Planning to look into that later, Ron reached a wide hall that also acted as a balcony that overlooked the Nexus.

Ron paused and his eyes widened in horror when he saw a veritable line of dead children lining the inner wall. Each child was garbed in ceremonial robes and laid in front of an unlit candle.

"Welcome oh Slayer of Demons. We have awaited your arrival." Ron's heart nearly jumped out of his chest when one of the children lifted their heads and spoke in an old tone.

"W-What happened to them?" The sidekick asked and the child gave a hollow smile.

"My brothers and sisters are gone, the weight of our responsibility has taken its toll and only I remain."

"Responsibility?" What kind of responsibility would justify the death of all these children?

"The one we were created for." The child answered and Ron shivered when he saw the look in his eyes. They were devoid of all emotion. "Please, sit. We have much we have to speak about."

Slightly uncomfortable, Ron took a seat nonetheless. Despite the unnerving feeling he was getting from the kid Ron pushed it down if it meant answers to what was going on in this place and what it meant that he was now a ghost.

"You are not a ghost oh Slayer of Demon. Simply a prisoner."

"Okay, you have got to stop doing that." Ron grumbled. "And what do you mean a prisoner? What is this place? What…are you?"

"Perhaps it would help if we started from the very beginning." The child said and cupped its hands around the sole lit candle. "A long, long time ago when man first walked this earth, God had given them a soul. They learned to harness the soul and with it man was able to accomplish many great deeds. They could heal the sick, create incredible works of wonder, and bend reality to their very whims. They could even deny Death itself."

He took a long glance at Ron and the sidekick gulped.

"Under such prosperous use of the soul, which was eventually dubbed the Soul Arts, man was able to unite the world. Sadly, a lust for power had awakened and drew the attention of an unfathomably powerful Demon. The Old One. From it sprung a deep colorless fog and it engulfed the world. It threatened to destroy everything and only after an innumerable amount of souls and half the world erased did we successfully seal away the Old One underneath the Nexus."

"U-U-Underneath?" Ron asked sweat barreling down his face and his feet going numb.

"Worry not; the Nexus exists between dream and reality. It is outside the world we know and the Old One cannot escape it." The child said in an attempt to ease Ron's worries. It didn't. "But just because its physical body is sealed does not mean it cannot use proxies to spread its fog once more. So in an attempt to protect reality in future from the Old One's reemergence, six Arch Stones were created and the Monumentals were named."

"One to the king of a small yet diligent land, one to the king of the burrowers underground, one to the wise queen of the great ivory tower, one to the chieftains of lost and ill-fortuned souls, one to the shaman of the storm-worshipping shadow men. And the last to the great giants of the Northern Lands but they were lost to war shed. The Arch stones were placed at nodes across the earth. We held the Old One inside this Nexus, and were dedicated to stopping the abuse of the Soul Arts. Finally, we became Monumentals; I am one such Monumental. I may appear like this but I have existed for many of millennia." The Monumental said and sighed. "Alas, the other Monumentals have perished and their roles seemingly forgotten. The Deep Fog has returned and the world has no protectors…Until now."

The Monumental looked up at Ron and the sidekick's eye widened.

"D-Do you mean me?"

"You were chosen by the Nexus and your soul is bound to it. No matter how you die your soul will forever be brought to the Nexus."

"Is that what this is?" Ron lifted his arm and stared at the binding. "So that's what you meant when you said prisoner…"

"It is a tool and a curse. To slay the Demons and Arch Demons and lull the Old One to sleep. Until that is done then you will unfortunately be stuck here."

That was a lot to throw at the sidekick all at once. Ron fell deep into thought. He felt for the people of this world. How could he not? The Old One sounded far more dangerous and unstoppable then any super villain back home.

But what could he do? Warped sense of immortality or not Ron couldn't imagine being able to slay the Dragon that killed him. His resolve only became more set when he asked the Monumental about it and paled when he heard that it was only 1 of 5 Arch Demons.

'There were 4 more monsters like that thing?' Forget it. He wasn't Kim. He killed a Demon by the skin of his teeth and doubted he could anything but annoy something like the Dragon God (Christ its name was terrifying as well). Ignoring his own lack of confidence, Ron hesitance also stemmed from the fact that he wouldn't have been able to reach the Arch Demons without a fight by the Monumental's admission.

Demons and Arch Demons he had no problem with killing. Like putting down a rabid animal (though he avoided doing that too unless it was to eat or to protect someone) he could stomach it. But apparently there were countless Soul Starved soldiers, citizens, and Knights in between Ron and the nearest Demon, all wanting to kill him.

And he would be forced to return the favor.

"I'm sorry but I can't be your Slayer." Ron said with a final shake of his head. He wouldn't be a murderer, he wouldn't kill people. Even if they weren't people anymore.

"I see…" The Monumental said and lowered his head. "Well, the Nexial Binding is permanent and the Nexus is home to all that reach it. I will not force you out."

That put Ron's worries at ease (for once since this conversation started). He felt bad about refusing to help but killing people couldn't be the only thing he could do. He just needed to find it. He made to turn around and head back down but paused when a stray thought came to mind.

"Hey." Ron started and looked to the Monumental who was hyper focused on the candle. "You said I was chosen by the Nexus right?"

"Yes you were but I must admit it is more the Maiden's and our own decision that is taken into account when picking one to bind."

"Then…why didn't you pick Haran too?" Ron couldn't help but ask and the Monumental tilted his head.

"The young child that could use Soul Arts? Yes, he would have been a good candidate." The Monumental admitted. "But unfortunately, the Nexus does have a max amount of souls it can bind. Countless warriors have come before you and the strain has piled up. Only one could be chosen at this time. You were picked because despite his talent, you were the one to slay a Demon."

So it was a decision made out of requirement. Ron could get that. He could understand that. But that didn't make the trip back to the lower levels any easier. Nor did it ease the pain when he saw the way Hana's face brighten up at his return. He gave a forced smile when she handed him some dried venison to eat.

It tasted like ash to the sidekick.

---

Just like the Thomas had said, time moved oddly in the Nexus. Entire days would pass and Ron could sparsely notice time go by while some days were excruciatingly slow. Ron had missed his friends and family almost immediately since he was sent here but that intensified when he realized what true tedium was.

Hana, Mars and Thomas were his ray of light in this place. Besides talking with them about their lives and doing miscellaneous tasks like cleaning the rooms or keeping track of community supplies, Ron had done a lot of experimenting and exploring since his binding to the Nexus.

One thing he found out was that the Nexus was huge. Not just the tall and spacious main area but the entirety of the Nexus was an enormous temple of endless halls and rooms. There was a smith room, a library, a bath room, storage room (though any of the rooms could do) and dozens of other resting rooms. One could get lost for a long time if they weren't careful and that was why most of the Nexus denizens kept to the main hall.

'I just wish they were a little more subtle with the stares.' Another thing Ron figured out that he was something of a point of interest for most of the survivors in the Nexus. At first he thought it was because of his appearance but there was another person in this place that sported the same ghostly look so it couldn't be that. 'I get the feeling it's not novelty they're experiencing either.'

No one would ever describe Ron as a perceptive person. His typical bumbling personality and eccentricity didn't help his case but Ron could notice certain ques. The way random survivors would try to avoid meeting his eyes whenever he was in close proximity or how they would speak softly and respectfully whenever he helped Thomas distribute food.

It wasn't fear. They weren't doing these things because they were afraid of Ron. No, they did out of an emotion that the sidekick was getting more of since coming to this world and frankly…it was starting to annoy him.

"Hey Mars."

"Hm?" The old guard raised his head, stopping his earlier task of cleaning his boots and looked to Ron who was sitting on the ledge of the second floor. They had moved their sleeping quarters up there with Hana having a small tent for her privacy nearby.

"Do you ever feel like you're missing something? That everyone else seems to know that you don't?"

"You're talking about the survivors." Mars said as he wiped his underfoot. "I've noticed too. They're hiding something."

"I don't think they're hiding something just…uncomfortable about bringing it up." Ron didn't think it was maliciousness involved in the people's strange actions. He could be wrong though but they would have been more blatant about it if it was. 'And you don't look at people you hate in pity.'

Bonnie sure as hell never did.

"Then why don't you ask them?" Mars offered and Ron made a pensive face.

"That may not be the best idea." Ron didn't want to make a scene. Things were tense enough with the current situation in Boletaria and the complete lack of information from outside the Nexus. "How long have we been here again?"

"…3 days."

"That long huh?" Ron said and quirked a brow when Mars gave him an odd look. "What?"

"Nothing. It's just that you asked me that same question an hour ago."

He did?

"Are you sure?" Ron frowned when Mars nodded. He couldn't remember.

"Maybe it's reading all that those cryptic Soul Arts books that melted your memory. How you can read those is beyond me."

Ron chuckled at the distaste the old guard had for the book he held at his waist. He had taken it upon himself to try and see if he can use the Soul Arts. The thought of blasting literal balls of magic from his finger tips had the sidekick incredibly excited (who wouldn't?). What the Monumental said what those with sufficient mastery in the Soul Arts could do also gave the sidekick hope that he may one day find a way home with the sorcery.

Unfortunately for Ron, his initial start into the Soul Arts was rough on arrival. There were very few Soul Art users in the Nexus. The most knowledgeable one was so condescending that he couldn't be bothered to talk to Ron without a basic education of the Soul Arts. Stuck with no other option Ron found the library and tried his luck there.

"I see you heeded my words and properly tended to such priceless literature like you should have. Good, I would hate to rip your balls off otherwise."

Julie was an…interesting person to Ron Stoppable. A short middle aged woman with light brown hair and dark eyes, the homely figure she depicted was quickly ruined whenever the librarian opened her mouth.

'If she was a librarian before coming here.' For all Ron knew she was probably just a normal merchant or something and just really liked books. Julie was one of the survivors that typically stayed in another section of the Nexus that wasn't the main hall. She made the library her home and protected the books here with all the ferocity of a mama bear.

"It was a good read. It was definitely more helpful than the other stuff on starting the Soul Arts." Ron said and meant it. Her recommended book was the only one he could properly understand without learning a new eldritch language. It was amazing he actually got through most of it considering his past attitude with studying but the thought of learning actual magic was one hell of a motivator.

"I'd hope so. It was the one of the most beginner level books meant to teach even idiots how to manipulate the soul."

"I…want to say thank you but I'm pretty sure you just called me stupid."

"You're welcome."

Pouting at the older woman, Ron stalked off with a grumble and made for a desk in the middle of the library.

'Might as well get started on what I read.' Ron thought as he took a seat and breathed in deeply. Shutting his eyes, the sidekick got into a basic mediation stance (it was eerily similar to the one he learned in Yamanouchi) and tried to get a feel for his soul. Like his initial experience with recognizing the Demon's soul in his subconscious though it was no longer there, Ron sensed his own soul.

It was like an ember. Flickering in and out of existence and slightly unstable. Ron brought his hands together and pulled on the soul. He thought he'd have a harder time doing so. The book had stressed how difficult it would be for first time users to properly control the soul without a…

'Without a what?' Ron frowned, unease filling his body as the power of his soul cloaked his already ethereal hands in a bluish glow. 'Well that wasn't so ba-'

The glow in his hands erupted without warning. Destroying the desk and sending Ron flying into the bookshelf behind him (though it barely shook) the sidekick blinked away the spots in his vision.

What happened? Did he do it wrong? Or did he do something right?

"Are you a fucking moron?!" Julie's wrathful words implied the former. She stood over the fallen sidekick with a furious expression. "What kind of idiot are you!? Why would you try to use your soul without a Catalyst? Even the most basic application requires one for beginners!"

"I-It does?"

"Yes! It was in the book you just read!"

It was. Ron had a sure feeling it did and he read the entire book.

'So why couldn't I remember it?' Ron was a bit of a klutz but that was a bit forgetful, even for him. Julie's glare softened when she saw Ron's silence and sighed.

"Never mind. Just prepare better before trying anything else. Don't beat yourself up for it. It happens to the best of us." Julie said in a soft tone. Ron realized she was misreading his silence for regret but didn't bother to clarify. Something was going on.

"I'll see you later Julie." Getting up and leaving under the worrying gaze of the librarian, Ron held his head as he walked back to the main hall. Was it something he ate? Doubtful. Despite not needing to eat thanks to no longer having a body, Ron still ate out of habit and nothing he had earlier was particularly new.

Was he just tired? After being in Soul Form for a couple days Ron realized that he was physically weaker. His stamina and strength were nothing like they were when he was alive. Not that he was all that impressive before but he could have walked up a flight of stairs without running out of breath.

He needed to find a way to fix this. If his Soul Form was actually messing with his ability to focus then he had to find a solution.

'Maybe the Monumental has an idea.' The guy still freaked Ron out but he seemed smart and he said he was pretty old so must have some ideas. Ron entered the main hall to see Thomas around with bundles of blankets and towels in his arms. The Stockpile was giving them out to the various survivors and Ron smiled at this.

Thomas was a widow, having lost his wife and daughter to the Demons in Boletaria. Finding himself in the Nexus randomly, the Stockpile helped the people whenever he could despite his great loss. Ron couldn't help but admire him for that.

"Hey Thomas." Ron called out when he passed by and Thomas smiled nervously.

"Mr. Stoppable, hello. I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."

"It's just Ron Thomas. Mr. Stoppable makes me sound old." Ron said with a wave of his hand. "I see you're doing the honest man's work. You should have told me, I would have helped you."

"Oh I couldn't bother a mighty Slayer of Demons like you with anymore stuff like this. It's beneath you." Thomas said with full honesty and Ron bashfully scratched the back of his head.

"That's not true; I'm not all that great. Besides, every little bit of help goes a long way."

"You're a very humble man Mr. Stoppable." Thomas smiled before giving a small frown. "But I am confused."

"On what?"

"I've mentioned my plans to give out more sleeping supplies to you yesterday."

"…What?"

"Indeed and you've offered to help then too. N-not that I'm angry you didn't or anything! I can understand a man of your skills would obviously be very busy. I'm just confused as to why we're speaking of it again."

What…What is this?

Ron could have sworn this was the first time he was having this conversation with Thomas. Yet, as the Stockpile stood genuinely confused in front of Ron, the sidekick could tell he wasn't lying.

His feet moved. If asked, Ron wouldn't have been able to answer why he ran. He just knew he had to. The sudden movement attracted its fair share of attention from the survivors but he ignored the stares. Ignored the way his lungs seemed to struggle to properly pump oxygen. He just kept running until he stopped and panted heavily, leaning against a large pillar.

What was going on? What was happening? Ron could understand if the stress of dying and being stuck in an unknown dangerous world would have weird effects but the constant loss of moments was starting to unnerve the sidekick. It wasn't natural.

"So it's already begun huh?" Ron jumped slightly and turned to see his fellow ghost resident. He was sitting in the original position Ron met him when he woke up.

"What's begun?" Ron asked in desperation. "What is happening to me?!"

"They haven't told you?" The man asked but there was no surprise in his face. "Funny. They must have thought leaving you to slowly forget without ever knowing why would be better then the alternative. Heh, they're right."

"Can you please speak clearly for once!?" Ron started to feel irritation build at the constant cryptic wording and the man gave him a hollow look.

"You truly wish to know? I was being honest; ignorance would be a kinder fate."

"I don't care! I deserve to know. This is driving me crazy. It's like-"

"How did you die?" The man abruptly asked

"What?"

"How, did you die?"

"I was killed by a Dragon."

"And?" The man said when Ron didn't elaborate. "Were you alone? Or were there other people there? Give me the details."

"Why do you care?"

"I don't."

Ron frowned, both at the man's increasingly odd behavior and his callous disregard for his trauma. Ron opened his mouth to paint the man a clear picture, planning to throw in some rather colorful words of his own…until nothing came out. Ron drew a blank.

'W-Who was I with again?' He was with someone when the Dragon God attacked. He failed to save someone. 'R-right, there was Hana and Mars and-and…'

Ron's head started to hurt. A metaphorical fog blocked the memories, memories he could feel were important but for the life he couldn't place them. He stumbled back, nearly falling and held his head as the pounding increased in intensity.

What was happening to him?

"It's what happens to Slayers who don't slay Demons." The man said. He sported the same hollow smile and just like when Ron woke up, it looked pathetically nihilistic. "The longer you spend in Soul Form and refuse to consume souls the more you start to lose your memories. The process is different for everyone but they rate is always the same. At first you lose random moments then things that happened days before or weeks. Then months. Then years until…"

He didn't have to continue. Ron caught on and the terror that gripped his heart made it hard to breath.

"I've long forgotten the name of my home, my mother, if I ever had a family. Hell I could sparsely remember my name. The most I could remember was that it had an H in it." The man humorlessly laughed and raised his hand. Ron saw he had the same Nexus Binding. "Yet, as the memories leave me, I never forget why. As if the Nexus itself will never allow me to forget on how I can gain them back."

"How?" Ron hoped he didn't sound as desperate as he felt and the man waved his hand.

"You go out, slay Demons and regain your mortal body. In fact you don't even need to do that. Reap any poor soul and with enough you'll be whole again."

"You mean be a murderer." Ron spat and the man shook his head.

"Can you really call it murder when the people you kill are no longer human?"

"There has to be another way."

"There isn't." The man coldly said and sighed. "Either that or experience the world's slowest suicide. Either way, the choice is yours."

What choice? How can he choose between dying and breaking his morals? To choose to forget everything he's ever known, to forget all he's left behind…to forget her. Ron felt the world around him fading in color and his breath became labored.

"So, tell me…do you feel better?"

He wanted to punch the man's smug face. To smash it straight into the concrete but the sidekick held himself back. He turned and ran. This time he could say his actions were justified but that didn't make him feel better. Nothing made sense anymore.

'Why was this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this? How-' Ron slammed into someone and they toppled to the ground. The sidekick quickly got to his fist and blushed. "I-I'm sorry! I wasn't looking where-"

Wax sealed eyes met his. The Maiden in Black. An odd woman that regularly tended the candles and roamed the halls of the Nexus with a cat's grace, Ron's face hardened when she nimbly stood up.

"Fret not Slayer of Demons, it was our fault." The Maiden in Black said and Ron leveled a hard glare at her expressionless face.

"Did you know?" He asked and she tilted her head. "Of what happens when I don't go out and kill Demons."

"I did."

"Then why the fuck didn't you tell me!?" Ron didn't curse often. A mix effect of being around Kim for so long and not being an easily angered person to begin with but he couldn't care right about now. The Maiden in Black took a moment to gather her thoughts before answering.

"The Monumental did not wish to burden your mind with such an unfortunate consequence alongside your already daunting task. Many before you have fallen prey to their greater fears and failed to overcome them when the truth was revealed."

"So you're saying he knew."

"The Monumental thought it best to-"

"I don't care what he thought was best!" Ron yelled. "I should have been told! At least I could have prepared to react better…better than this!"

"Be that as it may." The Maiden in Black started and lifted her head as if she was staring directly into his eyes. "You now know and realize what will happen if you do not fulfill your role."

"I won't kill people." Ron said in finality and turned to leave. He would find a way to regain his memories without spilling blood. He had to.

"You will fade." The Maiden's word struck Ron. She said fade. Not die, not lose.

Fade.

Every step felt like he was going through quicksand as he walked away.

---

The Nexus library was the first stop Ron went to in his search. Explaining his situation to Julie, what Ron already inferred was proven true. The survivors acted the way they did towards the sidekick because they knew something of his predicament. Not the whole story, Julie stressed, but the people who've been here the longest have seen former Slayers of Demons.

"Some break down after coming to the Nexus, too afraid to go out and fight the Demons. The others try but come back broken and disheartened…Many end up like that. None last long once they do."

That caused the sidekick to grimace. Julie said she didn't know many books that focused around the Soul Form but the library was massive, full of countless books that even she didn't know of. Ron got to work scouring the library for any information on how to regain his memories and hopefully his body.

Hours upon hours of searching with Julie's help came up with nothing. Ron spent days combing through dusty tomes, journals, diaries, anything that could fix him and they all steered him towards incredibly high level spells in the Miracles School or slaying Demons. One spoke about a nigh mythical stone shaped like a fractured eye that could repair anything broken (what that meant was kept pretty vague) but that was about it.

So Ron went about learning everything he could about Miracles and met the worshippers of God in the Nexus. Only two really knew how to cast Miracles and they were low level Miracles. An Acolyte of God known as Torah said that such Miracles that could restore a person from Soul Form to living flesh would be beyond even the most renowned Miracle user in Boletaria, Saint Urbain.

"Well, that isn't completely true." Rid, a Disciple of God, said with a contemplative face. "While I do not know if she would be capable of it, the Holy Maiden of the West Saint Astraea is an unparallel prodigy with Miracles and has been seen in Boletaria."

"Where?"

"She had traveled into the Valley of Defilement to help the people there and last I heard she had breached quite deep. There would surely be Demons on the way to her however."

Ron frowned at that but thanked the man and went to see if he could travel to the valley through the Arch Stones. That hope was dashed when he learned that particular Arch Stone was cut off from the Nexus.

"The greatest of the Arch Demons has sealed the other paths and the one still available is the Arch Stone of the Little King which leads to Boletaria's capital."

Ron scowled when the Maiden in Black reported that emotionlessly. Not deterred Ron kept trying. He went around speaking with the survivors and took everything they could give him and looked into them. Explored the Nexus further in case there was some sort of secret that he hadn't discovered or missed that could help him.

More days passed. Ron sat on the second floor, open scrolls and books littering the floor. Double checking and triple checking ever stray paper the sidekick was disheveled. He hadn't slept.

'Using the Soul Arts to create illusionary clones, further testing required to create physical clones and healthy test subjects. No. Transferring soul to puppet carefully crafted from Demon flesh. No. Brainwashing young children with innately powerful souls to give up their soul essenc-no!'

Ron shredded that last journal entry, uncaring of Julie's eventual reaction to his actions and sighed into his hands. He felt exhausted.

"Um." Ron lifted his head to see Hana nervously standing to the side and gave her a weak smile.

"Hey Hana." Seeing the smile return to the blond boy's face (even if it was a tired one) Hana smiled back and hurriedly gave him a small bag. "What is this?"

"Mr. Thomas said to give it to you. He said you haven't eaten in days."

Ron hadn't noticed his hunger. He certainly felt weaker but wondered if that was because of his actions, his stress or being in Soul Form for so long. Probably a mix of all three.

"Thank you Hana." Taking the bag Ron opened it to see a small loaf of bread inside. Hana sat down next to him, watching him devour it with gusto and looked over the papers on the ground. "Are these…"

"Oh, this isn't something you need to worry about." Ron said, pulling the papers to his side. 'Last thing I want to do is worry Hana.'

"You're trying to regain your body right?"

"…" Ron slowly turned to look at the 9 year old and blinked. "How-"

"Mars told me." She said instantly throwing the old guard under the bus and Ron sighed.

"I got to talk to that guy about what he says around you."

"I'm young not dumb." Hana pouted. "Besides, it's not any worse then what Haran used to tell me he did-" She paused when she saw the pained expression go by Ron's face. "You don't remember do you?"

"I'm sorry." It became more and more common for someone to speak to Ron about something like he should obviously know about it and it never failed to bring his spirits down. "Mars again?"

"The people. They talk."

"Right." An uncomfortable silence settled between them as Ron silently nibbled at the loaf. Seeing her downcast face, Ron placed a single hand on her shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. I'm going to fix this soon."

"C-Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Why don't you do it? Go out I mean and kill demons. Kill…people."

"I can't." Ron sighed, as if he answered that question a hundred times already (for all he knew he did) and Hana frowned.

"But why? You'll die if you don't."

"Because I can't! It's wrong!" Ron instantly regretted raising his voice and Hana visibly recoiled. "I-I'm sorry Hana. I didn't mean to-"

"I know." She said and they resumed the earlier silence. Hana glanced at Ron and made a hesitant face before speaking. "Haran-sorry, my older brother killed the Soul Starved before. He used to tell me how he hated doing it. That he knew it was wrong."

"I don't-"

"H-he wished he didn't have to." Hana said forcefully and Ron allowed her to finish. "But he said that he would do it again, no matter how many times it takes because he had a reason. M-maybe that's why you need?"

"What? A reason?"

"Yeah!" Hana said and flinched when she realized how excited she sounded at such a dark topic. "Haran would say he could it because he was thinking of me and the villagers. It wasn't the best reason. He knew that but…it made it easier."

Ron thought on her words. How simple they sounded. How they glossed over so many morals problems he had without giving real solutions. It was naïve.

'Or was I the one being naïve? Thinking that there's an easy way out and desperately searching for something that's not there.' Perhaps there were only hard choices.

"Thank you Hana. I'll think on that." Beaming, Hana scooted closer and placed her head on his lap. This was something of a nightly ritual they would do where Ron would tell her a story and she would do her best to visualize it. After telling her an edited version of how Team Go (who were changed to wizards) had their powers stolen and how the red headed knight and her plucky sidekick saved them, Ron carried Hana to her bed.

Staring at the girl as she softly slept Ron smiled before closing her tent. Walking towards the edge of the second floor the sidekick looked to the upper levels in thought.

'A reason huh…'

---

2 Days Later

The Monumental was exactly as he left him. Sitting amongst his dead brethren and staring pointedly at the lit candle in front of him, he looked up when Ron approached. His blond hair was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot and he moved with little energy. The Monumental said nothing as Ron stared at him for a long second before sighing and sitting on the ground.

"You've made your decision."

"No, not yet." Ron said with a shake of his head. "I want to ask you something."

"Go ahead. Whatever it is, I'll gladly-"

"Why didn't you tell me what would happen if I didn't kill Demons?"

"…"

"So much for whatever." Ron snorted and looked up with a defeated expression. "So it's that bad huh?"

"…"

"Fine. Whatever. Just tell me, what will happen if I go out there and I kill all those Demons?"

"You will save Boletaria and subsequently the rest of the world. You will be remembered as a Hero for the ages."

"Not good enough." Ron flatly said and shook his head with a bitter smile. "If KP were here to hear that she would have slapped me."

"…Then what do you desire?" The Monumental asked and Ron didn't hesitate.

"My home. I want a way back home."

"Once the Demons are killed and the fog lifts you will be able to leave."

"It's not that simple for me. I'm…not from around here." Ron worded it as vaguely as he could and the Monumental deeply stared at him.

"You're not from this world." It wasn't a question but Ron nodded all the same. "Ah, that explains it. Why your tether to this world is so weak compared to the other inhabitants."

"Can you do it? Can you send me home?"

This was Ron's bottom line. Days spent in utter anguish and mental pressure put many things in perspective for the blond teen. And if he came to one conclusion, it's that if he was going to cross that line, if he was going to kill people…then he would do it for himself. So he would make sure his friends and family were there at the finish line to welcome him home.

'I'm sorry KP but let me be selfish for now, okay? I'll apologize when I get back.'

"Very well. If you slay all the Demons and lull the Old One back to sleep then I will find a way to send you home. That I promise you." The Monumental said and Ron let out a breath. Bowing he got up and went to downstairs.

---

Morning After, Boldwin's Forge

"So you're the new Slayer? Took you a while to get here, definitely longer than those before you. You afraid of strangers or something?" Ron stood in the middle of a large forge, an elderly bald man hammering away in front of a scorching fire. The sidekick looked a little less ragged from yesterday. "Well the Monumental already let me know you were coming so go ahead and take your pick. Don't hurt yourself."

Ron looked to the rows of armor sets and scanned through them. Ron was never much a fan of armor, but figured it was better to be safe than sorry against the hoard of enemies he would no doubt face. Taking a Chain Mail set that had plates and decent flexibility Ron wanted to head to the next room to change but Boldwin waved his hand.

"Just do that here you daft fool. Modesty is for royalty and civilized folk." Boldwin laughed at his own joke and Ron stared before shrugging and started to strip. When Ron took off his shirt and baggy pants they became ordinary clothes again while the armor changed to match his ghostly image. A neat trick.

It felt bulky to the sidekick when it wasn't. A consequence of constantly wearing clothes with little layers and solely meant for agility. Making sure everything was properly strapped, Ron turned to the row of weapons. There were short swords, maces, hammers, spears, Boldwin had worked hard to make a variety of weapons.

Ron's eyes landed on a single katana. Grasping the hilt and raised his to eye level Ron swung the blade through the air and heard its gentle hum.

"A good piece that one. I had to use an old smithing technique I learned in the southern continent to properly temper the steel but it was worth it. Treat her right you hear?" Ron gave a quick nod and Boldwin gave him a scabbard to place around his waist and said "Happy hunting!" as he left.

Ron stood in front of the Little King's Arch Stone in silence. He'd imagine this moment many times the previous night. He'd imagine Hana, Thomas and Mars would be here to send him off…that is if he had told them.

'I hope they won't be too mad when I get back.' Ron thought as he raised his hand to touch the Arch Stone. Despite wanting their support this was something Ron needed to do himself or else he'll never step up. A tingle went through his hand and a fog covered his vision.

It receded to showcase a massive city wall. Ron looked around and saw he was standing on a huge bridge littered with trash and tipped over carriages.

'So that's what he meant by sword in stone…' Ron looked down and saw he was standing next to an ornate sword stuck in a boulder. It was odd to look at, like it would phase out of reality when you weren't really focusing on it.

A soft groan caused Ron to jump and whip around with his fists up.

It was Soul Starved. A short soldier carrying a broken sword and a shield groaned as he limped towards him. Ron felt his heart beat in his chest. He knew why. It wasn't the typical adrenaline it was…dread. But it wasn't from the Soul Starved. His hand shook as it reached over and fumbled to grasp the hilt of his katana.

He winced at how it came out with a sharp ting.

'Are you sure about this? There won't be going back if you cross that line.' The Soul Starved got closer and he squared his shoulders, though his hands never stopped shaking.

'But that was expected. After all, this is the best you could do.' The soldier got within striking distance and slashed. Ron dodged and kicked his legs. He fell face first.

'Ron Stoppable, lover of Bueno Nacho, sidekick to Kim Possible…and murderer.' Ron raised his katana. The soldier stumbled to stand. 'How fitting.'

"AAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Ron roared and plunged his blade deep into the soldier's back. It went clean through; clanging off the concrete floor underneath and the soldier froze. He went slack and Ron felt a refreshing, almost blissful sensation overcome him and he realized he absorbed his soul. Taking a moment to relish the feeling Ron reaffirmed his grip. "Hrn!"

Ron ripped out his blade and blood sprayed everywhere. He miscalculated the amount of strength he needed and promptly fell on his ass. "Ha…ha…ha." His breath labored Ron closed his eyes and sensed for the soul he absorbed.

It was pitiful. Even weaker than his own but it was better than nothing. He grabbed it and felt…memories come back to him. Little things like conversations and miscellaneous facts because that was all he could get from such a weak soul but it worked. It gave him hope. Hope that he can be whole again.

'But he won't be.' Dead soulless eyes met Ron's. The man's face, a grey shriveled husk but a man's face nonetheless lied on the cold ground as his blood pooled under him. He had a life once upon a time. 'And he'll never get the chance to get it back. Because of you.' Ron clenched his eyes shut.

'I know.'

'…It won't end with him will it?'

No…no it won't.

'Get up then. Time to get to work.'

Ron did. Standing with strength he didn't know he had Ron looked down the bridge and saw his actions drew the attention of a couple more Soul Starved. Taking a deep breath and tightening his grip on his katana, Ron Stoppable took a step forward.

It felt unnaturally steady.

---

And done. One down, many, many more to go.

 

[Daddycool101]

Yet another banger of a chapter that was worth the wait.

 

[Baldrick the Wise]

It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it, so the world can be mended.