A/N: Disclaimer. Kim Possible, Ron Stoppable, Rufus and the other characters and places that were in the show 'Kim Possible' belong to Disney and the creators. Let them fight it out.

I don't make a dime off this hobby, it just keeps me off the streets and makes for a cleaner and safer world. I just work in a crummy factory trying to keep the place from falling apart.

I'd like to thank my beta CajunBear73 for all his hard work. Seeing all the hits I know something is going on..So you all can thank him for being able to read it.

Thanks to Cole Martin and CB73 for the reviews, I really appreciate them.

One comment: Yeah I know this is all boring and all, however 'Justice' will be coming along in like about eights weeks. And when that starts many will be asking 'What the heck?' And I know that I'm going to be getting all these questions about who is with who, why and when did that happen. They will get referred back to here since most of the informantion they'll be looking for is right here and by then I should be writing another story.

So on with the show!

ST-103

The Truth

Chapter 10

Ron and Kimberly Stoppable home. Middleton, Colorado:

Ron turned the steaks over one last time. The kabobs were put on the second grill just moments before. Ron had his wonderful wife watching over them while he talked to their guests. Ron could tell by the smell when food was cooked to perfection and sure enough, Kim was learning patience. Ron knew that in time she may become an even better cook than he was, but he didn't really care. 'All she needs is confidence.', he mused.

Anne was watching her daughter while holding her granddaughter in her lap. The surgeon looked around and noticed the other two doctors and Mrs. Renton talking to Walter and his mother. 'I hope this works for that young man.'

Albert was talking to both Wanda and Suzie, but he realized that the shorter of the two kept glancing at his brother. 'I wonder?', he mused, not realizing that the taller of the two was asking interesting questions about both Ranger brothers.

James Possible was conversing with his old college mate's former sidekick. "So Miss Go, how is Drew?", he asked.

"Oh he and Demez have their own lab now. They make devices for GJ and some government agencies. They're doing quite well. Maybe they'll both retire and live happily ever after.", she replied.

"And you?", he queried.

"I'm on an ongoing assignment for Betty. I'm taking a couple weeks off so that your son-in-law can cook for me, maybe I'll do a few days of substitute teaching while I'm in town. But mostly I'm in town for the food and this will be a nice start.", she answered.

Yori and Hirotaka watched the conversations, once in a while smiling at each other. Luki and Tim were off in a corner of the over large family room with Ron-san teaching him a little English.

"Well Mr. Harris, tomorrow we're going to run you through a battery of tests. Once we see what we have then we'll know if we can fix the damage to your spine and nerves. Felix would be able to show you what we did for him, but he can't be here tonight. However before we start the procedure you'll have the chance to talk to him.", Dr. Renton told the young man while his mother looked on.

Carol Harris spoke up, "Ma'am I'm a scrub nurse and I understand a lot of what you're talking about. This seems like a less invasive way of repairing the damage that Walter sustained. Maybe he'll be able to walk again."

"Well he should be able to Mrs. Harris.", Dr. Hebert told her, "However, he's going to be placed in the torture machine and since Dr. Turner is very adept at running that little device, she's going to have you for about two weeks. That will strengthen your muscles and make them more flexible too. Be very thankful that you'll be out for that part of it. Ask Ron and his wife. It seems from what he told us he was inside the same contraption that we came up with. For Kimberly, it made a world of difference to her after her injury."

"Thanks Dr. Hebert, but that is not what I got my PhD in. I'm a shrink too, you know.", she chuckled.

"Yeah, look what she's done to my head in the last year Doc....I swear I've gone down two sizes.....Hey honey.", Ben gasped as Tara elbowed him in the ribs.

Then she turned around and pulled him into a warm hug. "I'm sorry honey it must be the Physical Terrorist in me.", she whispered in his ear as she nuzzled him.

Dr. Howle was talking to the pink rodent trying to make sense of the squeaks that Rufus was making. 'You know I think he makes about as much sense as some of my patients that come in from skateboarding in only Speedos.' The surgeon-truck driver looked at his beer wondering just how many he had. 'Did he just say cheese again?'

After dinner the conversations continued until after the sun disappeared. Anna had decided that the Harris's were going to tell her another story. And finally she calmed down and went to sleep.

Middleton General Hospital. Middleton, Colorado:

Albert Harris wheeled his brother in for his comprehensive tests needed before any procedure could be done. It was going to be a three day marathon. Walter knew about hospitals, tests and procedures. It had been an ongoing practice for the last seven years from when he first had been wounded.

A technician met them and led them down to a lab to get started. Meanwhile his room was being prepared.

True enough, Walt was exhausted by the time the staff was finished with him at the end of the day. Albert watched with some amusement as his brother groaned. "That'll teach ya to get shot in the first place. Turner warned you how many times to keep your butt down.", he explained to his younger brother.

"Bert we was moving fast. How the heck can you crawl and move fast. If we didn't have the pace up we never would have made the pickup. Anyway, Ron pulled my can out of the fire.", he replied.

"You ever tell him thanks?", the older brother asked.

"Yeah I tried to Walt, but with Sergeant Stoppable it's like that was what he was supposed to do it. I didn't know at the time that he had been Kim Possible's sidekick and had been responsible for taking down those aliens. I mean nobody even had any idea of who he was. He just took a lot of the guys' extra duty and worked his tail off. I mean we were all close, but now that I think of it, Ron wasn't as close as some of the other guys. He was off by himself a lot when we were out getting a beer or going to a movie together.", Walter informed him.

"I suppose I'll ask him about some of that. I think he opens up to me and Turner a lot more. Grant told me a few things about him too. But, I ah...really can't talk about them...Sorry bro.", he replied.

A few minutes later the object of the conversation entered the room. "Hey guys, I brought a little present. I know how 'inmate' food can be.", Ron told them as a red haired doctor walked in behind him with her hands on her hips.

"Ronald, you know that we've worked very hard to make our food as good as any hospital around.", the surgeon interjected.

"The key word Mrs. Dr. P, is 'hospital' food. Now if you had Bueno Nacho inside, people would flock to this fine institution.", he replied.

"The idea Ronald is to get them out and on their feet again...", she told him with a smile. Obviously this was an ongoing discussion and the two other men were slightly amused by it.

"And you do a real good job of it here at the hospital too Ma'am.", he told her.

"Anyway guys I know Walt has to stay in this wonderful 'institution' for the next couple of weeks. From what I've heard you'll need these Nacos to fortify you Walt.", Ron told the the injured Ranger as he handed over a large bag.

"Ronald it wasn't so bad when you was here.", Anne interrupted.

"Do you remember who shared the room with me Mom P?", he asked.

"Well Kimberly, after you woke up.", she replied.

"Well she would make the worst place in the world seem like a palace to me when she was there. So hospitals aren't my favorite place. But KP is my favorite person.", he reminded her.

After a few more minutes of bantering Anne got down to business and checked the young man over. "I know that I'm not the attending surgeon, however I AM the head of Surgical Services here and I try to check everyone out. Mr. Harris, I think besides the injury you are a very healthy young man. I'll leave my son-in-law to entertain you while I finish my rounds.", she finished.

Two days later Walter was laying on his hospital bed waiting for the nanobot procedure. "Listen Walt, we've programmed the devices just to repair the damage. About thirty hours after we start we'll have a good idea how it's going. Remember I had a much more severe injury than you did and now I'm walking. I was the guinea pig for all this. It took me years, but you might be able to get around in a few weeks. Good luck guy, Ron's told me a lot about you. So just relax and let the devices do their job.", Felix Renton advised.

"Hey...Thanks for all you're doing for me Mr. Renton. I mean your Mom has to be proud of you.", Walt Harris replied.

"A lot of this was Mom's idea, and it's Felix not Mister or Doctor or anything though I have my PhD....It makes me feel old. Anyway, Mom knew that it was bothering me on the inside. I mean when I got to high school I was the only one with in a chair. Now don't get me wrong...I had a way cool chair. It was more of a robot than anything. Well after about four years in high school, and I was studying robotics like Mom, we decided to give this a try. I was at M.I.T. when Mom told me her plans. Now you're in the second bunch of patients to go through this. In the long run this is going to be a lot cheaper than regular surgery for our kind of injury and it might be even better.", Felix explained.

"Hey thanks again for helping me.", Walt told the young PhD.

"Not a problem...Well look what I see. Helen is here already with your tray....Well, I have to check on some things at the Space Center....They have a new robot probe being launched in a day or two and it's my toy. So I have to get over there before Kim's Dad puts it into high orbit.", he laughed.

Wanda and Suzie's Condo:

"OK sisters what was that the other day?", Yori asked her two fellow ninjas.

"What do you mean sister?", Wanda asked wondering if she was that obvious.

"You know very well what I mean. I could see it. I could smell it. It was so obvious that Hiro even mentioned it.", Yori told them in a low voice while Hirotaka was playing with Ron-san in another room.

"Well you see Yori-san....I don't know what happened....But when that young injured soldier opened up Ron-san's front door to greet us.....I'm not sure what happened.....Right now we are in the information gathering stage.", Suzie Chin answered her team leader.

"OK for now we'll keep it under wraps. Are you exploring your feelings for him?", Yori asked.

"More like she wants to explore him.", Wanda chuckled.

"Shut up.", Suzie hissed.

"What did I say?", Wanda asked.

"What about YOU sister?" Yori asked looking at the taller woman.

"Well...I...Uh....", Wanda stammered.

"She wants to jump Albert-san's bones Yori-san.", Suzie chuckled getting even with her long time friend.

"Hey...That's crude sister.", Wanda replied to her friend.

"Wasn't that the term you used when we returned home?", Suzie asked.

"Well...uh, you make it sound crude Suzie.", Wanda informed her friend.

"Well that's how you put it. Now what are you going to do about it?", Suzie asked putting her friend on the spot.

"I think maybe Albert-san and I may go out for a drink after they put his brother out.", Wanda mused out loud maybe we shall spend some time talking about our common interests.

"Well from what I heard Walter-san is going to be unconscious for two weeks. What are you planning on doing for the rest of the time sister?", Suzie asked.

"Well....I thought that Albert-san and I might get to know each other a little better.", Wanda smiled.

"Oh no....You mean?", the Suzie asked.

Wanda blushed in return.

Yori began to laugh out loud as she saw her old friend turn red.

'Well while she's out entertaining the brother, I'll sit with Walter...Maybe I can find my own Chosen One.', Suzie Chin mused with a small smile.

"While our friend is spending time with the Albert-san, what are you going to be doing Suzie-san.", Yori asked.

"I am going to sit with his brother. Since Wanda-san has plans for the Sergeant, someone should sit with his Walter-san it is the honorable thing to do...Maybe I can explore my feelings for him. I must meditate on my future Yori-san. I might have found my man.", Suzie replied seriously.

The Ronald and Kimberly Stoppable home:

Kimberly Anne Stoppable watched her little friend. 'He's not trying as hard as he used to. I wonder if he's sick or just old. This will kill Ron if he finds out.', she worried as she scooped Rufus up in a warm hug keeping him close to her. Covering him in a blanket she picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hey Dad S. is Hanna around right now? I know you guys are out of town and busy, I just wanted to talk to my sister for a minute.", Kim asked her father-in-law.

"Sure Kimberly. We're going to be coming home tomorrow anyway. We were going to stay for an extra few days and do some sight seeing, but Hanna's antsy to get home for some reason. Anyway, here she is.", Dean replied.

The young Asian girl picked up the phone. "Hi sister, how is everybody?", she asked.

"Everyone's fine but Ruffie, Hanna. What's going on with him?", Kim asked.

"Kim, Rufus is getting old. He's not going to be here much longer. He's much weaker than before. We'll be home soon. I'm scared for Ron. Rufus aged a lot while my brother was gone. He experienced a lot of grief and this helped to age him.", Hanna replied seeming much older than her nine years.

"Should I tell Ron about Ruffie?", Kim asked.

"Yes just tell him that Rufus is very old. Can you take him to the vet? Ron may not believe you if you just tell him out of the blue.", Hanna advised.

"OK I'll do that. We'll go to the vet that Ron always used for Ruffie. I'll see you when you get home tomorrow.", Kim replied.

"OK sister, just keep Rufus comfortable. Don't over feed him now and just give him soft cheeses. His teeth aren't what they used to be either. We'll be home tomorrow.", Hanna told her as they turned off their phones.

Kim redialed, "Hello Dr. Able's office? Yes I'd like an appointment. It's for Ron Stoppable's pet mole rat, Rufus. He's slowing down a lot and I'm worried about him. Yes...He's about twelve years I think...At one...yes I can be there...Thanks."

After she returned home Kim brought her little friend into the family room and placed him in a warm blanket on a table next to her favorite chair. She softly sat down next to her old friend and partner. Kim noticed Yori was sitting and catching up on some reading when she watched the red head do this silently. 'Kim-san is too quiet. She has discovered that Rufus-san is near the end of his journey. I wonder how she will react?', the ninja mused with concern.

"Yori?", Kim asked softly not wanting to wake the little rodent up, "How is Ron going to take this. I mean...R....Ru...God it's so hard to say his name now. I mean I've seen people die and held their hands. I remember Granddad. He just withered away from the cancer. Dad was so broken by it for a while. Nana was actually stronger and held my father together. How was she able to do that? I mean now Rufus is going to die. How am I supposed to handle it? You know that I'm closer to Rufus than most people I know. He's just an animal....no, no he's not. He's a friend. He helped me out so much when we were doing missions together. Sometimes he was the one who destroyed Dementor's or Drakken's devices. It got so that I could understand him....It got so I came to love him too...And now he's going to die. He helped me regain my sanity I think. Sometimes he would sit in Hanna's lap while we watched movies....You know when Ron was gone.....Yori....you're a friend how do you do this?"

"Kim-san, it is never easy to lose a friend. Especially one like Rufus-san.", she began while closing her book, "Though I have known our friend for many years, I do not know him as well as you. He has been a great warrior and has also been endowed with the Mystical Monkey Power for many years. However none of us are immortal. The time must come for each of us to walk the last path alone. Rufus-san's time is soon. The hole in our hearts that his loss will become will take time to heal. But remember this....I believe that all warriors of good will meet again some day. So look forward to that day while remembering your life with him. Being strong is not always easy and maybe it is not your part to take in this struggle. I see that you need support, maybe it's you who needs Ron-san's love through this time. If you wish I will contact Sensei to ask."

"So you're saying maybe I need to be comforted by Ron....To be a distraction for him?", Kim asked.

"Maybe not a distraction, but maybe a cushion for Ron-san to hold onto for a while. I think that Anna-san is very well equipped to do this herself.", she smiled.

"I don't know where she gets it from either Yori. I mean, I never thought of myself as being able to support people like she can.", Kim replied.

They both watched the ancient rodent as he wheezed a couple of times in his sleep. "Kim-san our friend is comforted. He has many friends and well wishers. It will end in glory for him. Rufus-san will pass from this plane in honor.", Yori told her, "I must apprise Sensei of Rufus-san's condition. Yamanouchi has honored our friend greatly. It will be their loss as well. Please excuse me.", the ninja asked as she rose and bowed formally to her host and to the honored rodent.

Kim sat there smiling and gently petting her old friend, remembering all their times together.

Middleton General Hospital:

The two ninja women entered Walter Harris's room. Both the Sergeant and his mother were sitting with him while waiting for the devices to work. "Mrs. Harris-san, would you like for me to sit with your son. It will give you a much needed break and I would like to talk with him for a while.", the shorter Japanese woman asked.

"Why that's very nice of you Miss.", Carol replied, "Would that be alright with you Walter?"

"Hey sure Mom, why don't you guys take a break, it's not like I'm going anywhere for a while.", he laughed softly hoping they would leave him alone with the exotic woman.

After they left Walter looked at the slightly older woman. "Ma'am now that they're gone. I suppose you wanna ask me a lot of questions about Sergeant Stoppable. I guess you're not just an average girl just sitting here with me.", Walt got to the point.

"Walter-san, it is difficult for me to admit my feelings. In my occupation it is not something that we do very well. But I wish to find out more about you not Ron-sama. I hope that you would like to find out more of me. As for Ron-sama, let me say that I have known him for a long time. We trained at the same school.", Suzie replied.

"You went to Middleton too?", he asked.

"No we attended another school, but I am not here about him. I'm here about us. When we met a few days ago I felt something and I'm sure you felt it too judging from your actions.", she told him laying some cards out on the table.

"What do you mean Ma'am?", he asked becoming nervous.

"You are not the only warrior in this room Walter-san. I too travel paths that I can not talk about, just like your honored brother and Stoppable-sama.", she explained cryptically.

"Miss Chin I'm not sure what you mean.", Walt responded.

"That is why we must talk Walter-kun.", she told him.

"Ah...Miss Chin, why did you go from 'san' to 'kun'?", he asked.

"The term 'san' implies equals. The term 'kun' implies affection. 'Chun' is also another term that we may soon use to refer to each other after we get to know each other more. I wish it would be so between us if you are agreeable. So may we speak together while the others are gone?", she asked.

"Suzie, are you sure a beautiful girl like yourself would want to have anything to do with a cripple like me?", Walter asked his hidden fears now revealed.

"Is your mind broken Walter-kun? Are your hands yet withered? Is your courage destroyed? Has all the love been bled out of your heart? So you sit in a chair. Soon that will be repaired. That is your hope and my hope as well. But if you are not able to walk when this is over that has no meaning for me. I see a future with you Walter-san. Now that I have plainly stated my feelings. Do you wish to talk more with me about this while we are alone?", she asked.

"Yes I think we should. Could you please close the door?", he asked.

Ron and Kimberly Stoppable home:

Ron and Ben Turner were returning to his home from Global Justice where Sergeant Turner had just been sworn in as well. Ron entered and found Kim sitting with his buddy on her lap.

He watched quietly as she turned to face him. There were tears running down her cheeks and her lower lip trembled. "Ben excuse me, but I have to see to my wife, this is real important.", he told his old Sergeant.

"Yeah I see. Listen I'll call Tara up maybe she can bring some food over. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night.", the older soldier replied.

"Thanks.", came the reply.

"Ron...It's Ruffie...I took him to the vet.", she started with a sniff.

"I know honey. He's getting old. I can feel it.", he replied as he sat next to his wife.

"You know Ron?", she asked in awe.

"Yes KP, I know. He's close. Hanna's on the way home. Yori's here too, it is part of the circle of life. It's going to be alright. My friend has made many friends all over the world. He has had a great life KP. It's been my pleasure to have been his friend all these years.", Ron told her truthfully.

"Ronnie, it's going to hurt. It already does. I've had Luki keep Anna away so she doesn't bother him. Yori is talking to Sensei right now. Please hold me?", she asked.

Ron called to the young ninja woman, "Luki would you please bring Anna in here please?"

"But how do you know honey?", Kim asked.

"It's the power. You know that Rufus got it on the same day as me. We're linked, just like you, Anna and I are linked. You know how we can share feelings when we're stressed and when we're meditating? It's the same with me and Rufus too. He helped me learn a long time ago.", Ron explained to her.

"Do you mean when I first saw you turn blue in your room before our senior prom you and Rufus were meditating? You know when you floated?", Kim asked wanting to know more.

"Yes, that was one of the more powerful times. It's always easier with someone else. Someday I hope that you'll be able to attain that level with me KP. That's why we spend a little time each night after our little cuddle. You know how relaxed you are after?", he asked.

"Yes Ronnie, I thought it was because of the other thing though.", she replied with a blush.

"Well that helps too. But I think maybe we'll try the link tonight, without the other stuff. I'm going to try and help Rufus into the trance too. Maybe he'll be able to see Sensei again. That would be good for they are friends. We'll go to bed early tonight, and we'll have Anna with us too. She will feel Rufus's passing and she needs to know.", Ron explained to Kim softly.

"OK Ronnie.", she replied as Anna came into the room.

"Roof.", Anna squealed as she saw the pink rodent.

Old Rufus opened his eyes at the sound from the bundle of joy. He smiled as she ran to him and enveloped him in a hug.

A little later Tara, with Bonnie and Felix tagging along, brought Bueno Nacho for everyone. Ron even helped his buddy eat some for old time's sake. There was laughing and jokes with a few old stories thrown in. Hirotaka was telling about the girls that were chasing him while he was on his exchange trip. He suddenly stopped when faced with a red faced Yori Takana. "Just how many girls did you kiss Hiro-chun.", she growled.

"Ah...uh... Yori-chun, I was young remember. I mean you had a crush on Ron-san I heard.", he replied.

"Who told you?", Yori asked sweetly as Hiro had the sense to keep Ron-san between him and her.

"Uh, dear-chun...now you don't want to get mad do you. Remember that last time I was bruised for two weeks.", he replied.

Bonnie looked at Yori, "Yori, I kissed him and a lot of other girls did too, I don't know if Possible did though."

Kim shook her head no, "I tried. Monique and I were almost at each others throats over Hiro. I think he may have kissed half the girls in school that week though. Did he kiss you Tara?"

"Not me, I didn't want to get trampled, not only that but there were many boys available just then.", the blonde smiled.

"Just how many girls did you kiss Hiro-san.", she growled.

"I really don't remember....."

"It's because he couldn't count that high.", Tara laughed

"Well I have my man now guys and I so don't need to kiss a lot of hot boys, cause I have my own 'hottie.", Kim interupted getting the Japanese man out of his current troubles.

"Thanks Honey, I love you too.", Ron replied as he followed his wife's lead.

They were interrupted by Sergeant and Mrs. Harris coming in. Right behind Carol was Wanda. "Hey hi guys we have some Bueno Nacho left. Want some?", Ron asked.

Mrs. Harris replied, "Oh thank you. Well we have Walter all settled in. I think Bert and Miss Wang are going out to dinner. Ron could you let him have a key. I think I'll stay here, I'm a little tired after a long day."

"Are you sure Mom? I mean we don't have to go out...I mean.", he tried to reply.

"No you two go ahead and have a nice time. I think I'll talk to Ron and his wife for a while, maybe get some cute time with Anna too.", she explained.

"OH, OK Mom. I'll see you in the morning.", he told her as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Ron got up and gave him a spare key.

"I'll see you later. Good night.", Albert Harris told everyone.

As the door shut Carol went to a window to peek out. "They're gone. Oh my goodness Albert has a date with a beautiful woman. It's been so long He hasn't been on a real date since Walter was hurt. I like her she's a nice girl.", Mrs. Harris told everyone.

"Uh Mrs. Harris where's Suzie? Usually she and Wanda are connected at the hip.", Ron asked.

"Oh that shorter girl? She was sitting with Walter talking to him. When we left they were holding hands.", Carol replied.

"Suzie's holding hands with a man and Wanda is out on a date with his brother?", Kim asked looking at the others, "OMG I wonder what happened?"

(I don't know, maybe Sensei could spring for a double wedding.), Ron chuckled.

(That's a little early Ron-san.), Yori told him.

(You ever see those two act like that before?), Ron prodded.

(No Ron-san. Let's wait and see.), she replied.

Sergeant Turner looked at his wife, "Babe, I don't know what went on there, but when they switched to Japanese it was a little scary."

"Yeah honey, you know it's getting late and I want some alone time with my hubby, so let's go home.", Tara told him with a coy smile.

Bonnie looked on, "Felix let's go to the house and get some clothes. I think I want to check out this new hotel I heard about over in Upperton. I think Mrs. Stoppable was wanting a report on it anyway."

"Sure Bonnie whatever you say.", Felix replied not knowing what was going on.

Middleton General Hospital:

"Walter-kun do you feel any different?", the exotic Asian woman asked hopefully.

"Suzie I don't know yet. Dr Renton said they'd check about thirty hours after we started, It's only been twelve so far. I want to thank you for sitting with me....", he started.

"It is my honor to be with you Walter-kun. I am glad that I have met you. I would like to stay later if you permit.", she asked.

"Well maybe a little longer. That chair has to be uncomfortable. And you really need to get some dinner.", he told her.

"OK I will get some dinner after I leave you.", the small ninja woman promised.

After another three hours she rose, leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Until tomorrow, my hope.", she spoke softly to him. Walter opened his eyes up again and smiled. To make her point Suzie Chin leaned back over and kissed him lightly on the lips.

Walter closed his eyes again with a smile.

A/N: Remember to keep Cneb in your thoughts kiddies as well as Screaming Phoenix. They both can use some kind thoughts right now.

There are a lot of good stories out there. If ya like em give the author a note or a review. Oh Nutzkie just put out a new chapter on 'The Rise of Rhodighan' and it is very good. Also Waveform has a new story up and running with Kim Possible as a Green Lantern....and it looks like it's going to be fun.

See ya down the road.

ST-103