Disclaimer: Kim Possible belongs to Disney. Bast and the plot are mine.
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Chapter 7: Returning Home
Yamanochi Private School, Yamanochi Monastery, Hokkaido, Japan
It was quite a crowd that ambushed Ron, Bast and Rufus that evening, lead by a smiling Yori and an evil grinning Hirotaka. Within minutes they had a farewell party going on, centred around Yamanochi's new champion. Ron enjoyed himself that evening; he danced a lot with various girls and ever so often with Yori. Because of the crowd he lost sight of Bast, but was sure she enjoyed herself as well, since she had Hirotaka's undivided attention. But after about two hours after the nightfall Hirotaka approached Ron, who was chatting with Yori: "Do you know where your sister is?"
"No, I thought you were dancing with her."
"I was keeping her company, though she wouldn't dance. So Sayoko-san asked me for a dance and when I came back, Bast-chan was gone."
Hearing this Ron became nervous. "We should go looking for her!"
"Guys, you should hear yourself talking. You're always so… overprotective of her", Yori laughed. "The girl can take care of herself. Besides I pretty well know where she is."
"Spill it!" Ron looked at her expectantly.
"She will be at her thoughtful spot, near the cliffs above northern valley. You know, just about a five minute walk outside the northern gate."
"I'll go and look for her", Ron said. "Don't stop the party." Yori promised they wouldn't and Ron left the common room to go and check on Bast. He left the monastery through the small northern gate and followed the trail to the training grounds, turned left and soon reached the cliffs, Rufus on his shoulder. The valley below laid in silvery moonlight, giving the landscape a dreamy appearance; truly a picture of pure beauty.
Ron could see Bast sitting near the abyss, legs drawn up and arms laid around her knees, staring down into the valley. He sneaked over, planning to startle her.
"Hi there, brother", Bast said without turning around.
Ron sat down and hugged his sister from behind, so she leaned back against him. Rufus scampered down Ron's side and into Bast's waiting hands, happily accepting her strokes. "Why aren't you at the party with the others? Hirotaka wanted to dance with you."
"I can not dance."
"Come on, a cute girl like you? I bet you would be pretty good if you only tried."
"I could waltz with him or give a classical ballet performance. I do not know a thing about this modern dancing."
"Bast, you know you can trust me, right?"
"Of course I know. Why are you asking?"
"Because you're holding something back. Tell me."
"When Sayoko had successfully lured Hirotaka away, Chiho and Nanami came over and started to bitch around again. I could not stand them, so I came here. I like this place; it is always so peaceful here, especially at night."
"You know, I'm totally jealous of your catnap ability. You grip a few hours of sleep here and there, and that's it. You're never tired and on top of that a real night owl", Ron smiled. "But that's not all, is it?"
"I…I am so confused", Bast confessed. "I know that the level of ballet I could perform normally takes years to accomplish, not to speak of martial arts. I speak six languages fluently; I know all the stuff Hitomi-sensei asks. But I although know that I am seven month old and shouldn't be able to even walk. And I am scared Mom and Dad won't like me, or you could think I want to steal your parents away."
"Bast, I would never think that. Mom and Dad are looking forward to meet you, although they are nervous, just like you are now. And about the knowledge and abilities you have, little sis, I think, with just enough time, you'll come to appreciate them, no matter of their origin. You shouldn't be so hard to yourself. "If you want to be accepted by others you need to accept yourself first", that's what Rabbi Katz always says."
After a few minutes of silence while thinking, Bast continued. "Tell me again about school."
"I told you at least ten times about Middleton High."
Bast turned halfway around in his embrace and pouted. "Please?"
Ron smiled; Bast's "Puppy Dog Pout" was sweet, but not quite as effective as Kim's, spoiled by her feline eyes. But he caved in none the less.
"In seven days from now on, we'll go to high school for the new school year. Kim and Monique will help you get started and everything will be Ok. Of course there will be mean students as well, but with Kim's aid you'll make new friends in no time. Maybe you can make it into the cheer squad, wouldn't that be great?"
"You really like her, don't you? Your voice is always so excited when you speak of her. I'm really looking forward to meet the world famous hero, Kim Possible."
"She's more than that. Kim is the gentlest, caring and most honourable person I've ever known. We're best friends since pre-k and a crime fighting team for more than three years now. There's nothing I wouldn't do for her."
"She seems to be such a nice person. I think I will like her." Bast cuddled close to Ron for a moment. "I am so glad that you have found me, Ron." She hesitated for a moment. "I love you, big brother."
"I love you too, Bast." He gave her a brotherly peek on the cheek. "Let's go back, before Sayoko thinks she can beat a Stoppable through cheating."
"What do you mean?" Bast asked curiously.
"Well, she had Chiho and Nanami chase you away so she can have Hirotaka all for herself this evening, hasn't she? She's up for a disappointment. My sister isn't easily scared, not by some mean girls with an attitude, isn't she?"
"No, she is not", Bast laughed, "and I will show them, you will see!"
They walked back together, when Ron suddenly stopped. "How did you know it was me who came to look for you? I didn't make a sound."
"You moved with the wind, brother", Bast said jolly. "And there is just one guy in Yamanochi who has this delicious smell of nacho cheese!" She took off laughing, her scolding brother hot on her trail.
Upon their return a smiling Yori greeted them and immediately monopolized Ron for another dance. Bast walked over to where Hirotaka talked to Sayoko, Nanami and Chiho, the three girls swarming over him. "Hirotaka, would you like to dance?" she asked him with a sweet smile.
"Of course, Bast-chan, I would be honoured." He took Bast's arm and went to the dance floor with her, leaving three open-mouthed and furious girls behind.
(X)
"Their plane landed half an hour ago, which means they will be out any minute now. We're just on time, Martha, no need to be nervous." David Stoppable hugged his wife and gave her a quick kiss.
"Ron comes finally home after his three month trip to Japan and brings along his new stepsister, our new daughter, and all you can say is: don't be nervous. There are times I can't believe I truly love you, David Stoppable, since we're so different: I mean, you're always so calm while I'm nearly having nervous breakdowns."
"I'm just trying to cheer you up, dear. I'm just as nervous as you are."
Martha and David Stoppable stood in the arrival lounge of Middleton City International Airport, anxiously waiting for Bast and Ron to return from Japan. Before long the doors to the baggage area opened and a mass of people rushed past them.
"Mom, Dad!"
Martha saw her son, armed with his backpack and a suitcase, making his way through the crowd towards her and she rushed to meet him. Before she laid her arms around her son, Martha got a glimpse of a shadow following him, somebody clad in dark jeans, black tank top, a coat made of leather and a cowboy hat, with Rufus sitting on her shoulder.
"Hi Mom, it's good to be back."
"Hello, Ron. You look good, son", Martha said with pride, examining her son while holding him at arms length.
Ron smiled about her compliment, turned and hugged his father. "Hello Dad."
"Hello Ronald. You're mother's right, you look good. Got some muscles, I see. Suits you."
"Thanks, Dad. Here, let me introduce you. Mom, Dad, this is Bast." He took the hand of his sister and gently pulled her forward into the centre of attention.
"Good Afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Stoppable." came a muffled greeting in a slightly purring voice from under the hat. Since the girl was smaller than them and had her head bowed down, they couldn't even get a glance at her face.
The Stoppables exchanged a bemused look. Even before her son got the chance to react, Martha moved forward, placing gentle hands on the shoulders of her daughter-to-be. "Bast, sweetheart, please look at me." After a few seconds the head moved upwards and the feline face of the girl came into view, eyes filled with anxiety and fear. "Ronald Dean Stoppable, you have a serious problem", Martha said. Seeing the eyes of the girl filling with even more fear she quickly continued, giving her son a mocking glare. "You only told me your sister was cute, while in fact she is truly gorgeous." She turned back to the girl. "Hello honey, I'm Martha Stoppable, your Mom. Welcome to our family." She embraced the girl, placing a slight kiss on her forehead and was delighted when the girl, no, her daughter, hugged her back.
David watched the scene with satisfaction. He patted his son on the shoulder. "Well done, Ronald. We're very proud of you." After a minute his wife let finally go of the girl, only to hug her son again, because she just needed to hug somebody. Mr. Stoppable knew from the look in his wife's eyes she was really happy. He turned to the girl. "So, you are Bast. I'm David, but please call me Dad", he said smiling, only to find himself holding the girl in his arms. He patted her back awkwardly when he heard her sobbing softly. "See? There's no need for tears. You're welcome, Bast, truly welcome. So, why don't you let me take your luggage and we get you kids home?" He gently untangled himself, took the baggage and headed towards the front gates.
Martha took the hand of her daughter. "Dad's right, no need for tears. Here, let me get you a tissue." She searched her hand bag and handed it to the girl. Seeing the grateful smile of her daughter she smiled herself. "Now, let's go home." She took Bast's hand and the arm of her son, leading her kids to the entrance.
'Yes, she thought', my kids. She glared daggers at a man who was openly staring at Bast, embarrassing the poor girl. He turned away quickly with a mumbled apology. 'She's MY little girl now. I'm so proud of my boy for rescuing and helping her. God, I only know her five minutes and love her already. And I love Ron, more than before, if that's even possible.' She gave silent, thankful prayers to the Lord Above, grateful her biggest wish finally became reality.
(X)
The telephone rang. A tanned, slender arm slowly creped out from under the covers of the luxurious bed, gripped the receiver and pulled it back under the blanket. "This should better be important", growled an annoyed Kim Possible. She had come home from California yesterday evening at about ten o'clock, but had talked with her parents until three AM in the morning, too exited to sleep. She felt really whacked now and tomorrow school would to start again.
"Ron…?" she called eagerly, sitting up on her bet. It had taken her only two seconds to be fully awake, a new record, even for her "No, you must not call back…yeah, it has become late yesterday…so, why are you calling?"
She listened for a moment. "You want me to come over…something really important…of course I'll come…so, what time is it?…tell you what, I'll be there at eleven…I missed you too…well, see you later…" She hung up.
'Something important! He wants to tell me something important. YES! He's going to tell me that he loves me!' She literally jumped into her small bathroom and began with the important task of preparing herself for the big moment. Today she wanted to look especially pretty, only for him. Kim took a quick shower, dried her hair and put on some decent make-up. After that, she went looking for clothes in her wardrobe, not sure what to wear." She settled for a pair of black jeans and a light blue top, which emphasised her green eyes. The top reached just down to the hem of her jeans, bringing out the play of her hips. Monique is right. You've got to play with what you got.'
She bounced down the stairs and into the kitchen. A note of her parents told her that they had taken the tweebs out for brunch. 'I've totally forgotten that it's Sunday!' A beautiful smile played across her gorgeous face. 'This of course means that his parents are doing their usual Sunday squash training. I'll be alone with him, at least until one o'clock.' Not willing to loose more time Kim left the house and walked down the street towards the residence of her best friend. 'My future boyfriend!'
A few minutes later, eleven o'clock sharp, Kim knocked at the door of the Stoppable home. She heard footsteps and the door opened, revealing a smiling Ron, clad in a sleeveless muscle shirt and shorts. Seeing him Kim held her breath: 'He looks really good, totally sharp', Kim thought. 'He must have trained all the time, he has definitely gained some muscle and his shoulders are broader, too.' She looked into his face and was relieved to see her old friend in his warm brown eyes. 'He may have grown up a bit but he's still my Ron.'
"Hi, KP. Come in!"
Hearing his voice Kim remembered to breath. She gave him a dazzling smile, resisting the urge to hug and kiss him. "Thank you, Ron. You look good. You have trained, haven't you?"
"I've taken some lessons while learning." He led her into the living room. "Please sit down."
They sat down on the comfortable couch, next to each other, not with their usual "safe distance" between them. Ron smiled uneasily: "There are some things I need to tell you. You promise to hear me out on this?"
"Of course. But you really make me curious."
"KP, while I was in Japan I went on a mission."
Kim's world stopped rotating for a minute. From all the things she thought he would say this was the most unexpected. "Well, I wouldn't call studying in Japan a mission. Or do you mean, that kind, our kind of mission?" she asked dangerously, not believing her ears.
"Yes, THAT kind of mission. But nothing really exciting, just a recon run to get some news on Drakken…"
"You went on a mission against DRAKKEN and did not call for backup?" Kim was about to explode. "Do you have you any idea how dangerous that was? You could have gotten yourself killed!"
"Kim, please, it wasn't dangerous at all, at least not until Shego and Monkey Fist showed up and we got into a fight…"
"SHEGO and MONKEY FIST? You haven't got the slightest idea in how much trouble you've been !"
Ron winced under her accusing tone. "No don't get all upset, there's more. Well, like usual Drakken had one of his projects going on, while this time it was truly vicious…"
"I'm yelling at you, RON, so I don't want to hear any lame excuses. You are not supposed to go on missions without me!"
"Well, Wade said you didn't want to be disturbed for any reasons …"
"Wade knew about this?" Kim said, tapping her foot impatiently, a sign for her temper rising to never known heights.
"Ah, yes. But he had confidence in my abilities and since I had help from some friends…"
"Oh Great! Not only you didn't call me, going on a mission behind my back, but also took some guys with you? Thereby you didn't only endanger yourself, but the life of these ominous friends as well, who didn't even know what the hell you were GETTING THEM INTO?" Kim was fuming. "Next thing you tell me is that you blew up the lair and escaped only by a hair's breadth!"
Seeing Ron pale even more Kim lost her last hint of patience. She yanked him forward by his shirt: "WHAT?"
"Ah, well, as a matter of fact, I did…well, Shego did, but the result was the same…"
"You will never see the end of this one, Ron, and now, LISTEN to me, buster…"
"Is everything all right, Ron? I heard you two yelling and…ah…would you like some juice now?" said a girl's voice behind her.
Kim turned around and saw a girl standing in the doorway, holding a tray with a pincher of orange juice and three glasses. The girl was smaller than her, well endowed and showing of her figure in a tank top and hot pants. Kim blinked a few times, trying to wrap her mind around the fact that the girl had cat ears, feline eyes, fur and, for god's sake, a tail. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, trying to ask a question, but all she managed was: "Well, it seems we just entered freak zone!"
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There, another chapter done. I thank my buddy for proofreading and for giving some suggestions to make it even better. Everybody else thanks for reading!