So Not The EndMaybe

by Sentinel103

Years after graduation from Middleton Kim and Ron's lives are not what they thought they would be when they were seniors. One person's sacrifice or another and what happened because of that.

6. Chapter 6

Well here we go again. I still want to thank everyone who has read and or responded to this tale. But let's get to the reviewers: Jimmy1201, tube magnifiers. We use them in the II trade. Oh, Yori knows how to deal with people. And yeah, Ron wants out; Invader Johnny, most of Ron's former friends weren't all that nice to him. He sorta felt betrayed, but then he was constrained by Yamanouchi staying in the background…they didn't want any info out on them; CB73, yeah Kim has had a chance to slow down and begin to think about what happened. I mean what were the chances of Josh coming into the same bar for a blind date and being stood up?

Uberscribbler, tragic it is. To Ron, life sucks and he just wants out. Yori knows of the radiation sickness, but not all; Joe Stoppingham, I get the response about Ron's tude, but he forced people away since the breakup and didn't want to be around and didn't feel he could still be friends with almost all of the people in HS; readerjunkie, thanks and here we go!

ST-103

So Not the End…..Maybe

Chapter 6

Middleton Space Center (in the flight simulator):

"Release brakes.", James Possible told Ron while he was running though the checklist on the monitor in front of him.

Stoppable responded, "Releasing brakes."

"Advance throttles to sixty percent.", the rocket scientist directed his pilot as he smiled to himself on the third attempt at takeoff. His hopes that the test pilot slash former fiancée of his daughter could do it.

The former hero pushed the levers until the computer screen read sixty percent engine power.

There was a mild roar and a push back in their seats as the computer warned them that they were at threshold. And that they needed to go to full power for takeoff or to take the throttles to idle for taxiing. Ron selected pushing both throttles forward to the third detent as he and Doctor Possible were pushed back further in their seats.

Ron said under his breath, "Gotta love computers…Well once in a while they make life easier."

The computer however wasn't paying attention as it intoned, "Warning…V one."

The pilot confirmed, "Confirm Vee one."

This of course got Stoppable to snort to himself knowing the 'feel' wasn't quite right. But then simulators weren't the real thing.

"V two."

Ron counted back from five in his mind and then pulled back on the stick. "Rotate.", he muttered so that it was recorded by the computer. He then counted to five again and looked at his altimeter as soon as it read three hundred meters the former hero eased the stick back to its neutral position. After this he pushed another lever.

Moments later the computer warned, "Main gear unlocked, nose gear unlocked."

Ron intoned, "Copy main. Nose gear unlocked and retracting."

It took seven seconds before the computer then told the crew, "Nose gear retracted and locked. Main gear retracted and locked. Gear hatches are closed and locked."

Ron's comment was only, "Copy."

With a smile Ron pushed the throttle to the next detent while moving his eyes in the same continuous pattern, making sure that he didn't miss anything.

"Five hundred knots."

"Ronald, you are at the third abort point, continue with takeoff.", James informed him.

"Roger, Doctor Possible.", Ron intoned as he manually pulled back on the stick again to gain more altitude.

"Full throttle Ronald…and here we go.", James's voice contained glee which seemed to be lost on the pilot who just coughed softly then grunted.

"Roger, full Kepler Thrust." Ron pushed the Kepler throttles all the way to their last stops.

The computer warned, "Full Kepler thrust, there is no abort possible until ten thousand meters is reached for safety purposes."

"Stay level for thirty-five seconds to build up speed and then thirty-degree angle up and turn five degrees to port coming to a heading of one hundred-twenty-seven degrees.", James instructed.

"Copy."

"Good so far Ronald. Do you want to take her into orbit?"

"I don't see why not, I crashed it and we died the first time…Might as well get something good out of this.", Ron replied, showing no emotion as he relaxed and flexed his forearms, feeling the realistic pressure against the controls.

"Good, Ronald.", James began to grunt as he felt the 'forces' as well.

"Climbing in five, four, three, two…Execute.", Ron now grunted with the stress as he pulled up.

There were watchers monitoring the Kepler Simulator. Felix Renton frowned, "He's outside the parameters."

Another PhD, Doctor Sydney Bosch, countered, "Not quite, Doctor Renton. He is well within safety margins. Considering this is only the third attempt, Commander Stoppable is doing quite well. Remember most of the takeoff and landing will be performed by the flight control computers."

"I'm sure anyone could do this Sydney.", the paraplegic told the older man

"I don't know, the Kepler has always flown a little different. Either you have it in you, or you become a grease stain on a mountainside. Most pilots avoid it like the plague. I still don't know why James wants on that thing."

Justine glanced at the readouts, then at Yori (who was taking notes) and Hirotaka (who just looked on), "Doctor Possible has spent years working on this space plane. I think he wants to show that his vision is a viable concept."

"I know, but sometimes he is too stubborn…but it looks like the new pilot is going to be able to make it work. See, look at the Mach indicator. He is already at Mach Two Point Two and climbing. At this point the shape of the Kepler should begin to sharpen due to the living metal concept that James installed this time. Take a look at the outside view. It is almost wedge shaped now as it becomes more aerodynamic."

"Just how fast will it go?", the blonde genius inquired.

"We have run scaled tests at Mach 23. Anything higher than that at one hundred thousand feet, there are too many shockwaves and it breaks apart.", Bosch explained, "That is why we went with the modified Hephaestus project. It should be able to repair itself."

Yori didn't look up from what she was working on, "And if it doesn't?"

"Ah, it might destroy itself…"

Felix stared at the engineer, "And Doctor Possible wants to fly in this thing?"

"Of course. James knows. He also knows the limitations to the materials used. We have calculated that with the lack of density of outer space we could easily get past the speed of light to prove the point we are striving for. We want to know how well the systems will work together."

Justine glared at the older man, "Does the pilot know the risks?"

Sydney half-smiled, "He is a test pilot. They all know that they step into dangerous situations all the time. This will be the first time we have experienced pressures and temperatures like we are going to. What I can't believe is that James wants to go on this little flight. I know I don't want to try it."

"And why is that sir?", Hiro inquired.

"I like the idea of seeing my grandkids again."

"And the poor clown who takes that thing up?"

"Listen I specified that the pilot have no 'attachments' or I wouldn't sign off on anyone taking the Kepler up. And I mean that. This has been James Possible's dream for years. But I would have pulled the plug on it faster than you can blink an eye…I'm just surprised that he actually found someone he could trust with the constraints that I put in. I can't really say no to him now."

"So you expect it to blow up or self-destruct?"

"No, not really. I think that if the pilot is good enough he can shut the Kepler down and bring it back in…They could make for the escape pod and return to Earth that way. But they have to be in it and thirty thousand feet is the minimal altitude that it can eject from. The man James brought in seems to have the qualities that we are looking for."

Justine hissed, "It's a damned suicide mission, I ought to pull his flight status…"

"You can't Little, it's out of your hands now. You and Renton can take a break…Maybe a few weeks off would be a good idea. A vacation or something…"

"I'm not going anywhere until after they return back home. I put my ass on the line here and I'm not going to have some pompous ding-dong screwing with my classmates and my livelihood! Renton might take you up on your offer, but not me. If something happens to James Possible, Anne won't be talking to you…and that would be the least of my worries."

"What do you mean?"

"James' daughter, Kim, I hear she's still in shape and a little protective of her daddy, let alone her ex."

"I would have thought that Kimberly wouldn't care about the clown after what he did to her…"

"I wouldn't say that. If anyone was going to hurt Ron Stoppable, Kim would want to be the one to do it, not some other asshole. That clown hurt her enough."

Felix leaned into the microphone as he watched the computer readout, "Seventy degrees up and roll to the inverted position. You are at Mach Five and accelerating."

"Roger, Doctor Renton.", James Possible's voice responded as they could see it increasing climb rate and roll one-hundred-eighty degrees."

"Sixty thousand feet and MACH Seven.", James intoned.

"Four seconds to throttle back.", Felix read off the script.

Yori asked, "Why are they going to slow down? One would think that they would want to go as fast as they can."

Sydney Bosch half-smiled, "They have to slow down a little since they are going through the area of greatest atmospheric pressures on the hull of the space plane. They will throttle up again in about one minute."

There was constant chatter between the two in the simulator before Ron announced, "Throttling up to maximum. Copy."

Felix responded, "Mission Control copies throttle up and go for orbit."

James' voice came back, "Roger, we are going to orbit."

X

Two hours later:

"Alright guys that's a wrap. Tomorrow we do two takeoffs to orbit and two landings in the morning. Then in the afternoon we have one takeoff and then we will simulate turning on the faster then light drive.", Felix Renton told them as the simulator slowed to a stop, "But we have about an hour going over the data so you still need to stay. Anyway I should have your laptop finished by that time Stoppable so you'll have to stick around if you want it."

"Yeah I have nothing better to do anyway Doc.", the former member of Team Possible replied to the guy who was once his best male friend.

"Laptop?", James' eyebrow raised.

"Just to make sure that we have a backup for our main system, it will also allow Stoppable to practice when he's not at the Center.", Felix replied.

Ron half-smiled, "Yeah Doctor Possible, I am taking this serious for once, I don't wanna be picked up with a sponge yet."

"Ah, I understand Ronald. During lunch tomorrow, would you like to check out the Kepler in the hanger?"

"Yes sir, it beats gabbing with people all the time."

"You sure have changed son…"

"I have made a lot of mistakes in my life sir, I've tried to make it up to some of the people I've offended without them knowing. Someday they may find out."

"Ronald…"

"Sir?"

"Would you care to come over to the house tonight after we get off?", James offered.

"I…uh can't, I have to head into the deli. I have a shift tonight.", the former hero lied knowing he was going to have to move some things and begin to toss out any junk he had.

"Oh…the grandkids are there and Anne would love to see you."

"Ahhhh sir, I have no intention on breaking your wife's heart again. I think it's better that I stay away from Mrs. Possible. I highly doubt if she has forgiven me even after all this time."

Sigh, "Ronald, she would like to speak with you. Kimberly is out of town with Joshua visiting the Flaggs down in Florida."

"Sir, do the kids know my name?"

"I'm sure they have heard it…"

Ron snorted, "Yeah probably with lousy in front of it. So I think it is best that I don't come over, I don't want them to tell their Mom that I have been to your house…She made it pretty clear…and loud too."

"Ronald, Kimmie has gotten over that now."

Ron snorted again, "With all due respect sir, I highly doubt that. She always had a good memory except when that thing blew up in her face. Anyway, after work I have two houseguests to entertain before they head back to Japan. When GJ called them to do the debriefing they were on vacation and I don't want to interrupt their downtime any more that I already have."

James frowned at the fact that his daughter's ex was making this difficult, "They could join us…"

"Thanks for the offer sir, but I haven't seen them in a while and I don't know if I ever will again. Now you and I will be getting sick of each other after a while on the flight. I'd just enjoy my family if I were you Doctor Possible. With everything going on we just won't be able to make the connection before the flight, then after we get back you'll be so sick of me that you won't want to see me again."

"Anne wants to speak with you again Ronald, it's been a long time."

Sigh, "Yes sir, I promise as soon as they release us after the mission I'll talk to her…"

"Would you talk to Kimberly too?"

Ron knew he was boxed in and nodded, "Yes sir I promise. As soon as the mission is over I will speak with Kim. But right now, I have a lot on my plate while I try to get some extra practice in on my computer…That is if you want to survive."

"Yes Ronald, I do wish to survive, as you put it. I have six wonderful grandchildren that I would like to come home to."

"Then after work tonight I need to get on the computer and go through the flight program again once or twice. Then my friends and I will go out for a late dinner to celebrate our friendship. Like I said, it has been a while and I don't know when I'll be able to see them again. They'll get some sleep while I'm at work so that in the morning they will be rested enough to travel home."

"Would you care for coffee Ronald, Yorishi and Hiro?"

"Why thank you Doctor Possible, that is very kind of you.", Yori smiled.

"I'll have some brewing in a few minutes. It's the least I can do for having Ronald in the simulator a couple of hours longer that we expected.", James smiled hoping they would change their minds about coming over to the house.

He walked over to the Bunn® coffee maker and loaded some grounds and flipped a switch on the appliance, "Anyway, Felix has Ronald's laptop. He should be done with it in a few minutes."

The former sidekick replied, "I guess he won't be too much longer Doctor Possible. Anyway, a cup of Joe sounds good about now."

X

A half hour later, Felix wheeled into the room where the debriefing had taken place.

"I…have your computer updated with all the information on the flight computer Ro…Stoppable."

"Thanks Renton. Listen I know this is hard for you…but don't worry it'll all be over soon and then we can go about our own business.", Ron replied. "I have to get going, I'll be in early to go over data."

James frowned, "I thought you had to work tonight?"

"I do Sir, but then I have to make sure that I understand everything. And it promises to be a full day tomorrow, I gotta see what the pig feels like before I…..we take it up."

"Pig? Ronald why do you call it a pig?", James inquired into Ron Stoppable's thinking.

"Sir, is the simulator a good representation of how well you expect the space plane to fly and handle?"

"Yes Son, I believe it is."

"Sir, with all due respect it handles like a pig, now you can put in a pink tutu and smear lipstick on it but at the relatively low speeds that we experienced today it is very sluggish. Now it may handle better with the faster than light engines engaged with the Earth engines providing propulsion, but if it doesn't we should rename this thing the pig."

"I didn't know…"

"Doctor Possible, when the Wright Brothers made their first flights everyone thought that they were the greatest things in the world…and they were. You have developed leading edge technology here and in fifty…no twenty years people will be flying to the stars in vehicles similar the one you have designed and built. For them to have that safe transportation, someone has to take chances with the initial flights. That's what we're gonna do. We are gonna bring valuable data back so that these things will be better. Think of it this way your great grandkids are gonna benefit from the information that we bring back.", Ron explained.

"I see, it's the job of the test pilot then…"

"Yeah pretty much. Uh sir, I gotta get going. I'll see you tomorrow.", Ron along with Hirotaka and Yori walked out to the car.

After they left the building Ron began to cough again, he pulled a handkerchief from his hip pocket and covered his face. Yori slipped an arm around him and Hiro came up to offer support. "Thanks guys.", Ron told them as he got back under control. "I guess I'd better bring some hankies with me for the trip. Let's go home, we have to get the rest of our tasks done before you leave for Japan."

"We wish to stay with you during this time.", Yori responded.

"Normally I would say yes, but you guys do need to get home. As soon as this goes into operation there are gonna be a lot of questions asked and I don't want you in the firestorm. Somebody may get lucky and connect Yamanouchi to all of this and we all have our oaths that we all swore. And they won't be able to get to me. I already have retained a very good law firm to cover Justine and Felix although Renton doesn't know about it."

"Ron-san why do you use Doctor Renton's name when he is not present and only use his surname when he is near.", Hiro inquired.

"I don't want him to get caught up in the middle of this…he was my best male friend in school and, and this misadventure tore him apart, Justine is smart enough and she has access to the law firm that I have on retainer and a considerable amount of my assets. If she has to she and Mike can get out of the country. I might even be able to get her and Mike to take the Rentons with them until the heat blows over. They are really innocent in all this…I set it up when I got back the last time…Anyway between now and flight time I expect my files here at the space center are going bye-bye into Rockwell® heaven for everyone's protection."

Hiro looked quizzically, "Rockwaller heaven? Is that some sexually crazed place?"

Ron frowned thinking of the old thorn in his side, "No, not Rockwaller, Rockwell. They made computers a long time ago."

"Oh I thought that you meant something else…"

The former hero smirked before he continued, "Yeah I have a feeling all that data is all gonna disappear for the wellbeing of everybody involved in this mess."

"Even Doctor Possible's?", Yori asked.

"Especially James Possible's."

"So, you do care for the Possibles…", Hirotaka smiled.

"Of course I do, that's why he's not going. GJ doesn't want him to fly and I'll bet the Space Center and the Government are not too thrilled about him going up there either, he's too valuable."

Yori looked at her old friend softly as they arrived at Ron's car, "You are too valuable as well…"

"I'm an expendable asset Yori, just ask Du Duffus. As long as James Possible doesn't get on the Kepler all the big shots are gonna be happy."

"And you?"

"I'll be doing what I'm paid to be doing.", Ron unlocked the doors and opened Yori's for her.

XXX

The Flaggs:

"Josh, would you open that wine I brought out for dinner tonight?", Brick asked as Monique worked on the finishing touches of the meal while Brick was going outside to check the ribs one more time.

Kim followed Brick outside, "Is there anything I can help with Mister Football Hero?"

"Not really Kim.", Brick replied as he slid back the top of the stainless-steel grill.

"I'm a lot better than I was during high school…"

"I know Kim, but I usually do the meat when we are cooking out and Moni takes care of most of the rest. Anyway how are the kids?"

"Real good, Josh is a great Father. He isn't away all the time now. He usually sells twenty to thirty paintings a year. Most of those are in the six digits and with my investments and retirement, we're doing pretty good. He's got a couple of art collectors that love his work. I remember when Josh made his first big sale, representatives for the two each bought one and then with the third they had a bidding war. Up to that point Josh was really worried that no one would appreciate his art and here were two collectors that basically gave him a few million for the three. Anyway, with their support the value of the rest of his work has really skyrocketed and Josh hasn't looked back. When the kids are ready, they will be able to go to any school in the country for the elite education that I got."

"That's good, anything is possible for a Possible…right?"

"Yeah Dad's motto."

"Any of the kids thinking about going into the world saving?"

"Fortunately no, they're all real smart, but they are not as outgoing as I was. I don't want to see them hurt, it's better to leave it to the professionals."

"You guys did pretty good Kim…"

"Yeah and we were soooo lucky too. Ron almost lost his life about ten times. He ended up in ICU four times one of those times he was on life support for a month. He was lucky he was still alive when the Lowardians attacked during our graduation, Brick…You know…if he hadn't been there I wouldn't be here now. They were gonna cut my head off…but Ron killed them first. And the kids would never have even been born…and I never would have gotten back together with Josh…"

Brick checked the meat before adding, "And Stoppable wouldn't have cheated on you either."

Sigh, "Yeah, I thought that he and I were gonna go the distance. But I have Josh and my life and even though I do think about Ron sometimes I don't think it could have been any better."

"You still love him don't you?"

"Yeah, at least a little. The last time I saw him I really lit into him. I slapped him a couple of times too and kicked him…..I threw my ring at him and told him that if he wanted her that much he should give it to her instead. I almost hit Liz, but she was pregnant with Ron's Tony…I hated both of them…for a while. I was hurt bad…I cried myself to sleep a lot of nights before I met Josh again. Later, I was able to talk to Liz and we made up. But Ron just avoided me and over the years I sorta lost track of him. I know through my connections that he somehow became a test pilot and worked with GJ on a few projects. Even though we were in the same organization I never really saw him again. Then he just disappeared and nobody had any idea where he went."

"Yeah Josh told me that he sorta went over the deep end after you slapped him and told him that you never wanted to see him again…"

Yes Brick, I was very angry at him…I'm not anymore."

"Doesn't Liz even know where he is?"

"Not that I know of. I have tried to talk to her about Ron…but she either can't or won't say anything. It's like he hurt her too. She even has tears in her eyes when I ask."

"Maybe he cheated on her. I guess if he could cheat on you he would cheat on her too."

"Yeah, I guess, but I'd still feel better if I could talk to him one more time…You know, bury the hatchet. I want him to know that I don't hate him."

Brick laughed a little as he brushed on a little more sauce, "If he was thinking about you burying the hatchet, Stoppable probably would have figured out that you wanted it in his chest. So I can see his point about being less painful by not having to deal with it considering your famous temper."

"Even if we didn't end up together, I so didn't want the friendship to end the way it did. It was a long time to hate, now it's just a dull ache when I think of him and what we had once."

"But you say that you've had a good life Kim and everything is going all right, so I don't know. Somehow I don't think Ron Stoppable is done dealing out hurt. Monique is still mad at him and she has been since she thought he was hitting on her trying to ask her out."

"And we have already determined that Ron may not have been trying to do that. I would hate to go to my grave not knowing the truth in the matter…it wouldn't be fair."

"Maybe it wouldn't Kim, but I don't see any way out of this now. I don't really see what you can say to him even if you can find him somehow."

"I can start by apologizing for not letting him explain his side of the story, Brick."

Just then Monique and Josh joined them, "Still talking about the loser, GF?", Monique frowned not wanting to discuss Ron Stoppable, since just thinking about him still totally pisses her off.

"I told you he wasn't a loser, he was a hero…It's just it didn't work out for us. The more I think about it the more I think he was driven to do this by urges…", Kim stopped for a moment, "Until I went off to college we had a pretty heavy romantic relationship. Ron had a lot of stamina, and well, he really liked being in the sack. We had a total cut off for months at a time and then when we got together we tried to make up for it. It seemed like the intervals that kept us apart kept getting longer and longer…A guy has got to have a breaking point somewhere."

"Kim he could have gone to see you…"

"GJ had him locked up in training Monique. 'Cept for missions they kept a tight rein on him. Then he took leave from GJ for over a year and went to Japan. And I got the idea that something was bothering him…but he wouldn't talk about it to me."

"Yeah, I remember you being worried, but he cheated on you Kim…There is no excuse for that behavior.", the African-American fashion diva pointed out.

Josh didn't want the whole night to be wasted on past lives in general and Ron Stoppable in particular, "So what are we going to do tonight? It is our last night in town."

"They've got a pretty good concert tonight.", Brick informed them.

The red head smiled, "I think that sounds like a great idea."

XXX

Lowerton:

Ron, wearing his royal blue and gold robe, had everything he needed for the ceremony. The fireplace was lit, which was unusual in the summer. With a small smile he lit the candles and then the incense from his kneeling position as he chanted in Japanese words that he had rehearsed for months. The American knew that his time was nearly over and had been planning this for a while. Once he was finished he sat down and pulled up his robe and began to unfasten the leg he had been forced to wear. Softly he set the titanium appendage off to the side and smoothed out the blue garment which was also the official symbol of his office.

Yori poured the first pot of hot tea and served the Chosen One first and then her spouse. Finally, she set her cup in front of her and relaxed.

Hiro seeing it was his turn, struck the tiny gong he had placed there a few minutes before.

Ron reached for and grasped his small cup and raised it to his old friends in salute. In response the two Japanese copied his movements. They all put the cups to their mouths and drank deeply, then set their cups down with a shudder knowing why the tea was bitter.

(In the beginning of his travels, Lord Toshimiru found a mystical blade. The Master had not yet conceived of Yamanouchi and traveled far and wide seeking his purpose in the world. One night while meditating he felt called to a place…a mountain. It took him forty-two years to carve our home from the living rock and his labors forever sanctified the mountain for his followers. There have been many wielders of the Mystical Monkey Power in the fifteen hundred years which followed…Some had access to more power, some to less and most used that Power with dignity and grace although from the shadows. Normally when passing is close, the other Masters will care for the one who is to leave this plane on which we dwell for a short time.), Ron paused as he coughed and was able to get his breath.

After two minutes, he continued, (One day a young carefree young man was called to the Mountain, unaware of its significance and place. That young man, more of a boy really, came and was befriended by many students…but he wasn't ready to assume his role and it took him years to come to that realization. When he finally matured, he assumed the Role of Monkey Master and the Chosen One of the ancient scrolls. The title Chosen One refers to being chosen as the wielder of the Lotus Blade…the same Blade that Master Toshimiru had found fifteen centuries before. The boy, with the aid of the famous Blade and the MMP, was able to make many things right in the world, and he continued doing good from the shadows as his predecessors had. During this time the boy matured and became a man. The man continued his work and sustained many injuries and hurts, but he did not begrudge them knowing that they only added honor to the Blade and the Power. One day he was assisting the woman he had hoped would become his spouse when he was forced to protect her. Thus, began the long end of the boy who became a man. And for the most part, he died that day, as all his hopes were dashed by a foe.), Ron paused again.

As he continued tears began to fall from Yori's chin. (Do not fear to cry my friend, for your tears shall wash away the sadness of what comes next.) Ron smiled as he cupped her cheek. (The power cannot be given back so easily, but the Blade can. I hereby renounce my claim as the Chosen One of Yamanouchi.) Ron held up the Lotus blade from its stand, (I return it to its Shrine on the Sacred Mountain until the next Chosen One rises to the Power and defends our Clan again.) At this point Ron lowers the Blade and offers it to Hirotaka with a humble bow of the head.

(In the name of Sensei, and with great sadness, I accept the return of the Blade where we will renew our guardianship of it until a new Chosen One is found.), Hiro bowed as the Blade began to glow softly as he set it back in its stand.

Yori poured three more cups from another teapot.

Ron held his up as did Yori and Hiro, (To the next Chosen One of Yamanouchi, may he or she live a long and complete life, filled with honor.) The once hero took his cup and drank it and threw it into the roaring fire smashing it so that no lesser toast could be made with the cup to disgrace it. Hiro and Yori followed suit. The sweet tea symbolized that life once done was filled with promise in the higher plane.

Ron then smiled, "Thank you for helping me guys, I couldn't have done it without you. Now I have reserved a private plane back to Japan so that you don't have to worry about customs swiping the Blade from you. The business jet will leave at one in the afternoon tomorrow. I suggest that you should be on it. Now I am going to change out of my robe…I really don't need it or have the right to it now…you need to take it with you."

Yori frowned, "You have the right to wear the robe as it signifies the Master. We refuse to take that honor from you Ron-sama."

Hirotaka added, "We will purchase our tickets Ron-sama, it is with honor that we do so. Thank you for the offer though."

"Sure, guys if that's what you want.", Ron replied, "Where I am going I really can't use it Yori-kun, it is best that it resides somewhere where it can have honor. Besides, in less than a week people will begin going through my things and I don't want them to know anything about my hidden life. I still follow the ninja way until the end like we all vowed."

Yori's eyes had tears in them, "I will light incense for you Ron-sama."

"We will light incense Ron.", Hiro corrected his wife as he rose offering a hand to his friend

Ron waved the Japanese man's offer as he climbed up on one leg hopping a little to keep his balance, "Thank you, it is more than I deserve. Please give me a moment while I change into my civilian stuff. Then we can go in to the deli where you can find the best sandwiches in the whole state.

With leg in hand Ron hopped on one leg to his bedroom carrying his titanium limb. Five minutes later he returned clad in jeans and a polo shirt, carrying a package, walking like he normally did.

Hiro whistles, "You clean up nice Stoppable-sama."

He half-smiled, "At least I have something going for me. Are you guys ready to go?"

"Yori-chun will be a moment. What is this…deli?"

"It's a place where specialty sandwiches and soups and salads are served. I usually baked the bread and washed the dishes. It's sorta a step down from chefsville, but it helped from being noticed by some people."

"Who would want to know about you?"

"Some members of the media have long memories and I've had enough of them."

Yori came out of the bedroom wearing jeans and a short sleeve blouse now, "We may go to this deli Ron-sama, I am curious about where you are employed."

"Hey guys it's not much, but it keeps me off the streets.", Ron opened the door, and then closed it and locked it. "Almost everyone thinks Mike owns it 'cause his name is on the sign…I upped the money for it and Mike runs it and Justine does the books and stuff. Anyway, we had the lawyer go over it and if something happens to me, he's got it and everything in the corporation. He and Justine will own it together…It'll work out alright since they are married and all."

They got down to the car and Ron again opened the door for Yori as she got in. When Ron and Hiro closed their doors the American continued, "See I wanted to stay under the radar…I work the hours I want to and I stay out of sight. Other than you guys, the only people who know where I live right now are Mike and Justine and that's the way I want it."

"Why only them?", Yori frowned.

"Well I was having some trouble with the stump and Justine was able to fix the problem so I sorta owe them. Other than you guys they're about the only ones I trust."

"I asked before, are you lonely Ron-sama?", Yori inquired softly.

"No, not really. I don't have a lot of time to be lonely. We'll be at the deli in a few minutes guys, it's only a few miles from the villa."

XXX

The Possible household:

'Well we'll just mosey over to that deli with the grandkids. Anne will put Ronald on the spot and maybe we can talk some of this out before Kimmie and Josh return from their vacation.' James Possible mused as he opened his newspaper.

"Annie, how about we take the grandkids out to that deli that we talked about earlier?"

"Sure James, but they are at the high school running laps. We can go when they get back and are cleaned up.", Anne Possible responded.

XXXXX

All the canon characters from the show 'Kim Possible' belong to Bob, Mark and the Disney Corporation and not myself nor CajunBear73. This is just a hobby for us.

Now remember try to limit your drinking while reading this tale. LOL

We'll see ya down the road,

ST-103