The Test (An Impossible Quintet 5)

DJ Dubois

November 2007

Notes: Kim Possible and her cohorts belong to Disney. All other characters are mine.

Chapter 1 [Three days after "Faceoff"]

After a great Thanksgiving vacation with Kim, her family and his folks, Ron and Yori flew back to Yamanuchi and their daily affairs. With the traditional two week break coming up for both schools, they anticipated a blitz of work and training from their teachers.

In Ron's case, he had no idea how right they were…..

[Sensei's Office]

As he watched the two teens walk through the gates and back into the school, Sensei scratched his chin. He recalled Hirotaka's assessment of Ron's use of the abilities. In addition, he knew Ron still didn't trust himself especially with his powers and abilities. He glanced to the sky, knowing that the weather had been unusually warm for that time of year. Perhaps it is time for a test. Stoppable San must gain confidence in himself!

He unsheathed the kitana and twirled it in the air, admiring how the blade reflected the light. Pondering the ease of the strokes, he nodded. While I would prefer to let him collect his thoughts, Stoppable San has had enough rest. He needs to trust in himself. He sheathed the blade and sat down behind his desk once more.

He'd let Ron settle in for a few hours. Then he'd announce the test.

[Dojo]

After unpacking, Ron threw his gi on and headed down to the Dojo for a light workout. He picked up a staff and feinted a few times with it, trying to regain some of the smoothness on the motions.

Anything to avoid a punitive meditation session and extra work from Sensei.

Even though the jetlag wore on him, he repeated the motions over and over again. He tried a kick at an imaginary opponent executing it right the first time and falling on his rear end the second. "Man. This stinks!" he complained.

"You push yourself, Stoppable San?" Hirotaka teased as he joined his classmate and friend. "There is a first time for everything."

"Hi to you too, Hiro. How's it shaking?" Ron replied while picking himself off of the floor.

"I'm fine. Since my return, I have kept up my skills." The Japanese ninja popped a stick of gum in his mouth and smirked. "I would challenge you to a duel but you are tired. I can tell."

Knowing one of his friend's barbs when he heard it, Ron grinned. "Hey! The Ron-Meister isn't that tired!"

Hirotaka would never admit it but he had missed the sparring sessions. He grabbed another staff and engaged his friend in their duel. For several minutes, he went bamboo on bamboo with the American before jabbing verbally, "See? I can chew gum and fight you at the same time as you Americans say."

"That's walk and chew gum actually," Ron corrected before swinging his staff again. He watched the other's eyes and body motions.

As they circled each other, Hirotaka baited, "Sure you aren't getting a step slow?"

"Nah. Are you?"

Hirotaka feinted one way and forced Ron to overcommit. Then he swung his staff, knocking Ron to the ground again. "That was too easy even for you, my friend."

"Yeah well, sitting on a plane for fifteen hours will do that to a guy," Ron covered himself as the other helped him up. He yawned loudly.

"You need sleep. Come," Hirotaka advised as they left the area.