Chapter 13
It was the day before Team Possible was returning to Middleton.
Jenny sat on a low stone wall that was the only protection against a fall of a thousand feet to the bottom of Mount Yamanouchi. She sat facing outward, and just a few feet from where she sat the cliff ended. A chilly breeze blew from the abyss, despite the fact it was early summer.
Mountains covered in trees filled her vision to the horizon, with only the occasional airplane taking off or landing beyond said mountains breaking the stillness. The sun was high and bright, fluffy clouds floated slowly eastward.
Her thoughts were interrupted by light footsteps behind her, coming closer. She knew who it was without turning to see.
"Hi, Yori," said Jenny.
"Konnichiwa, Jen-chan," replied Yori, "May I join you?"
"Am I falling apart?" said Jenny with a smile.
"Excuse me?" asked Yori in confusion.
"Never mind, old joke. Sure, pull up a wall," said Jenny, and Yori sat beside her.
The two young women were silent for a time, enjoying the view and the company.
"I've been wondering what that is," said Jenny, pointing about a third of the way up a nearby mountain. Something flashing silver could be seen between the trees. "It just sits there and flashes, but it's not always visible."
"Ah, that is a stream that flows into the river in the valley," replied Yori, after a careful look.
"Oh, now I see, it's the sun reflecting off the water," said Jenny.
"Hai, that is correct," said Yori. She looked at her friend. "Jen-chan, what troubles you this day?" The question was more direct than most Japanese would be comfortable with making, but Yori had learned through experience that directness was what her American friends preferred.
Jenny looked at her through her pink cat eyes. "How did you know I was troubled?"
Yori smiled. "It was easy to deduce; you always come here to think and be alone. But you've been distracted for several days now, so I felt I should enquire."
Jenny sighed. "It's just that I'm going to miss this place a lot. The last eleven months have been the most peaceful, quiet, and tranquil I've ever had in my entire life. Honing my fighting skills and control of my bad luck powers has been hard, but at the same time, very rewarding. I'm not being judged by the standards of my old school, which is good, I've made many new friends, and seen more of my new world."
"You have left your mark upon the Yamanouchi School as well, Jen-chan," said Yori.
Jenny looked at Yori, noticing the way the breeze moved her shiny raven hair despite her trademark red headband. "What do you mean?"
"The spirit within you is very strong, Jen-chan, and those who are sensitive to such things can tell. You came here without arrogance, and a true willingness to learn. As your studies advanced, you turned to teaching others who were having problems."
"Well, Tara was in Tokyo where I couldn't be with her, and I saw an opportunity to use my knowledge and skill. I am planning to study teaching in college," said Jenny.
"Hai, Sensei has remarked on your natural ability to reach students and make knowledge clear to them without making them feel small or stupid," replied Yori.
In fact, your appearance has been a lesson to many. There are those who felt Sensei had allowed a demon into the school, and were ready to destroy you at the first sign of evil on your part. But as time has passed, many of them saw you were, in fact, a human girl, and accepted you. Those who could not do so have left."
"I- I didn't mean to cause any trouble..." said Jenny, worriedly.
"You did not. Acceptance of others is part of the teachings here. The outside is not as important as the inside. Those unable to accept you showed they were not worthy of our teachings. There is still darkness within you, but you do not let it control you, and in fact use it to reflect on the proper course of action. This is very wise."
"Well, uh, thanks..." said Jenny, her gray cheeks turning red.
"Perhaps when you retire from Global Justice and Team Possible, you might consider teaching here," said Yori.
"That-- that would be an honor," said Jenny, turning red again, "I'll keep it in mind for the future."
Yori ducked her head. "Sensei asked me to make this offer when the opportunity arose."
"He really feels that strongly about my teaching ability?" asked Jenny.
"Hai. And it will be even better after college," replied Yori. She looked at her friend intently. Her pink hair was loose and blew in the cool breeze. She was wearing American-style clothes, since there was going to be a party that night. Her pink cat-eyes glowed, but it had nothing to do with her bad luck powers, it was a glow of excitement. The blush on her gray skin faded, and she looked sad again.
"But that is not all that is wrong. Will you speak of it to me?" asked Yori.
Jenny blushed a bit. "I'm trying to think of a way to repay the school for all that has been done for Tara."
Yori smiled. "You have already repaid the school by lending your knowledge and skills to those in need. Helping Tara-chan was important to you, and you have learned much about each other."
Jenny looked out over the valley. Yeah. I'm closer to her now than I've ever been to anyone. Feels kinda weird, though, considering my past history." She glanced at Yori. "The techniques she was taught have helped a lot, and she's well over her depression now."
Yori smiled. "She is special. Her spirit is as strong as yours, in a different way. Her passive and gentle nature is unsuited for learning Tai Sheng Pek Quar, but she took to meditation easily, and it will serve her well in times to come."
Jenny looked at her friend. "Yori, any time you come to America, you're welcome to stay for as long as you wish. I'm glad to have you as a friend."
Yori ducked her head. "Arigato. I as well. If you ever need me, call me."
There was little more to say, so the two girls turned their attention back to the valley and were silent until the noon bell rang.
kpkpkp
The flight home was uneventful, but they were met at the airport by a mob of reporters and TV crews, along with their families and friends. Tara slipped to the side and stood with her mom, and as she had hoped wasn't really noticed. The reporter's attention was focused on Team Possible.
The impromptu news conference lasted nearly an hour, Kim explaining they had been away for intensive training, and would be back and available in a few days, when some personal business was taken care of.
That evening a meeting was held in the possible home, everybody getting caught up with each other's lives. A few emails had been exchanged over the year, but little in the way of details were given.
Tara's mom was working and couldn't make the meeting, so Jenny decided to visit and fill in details.
kpkpkp
The next morning found Jenny and Tara sitting on the couch in the Matthews home, Mrs. Matthews sitting in her chair sipping coffee. She didn't said much while Jenny told her about the trip.
"Jennifer, thank you. Tara is so much better than when she left," said Mrs. Matthews.
"Yep. They were able to help her, and she learned a lot," said Jenny.
"From what you've told me, she had some real adventures. I'm glad you were able to rescue her from that man," she said.
"I couldn't have done anything else. Tara's my best friend, and I never want to lose her," was the reply.
"You give her purpose, and she gives you direction. You need each other, so I don't see how you ever will," was the reply.
Jenny looked intrigued. "And how would you know that?"
"I may be old, but I ain't blind or deef," said Mrs. Matthews in an 'old woman' voice. She smiled at them.
Tara laughed and Jenny blushed. "Sorry."
"It's okay, Jennifer," said the blond woman, "You're in everyone's good graces, you'll be going to college, you've got friends, family, and a grateful mother, all on your side."
"How did I ever get so lucky?" murmured Jenny, tears falling.
Tara turned to her, and her hand caught a few of Jenny's tears. She looked at the drops of water in her palm. "Maybe the tears of a jinx are good luck," she said softly, and smiled.
The End
Author's Note:
I wanted Jen and Tara to be close, but let them slip over the line while writing. That particular subplot was interfering with future events, so I had to change it.
Next: Jinx of the World
Having a year to prepare, Dr. Drakken, Shego, and Monkey Fist are ready for both revenge on Team Possible, and to take over the world at the same time.