A/N – Kim is not going to be an overpowered veteran martial artist who can somehow defeat cybernetic organisms and fire wielding genetic mutations. Not only that, but I'm afraid the laws of physics will also apply in this story (for the most part), so no impossible gravity defying moves.

Chapter 1

A moderate and cloudy spring afternoon saw a brown-eyed male with dirty blonde hair kayaking along a serene river, oblivious to the few people around him. Setting his paddle down on the front of his kayak, Ronald Stoppable laid back and just let the current guide him. 'Just go with the flow,' he thought to himself. His sore and tired muscles that came from a busy week of missions felt the relaxation they craved. However, it was his mind that was getting the most of this nature activity, feeling carefree and in a state of pure bliss for seemingly the first time in ages.

The missions had been getting more and more dangerous, especially now since the villains started to take him and Kim seriously. Not only that, but most of the villains had seemed to get deadlier, more focused and dangerous. In fact, Drakken and Shego would have surely won their last confrontation had it not been for Global Justice interfering just in time. Ron sighed, realizing just how close he had come to death.

Pushing the thoughts out of his head, Ron tried his best to relax again, entering a state of tranquillity. As he drifted peacefully along with the current, eyes closed, a splash of water caused him to sit up. As if on instinct, Ron assumed a defender's stance, expecting the worst. What he got was none other than Monique, laughing her ass off.

"Haha…Ron….ha…I didn't know…haha…that you…haha…kayaked," she finished, still unable to control her laughter. The incredulous image of Ron was quite awkward, wet blond hair dripping water on to his confused face and incredulous brown eyes. Realizing there was no present danger, Ron returned to his relaxed state, heart still pounding. After all, facing real near-death situations does tend to make people paranoid.

"Well, I…" Monique was still laughing, and Ron could tell she couldn't hear him. As she finally stopped, Ron continued with his answer. "I don't really kayak; actually, this is my first time, and I'm just here to rejuvenate my battered body and soul."

"Rejuvenate…big word. You know what it means?" Monique asked, jokingly. Ron chuckled.

"I heard my mom say it, and it really rolls off the tongue don't you think?"

"Well, I never expected you to say something like that. Rejuvenate, heh, from what? Staying awake in class?"

"Oh come on, I don't sleep that much."

"Ron, you fall asleep so often that the teacher doesn't even bother to wake you anymore."

"Well, I deserve extra sleeping time for risking my life to make this world a better place."

"Really? What did you do this week?" Monique asked, now clearly interested.

"Hel-lo? Don't you watch the news? KP and I have stopped three small robberies and one blue psycho with his green sidekick from stealing priceless diamonds."

"Well, now that I think about it…I did see Kim a few times on the news, and she has mentioned something along those lines." Ron groaned, realizing that he had been left out of the story once again. For once, maybe I should get the credit. After all, KP really can't pull off her missions without me. Unfortunately, Ron was the only person who knew and believed that, appearing to be a bumbling klutz to everyone else. Some would even go as far as to say he was a hindrance, and the great Kim Possible would get a lot more done without him.

"Anyway, are you going to kayak or are you just going to sit there."

"Eh, the Ronmeister is just going to go with the flow this time. He's tired of grabbing life by the horns." Monique laughed at the last part.

"Suit yourself. I better go catch up with my family," said Monique, rowing quickly ahead.

Sighing to himself, Ron once again laid his head back to relax and…well, to just relax. He stared up at the sky, seeing the serene clouds drift across the blue sky. The cool breeze blew through his wet hair, helping him relax even more. Tall trees lined the long river on both sides, providing a smooth flow down a straight path. I could just stay here forever, he thought to himself.

The next day (Sunday)

Yawning, Ron awoke after a very relaxing, dreamless night filled with nothing but peace. There were no nightmares of Drakken's relentless attack on him, nor of Shego's fiery hands scorching Kim's own hands upon contact. As he laid himself back down on the bed, reality struck him. He could only stave it off for so long. These missions could kill me, he realized. Villains aren't kidding around with us anymore; they're going straight for the kill. What if next time we aren't so lucky? Sighing, he picked up the phone to call Kim.

"Hi, Mrs. Possible, is Kim there?"

"Oh, sorry, Ron. She left with Josh to go to the mall today."

"Already?" He heard a chuckle on the other end of the line.

"Ron, it's twelve o clock; it's not exactly 'early'."

"Oh, sorry, I just woke up and didn't realize the time," Ron said sheepishly. He had slept sixteen hours straight after coming home from his already relaxing kayaking trip.

"Well, I'll tell Kim you called."

"Thanks."

"No problem Ron. Byebye now." After calling Kim, Ron decided to head out to Bueno Nacho to get some food. Sixteen hours of starvation, even if it was during sleep, was not Ron Stoppable's style.

He arrived there and got his usual order, taking a booth alone to enjoy his favorite foods and mull over his thoughts. Why is Kim dating Josh? Why can't I just be happy for her? Why is there always this nagging feeling whenever I see her with Josh? Sighing, he couldn't find an answer for any of these questions, realizing that the feelings in him weren't explainable ones. Pushing his troubles out of his mind, he resumed eating in peace. His head perked up at a very familiar voice.

"You're kidding," he head Kim say in a playful voice.

"Nope, I really liked A Walk to Remember," came the smooth reply. Ron looked around and saw Josh and Kim walking over, hand in hand, oblivious to him. Ron's stomach tightened at the two in such a warm embrace.

"Here's the table I always take," Kim said, still oblivious to Ron. "And, oh, hey Ron," she said, finally noticing his presence.

"Hey KP, your mom told me you went to the mall."

"Yea, but we got done with the shopping really quickly. There was a huge sale today, Ron. You should have gone and got some new clothes." Ron got an offended look on his face, which was Kim was oblivious to. He was starting to get a bad feeling about this day.

"I think my clothes are fine," Ron replied, with no hint of anger or indignation in his voice. He saw Josh slip an arm around Kim, causing his stomach to get a queasy feeling. Deciding it best to leave now before any awkwardness could begin, Ron wrapped up his food, stood up, and bid the couple goodbye. The lovers barely noticed, giving a slight wave before gazing into each other's eyes again. For some reason, Ron couldn't bear to see the two together. It pained him every time Josh laid a finger on Kim in a loving way; it just seemed so wrong to him.

Walking away from his favorite restaurant, Ron looked down at his feet as he strode along the sidewalk.

"Watch it!" Ron yelled, as a figure ran into him, knocking him over.

"I'm sorry Stoppable-san," replied the figure. Ron instantly realized that voice: Yori. "Sensei tells me to give you message. He says he wants you to return to Japan to train with him. He says he wants to teach you a secret art, one that only a few in this world understand. As a wielder of the Lotus Blade, he believes it is right to pass on this secret to you." Ron only nodded, trying to take in everything that just happened. Okay, so Yori comes all the way from Japan to deliver the message about Sensei wanting to teach me some lost, kick-ass art. Must be important. That doesn't sound so bad; in fact, it sounds great. "Stoppable-san, Sensei says that this is a grueling art to learn, and takes years to understand and master. If it weren't for your mystical monkey power, you'd have to train for no less than twenty-seven years. However, you have been blessed, and it will only take you a mere three years to master. You will be able to stay at the school during the whole time free of charge." Three years? Ron asked himself. What about missions, and college…and Kim?

"Yori, I'm flattered…but I don't think I'm ready to take this task on. I, I have to watch out for my best friend Kim on her, our missions. There's that, and…" he trailed off, knowing that admitting the truth to Yori would be admitting it to himself.

"And what, Stoppable-san?"

"And I have to make sure Kim doesn't mess up her social life."

"Ah, a true friend, you are. Just know that Sensei says you can come at anytime. Here is a plane ticket for next Tuesday, should you change your mind. It was nice seeing you again Stoppable-san," said Yori, giving Ron a peck on the cheek before leaving. Ron slightly blushed before setting off again for his house.