Yay everybody we made it this far. So welcome to 'The Hunter'; an in depth look at the workings of ST-103's mind. Sorry about it being so long winded but I am verbose. You know the tale is a pretty simple one. It took me all of ten minutes to explain it to CajunBear. Of course the look on his face was real funny until he realized who volunteered to edit for me….again. So thanks bud, if I got any sway with the big guy upstairs I think you might get a pass and get issued your harp right away. Or maybe I can get you another bottle to drown your sorrows with...your choice.

I also want to thank everyone who's made it this far, keep it up there's plenty of mud errr I mean ground left to cover. Another big thanks to Jimmy1201, Pbow, readerjunkie, Redempton13 and of course CB for the reviews. I appreciate every one of them. Jimmie yeah sure Ki has a shape. Most things have a shape you know. CB, yeah Ron's in deep do do. Pbow, Sarah is what Sarah appears to be, now I know that sometimes I 'play' with someone, but I assure you I didn't with her….well just a little, uh you'll find out in this chapter. Readerjunkie, I'm glad you like it so far. R13 is that writing like mad or writing cause we're mad (like insane)?

OK what's gonna happen here? Well the end of the temple mission, but that's a given. Then we have a little adventure at the cheer camp. Now there is something that ties them together. And it is pretty important (hint) in this tale. Then there is a talk between Anne and James. Ron also gets to meet a new Master, one who will help change his life, but I wonder if it will be for the better. He will be a recurring character though out the rest of the tale.

So I guess we'd better get on with this,

ST-103

The Hunter: Book One

Chapter 11

Cambodia not far from the temple:

A form lay on the riverbank holding on to a boulder like it was his savior, which under the circumstances it might have been.

'Where am I? What happened?', he thought as one eye cautiously opened just a slit.

A slight movement caught his attention, and suddenly there were two forms next to him helping him up.

"Stoppable-san are you well?", Yori asked, reverting to English as most familiar to him because he seemed disoriented from his ordeal.

"Yeah let's get out of here before Monkey Fist finds us.", Ron hissed in pain as he lurched towards his friend.

"Are you well Stoppable-san?", Hirotaka asked grabbing on to his friend.

"No, but I don't want to wait around here any longer for them to find us, I feel like somebody hit me in the chest with a sledge hammer.", Ron told them lowly as he held on to his friend supporting him.

(We must make our way back to the pickup point. Hurry.),Yori urged as she looked behind her, (What happened in the Temple?)

(One of the monkey ninjas step-tripped a trap 'safety' and the whole inside floor disappeared. I couldn't let Monkey Butt have the talisman could I?), Ron whispered still a little dazed as they began to move out slightly touching his chest, (At least I got the thing, but I don't think Sensei is gonna be real happy.)

X

(Now that we are safe Ron-san let us see the artifact.), Yori told him after they had boarded the helicopter that whisked them away from the danger that they had faced in the form of the series of small battles they had fought during the last two hours.

Ron opened his tunic and showed them what was left of the talisman, (I don't know how it got broken and I don't know why it doesn't hurt more.)

(What happened to the rest of it?), Hirotaka asked.

(I think it's under the skin...see?), the American teen showed his friends.

(I see, but how did it get that way?), Yori asked in awe of the forces that Ron had survived when she saw the shattered stone residing mostly beneath his skin.

(I don't know Yori; this is how I woke up.)

As she went to touch the talisman or what was left of it, Ron's eyes widened and he fell off his seat and to his knees. "KP.", Ron gasped as his world went dark.

XXX

Cheer Camp:

"We'll see you guys later, Kim and I are watch the news channel before we head back.", Sarah Welcome told their friends as the group began to disperse.

"Make sure you don't stay out to late we have a new routine to study in the morning.", Lisa Benson reminded them.

"We'll remember Mommy.", Kim kidded the oldest member of her group.

"Damned kids.", the African-American cheerleader muttered as the larger group left.

"Well Kim are you enjoying your break from chasing bad guys?", Sarah asked after laughing at Lisa's comment.

"Yeah I am, but I miss the action too. I haven't had a decent sparring match since the last Dementor mission. It was fun to play with them too, but Ron really kicked some butt there.", Kim replied giving the older girl insight into the world of a crime fighting teenager, "Anyway let's watch the news and see what we've been missing."

"Looks like the normal. Hijacking ships off the coast of Africa, unrest in the Gaza Strip, floods in the Amazon rain forest.", Sarah ticked off what they had been watching.

"I really miss helping people, but with Ronnie being so out of sorts and GJ being a bunch of arrogant jerks right before we left...we just needed a break and good thing too. I got to spend at least a little time with him before he had to leave for Japan and that ongoing exchange program.", Kim explained as she relaxed not understanding this had been Doctor Director's plan in the first place.

"You pretty much have it all don't you Kim?"

"Yeah, but it can fall down like a house of cards on a shaky table in a wind storm too if I'm not careful. I'm trying to plan for a stable future with employment opportunities that will allow me and Ron to still help people and still fight the bad guys, but only when it's absolutely necessary."

"So this little break was to see what it was like?"

"Not really, Daddy set this up. I think that both Ron and I are somewhat a bit of adrenaline junkies and we need to cut back once we go to college together. We've both had some near misses and some that were more hits than misses. I'd rather back off a bit then bite off more than we can chew."

Taking and releasing a breath before continuing, "You know Sarah some of the villains know my weaknesses and I do have them. I'd just like to back off a bit. When we get to college Ron's and my time is even going to be more limited yet. Do I love cheerleading?...Yeah I do. Is it worth losing Ron?...Not a chance. If I had to choose, Ron would win out every time, I've already made that decision. Do you know how weird it is to fall in love with your best friend? It is hard getting past all those years of friendship. I haven't told Ron yet in those words...We did discuss me quitting the team if Tara left.", Kim paused.

"Is she one of the girls on your squad?"

"Yeah she is, she's a very pretty blonde with a bubbly personality. She stood up for Ron when Bonnie had him voted off the squad. Anyway if Tara gets knocked off, I'll leave. I've had it up to here with Bonnie.", Kim told her roomie as she held her hand to her chin to show the level of discontent, "If she takes action against Tara and kicks her off the squad, I'll just go with her. I know there is an AAU squad not too far from Middleton."

"Some of those teams are pretty good is this other girl good too?", Sarah asked wondering what kind of place Middleton, Colorado was.

"Yeah she is, maybe she's not as flashy, but she's strong and is pretty good at all the moves. Too bad she didn't come to this camp I'm sure she would have enjoyed it except for being away from Josh.", Kim explained.

"Josh?"

"Josh Mankey... a former boyfriend of mine. He's an artist and musician. He's pretty good...And he's what the 'food chain' elite call a 'hottie'.", Kim finger quoted before continuing, "Anyway he's a good guy and they make a cute couple. You know he actually went trick or treating with Ron one year after he did a gig over at a friend of mine's house." Kim left out the part of her lying to her parents and getting herself grounded for what seemed an eternity at the time.

"Sounds like this Josh is down to Earth, are you sure that you're not still crushing on him?", Sarah tried to get to the bottom of all this information.

"Yeah he is, but as nice as he is Josh and I just won't work out Sarah. We're friends that's all, and I'm comfortable with him as a friend. He's Tara's lover not mine and I like it that way. I have my own lover ya know...and he's got these real cute freckles and these big hands and big ears.", Kim's eyes glazed for a moment.

"Does he have big feet too?"

"Oh yeah, realllll big feet and this hair that's always messed up, but you know that you've talked with Ronnie on the Kimmunicator.

"I didn't notice the size of his hands or feet on your cell phone thing Kim. Do you know what all that can mean?", Sarah asked the red head.

"Uh no?", Kim replied confused by the questions.

"Big hands, big ears, big feet means big...", the older cheerleader left the thought hanging.

"Huh, I'm not sure what you're talking about..", Kim told her as the gears were meshing inside her head trying to figure out what all that meant then her eyes opened wide, "Oh my..."

"Listen Kim that's just locker room talk and I don't know if it's true, but in the spirit of 'science', let me know when you find out, OK?", Sarah asked laughing at watching her friend turn red enough to spontaneously combust.

"Yeah, yeah I can do that, but no pictures OK, I don't want to fight half the girls off in the state if the evidence ever gets out.", Kim replied her blush fading almost to normal.

"Come on Kim, we need to get back to the room. Lisa is right we have a big day ahead of us and I need my sleep.", Sarah Welcome told her roomie as she got up from their booth.

X

The two cheerleaders continued to talk about school, boys and clothes as they walked back to their dorm.

"Hey Kim, isn't it funny that the lights are off over here? I mean I don't remember this.", Sarah asked worried.

"It's only a couple blocks left to go till we're at the dorm. We'll be fine.", Kim replied as they walked into the darkened quad.

"That's what I like to hear...cheerleaders with confidence.", a familiar voice sounded from the darkness, "I guess we'll have to show them a good time."

"Who are you?", Sarah asked in fear not being used to this kind of thing.

"The cutest guy here and a few of his friends Sarah, too bad little Kimmie didn't play ball...", the voice heckled.

"Jerome?", Sarah hissed, "What are you doing here?"

"Guess.", the male cheerleader replied with his own question amid the chuckles of other male voices.

"Listen Banks if you're going to do what I think you and your buddies are planning on doing you could get in a lot of trouble.", Sarah warned.

"Listen Welcome you can go, we just want to entertain the Possible girl.", he told her.

"I think that I'll stay and you leave Jerome. This is a felony you know."

"Our word against yours girl. A hot high school cheerleader wanting to make points with some college guys is what it's going to sound like. Get em guys."

While all the talk was going on, Kim popped her neck and cracked her knuckles almost looking forward to the confrontation that she knew was coming. The petite yet tough as nails red head reached into her bag and hit the connect button on the device she was known for. "Yeah Kim what do ya need?", Wade asked.

"Police! My location...NOW!", Kim ordered as she ducked under the first man that reached for her and elbowed him in the small of the back as he went by. The red head smirked as the wind exploded out of the mugger's mouth.

Sarah Welcome may have been a good athlete, but she was no match for the four male cheerleaders that the two girls were now facing. "Sarah get out of here.", Kim ordered as she flipped over another diving attempt to subdue her.

Kim's roomie was good enough though to run at the guy Kim had already nailed and kicked him in the 'nads then the knee as she was taught in the girls' self-defense class a local karate club ran for the co-eds on campus at the University of West Virginia. The guy in question one Nate Adams went down with a torn MCL and in desperate need of ice in his groin area.

Unfortunately for Sarah all that got her was the attention of another member of the impromptu forced romance party when Simon Shepard put a hard fist into the small of her back knocking the college Sophomore to the ground in agony.

XX

Wade Load had already got both city and campus Police moving as soon as Kim told him the situation. 'Oh man that guy just hurt that girl, I hope Kim's gonna be alright.', he worried since all he could do now was watch and record.

XX

Kim Possible noticed Sarah go down and mentally calculated the odds that she now faced alone. 'Not good, I need a distraction and some time.' she mused as she darted under one of the young men's arms trying to grab her.

The red headed heroine then saw the white and blue pedestal that Sarah had shown her before, and putting on a burst of speed, she sprinted to the box and slammed her hand on the activate button. Before she removed her hand a siren began to wail from it and the blue light began flashing. Kim then turned back towards her and Sarah's tormentors.

"You bitch.", Jerome yelled as he and another of the young men parted to get Kim between them.

"It's time to party Team Possible style. You guys feel lucky? Oh there's only three of you left to play.", Kim taunted the guy who had tried to finger her a few days before. She sprinted towards Jerome and began a tumbling run. As the world famous heroine planted her right foot and spun she kicked out and caught the University of Iowa student across the face with a tornado round house and spinning hook kick combination to the unlucky young man's jaw, breaking it and snapping his head around violently. The young college predator fell forward onto his face not even understanding what just hit him.

Kim however didn't get her body under control fast enough and another young man grabbed her in a bear hug from behind. The red headed fireball grabbed onto one hand, but before she was able to apply pressure to the joint that she had targeted, the last member who hoped to be in on the gang rape hauled back and punched her in the stomach. Then hearing sirens approaching, he then hit Kim on the jaw with a right hand 'haymaker' trying to take her out.

Meanwhile Wade Load was furiously typing, trying to get information about the attackers using voice prints and facial identification techniques.

Sarah Welcome struggled to her feet watching the beating that Kim was now taking. With a shriek she jumped up on the back of the man who was pummeling Kim. The slight young woman began to use her fingernails to rake across Hector Pasquel's face as he spun around trying to get the enraged spitfire off his back.

Before Hector could get Sarah down on the ground Kim snapped her head back and splattered Simon Shepard's nose into a flattened rendition of itself stunning him as the Police began to arrive with weapons drawn. Several Officers had watched some of the events and grabbed the young men while others held onto Kim and Sarah calming them. "It's alright girls we have them. Is it just these four?", a campus Officer asked.

"Yeah...yeah it is Officer, she is Sarah Welcome I am Kim Possible and we're here for the cheerleader camp. Could you call one of the counselors?", Kim asked.

"Yeah we can do that, your tech man called us and the blue lights helped too. Let's get you two to the University Hospital to get checked out. Do you know these men?", he inquired.

"Yeah they're all attending the camp too.", she pointed, "That guy's name is Jerome Banks, he is already in trouble at the camp for inappropriate behavior.", Sarah then informed them of his attempts to cop a feel a couple days ago.

"After we get these boys fixed up we'll draw up charges if you want to file."

"I don't know about Sarah, but yeah I want to file.", Kim frowned.

"Good Miss Possible, we have surveillance cameras up and I'm sure we have the whole thing taped as well as the audio feed that your tech man promised us. Are you well enough to get in the back of a cruiser or do you want an ambulance?"

Kim looked at her roomie who nodded, "The cruiser Sir...Thanks for the ride Officer, I guess you can take our statements while the medical staff is working on us."

"This way please."

XX

Wade Load was furiously typing trying to find out more about the young men who had attacked his team leader and her friend. 'I need to see if these guys are tied to any of Kim or Ron's foes.', he thought as he began hacking into files of the cheer camp first. Armed with this information Wade was able to compromise the Universities in question and began to go through the perpetrators' records all the way back to the hospitals they were born in. If anyone was thorough it was Wade Load. Not noting anything standing out he filed the information away and hacked into the both of the Law Enforcement Agency's Computer systems to leave him a way in if needed at a later date.

While he was doing this he also checked to see if Ron's chip was still silent. Cross checking the timestamps he knew it happened weeks before when he had left for Japan and it still hadn't reset and if the device continued to show a failed signal he knew he would have to find a way to get him tagged with a replacement element. Still typing he knew that he had other data sources on the number two in Team Possible. 'What is going on here?', he worried wondering if he should inform Kim...'No she's got too much on her plate right now anyway. Ron will be OK.', Wade continued to worry as he began to record all the readings from the blond teen's Kimmunicator that he had with him.

XX

Later:

"Miss Welcome, Miss Possible, Officer Bogus will give you a ride back to your dorm. I'm very sorry you were attacked on campus here. I assure you that the 'gentlemen' involved will have their day in court. The prosecutor's may call for more statements and you both may have to appear for the trials.", Lieutenant Blywell informed the two cheerleaders.

"Thank you Ma'am.", Kim replied now tired with the late night activities as they exited the hospital while she held an ice pack to her cheek and jaw.

The two girls were quiet as they were driven back to their dorm. They said their goodbyes and thanks to the officer who gave them the ride.

As they got off the elevator the leader of their little group was waiting for them. Lisa Benson had her arms crossed and was waiting outside Kim and Sarah's room obviously worried after having been called by one of the camp's main directors about the situation.

"What happened you two?", Lisa asked the other two young women hoping she wasn't going to have to call their parents to inform them that the two campers had missed curfew to go out partying. They had already been called, but not told the reason was that Kim and Sarah were missing from their room.

"Attempted mugging.", Kim told her.

"Where did you two go?", Lisa frowned, "You're supposed to stay on campus.".

"It happened on the way to the dorm from the snack bar about an hour after you guys left. We stayed to watch the news.", Sarah explained.

"On campus? Do you have any idea who was after your money and stuff?", Lisa became irate now realizing that it may not be as safe here as she first thought.

"Yeah, yeah and they weren't after money.", Sarah hinted.

"What does that mean Welcome?"

"We know who they are, they're down at the station now, it happened on campus and they weren't after money.", Sarah explained while Kim stayed quiet.

"You still haven't told me anything yet."

"Remember Jerome Banks, who got into trouble for putting his hands where they didn't belong.", Sarah's eyes narrowed as she nodded at Kim Possible who was turning red still holding the ice pack onto her the side of her face.

"Get in the room before you say anything more, I don't want to freak the other girls out.", Lisa snapped.

Kim led the way taking her door key and inserted it into the slot. The three women filed in. "Alright all of it...now.", Lisa ordered.

"Jerome and three of his friends accosted us on the way back to the dorm. The purpose was to gang rape Kim.", Sarah made it brief.

"Shit...Are you two OK?", Lisa asked turning white as a sheet which was a trick considering she was African-American, "I have to call Beth and let her know." Lisa began to call the woman who was responsible for all the enrollees at the camp.

While Lisa made the call, Sarah continued, "Yeah I haven't passed any blood yet, so I guess I'm OK. Been hurt worse falling off a pyramid back on campus. Then that other time when Shelby dropped me, but other than that I'm alright, but Kim did most of the fighting."

"Why would you be passing blood Sarah?"

"One of those clowns punched me in the small of the back."

"Who was he?", Lisa began to get madder and madder as she realized that Beth's phone was busy.

"Simon Shepard, but Kim paid him back when she splattered his nose all over his face. He's gonna need a lot of surgery to look cute again.", Sarah snorted.

"They weren't that tough girls.", Kim finally spoke up, "If Ron finds out those guys might be found floating in the nearest river face down. He's sort of protective of me and my friends and lately his had a bit of a temper."

"There were four of them Kim, Ron's pretty small...remember I met him on your PDA thing.", Sarah reminded her friend.

"And Ron's been taking on some of the toughest villain's since he was fourteen. He can almost stay up with me and he's a Junior Agent with a Police Organization. Who would you want on your side watching your back Sarah?", Kim smirked though it hurt her jaw.

"Well I hope you two had fun, because Beth had to call your parents….again. Oh Kim just so you know, your Mom was real upset. She was yelling at someone named James from what I could hear over Beth's phone.", Lisa half smiled.

"James is my Dad Lisa, he's the one who enrolled me in the camp for a 'change of pace'.", Kim finger quoted her.

"Well I hope the word doesn't get out. Once it does I think that there's going to be some explaining that needs to be done.", Lisa told them.

"Well it's a Police matter now and since everyone but Kim can be considered an adult...uh Kim are you eighteen yet?", Sarah asked.

"Not till next May Sarah.", the red head replied taking the ice pack off and checking for swelling.

"Then maybe we can keep a lid on it..."

"I don't think you can, I've been fighting bad guys for years. Those guys weren't quite bad enough.", Kim chuckled.

"I'm trying Beth again I can't believe something like this happened here.", Lisa stated knowing that she was now sitting on a powder keg and the fuse was burning.

Finally the African-American woman was able to get through since the second try the phone was busy, "Beth I have some more information on the sirens tonight along with Sarah and Kim. The two campers were molested and beaten by four others...Yes Ma'am they are attendees as well...Ma'am it was an attempted rape...I'm with the girls right now and except for some bumps and bruises they seem to be alright...Hold on I'll check."

"What happened to your attackers?", Lisa asked.

"Well they should be getting booked by this time. The local Police seemed to have it under control.", Kim told her.

"There was only one that was able to walk to a Police car. The other three including Jerome were pretty messed up.", Sarah was now smiling, "I think when I get back to college I'm going to take Karate as an elective after seeing what it can do."

"Sarah I've been training since I was six.", Kim started.

"Yeah I know, but I just want to make a difference too...Anyway does Beth want to talk to us?", Sarah replied.

"She'll talk to you in the morning, it's time for damage control...By morning the word's going to get out and I'll bet Beth is going to call everyone in to tell them what happened tonight. Kim, Sarah get some sleep.", she told them.

"Yeah I call dibs on the shower first Possible. See ya later Lisa, sorry about all the trouble.", Sarah told the older woman.

"It wasn't your fault girls I'll see you at breakfast.", Lisa replied.

"See you later, Lisa. Now while Sarah's in the shower I'm gonna call Mom and Dad to let them know I'm alright and calm them down, it sounds like they're gonna need it.", the red head informed them.

XXX

Middleton, Colorado:

"James, you wanted to get Kimberly away from Ronald so badly you put her in a dangerous situation with a bunch of adults.", Anne Possible told her husband lowly so as to not wake up the twins who had finally gotten to sleep, after the second call from the leader of Kim's cheerleading camp. Both had seen the news flash and were upset, but Anne Possible was seething.

Finally a few minutes after the head of the camp had hung up, Kim called as the first news flash of the episode came on, but that did little to calm her Mother down when told that she and her roommate were fine except for some bumps and bruises.

"But I had no idea that something like this could happen... I thought this was an all-girls camp.", the rocket scientist replied.

"Didn't you even read the brochures?", she asked.

"Not really, I just thought that it would be a good experience for her."

"Getting some stranger's hands on her private parts is not my idea of a 'good experience' James that is unless you had plans to pimp our daughter at some time in the near future.", Anne grated out through her clenched teeth, "YOU just wanted our daughter to be away from Ronald didn't you?"

"It's not that honey.", he stated but knew that his brain surgeon wife was seeing right through his smokescreen.

"Oh then what is it? I've gotten some emails from a few of your friends over the last week and they've told me what you've been saying about Ronald. Are you being two-faced to me or are they lying to me?", Anne put him on the spot.

"Sigh, I freely admit that I am not totally happy with Kimmie-cub dating Ronald, but it's for her own welfare.", he argued, "and his."

"We've had this discussion before James, I think with your predisposition towards Kimberly and Ronald dating you might just want to step back and think about your actions and how they affect our daughter.", Anne warned, "For the life of me I don't understand what you want from that boy, all he has done is submit himself to Kimberly, living in her shadow."

"It wasn't my fault that some college guy put his hands where they didn't belong."

"Where they didn't belong?", her voice rising with her rage, "Try stating it for what it is...INSIDE my daughter...With. Out. Her. Permission...That's abuse and anyone who contributed to that is abusive and I will not tolerate that kind of behavior.", Anne hissed and James' eyes opened at that seeing the fire that was usually hidden there.

"I'll call that camp later today to see what they are going to do about the incident then..."

Anne cut him off, "Oh no you don't, you'll just sweep it under the rug...I'll make the call and get to the bottom of this and see what the camp is going to do to make sure something like this doesn't happen ever again."

"Sigh, alright Dear.", he muttered.

"Right and your pajamas are in the guest room. I'll see you in the morning.", Anne told him as she pointed to the room he was banished to.

"Thank you Annie.", James replied, 'You'll realize what I am doing is what's best for Kimmie-cub.', he mused with a sad smile wishing he didn't have to hurt the boy in the manner he knew he had to so that his daughter would be happy.

'What am I going to do with that man and his overprotective streak? This could get out of control and both those kids could end up hurt over it.', Anne Possible shook her head, 'Maybe Barb or Reverend Davis has an idea on how to get through to him. Maybe being cut off for a while will help, but that email is troubling.'

XXX

(Ron-san it is time to wake.), was whispered to the American as a hand shook the blond's shoulder.

(Are we landing soon?), the Chosen One replied.

(Yes in another hour. You had better eat something, Sensei is going to want to speak with us about the mission and what happened.), Yori told him.

X

Yamanouchi:

(Please enter my friends.), the wizened ninja master called out in reply to the series of raps on the doorframe of his study.

The two Japanese and the American bowed as they entered and removed their shoes.

(Master Sensei the mission was a minor success.), Yori replied for all three.

(Please sit with me, my honored students and share the details of the operation that you were sent on.), Sensei commanded.

(It will be our honor great one.)

(The honor is as much mine as yours young ones, please take refreshment with me and let the weariness fall from your shoulders.), Sensei smiled.

X

(So let me see what is left of this talisman.), Sensei instructed after Yori, Hirotaka and Ron related what had transpired during the mission.

(I humbly apologize for destroying the object.), Ron told Sensei, (I do not understand why it broke and what it is doing in my chest.) Then looking to the talisman, (Also it seems to be working its way inside. There is more under the skin than there was before. Isn't that right Hiro?)

The young Japanese male again looked closely, (Yori-chun it seems that Stoppable-san is correct the amulet appears to be working its way inside.) He motioned for his fiancée to look for herself.

Sensei asked, (Stoppable-san are you in any distress from either the talisman or from the mission?)

Ron replied, (No...No Sensei, except for once during the mission when I felt extremely cold...It was like I could feel KP was in trouble. What does this mean?)

(You are linked with Kim-san, and you may have felt what had transpired at that moment in her life.) At Ron's sudden worried look at this pronouncement, Sensei held up a cautioning hand. (I will check with our Agents present in the States to make sure that she is well. Now please go and get some rest. Stoppable-san I will research the object further. I don't know what caused it to break like it did, but since you do not seem to be adversely affected by it you should be well. Though the mission did not end exactly the way in which we had hoped, Monkey Fist has not gained the object and therefore cannot employ its powers for evil purposes.) Sensei rose and bowed to the three as they got up and returned the bow.

(Are you going to get some rest Stoppable-san?), Hirotaka asked.

(Yes I am in dire need of some sleep, I wonder where Rufus is?), Ron replied.

(He stayed behind to check out the sushi. He has developed quite a taste for it you know. We will see you in the morning you have need for a long session of sleep. Good day my friend.), Hiro replied.

XXX

Middleton, Colorado:

"It's good to be home Barb, I wonder what has been going on since that Master Sensei sent us on that vacation?", Dean wondered aloud.

"Let's take a taxi home honey, it's late and I'm tired. We can try Ronald's cell phone later, but with that course of study he's taking I wonder when he's going to be able to talk?", Barb Stoppable asked.

"Ronald mentioned that he would leave his schedule on my desk, so I suppose we can try when he's available…Or maybe we can call Anne or Kimberly.", Dean told her.

Barb snorted, "And not James?"

Dean suggested as a way to keep the peace between the families, "You know how he feels about Ronald dating his baby...you know if it's going to cause that much trouble between James and the rest of our family maybe we should encourage Ronald to not see Kimberly anymore."

"I am not going to let that man come between Kimberly and Ronald even if he is her father, they are almost adults. Anne and I have planned this for a long time and it's finally come to pass. I just know that James will come around in time.", Barb explained, "And neither should you. James just has to grow up."

"He just doesn't see where Ronald is good enough for Kimberly honey. I think all of us will fail, I'm afraid he'll do something to either Ronald or Kimberly if they continue to date let alone become something more. I just don't know what to do. Maybe we should talk to that Sensei again and suggest that Ronald completes his schooling in Japan. That way James won't hate the boy and maybe Kimberly will move on when some other guy gets her attention.", Dean suggested, "I just don't want either of those two kids getting hurt."

"Neither do I honey, but Kim and Ronnie have a great chance to be part of something truly astounding. Like something that you only see in fairy tales and our son would be part of it. That just gives me goose pimples thinking about it."

"I know, but James...", Dean replied.

"Anne is doing her best to try and modify his behavior honey. Let's give her a chance.", Barb asked.

"OK, well we can talk to Ronald about it when we speak to him.", Dean responded.

XXX

Drakken's latest hideout:

"Well what do you make of that?", the green skinned woman asked as she watched the hacked footage of earlier events that had turned from a local news report in Georgia to a national one inside of an hour.

"Shego it appears that a group of nobodies almost made our job a lot easier. Do you know what would have happened if those boys had gotten lucky?", the blue scientist chuckled.

"Well considering it was the Princess they targeted it's a wonder they did as well as they did. I expect them and the ones who attacked her and the buffoon during that date are going to spend some time in the slammer.", the green villainess replied, "maybe a lot of time since she's a goody two shoes working with the cops all the time."

"Yes we should take up a fund to help pay for their legal assistance. I wonder if Hank Perkins is available?...What?", Drakken looked at his sidekick who had begun to laugh, "He did a decent enough job when I hired him before."

"You wanna get those guys the needle? Let them worry about getting their own lawyers. They'll get out sooner and come out ahead.", Shego advised.

"He wasn't that bad that bad, he's just a little young and wet behind the ears that's all.", Drakken argued.

"You didn't want him defending you blue boy. Let the other thorns in Kimmie's side have the same advantage.", Shego snarked.

"I'd trust going on a blind date with your ingrate cousin again Drew and you know how the last one turned out. Anyway when's Betty's brother going to meet with that group?", Shego asked as she pulled up the reports on the mugging attempt a few weeks before, her eyes widening in surprise at what she read. 'How did the buffoon do that? Something is going on with him. I wonder if I ought to let the Doc know.'

Drakken gloated, "Gemini has setup the meeting with the other group this week sometime. We put our seed money in late last night. As much as I hate to waste good money on something like this it was the last of the Buffoon's money that we got. It will sure be put to good use just think his money paying for the destruction of Kim Possible."

"Just how much did we get out of that little episode Dr. D? Cause you sure as heck didn't give me much of a bonus."

"The sidekick mentioned ninety nine million, but we only got about a tenth of that maybe a little less. He must have been exaggerating. All kids like to exaggerate you know.", Drakken frowned, "What we could have done with ten times the amount we got. Oh well it'll be put to good use. Then we can gloat over Kim Possible's emotionally broken and quivering form when we tell her that the buffoon is dead, paid for by his own money. This think of the irony...I sure hope we can provide visual evidence for her enjoyment."

"Then can I make sure that she's no use to Betty or her band of do-gooders at Global Justice? Something like this might just keep all the good guys like Interpol off balance for a while to give us the edge to try and topple some governments. If nothing else we might make enough dictators nervous enough to pay us either to lay off or for protection from their populations.", the mint hued villainess suggested, "There are a ton of ways to make a good cash flow out of this."

XXX

Josh Mankey's Van:

"Ssshh honey, just go back to sleep.", the artist softly whispered to his platinum haired girlfriend.

"Hummm I know honey, you know Mom and Dad are gonna think we did it.", Tara whispered back.

"Yeah I know, but you were so tired. If they say anything they can take you in for an exam. All we did was some kissing before you fell asleep. I know we're gonna get chewed out, but what can we do now?", he replied.

"Well we're only a couple hours late. We can talk to Mom and Dad maybe they'll understand.", the blonde cheerleader suggested.

"Yeah I guess we should go and face the music."

"I wonder what the punishment will be...grounding or shotgun.", Tara snorted.

"I'd prefer shotgun and church service.", Josh nervously chuckled.

"We might get that anyway. Come on let's go.", Tara urged.

"Sigh, yeah we'd better. But I'm not looking forward to the talk that we're gonna get.", Joshua Mankey replied as he stuck the key in the ignition and started his van.

XX

Abby and Robert King were sitting at their kitchen table with Wendell and Sandra Mankey when the sound of Josh's van being shut off got their attention. "Well it's time our two little love birds got home don't you think?", Wendell ground out, practicing for the talk that they were going to have with their kids knowing the burnt hand teaches best.

The adults patiently waited for the two teens to appear in the house before Robert King, Tara's Dad, called out, "Back here and both of you, come in."

In moments a visibly shaking pair of teens made their appearance. "Sit down you two.", Abby instructed.

Without a word Tara and Josh obeyed. "Well at least that's something you got right. Where were you?", Sandy asked not very happy about having to wait up for them.

Tara began, "We went to dinner and a movie. Then we parked for a while. I was..."

"No we were tired and fell asleep.", Josh explained taking responsibility for whatever was going to happen, "I'd been spending time taking care of my art, but I could have driven us home."

"How long did you sleep and where were you?", Abby asked.

"A couple hours Mom, we went to Lookout Point to neck when the half-moon went behind a cloud and I guess I was just too relaxed.", Tara responded.

"Then you don't know about the attack?", Wendell grilled the teens.

"What attack?", both asked almost at the same time.

"Kim Possible was attacked at that cheer camp that she went to.", he explained.

With a shocked gasp, "Is she alright?", Tara asked as Josh looked very worried.

"Yeah, they released her and the girl she's rooming with. They got the muggers.", Abby replied.

"Good.", Josh replied, "I'd hate to see anything happen to her; Kim is a nice person."

"You dated her for a while didn't you Josh?", Mr. King asked.

"Yeah I did, but we really didn't have that much in common, she's dating a real nice guy right now.", he informed them.

"The Stoppable boy?", Abby asked.

"Yes Ma'am, I had a crush on him a couple years ago. He's got cute freckles.", Tara blushed.

"Getting back on subject.", Mr. King took charge, "You kids are a couple hours late on curfew. Do you know why I brought up the Kim Possible incident?"

Both teens shook their heads. "Because now you know how worried we are. You were scared for your friends and we were for you. Do you understand?", Wendell asked.

Both teens nodded again. "Does this mean that you just tried to scare us and nothing happened to Kim?", Josh asked feeling relieved that their parents were just trying to scare them.

"No she was really attacked, and if you understand how worried you both were about her even knowing how capable she is at protecting herself, you'll get an understanding of how worried we all were about something happening to you." Robert told them seeing Tara and Josh going pale and reaching for the others hands.

"Now as to your punishment for breaking agreed to curfew. Tara, Josh, for two weeks you both have to do all the laundry and clean the kitchen and bathrooms and no dating. You may have one hour on the phone to each other every night after the first week. If you get through the two weeks then you may spend time in each other's home watching TV under supervision. If you can make it through that part of the grounding then you may spend the rest of the summer under school curfew hours.", Abby informed them.

Tara jumped up and walked over to hug her parents, "Thanks Mom and Dad. You could have made it a thousand times worse. I want you to know that we didn't do anything but cuddle. I know we deserve this though and it won't happen again."

"I know it won't happen again will it Josh?", Sandra Mankey asked her son.

"No Ma'am. I promise.", Josh.

"Good, don't make us regret our decision to go easy on you.", Wendell added, "Now the next time you are going to be late, you know enough to have a cell phone and how to use it. I expect you to make wise choices."

"We will from now on."

"OK you two we'll leave you to say good night, Joshua we expect you home in thirty minutes.", Mrs. Mankey told him, "Good night Tara, Abby and Robert. I'm sure we'll talk later after our two wayward children get their act together."

The older Mankeys followed the Kings out of the kitchen. The two ladies began chuckling, "Think we scared them enough?"

"Oh yeah, but we have to follow through or they won't respect us the next time.", Wendell replied with a smile, "We'll talk later, don't let Josh stay too late. He's still shaking in his boots."

"Well I won't yell at him either, I don't want to do to him that Abby's Dad did to me. That crazy old man had me quivering like jello for two whole years.", Robert snorted.

XX

Monique and Brick were watching the closing credits on the late movie. "I've got to head home baby boy. Mom and Dad let me have more time during the summer, but I am pushing the limit."

"I understand Monique...I was wondering would you consider a long distance relationship with me? I know that I'm going off to college, but its only couple hundred miles away and I think maybe we can at least spend time together...that is if you want to."

The African-American young woman looked over the older young man, "I'd like that Brick. Maybe we can all come up for a game too."

"I'd like that. Uh could I take you and your parents out to dinner tomorrow night?", he asked hoping that he was going to be able to put something together with Monique.

"I'll ask them in the morning...OK?"

"Sure and thanks for hanging out with me. I really appreciate it. Come on I'll get you home.", Brick told her.

XXX

Yamanouchi, Japan:

The blond teen's eyes snapped open. In moments he was out from under his threadbare blanket and up from his hard thin mat. (I am up and am getting dressed. I apologize for being late.), Ron called out before there was a rap on the wood of the door frame.

(Very well, Master Namato Umestsu will be waiting for you in ten minutes do not be late. He will be at the western edge of the advanced weapons training area.), the voice called back.

'Mannn, it's still the middle of the night', Ron fretted as he hurried with his training gi.

(Thank you.), Ron replied as he hurried. "Rufus I'll catch you later.", Ron told the sleeping mole rat who had come back in during the middle of the night reeking of cheese and sake.

Eight minutes later Ron was prostrated in front of the Sword Master.

(Good student you are on time. Since you are here early only five times around the walls. Move it.), the Master ordered, (Your conditioning is deplorable.)

Ron may not have been smart, but he knew enough to know when to keep his mouth shut at Yamanouchi. It had taken him a while to learn the lesson, but it stuck.

An hour later Master Umestsu had a wooden practice sword in the American's hands and was showing him the proper grip and why it was held the way it was.

(Good, good remember balance is everything. You must never extend, if you do your head rolls off to join many of those who were too stupid to pay attention.), the Master chided as he began to circle with his own raised Bokken, showing the proper way.

Four hours later they were going over the various parries that were used in Kenjitsu, (Before you can learn to strike you must learn to defend.), the Master showed as he casually flicked Ron's sword from his hands, then dropped the practice sword down with numbing force on the inside part of both wrists.

Nearing meal time the master called a halt, (Go see Nooni-Sensei and get food for two and go and get your things and meet me back here in thirty minutes. You will spend the next two weeks with me...Yes you may bring your pink friend as well. He has much better understanding of the sword then you do...Oh and make sure you bring your communications device. Sensei promised you time to speak with your woman. I will continue to allow that, but it will come out of your sleep time.)

Ron bowed and left to perform the tasks that he had been assigned.

The American teen returned in half the time allowed. (Master I have returned.)

(Why didn't you call your woman?), Umestsu asked.

(You did not tell me to call Kim Master. I will not do so without express permission.), Ron replied.

(When are you due to call her?), the master asked.

(In seven hours. At other times our tech person calls. I think he has my device rigged to record when he sends a signal though we must be careful when I have the device with me.), Ron informed the Sword Master.

(It is good you warned me. Let us go to my residence for more practice. I must show you the beginning strikes then more defense and practice defense. Then we eat. After that you may speak with your woman.), Umestsu directed his student, (After you get done we will go over what you have learned today then we stretch, then sleep. Tomorrow, we run back up the mountain. I have a little training area that I am sure you will not like at all. Come it is time for us to leave. I will carry your friend, it will be your honor to carry everything else.)

X

"Hi honey.", Ron whispered knowing that the Kimmunicator had a good enough mic to pick up what he was saying from much further away.

"Hi Ronnie, I really, really miss you.", the red head smiled as she touched her locket.

"Oh I felt that KP, all the way into my heart.", he smiled back automatically touching the locket she gave him that had a strand of her hair inside.

"You did?", Kim giggled.

"Yeah really did. How are things going?", Ron asked suddenly noticing the bruising on her cheek, "What happened to your face."

"Someone dropped me during a lift last night.", Kim lied. The problem was that Ron could read her like a book and knew a lie when he heard it.

A voice off camera told her, "Tell him Kim, he knows."

"Sarah and I were mugged.", she spilled.

"What did they get and are you and Sarah both alright?", Ron frowned at the implications.

"They were going for a major felony honey, but we stomped them."

"Major felony? What are you talking about KP?", Ron asked in confusion as he glanced to the Master who not only could speak English fluently, but caught what Ron didn't.

"They were trying for a gang rape. That guy that tried to molest me was the ringleader. We are pressing charges against them.", Kim informed Ron.

"Oh I see as long as you're alright and not hurt that's the important thing Kimberly Anne, you know how much I worry about you.", he told her as part of his mind began thinking of retribution for those he now intended meet with later at a time and place of his choosing.

"And I worry about you too honey. I miss you every minute. Uh how are your 'rents?"

"They're alright Ronnie, but Mom's more that miffed. I think if she had her way she'd be willing to try out an ancient way of sterilization on those guys.", Kim snorted.

At this Master Namato Umestsu snorted; he was well accustomed to what the good doctor was suggesting.

"Who is that Ronnie?", Kim asked hearing the other sounds off-Kimmunicator.

"Kimberly Anne Possible may I introduce Namato Umestsu. He is an instructor at the school here and I am staying with him for a while studying some specific types of poetry.", Ron lied.

"Oh poetry!", Sarah's voice sounded, "I love poetry."

"This is traditional Japanese poetry. Maybe sometime if you have time I will read you some of mine.", Namato replied.

"That sounds neat, I'd like that.", Sarah replied.

"Oh great first I try to hide that Ron's a great cook then I find out that Ron's friend writes poetry and Sarah wants to listen to some of it. I'll never get to talk to my boyfriend if this keeps up.", Kim teased.

"You'll have him back in a month so let me have my fun Kim. Anyway it was nice meeting you Namato I have to go see someone. I'll catch you later.", Sarah's voice told them.

"It was my pleasure Miss Welcome.", the Sword Master replied, "Miss Possible I must go and check on something please excuse me?"

"It was nice talking to you Sir.", Kim replied.

"He's a nice man and he's teaching me a lot. Anyway can I just look into your eyes again and fall more deeply in love?", Ron asked.

"Only if you let me do the same thing honey.", Kim replied softly as she came under the spell of his deep brown eyes.

XXX

Yay we made it to the end of another chapter without too much mayhem and just a little destruction well that ancient temple...too bad about that.

Now for the legal stuff; Kim Possible, Ron Stoppable, Rufus, Sensei, Yori and even Monkey Butt errr Fist belong to the creators of the show 'Kim Possible' and the Disney Corporation and not myself nor my fabulous beta CajunBear73.

Not only do we not own any part of the 'Kim Possible' show except for my DVDs we don't make any money off this little hobby of ours. BUT if we did Kim Possible would still be on prime time and we'd all be watching Kim and Ron kick Shego and Drakken's butts.

We'll see ya down the road,

ST-103