I can't say how many chapters exactly are left, but a few at least, though I FEEL the end drawing near. :D I have to say this is one of the finest pieces I have done and not even M-rated like my usual.

Chapter Twelve

"Hana..."

She was safe; she was here in his arms as they ran for their getaway. It had almost been difficult to slip in while Kim provided the distraction to Stoned Kong - and to even make eye contact with her from where he and Ron were had made him twitch inwardly at the possibility of sitting them both down before her like children and giving them the scolding of the century.

Kim Possible, understanding world-saving teen heroine, became Kim Stoppable, jaded and hardened wife, mother and career woman. Unlike the first one, this one could crack your ass with her words if she wanted to.

But right now, he and Ron concentrated on slipping inside the small compound.

Crispin snorted at the sight of it. Compound? That was a word to describe a small estate. Cottage was the better word - and hardly one, for everything was in a single area, from the looks through the window on either side. Bundled in winter gear, he found himself looking in from the left while Ron took the right. There was a fireplace, a small kitchen, a corner to study - and finally the bed where the beautiful sleeping figure herself lay...and watched over by a monkey.

A monkey garbed in traveler's rags from some foreign part of the world.

Hana was there, and it looked like she hadn't been harmed. Momentarily, Crispin was distracted by her in that sari, never expecting to see her in something other than -

He stopped his thoughts there. Idiot, focus! He scolded himself. But to think about her being forced to live like THIS against her will, away from him and their loving family and friends, everything they'd do together...just for a depraved world conquest! Boring archaeological texts that she had no interest in, bored all day and tired of doing what Monkey Freak wanted of her - and to think he would LAVISH her with jewels and dresses?! He really thought he could treat Hana like a helpless little...

"Crispin!" Ron hissed. "Head in the game." He was tempted to snort; he sounded like his wife now, telling him to pay attention on a dangerous mission. Like he'd get them in trouble.

"Right. So what do we do now?"

His brother-in-law shrugged. "We do it my old way. We jump in, shout that we are saving my sister, and we kick the monkey tail together if need be," he said confidently.

Crispin swallowed. If that wouldn't get them killed... "Okay, lead the way."

This monkey they now stood in front of - after throwing themselves in through the window without any form of weaponry - bared his teeth and calmly stood with its paws folded in front of its chest. "I remember you..." He spoke in a deep accent, shocking Crispin, when his attention shifted to Ron. "...but you, I have not a clue. I assume you are here for Han."

"What do you think?" he replied heatedly. "That is my wife you and Stoned Kong have!"

"And my sister!" Ron agreed, cracking his knuckles. "So, prepare to get your tail ripped off by us -"

"And US!"

Both men whirled around in stunned surprise. They didn't even get the chance to attack, and Crispin had been looking forward to his first fistfight, because Global Justice backup had arrived outside, surrounding the hut. The monkey - the former Yono - snarled.

"How unfortunate. I cannot use my old powers the way I used to - the pact with Monty has made it so, after Han brought us both down that fateful night," he said with a softening expression to Ron who narrowed his eyes. "But I am excited to see how this goes while my pupil handles your woman -"

He never got to finish his sentence when he was struck with disappointment, being hit with a tranquilizer and never saw it coming. Crispin turned to see it having come from Ron who had whipped it out with such lightning speed that the monkey should have seen coming - that HE should have seen coming. "Ron, that was..." He was at a loss for words. Hana's brother continued to surprise at odd times. The older man flashed him a grin.

"Given to me before we landed. I admit I was expecting a Monkey Kung Fu round again, but then he had to say his powers weren't what they used to be." He exhaled and shook his head. "Boring as hell, but it saves us the trouble and makes perfect sense now that Monkey Boy is more advanced than he is." He then turned to look at the continually sleeping Hana.

Crispin knew what this meant. He allowed Ron to open the door for GJ to storm in and gather the unconscious simian while he scooped his wife in his arms - just the feel and weight of her proved he actually got her back - and followed everyone out of there to hightail out of here.

Once they were all safely in the air, Kim's voice sounded over the radios that they were going to rendezvous with her contact at the monastery near the village at the foot of the range, within the pine forest region. But then she had to embarrass her husband by speaking in a menacing tone, "And as for Ronald Stoppable, you and I are going to have a serious talk."

Crispin swallowed, cradling Hana in his arms, wrapping his coat around her form because she was a little cold. This dress didn't seem to be warm enough to protect her from any wintry frost she would have gone through if they'd not gotten here in time. They might have her now, the monkey in custody - but Stoned Kong himself was still out there. He might as well be on his way to that sacred place now at the moment, but they were in no condition to go out now without any of their additional help waiting for them.

~o~

"Imagine, history repeating itself," he raged, glaring down at the scrolls with a sense of déjà vu. It took him back to the night he reveled in victory in finding the map of Simia Canyon, leading to the destructive powers he had now - but damn it all, why did he not unleash all of his potential when he had the chance? He was powerful enough, was he not?

Or was it simply because THIS was missing? Yes, that had to be it. He just needed to acquire this and then retrieve Han once more with these in his possession.

To lose the insufferable monkey was a minor setback with little consequence. After all, he was no longer mortal; he could deal with what traps lay in store for him ahead. An immortal man of stone would be impenetrable by fire, water, ice and all other earthly elements. He recalled the blasted boomerang from the damnable woman herself, but his wound healed on its own remarkably and pleasing him well. However, she wore that blasted suit and deflected every attack he bestowed on her; it also seemed science proved superior to magic in some cases.

Monkey Fist would prepare to expect that suit again. He might even break past it and get her back to the enjoyable stoned state he remembered once, having relished it atop the Temple of the Yono, if only for one night.

A granite simian-like hand gently grazed over the old painting in the ancient paper, fire leaking in streaks through his system. "The Crowns of Arisu - the final pieces of the rulers of the world, made by the very deity of the name who conceived the Yono and the Han, made them the two sides of the universe to harmonize." His eyes glowed bright with the impending triumph. Soon he would have his mate back with him - he no longer cared about that wretched ape who sneered at him - and he would force that crown on her head if it was the last thing, and he would turn all her loved ones to stone, followed by any others who would resist him.

However, if there was one sure thing he would thank the previous Yono for, it was to make him see the light that he understood the prophecy...for loving Han made him the unstoppable one.

~o~

Moaning, Hana awoke, feeling like she was at peace - only before she opened her eyes, she knew to expect something else and much more brutal. She'd passed out before the fire, before the monkey and the stoned maniac himself. She really was too tired and didn't want to deal anymore with him...

And then she remembered everything that the old Yono had told her, but before she could ponder further, she discovered that she was no longer before the fireplace - or even in the lumpy bed of the cottage.

And not even IN the cottage itself.

Instead, sitting up and wincing as she popped her bones, Hana discovered that she was in another room - and a bit more grander in appearance than the humble rustic abode. She snarled; was Monkey Kong taking another extreme in taking her to a more luxurious prison if his Plan A failed? That son of a - wait. She stopped there when she took in the smell of incense and immediately panicked for a moment. Was that REALLY incense, or did he lace it with something to make her lower her guard...?

Oh man...this wasn't good...

He really intended to do something to make her more submissive. She knew it good and well.

"Han, I see you're awake now."

She jumped and whirled to the source of the voice, shocked that it wasn't Monkey Fist or Yono who spoke to her - but a woman. A woman who looked older than her but young enough to resemble her. She didn't look like she'd belong here in India, because how could she if Hana recognized a bit of herself in that face? Long ebony hair was held up in chopsticks, and she was in the black garb of a ninja. She remembered because she used to take dojo classes in high school years, only the students wore white. Was this woman a ninja?

And was she working with Monkey Fist or something? Her guard was up at once as she rose to sit on her knees, noting she was still in that damnable sari. "Who the hell are you?" Hana demanded, narrowing her eyes. "And where is he?"

"You are referring to Monkey Fist, the Yono," the mysterious woman said softly, face unchanging, but her dark eyes were light with a smile that never reached her lips. "He is not here. You have been retrieved from his hold, but you are still in India."

Hana felt her face and entire body soften. She wasn't with the monster - she had been rescued and never knew it! A small noise escaped through her lips, in utter dismay. She never even knew she'd be saved, but how? And who the hell was this person? "Well, thanks, whoever you are," she said, pulling the cape of her dress around even though the small bonfires around and the incense sticks provided warmth and comfort. She took the time to gaze carefully at her new location, taking in lotus carvings as well as elephants and priests praying as well as offering to the gods and goddesses, and other religious activity. Everything was golden and colorful in jewel tones. She discovered she was laying on a small, circular platform covered with soft, plush pillows. It felt better than that other wretched thing.

The woman then stood and bowed her head with both her hands before her as if in prayer, respecting her. "Forgive me, Han, I do not mean to keep you in the dark. I am Yori, and I am an old friend and comrade of your brother Ron Stoppable-san, and Kim Possible. They have come to your rescue, and I have helped bring you here."

Wait...Yori...?

Where did she hear that name from...?

"I'll answer anything you wish, and I know you want to see your husband and brother, but right now -" Yori then held out what looked like a bundle of clothes for her to wear instead of this oriental nightmare currently on her from HIM. "- how would a cleaning up and a change of clothes sound, hm? Everything you need to wash up and join us outside is in the next room." She motioned to the archway past Hana's shoulder which she took notice of and gasped when she glimpsed a small carved pool with a statue of a naked couple at the edge, surrounded with bowls of licking flames, and some water lilies swimming around to provide nourishment. If the circumstances were different, Hana would say she was on the honeymoon she and Crispin would have taken if not -

"Wait, you said my husband is here?" she asked Yori, thanking her with a nod and taking the clothes from her, which she noted were black with some trimming faux gray fur, relieving her in regarding to the weather here.

Yori smiled at her; somehow that smile was too familiar, not that no one ever not gave it to her before. "Of course. In fact, if I may say so, he's such a generous young man. You have chosen your destiny well, Han," she said before turning to take her leave. Hana stared at her with a twitching brow.

Was this Yori woman thinking of her as the Han, like Monkey Fist? Whatever, she'd had enough for a day and needed some time to herself, but she wouldn't be here forever.

Stripping down, she dunk into the small pool, erupting with pleasure at the sensational, exquisite scent and feel of wet silk on her entire body. She was in paradise; this was too good to be true. She had to be dreaming, because for all she knew, she might wake up and find the nightmarish fiend of stone himself hovering over her, with the yellow-eyed ape leering down at her with him...

...but upon opening her eyes and popping her bones, flexing her muscles and wiping her sweaty forehead - her hair had been pinned up before she stepped in - the demons themselves were not here. But that did not mean she would lower her guard and not assume they'd come for her.

Thankfully towels had been left for her. She dried off quickly and every part, before hanging it on the edge to dry on its own. And damn it, she was happy underwear had been provided, and it was black as well as sports style so she was comfortable. The lingering bath products left her skin perfumed with honey, some kind of wood, as well as roses. And as for the clothes she was given, she had on a black hoodie with the fur trim, as well as tight blue jeans and black boots that zipped up on the insides. Pulling the hairclip out, her long hair fell over her back.

Out of the jewelry she placed on, it was her wedding ring and the black pearl from her husband waiting for her with her brother and sister-in-law whom the Yori woman said was outside - and when she stepped out, she was greeted with an uproar.

"HAN!"

"Ron!" she cried, letting her big brother sweep her up and hold her close. She laughed and cried, letting the tears fall down her cheeks. She'd missed him so much! "Oh, God, Ron!" She was starting to get dizzy from the spinning that she had to ask him to put her down, which he did while laughing, and ruffled her hair just to playfully mess it up. Shrieking, she slapped his hand away. "Hey, don't mess my hair up!"

"What?" he joked. "We just got you back, and you're worried about your looks!"

"Ron, she's a woman; she has to still look her best," Kim scolded, swatting him to the back of the head before pushing him aside. The look in her eye - oh, she was burning green fire. She was pissed, but why? The glare faded into a happy smile when she was embraced by her sister-in-law. "Mmm, not bad of a welcome, right? I thought you'd stay in there long enough to enjoy your freedom," she said, referring to the oasis in the other room made just for her.

Hana shook her head, trying not to laugh. "Why should I when we got something more important to think about?" she pointed out, before another voice entered the air.

"Like me, right, babe?"

She spun around only to find her lips taken by a familiar pair that made her melt far more than the spa treatment made her. Crispin was the one - and the best - saved for last, and the one she had been wanting to see again the most, after the end of their perfect wedding day had been ruined.

~o~

He had spent an hour - FOREVER - listening to Kim give Ron the lecture of the century, but he'd tuned it all out because he had nothing better to do. He didn't want to hear it, not to be cruel, but he wanted to just think about the fact that his wife was in the other room, waiting to wake up and join them. He sat down on a carved chair piled with luxurious Hindu-patterned pillows and put his face in his hands.

"Cromwell-san?"

The woman named Yori who happened to be none other than his wife's aunt - birthright, by all means - and he looked up to give her an uneasy smile. He didn't know her, but she gave him no reason to not trust her. If Kim and Ron knew her well, then he would value their judgment when it came to Hana. "Yori," he answered, exhaling and leaning back. "Kim is going to make sure Ron doesn't pull this off again when it comes to their kids."

"I...don't quite understand because I am not a mother, but I understand how important it is to never leave your children unattended," she said with a quirked eyebrow. "I also know that he, and yourself, defied an order to come all the way out to rescue her from Monkey Fist." She shook her head. "To tell her the truth...she won't be pleased."

Crispin gritted his jaw. No, it would be more than that. She would be disgusted to learn she was the biological daughter of the one who kidnapped her, who had used her mother who happened to be this one's sister; the obvious hate was in the woman's eyes, but she did not hold Han to a fault in the slightest. What was the word the ninja used? Honor...she was honorable and understanding enough. Just like Kim, she had the years on her to motivate herself and those around her towards wisdom and growth. Crispin found himself wondering why she never could raise her own niece like he'd also been brought up by his.

When he asked her this before, Yori simply closed her eyes and bowed her head. "It was not a choice to make on my own. I was but a young girl when Han was born. She needed to be safe elsewhere. I had to trust my own master and Ron-san to bring her up with love, for love is the most powerful weapon against any dark evil in the world..." Her eyes twinkled then.

"...and you know that, Cromwell-san. For that, I know you are her destiny. From the beginning of your lives, she was meant to be with you, and even Monkey Fist cannot part that." He'd felt his cheeks flush.

"Call me Crispin," he'd said, uncomfortable with the honorifics, making her laugh and instead naming him "Crispin-san". How the heck could he get her to stop, huh?

When Hana finally showed up, he couldn't contain himself.

He threw himself at her, wasting no time, when she was done getting the attention from her brother and sister-in-law. She smelled so amazing, the days and weeks felt like a lifetime as cheesy as it sounded, and to see her in better clothes than the ones from that bastard was exhilarating. He saw the glow on her face that she was happy to be out of that damned dress, no matter how beautiful she looked. And good thing those cold, hard hands had no luck getting further if he even dared to touch her...

"I've missed you." He gave her a kiss on her neck, resisting more because big brother was watching. He settled on keeping her close to him - until Yori stepped in regrettably.

"Forgive me for intruding, but time is of the essence. Monkey Fist has by now gone to the Tomb of Arisu - named so by my people's tongue but hidden well from Hindu civilization over the centuries - and Han..." Her lidded eyes darkened with the grim knowing of what Hana would finally know.

"It's time you learned the truth about your birth, for it has everything to do with what you already know about Monkey Fist."

Crispin turned to look at his wife, seeing her narrowed eyes filled with willful determination to know the answers, the last of them - if there WAS such a thing as an ending to seeking the results.