Chapter 2 [Yamanuchi]

A gentle breeze billowed across the Japanese landscape stirring the blossoms and cooling the denizens alike. The stars glittered gently overhead. A few nightingales sang their siren call from the trees.

Even on its mountaintop perch, the secret ninja school seemed serene. The students managed a few hours of shut eye to rest and recharge before the cycle of training and meditation resumed anew. Even Sensei felt the need to cycle down his usual energy levels.

If only everyone could've done that….

Yori tossed and turned in her bed painfully. Until recently, she'd slept deeply; her workouts leaving her on the brink of exhaustion. She'd felt content in her love's arms under their shared sheets. Her purpose in unison with his and the school's giving her life a renewed sense of purpose….

….that is until the nightmares started…..

She sat up suddenly in an icy sweat. Her breathing huffed in ragged burst. "Calm! You must remain calm!" She closed her eyes and performed the calming exercise Sensei had shown to her a few days earlier. "I can do this…I am not afraid…."

But that wasn't exactly the truth….

Because she was afraid…..

…Afraid of what she'd seen….

…Afraid of her Love….no wait, that unwelcome part of him….

Ron would never hurt anyone in cold blood. His gentle spirit soothed her own. His increasing mastery over the tai peng pek kwar inspired her to perfect her own skills.

No, she feared the cobalt skinned alter ego lurking under the surface. She couldn't abide the cackling horror that had mowed through her classmates and their American allies. The force which leveled the school. The one which had nearly killed her spirit sister. The one who'd held her and Kim in chains for the better part of a week.

The one who'd left her beloved Ron San doubting himself.

She shivered from the early spring chill. She wanted his comfort and warmth and groped for her husband. Alas her hand only found the empty spot where he usually had been. She felt the sheets bunched where he'd slipped away during the night. "Ron San? Where are you?"

"Gone," a small voice squeaked in the dark.

Even without turning on the light, she knew Rufus' voice. While she'd dislike anyone watching over her while she slept, she knew the naked mole rat performed an honorable duty for his human's chosen mate. "Where, Rufus San?"

"Twaining," the mole rat revealed. He didn't want to reveal Ron's true rationale—that he couldn't abide his wife being so scared.

"Now? We are not even at the opening gong! Can you turn please? I need to dress," she realized. She marshaled her love and sense of duty to drive back the haunting fear. She stepped into the closet and pulled on her gi. Then she opened her belt pouch. "I go to him. Please accompany me."

He nodded feeling just as concerned for Ron as she did. He scurried off of the dresser and across the floor. Then he climbed up her pant leg and into the pouch.

"Domo, Rufus San," she acknowledged gratefully before setting off.

In his time of struggle, she needed to remind her husband that he wasn't alone…

[Courtyard]

Ron stood in the cobbles' center in silent meditation. The breeze gently ruffled his hair. His skin pimpled ever so slightly from the chill….

…but his features registered none of these things….

His closed eyelids betrayed the eyes' movements behind them.

Tears leeched out from those closed ports, wetting his cheeks.

His mouth contorted itself in pained grimaces

His ears cringed with the haunting laughter within himself.

He felt alone. He had risen from the bed so as not to jar his beloved Lotus maiden. He'd let no more harm come to her. He'd rather die first….

….die and take Zorpox with him….

This tanks! How can I do *anything*? Ron bowed his head under the combined burden of Fear and Shame. Doubt and Disappointment squeezed at his heart. If that creep can bring him out, how can I stop him?

"A house without foundation shall fall, Stoppable San."

Ron's eyes snapped open at the advisory. He wheeled around to find Sensei standing in the flickering tapers. Despite the ever-present leaning on the wizened staff, the student knew better than to doubt his teacher's resolve. "Master, I didn't mean to wake you." He bowed quickly.

"Despite your attempts to remain quiet in your pain, we whose hearts are in tune with yours hear it like the gales of a typhoon. I admire your effort but it is misplaced," Sensei declared. "It is not for you to shield those of us who have committed to you."

"But I…he…nearly killed you all! I…." He slumped to his knees.

"The demon gave him the strength. You must, as you Americans say, take a page from his book. You are not alone. The students of this school stand with you as you do with them. Your friends stand with you. Miri Chan's allies stand with us. They sacrificed much to bring you back. Do not shut us out," Sensei admonished; his wizened eyes darting this way and that. "Besides you cannot be alone. The choice you have made. The bond of honor you have undertaken."

"I gotta prove myself before I can ask, Master!" Ron protested.

"Prove yourself how, Stoppable San? Just as your American standard of beauty is in the beholder's eye so too is the standard of proof. You have proven your heart. You have stood tall when others crumble. Do not crumble now. The true source of strength is to open your heart. You must expose yourself and trust in others," Sensei continued unaffected by the other's waivering. "Trust us. Let those around you support you. Then you will begin to walk on your own." His ear perked sharply. "Yori Chan, please approach."

"Domo Sensei Sama," Yori accepted humbly with a slight bow. "Ron San, why are you here? Have I done something?"

"Great. Now you're upset. You don't need my sitch. I…." Ron started.

Her face grew red. She had to restrain her frustration in front of their teacher. Finally she asked, "Shitsureishima! What do I need to prove worthy of sharing burden? I am wife. You are husband, Ron San. It is our burden. You did not hurt me! Zorpox did! I made choice to stand with you!"

"But I hurt…."

"Liswen!" Rufus pressed while pointing to her.

"Rufus San has said it. Hai! You hurt us! You hurt with your American-style hesitation and shutting out! I need your love to be myself. I need to give my love to you. Shite kudasai! Please! I cannot bear you keeping me from companion role. As Master Sensei just said, trust me. I learned strength during trial. I will not fall to the demon!"

His heart ached. "Dang it! I just messed up again! Why can't it be easy?"

She grabbed onto his face with her hands and locked lips with his. She allowed her passion to pour into him. "It is that easy, Ron San. Trust in our love. I will stand with you no matter the obstacle. You need to stand up for you." She bowed to Sensei. "Forgive my display, Master."

The older man waved off her request. "There is no need to forgive it. Stoppable San needed a reminder of how simplicity is the answer. Build a life and a purpose away from Zorpox, Stoppable San. While he will remain, you will have power to resist him. You will live your own life. That is up to you." He glanced toward the east and saw the first glimmers of color therein. "We have a half hour before the gong. I would like some tea."

"We shall fix it for you," she agreed while scooping Rufus up and allowing him to scamper into her pouch. She held her hand out. "Both of us."

Ron hesitantly took it. "Yeah. Both of us. Sorry." He led them back toward the Central Temple.

Sensei watched the couple intently before slowly making his way in their wake. I pray you find the trust and strength to open yourself. Our destiny relies on it!