Chapter 5 [Luthor Hacienda—Several hours later

As could be expected at the Luthor hacienda, the food and conversation were superb. Lex had insured that his guests had a choice between beef or fish for the main course.

In addition to the Luthors and Duboises, Peter, MJ, Jasmine and Rasniya joined the two Asian guests around the table to enjoy the fare.

"You are all too kind," Lin Fu expressed. "I am simply glad to be at the university again."

"And it's our pleasure to have you join us," Chloe assured her. "As it is to have Yori and Rasniya here."

Jasmine rubbed her sister's shoulder supportively.

"I appreciate that," Yori added. "It is an honor to join you all. I told Miranda to have faith during her ordeal with Arighatto. Her faith has been rewarded with the joys of family and friends. Mine has been honored by being considered as such even though we only met."

"For what you did for Miranda, you deserve it," Lex noted while eyeing the Japanese ninja carefully. As with Dave and Jasmine, he suspected that there was more to Yori's visit than just a simple warning about Yodoshi. "Is this your first trip to America?"

"This is actually my second trip here, Luthor-San," Yori explained. "I have friends in Middleton, Colorado that are very special." She sighed, thinking of the triangle awaiting her there. "I spent two days there last year."

"Middleton is close to Denver. I could fly you up there if you'd like," Lex offered.

"They are no longer there but thank you for offer. They are in Eastburg, Oregon, I believe."

Dave glanced over at his wife and niece, putting the pieces together. "If they're who I think they are, we've met." He sipped on his tea, allowing everyone to deal with the surprise over his interjection. "Remember the recruiting trip last year?"

"That's right!" Miranda realized. "We were there. Yori, you know Kim Possible?"

"We have met on several occasions. Her friend, Ron Stoppable, spent a week on exchange at our boarding school two years ago," Yori explained. "You wanted them to come here?"

"Her actually. I didn't think much of Mr. Stoppable," Dave assessed.

Yori sighed, torn between her feelings for Ron and respect for an elder. "With all due respect, Dubois-sama, Stoppable-San has a great deal of talent which is hidden. You should not underestimate him."

The Professor eyed his hosts, niece and then the visitor with surprise. What the Hell? While Yori had remained remarkably composed—almost a blank slate to the outside—the momentary emotional spike definitely grabbed his attention. I thought the kid was Possible's boyfriend. Whoa!. "I meant no disrespect."

"Of course. Forgive my outburst, Dubois-Sama, Luthor-San and everyone," the visitor apologized.

"Nobody at this table is going to criticize you for looking out for your friends, Yori," Chloe advised her.

"Amen to that," the medievalist concurred. "As our honored guest so aptly reminded me." He bowed to Yori. "My thanks."

"I am glad to have been of service, Dubois-Sama," Yori expressed before going back to the meal and allowing the tone of the conversation to lighten once more. She smiled at her closest friend who sat to her right, feeling surprisingly at home in this strange land.