Out There, In Here
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Last time Ron was making his way to his summer of Yamanouchi Days and Nights, with a Twilight of foreboding on the horizon, Kim is starting her summer of her muddled discontent with a side of everything while Her Ron is on the menu with some of the Cheerleaders, Barkin's having flashbacks at Church, Ron's 'rents are starting to see the light about the way they 'raised' their Son, and Tara is stewing over her BF.
But nothing new is known unless you start reading…
Chapter 14
Japan:
"It appears you have learned to travel light Ron-san.", Yori smiled remembering how many bags he had on his first trip to Japan.
"Well, I was in a hurry; if GJ had given me more than five minutes notice I could've at least had a change of boxers with me.", the blond teen replied to the two ninja. "As it was, their calling me for the mission screwed up several things I was going to take care of before coming here; packing was just one of them."
"Where did you get that shirt?", Hirotaka asked with slight distaste as he passed his flashlight's beam over the American teen wondering what he had been up to before making his way to Yamanouchi.
"I got it from one of Shego's hideouts Hiro, she sorta melted my shirt, and I needed something to replace it."
Then spinning in place to show it off, "Quite the exchange, don't you think? A fifteen dollar Smarty Mart shirt of my own taste for this overpriced green and black monstrosity of hers to replace it.", he said sarcastically, "The only good thing is Shego might have actually worn this thing at one time.", a glazed look as he finished, then realizing what he said, "But you never heard me say that, right?"
At their curious looks, "Shego might be a bad ass, but she's pretty cute, except for the nose now.", Ron told them.
Yori asked, "Nose? What did you do Ron-san?"
"I head-butted her nose during our last encounter before coming here; there was blood everywhere. It sorta took the fight out of her.", Ron replied.
"We have not taught you that move Ron-san. That comes from Tae Kyon, which is a little known Korean Art.", Yori gave insight and tentative approval.
"It's also a 'Yellow Beard' technique too.", Ron teased.
"What is a 'Yellow Beard'?", Yori asked wondering what he had learned.
"It's a movie called 'Yellow Beard'; about a pirate. It's pretty funny.", he chuckled remembering one of the scenes of the ornery pirate breaking the nose of a very large bully in a tavern, "You guys need to rent it." Leaning over so that only Hirotaka could hear, "It has topless scenes."
Hirotaka snorted in return.
Then to Yori, "We might want to take another look at the burns, Yori. Your Grandmother has some ancient remedies from what I've heard."
Yori nodded, relieved for the change of direction in the conversation before she asked, "How is Kim Possible-san Ron-san?", as she guided the trio up the darkened path.
"Last I knew she was in the hospital for tests and I didn't get a chance to talk to her. I got called out on the mission instead. I hope she's alright.", he rambled on as his voice hardened.
Yori decided to explore this relationship a little more, "How are your feelings towards Kim Possible-san?"
"You know that I love her.", he replied.
"Have you told her how you feel about her?", Hirotaka asked glancing at his fiancée as they picked up the pace towards the school.
"No.", Ron simply replied, intending to let the issue die.
Yori asked, "Why not? She is sure to pay you heed now Ron-san. You are a warrior hero."
"Not to her Yori. Kim sees me as her best friend, sidekick and sometimes foolish clown...period. Anyway, she's going to forget me soon. I have seen this vision time and time again. Why cause more anguish than is needed?", Ron stopped for a moment to look at the pair as his vision became more adjusted to the darkness now that Hiro had shut his light off.
"But you have proven yourself..."
"Not to KP, she still thinks of me as the buffoon I was in middle school and I will not go out of my way to change her opinion of me. If I have my way I'll just be the hero's sidekick again." Shrugging, "Besides, in a year, she'll be planning for college while she won't even remember my name." He sagged and sighed.
Then waving a hand ahead of them, "I expect to be here living in the dorm with the rest of the male students by the time she goes off to college anyway.", he told them as they began to move forward again.
Yori responded, "Surely Ron-san the situation is not so dire. She will be unable to not remember you."
"It's part of the recurring dreams I've had Yori; all the other ones have come true, why not this one?", he asked seeing that they were finally getting out of the densest part of the forest where the starlight helped them see better.
Hiro responded, "Maybe you should talk further with Sensei of your troubled feelings Ron-san. He may be able to help you. I do not like this at all; you are setting up an emotional barrier. I feel you must tear it down before it turns your heart to ice."
"Meh, my heart is already numb my friends. I've already resigned myself to become a full Yamanouchi Ninja and will do what Master Sensei assigns me once Kim is finally out of my life. I am too dangerous for anything else except to be used as an expendable mercenary.", he resigned himself with a sigh.
"But about your sister Ron-san? What about her?", Hirotaka asked trying another path with Ron's emotions.
"And if I can't be in control a hundred percent, I'll be a danger to a baby...No thanks. I couldn't do that to a child. And it's pretty obvious by now that Mom and Dad don't want me around the house either; they've done such a wonderful job of avoiding me lately." He looked into the night sky.
"Besides, their bringing in another child tells me they're setting themselves up to move on after I'm out of the house anyway. So I can take a hint, I'll move out when I go back in the fall and get the ball rolling earlier than they planned.", he lowered his voice as he explained his plans upon returning to Middleton this fall.
'This is not good, Sensei must be made aware of this development.', the male ninja thought of his American friend while considering possible future events.
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Middleton, Colorado:
The morning sun was bright and clear as Dean Stoppable made his second trip back to the taxi for the last of the bags. Barbara had already gone inside and was in the process of opening up the windows throughout the house to get some air into the place, turning on the whole house fan to get some air moving. 'This place feels like no one has been inside for months.'
While Dean approached with the last load of bags, Barb completed a call to their Rabbi to see if he had any more news about their son other than the note that he had left for them from over a month before. After listening to the Rabbi, Barb's blood pressure went through the roof. Before her hapless husband entered the house with the final load she was tapping her left foot waiting for him.
"I made an appointment with Bernie at the I-Hop where he's waiting for us Dean. So turn on the air conditioner and let's get moving.", Barb snapped.
"I thought we could get the bags unpacked first and get a load of laundry started.", he replied.
"Those things can wait Dear, right now Rabbi Katz wants to meet with us. I think we are going to get a piece of his mind.", she warned.
"Yeah I know, I thought we could put this off.", Dean told her.
Barb's ire was now rising, "Oh really? Well let me tell you something Dean Stoppable. Plain and simple, we have neglected our only child. We could have asked questions, could have asked around about him, could have gotten a message to him...But no not us! That adoption agency may find out about this and have some pretty direct questions as well."
"OK dear, I guess we had better go face the music.", he replied knowing that he was in for some harsh questions from his spiritual leader.
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Middleton General Hospital:
"Last day of tests Miss Possible.", the perky nurse smiled as she looked over the half eaten breakfast, "You know your appetite seems to be a little off today."
"Yeah, I miss my best friend, I hope he comes up to see me before I get discharged.", the young red head replied, "Anyway I've had help with all the other meals so it's no big."
As the nurse was listing the procedures that she was going to be subjected to on her last day of tests the door opened.
Seeing the movement Kim looked in hopes of finally seeing her friend of so many years. "Hi Mom.", Kim paused a moment before talking to her, waiting to see if Ron was behind her.
"Is everything alright Kimmie?", Dr. Possible asked.
"Uh...I was just waiting to see if Ron was here.", she replied sadly.
"No honey, he's not going to be able to visit with you, for a while in fact. I talked to Wade this morning; he told me that Ronald was enroute to Japan and will be there until the end of summer." Then seeing the surprised and confused look on Kim's face, "Ron told you he had to go to Japan didn't he?"
"Yes he did Mom, but I didn't believe him. I just thought he was being his usual goofy self back there to lift my spirits, as always.", Kim whined.
"Honey you have to realize that Ronald has been working very hard all this time. He even continued going on Team Possible missions while you were gone…", Anne started to tell her daughter.
"MOM! How could he do that? It was hard for me and I had help from Wade and Rufus as well as Ron. I'll bet he bragged to everyone as usual too, and got big-heady again.", her voice strained.
"Kimberly I want you to know something, Ronald did not do anything to take your place in the Team. Every time the media wanted an interview, Ron deferred to Wade. Your best friend continued to stay in the background with them, except for a couple of times he was cornered by the Press. But he told them to talk to Wade or Global Justice because he wasn't cleared to discuss any information with them.", Anne stated clearly.
"Are you sure?", she asked.
"Yes dear I'm quite sure; Wade made sure that your Father and I saw everything that was asked of him when it came to the Team. But Ron just wouldn't talk to them, he knew that was your job...Not his.", Anne clarified.
"You mean he didn't want the spotlight? None of the glory?", Kim asked in a small voice.
"No he didn't honey. The only reason that he ran those missions was because you weren't here to lead them. He kept the team running and gave you as his reason for continuing them.", Anne explained about the young man and all he had done while her daughter was gone.
"And now he's not here to bring me a flower that he swiped from our garden?", Kim asked as her Mom shook her head with a soft smile.
"Mom, why did he have to go to Japan?", completely mystified about this new information of her lifelong friend.
"To make himself better honey; he's been doing it since a couple of weeks after you disappeared. That's been his only personal mission, as far as I can tell, since you disappeared in the park that night."
"But how could he make himself better Mom? I tried for years to get Ron to grow up...I mean he was a child about so many things..."
"Kimberly Anne.", Anne told her gently with a knowing smile, "Ron did it on his own. Whatever happened forced him to mature."
Then Anne gave Kim a very pointed look. "And it's been noticed by more than your Father and me." "Huh?" Kim blurted as her Mother continued. "What with all the girls at school lining up for a shot at him, you might want to take yours before it's too late." a bemused smile now on the elder redhead's face.
Kim's jaw dropped, but Anne didn't give her time to regroup, "Now we're wasting the nurse's time. We'll talk later; if you get done soon enough I think we can have you home by dinnertime."
Kim shook her head and recovered, "Mom? Jessica and Crystal were here yesterday and they talked about Ron. Among other things, they told me was that he had been whipped by the aliens after he got me through the portal. Why didn't you tell me about that?"
Anne paused to collect her thoughts, "Kimmie when that happened there was nothing we could do for Ronald. I witnessed the beating he took and to me it looked like he had been murdered." Eyes wide as dinner plates, Kim's jaw dropped in shock as Anne continued. "There was nothing we could do at the time; we could only observe the beating over the monitors in the lab tuned into the Kimmunicator. When it was done I had Wade try to run a scan on him to be sure one way or the other."
"And?" the tentative question from Kim.
"Well, somehow that young man survived...I don't know how he did it, but he did. No matter which way it went with Ron, I didn't want to give you any information about him because I was worried about your state of mind honey."
"My state of mind?", Kim asked when she got her voice back.
Taking Kim's hands in hers. "Yes Kim, your state of mind. What would you have done if I told you that he had been whipped to death and just left on the ground back there? No one able to even go there and put blanket over his body or to bring him back. Your friend Tara was already beginning to mourn him." Tears in both women's eyes.
"Can you tell me how you would have acted? What you would have felt? How much anguish you would have heaped on yourself? Because he traveled to bring you home...to us. He risked his life for you honey. I couldn't tell you until we mounted a recovery mission...And I do mean recovery. I was sure he was dead at the time.", Anne told her daughter.
Kim paled at the thought of her friend laying alone on the rocky soil of that alien world, "But Mom why didn't GJ offer to bring him back? I mean Ronnie told me they sent him. Why didn't they try to get to him?"
"Your Dr. Director didn't want to risk another person to bring Ronald back dear. It seems that in Global Justice's mind you were the only one worth saving." Kim gaped at this before her Mother continued. "However he beat the odds, again and Ronald will be back in a couple of months from whatever he's going to do in Japan."
Then leveling a look at Kim, "And as of right now, young lady, your job is to get better and to study to get through your Sophomore and Junior years. If you make it you'll catch up to your class and graduate with them. Now with that having been said, how did you like that machine Kimmie?", Anne asked.
"I'll try Mom and I want to get home to see everyone. Oh and that thing that you had me put on my head last night...It sorta gave me strange dreams.", she told her mother.
"I'll ask you to fill out a sheet about what you remember honey. Now you had better get on with the tests or we'll never get you out of here.", Anne prodded her daughter into moving.
"Yes Ma'am.", Kim replied following the nurse out of her room.
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The Load Home:
The super genius was furiously typing on his computer looking for raw materials for the new device he had imagined for his team leader. Making sure that he was ordering parts through a chain of over fifteen different servers and never the same ones twice he slowly found some of the more 'interesting' parts for the suit.
'I'm not buying in large quantities, so I'll just add some things to a few university orders and have a Wadebot pick the stuff up late at night.', he smiled to himself, 'If they only knew.'
After checking off his recent requests Wade sat back and began to look over the schematics for the power cell of the finished unit. 'It's going to take a lot of work, but I have to make it small.', he worried, 'If someone notices the outline of the power supply they could attack it and Kim could be left defenseless.'
While he was waiting for the confirmation of the orders Wade casually hacked the Hospital secure site to see how Kim's tests were going.
'Good she should be out today, maybe I'll call Ron and so that they can talk.', he mused as he hit the speed dial to Ron's cell phone, 'He's off? Well I can track his phone though some sites in Japan. Maybe I can send...Huh? No GPS tracking? Dammit Ron where the hell are you? Kim's gonna freak for sure when she finds out that we can't track you.'
Another idea hit the genius. With a smirk he began designing. 'A smaller Kimmunicator, like an old Dick Tracy wrist watch phone...But more capable. With the "SUPER GIRL SUIT", she would be almost unbeatable..."Super Girl Suit"?...Where did that come from?...Nah just "Super Suit".', he smiled as he worked feverishly.
Six hours later, Dr. Wade Load looked up and smiled again, 'Holographic imaging...we did it with the Holo-Kim a couple of years ago, that time when Ron got weird on that mission to Lord Fiske's castle...Maybe I can communicate better with Kim that way and get information to her faster.'
"Now how do I communicate with it? It's too small to have much of an antenna it has to work in the UHF range...Maybe 10 gigahertz...Definitely line of sight propagation. So what's going to give me worldwide coverage?...Satellites, that's it. I need either repeaters or digipeaters on the birds... Can't do it with the birds that are already in flight. I wonder if there's a certain someone who has Kim Possible's safety as a major concern? Yeah, I guess I'd better build the radios to make this work and get some ready to deploy soon.', Wade thought as he made a call to a certain over protective rocket scientist.
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Global Justice Headquarters:
'Dammit, dammit, dammit to hell...Where is that blond haired clown? He makes it to Japan and right after that Customs Agent took him off for his interview, none of our Agents have caught site of him. Anywhere! Where the hell did he get off to?', Betty ranted to herself as she looked over the reports that cluttered her desk.
Finally she hit her intercom, "Sandra, get Agents Maxwell and Du in here pronto. I have a mission for them."
"Yes Ma'am, I'm paging them right now.", came the reply from the Agent who was glad she wasn't going to be in the upcoming meeting.
XX
"Sit down Gentlemen.", Dr. Director started, "I have a very simple mission for the two of you."
Both Agents looked back and forth at each other and her.
"Yes Ma'am.", Du replied for them.
"Good. You are to go to Japan and find out where Stoppable is hiding. There is something about that Yamanouchi School that doesn't sit right and we have to make sure that they are not a threat to international peace and safety.", she informed them.
"Why didn't we just ask Stoppable?", Agent Maxwell asked confused as to why she was torqued.
"Global Justice did...Stoppable graciously declined to give us any information.", Betty replying, her eye hardening.
"Since the Middleton High School has Yamanouchi's phone number why don't we get it from them and call?", Du suggested, "And I was under the impression you had no use for him at GJ."
"We have already done that Agent Du. Yamanouchi politely told me to take a hike. I don't like that attitude.", she barked, "As for a use maybe, maybe not...I still don't trust him." 'And him being around just might screw up my 'other' opportunities.', she kept to herself.
"Well we do have about ten Japanese Agents who are assigned to GJ; we could make sure that they all go with us. It will allow us to blend in better with the locals.", Maxwell suggested.
"I was planning on sending most of them. I'd still like one or two Japanese speakers here at headquarters...just in case you know.", Betty told them.
"Yes Ma'am I think we understand, I guess we'd better start writing orders.", Du stated.
"Good I expect you in the air within twenty-four hours.", Dr. Director replied.
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Middleton Mall Club Banana:
"All right you two horn dogs. Crystal what's this I'm hearing through the grapevine that you offered to bed Stoppable?...Are you two out of your minds? And what about you Jessica?", the African-American beauty asked.
"Hey I'm just her agent, but maybe she'll toss me some leftovers as a bonus afterwards.", Jessica laughed.
"Not on your life Jessica, this one's allll mine, you can have my older brother instead.", Crystal replied.
"Really! Thanks I'll be over to pick him up tonight.", her friend smiled
"Gah! You two...Ron as leftovers, you know that's not a picture that I need floating around in my head. It'll probably keep me awake tonight. Anyway the pictures have gotten great reviews from most of the girls. But I want to know who sent them to their friends in Upperton and Lowerton. I've gotten over fifty emails from girls out there who want Ron's number...If they get their hooks into him we may never get him back.", Monique ranted.
"I think the scope of interest is much wider than the Tri-City area girls." Crystal said.
"How so?" Jessica asked. "I only got from as far away as Upperton from some I know there who gave my address out there too. So where'd you get yours Crystal?"
"Don't know how exactly, but I got an email from somebody called 'redheadinmontana'. Anyone have an idea who that could be?", Crystal asked, "Whoever it is already seems to know Ron and Kim. It was a really weird email; the person in the email seemed to be like a fan trying to claim a toy or something."
"Doesn't Possible have some relatives in Montana?", Monique asked.
"Yeah her Dad has a brother up there. He's like on a ranch or something.", Jessica informed them.
"It makes no sense. I mean if I was a guy I'd be collecting girl pictures not guy pictures...Well unless he swung the other way.", Crystal added.
Monique suddenly remembered, "Kim has a younger cousin. She said that ...what's her name...Bess...Jess, no that's not it...Joss that's it Joss, she was infatuated with boys. So it could be her cousin. I think she's younger than we are, so she probably isn't a threat."
Jessica giggled, "But you know just for the amount of teen angst going on that would be so funny. I mean this is playing out like an episode of 'Agony County' with Danny and Charity."
"No teenybopper is getting her paws on my new boyfriend.", Crystal hissed
"Ron Stoppable is NOT your new boyfriend girl.", Monique growled.
"Still hurting over Bonnie's comments aren't you Monique?", Jessica laughed.
"Hey I'm Kim Possible's best female friend, I could make a case that I should end up with Ron before anyone else.", Mo countered.
"Well she did say that I could have him.", Crystal enlightened Monique.
"I'll bet that's just because she's dating Josh.", Jessica clarified.
"HUH? When did that happen? Did Tara and Josh break up?", Monique gasped more from the possibility of added competition than the gossip she thought was coming down.
"Kim has no idea that Josh and Tara are going steady...Then last night Josh gave Kim a gold and emerald necklace..."
"Kim got two necklaces?", Monique asked totally confused.
"No she got the one the Josh gave her. Tara was with him when he gave it to Kim.", Jessica explained.
"Umm, did you see the necklace?", Mo asked.
"Yeah Kim was gushing about it when we saw her at the hospital. According to Kim, Tara was with Josh when he gave it to her.", Jessica wondered if her and Crystal's suspicions were true.
"Describe it.", Monique ordered.
"Why?", Crystal asked.
"Just describe it...Did it have a total of eighteen stones? Fourteen of them bigger than the other four?", Mo asked in return.
"Yeah...How did you know?", Jessica inquired.
"Well girls either Kim Possible now has two gold and emerald necklaces that are very similar, which sounds pretty hard to believe or we have a major misunderstanding.", Mo began.
"What are you talking about?", Crystal asked as she glanced over to her cheer mate only to see her nod.
"Well the day that Ron got back he had to make a few purchases like clothes and a cell phone since he lost all that stuff. Anyway, he went shopping for something special for Kim after he got done with the things he needed for himself; and he bought it at a jewelry store. I should know because I helped him pick it out. After he left the mall he was planning on going up to the hospital to see Kim and give it to her.", Monique laid out to the two cheerleaders, "It was sort of his way to welcome Kim home."
"Where did Ron come up with the money for that?", Jessica asked, "I don't think you can get those at Smarty Mart."
"Like I said a jewelry store...like maybe 'Tiffany's'?", Monique hinted.
"That's an expensive place...How could he have money enough to shop in there?", inquired Crystal.
"I didn't ask and he didn't tell me either.", Mo replied, "It was his money and he used it to buy something very nice for his best friend. I thought that he could make some real points with it."
"Well if it's the same one we saw, he made points alright, but Josh collected them. Oh this is going to be great, I'm glad I'm not involved in this.", Jessica began to laugh at the possibilities of what could come of this with the blond haired teen, "Maybe Bonnie or Tara might want to talk about it."
"Yeah let's tell them to meet us at the Bueno Nacho here at the mall for lunch then we can get the lowdown.", Crystal smirked thinking that she might really enjoy having Ron as a boyfriend now.
Jessica made the two calls and the other cheerleaders were soon on the way to meet with their little group.
XX
A few minutes later, the brunette and the platinum blonde were sitting with their cheer buds and the gossip queen of Middleton High.
"Hey popular girl.", Jessica chided Bonnie as she and Tara sat down blushing.
"Shuddap Jessica. Somebody had to take the bull by the horns to find out about Stoppable.", Bonnie ranted.
"Well my Dad asked me why your name and phone number was in the men's restroom down at the arena...I couldn't tell him anything or he would have grounded me… for a month.", Jessica replied.
"Next time I'll demand to see the pictures first.", Bonnie promised.
"Next time?", Crystal asked, "I thought we got enough pictures to settle the bets."
"We did, but you never know. Now I'm been getting emails asking if it's fake.", the cheer captain growled.
"You know we could get Stoppable to stand up naked on live television.", Jessica suggested.
"Not my man you're not.", Crystal stated, her eyes narrowing.
"Your man?", Tara asked.
"Yeah Kim gave him to me. I asked and she Ok'd it.", Crystal 'clarified'.
"That's not quite what Kim said, Crystal.", Jessica replied, "She only said she was dating Josh.."
"Kim SAID WHAT?", Tara almost jumped to her feet.
"A little jumpy aren't you Tara.", Jessica smirked.
"This is going too far! Is there anyway we can get a hold of Stoppable before this gets out of hand?", Bonnie frumped as she decided to get up and order some food.
"Ron's in Japan Bonnie. I told you what Wade said.", Tara reminded her friend as she got up and went to order as well.
A few minutes later two frustrated cheerleaders were back at the booth, but without their meals. "Maybe the food wasn't the best, but they always were fast. Now we have to wait cause they want to make sure of the quality of the food ...Someone tell me that this wasn't Stoppable's idea too.", Bonnie ranted piling on her scapegoat du jour.
"Yeah it was Bonnie. But when you think about it the tacos are fresher this way.", Monique replied.
Changing the subject, yet still focused on Ron, "I am gonna kill that little rat once I get my hands around his neck...Did you guys all hear what he got Josh to do?", the brunette growled.
"Yeah I think it's cute. It'll make Kim happy.", Jessica prodded, looking with amusement at Tara.
"And it will give Tara ulcers and migraines too. Somebody has to tell Possible that Josh is off the market.", Bonnie looked at Monique.
"Don't look at me girl. I don't plan on leading with my chin. Kim might be weak, but she can still kick my butt.", Monique replied.
"Well she can't beat us all up. She'd bruise her knuckles.", Bonnie mocked with a glare.
"So do you want to be first Bonnie?", Monique offered.
"Well no, I thought that if some of her friends wore her down a little. Or tied her up, maybe we can talk some sense into her about Josh.", Bonnie explained.
"Well since Crystal has offered to take Ron off Kim's hands, maybe she'll try and talk to her for us.", Tara hinted.
"Oh no you don't guys, I got what I wanted; you're on your own here. When Ronnie gets back he is going to date an uninjured, unblemished girl...Me."
At their incredulous looks, "I'm sorry, but I'm not losing out on this, so you guys just go ahead and have fun with the train wreck that this is becoming as it comes down the mountain at all of you.", Crystal laughed figuring she was the only one coming out ahead.
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Middleton I-Hop:
"Hi Rabbi Katz.", Barb Stoppable called out to the bearded man.
"Hi Rabbi, how are you doing?", Dean added
"Barb, Dean...Good to see you could make it back...some time this decade.", he stated, hardening eyes at the end.
"We just had an extended business trip with Barb's company. I thought we made that pretty clear when we left.", Dean started.
"When you originally left, you were going to be gone for about two weeks. I knew about it, but either Ronald forgot or you forgot to tell him...I know because he asked me after you had been gone for a week.", the Rabbi informed them.
"Well we tried to call home..."
"When Ronald was either out on one of those Global Justice missions or at school... Hell Dean, why don't you at least buy an answering machine for your home phone? Maybe a cell phone so that you can call your son." Barb glared triumphantly at Dean as he sank in his seat while Rabbi Katz continued on.
"You could have at least called me and I could have relayed any information to Ronald. Would that have been so hard?...I'm normally in my office most hours of the day, but you never called. All you left was a crummy note.", Bernie was rolling now.
"You could have called the Possibles or the Henkles, even. But no, you didn't even call the school. You know they would have pulled your son into the office to get him the message." Narrowing his eyes before the finish as Dean sank lower in his seat.
"In short I am very disappointed in you Dean." Then turning to her, "And you too Barbara, you've let your husband get by with this attitude way too long. What would you have done if Ronald had gotten hurt? Maybe in need of permission for an operation, he could have died waiting on you two...You have both been a disappointment to me as responsible parents.", Bernie paused, both parents now sitting low in their seats.
Bernie took a deep breath, "Now this is what I want you to do..."
XX
"Now do you both understand?", the Rabbi asked.
Barb spoke for both of them as they both nodded with their heads down, "Yes Bernie, we'll make an appointment today and get in as soon as the counselor can find time for us."
"Very good, I will be in contact with her as well...So don't try to weasel out of this because I'll be watching.", he replied as he finished his coffee.
"We'll do it even if I have to drag the oblivious one kicking and screaming into her office.", Barb replied.
"If you have trouble with him give me a call.", Bernie advised with a twinkle in his eye, "I might be able to get the Mad Dog offensive line to carry him for you."
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Yamanouchi, Japan:
"Ron-san, Sensei told us to escort you to his abode when you arrived. He will have tea and rice cakes to appease your appetite from the long journey.", Yori told her friend.
"Thank you Yori-san and Hirotaka-san. I am in need of rest, but I will follow your instructions. It has been good to see you both again and I'm looking forward to spending some time training with the two of you.", the blond teen replied as he was led under the waterfall that guarded the main entrance to the ninja school.
Quietly they led the American teen across the training yard to the master's residence.
When they arrived at the old door Hirotaka knocked once, waited two seconds, and then rapped twice more.
"Please come in my friends, it is early and the rest of the school is still asleep except for the guards.", an old serene voice sounded from behind the door.
Sliding open the door Hiro led and bowed as he removed his shoes, Ron followed and did the same. Yori followed and closed the door. All walked to the ninja master as he was seated behind a table on the floor. "Please honor me and sit for a slight repast my friends.", he asked.
"May I serve the tea Master?", Ron asked.
"You are a guest Ron-san, so at this point, no. Since you are a warrior hero you will receive that training as well as learning to write traditional Japanese Poetry in Kanji. Since there are specific styles you will learn the one of your choosing.
"Thank you Master I have watched others write and I wish to learn. I understand that the training this time will be more severe. I feel that I am ready to begin as soon as I find a gi.", Ron responded eager to get started.
"I have been told about your injuries Stoppable-san. You must rest today. Your body must heal and when we are done here I will begin to show you techniques that will allow you to heal faster.", Sensei informed him.
"But be aware using these techniques are not without danger. They will take a toll on your body and if you do not meditate enough or consume enough food, the techniques simply will not help you. After Yori-san and Hiro-san leave for their daily workouts I will begin your instruction."
"Thank you Sensei, I am honored that you have given me this chance.", Ron replied.
"This will be a hard day Stoppable-san, you have much to do before you may rest completely, but let us take sustenance first.", the older man told him.
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Middleton, Colorado:
Anne opened up her cell phone. "Anne? This is Barbara; we're in and we're going to get some sleep, then make some phone calls. How about if we meet you for dinner?", Barb asked.
"Why don't you come to our house? Kimberly should be released today and I'd like her to have a couple of normal days before she gets back into the swing of things.", the surgeon replied.
"That's fine, we'd like to see Kimberly as well.", Barb told Anne as she stared at her husband.
XXXX
Pretty wild chapter there, don't you think? Repercussions and estrogen flying around, you almost need an Air Traffic Controller to keep up. But that's another story.
And once again, to starve the Legal Profession before they start feeding on Larry and me: Those folks from the Kim Possible Show are the property of the Mouse Ears Empire, long may they live within their means, and not ours.
All else is the property of those who made them up or are their own creations…
Oh, by the way, "Stepping Up", the first of several Side-stories accompanying this tale was posted the other night. It gives a little insight into how Bonnie came to be who she is in our main tale, and a glimpse into Ron's increasing involvement with GJ since Kim's disappearance. Please check it out if you haven't done so.