Hi there and it's time for our irregularly scheduled update to our tale of misfires of the young, the emotionally overwhelmed and hardheaded, better known as Kim's and Ron's Whack Adventure…
But before we get started we'd like to thank the following for their Reviews, Faves, Alerts and Follows: Jimmy1201, Sentinel103, Sword of The Azure Rain, Beckman (The not-a-clone, thank you very much!), pbow, levi2000a1, Paradoxreaderas Guest (I don't think Yamanouchi may ever convince Ron to return to Middleton, too many memories of Kim, and his persistent belief that he's a forgotten entity there), Guest (aka levi2000a1 again…), Drakonis Aurous and ajw1970, thank you one and all; even the ever present Mute Reviewer.
Last time a Yamanouchi-orchestrated event was celebrated by the perpetrators (Yay, Sake Sisters Rule!) to give their Chosen One some breathing room regarding matters of the heart before heading out to take part in another event their boy should have taken care of by now… Ron meanwhile is returning with his friend to decompress before his visit to the Karate Dojo. A nice meal between friends while fending off a cabby and his ideas of a 'good time' are centerpiece. Honor maintained and extended to those who accept is his way. Meanwhile, Kim and company are heading home, but a snippet of Intel about her post high school sitch that only a woman would understand comes out to the undercover ninja at the airbase. Realization's a …ain't it? Oy.
On lighter notes, newly marrieds Tara and Josh are returning home to life and the path they are on, Shego's quite with child and Drakken's about to go through a complete makeover while getting career advice from his wife. Forget about the Mayan Calendar having been so foreboding, this is it, the end of the world!
But before the encroaching asteroid threat manifests itself, we have to fend off the swarm of lawyers who may try to cash in before the last strike from above: Kim Possible and the characters from the show are the property of Disney. We make no money from their inclusion in our little flights of fiction-fancy.
Storm Chaser
Chapter 20
Sapporo, Japan:
Yawning after he glanced to his naked mole rat buddy, "Hey morning buddy." Looking closer Ron noted he was still curled up, as was his habit, with a familiar picture both knew so well. Up at the same time as always, he slept less than usual due to the hour he returned from his late night dinner 'date' with his Japanese not-a-girlfriend-anymore. Then there was his late night feed of Rufus before getting in an hour long jog before he turned in that left him with less time to snooze as well.
Unhappy at the moment with his Human, Rufus twitched nary a whisker at Ron's call. Still upset that the blond had returned from the restaurant the night before, sans the 'special sushi' that Ron promised to buy on the way back to their apartment, the blond donned his coat and returned to the outdoor cold weather again and trekked to the market for his buddy's treats. If forgetting his promise to Rufus didn't get Ron into gear, the mole rat's glare reminiscent of the one he gave Eric all those years ago surely did.
Needless to say, Rufus still held a grudge from the previous night, no matter how many times Ron had to go out into the winter's cold or the late hour it turned into when Ron continued his nightly habits before turning in.
"Aww, come on Rufus you could at least get up for me and give me some lip…I promise to give you a couple more blankets if ya do…"
"Hnk go away loser.", the rodent hero chitter-snorted.
"Still mad at me ain't ya? Sorry I made you wait for all that good sushi."
"Fool Ron, Mom good.", Rufus admonished, coming back to an old topic between them.
Sighing wearily…"I agree Rufus, KP is good, but she has her life now and we can't go around bothering her.", Ron settled back into his bed. Shrugging, "Maybe I should have shipped you over to that fancy school she's attending…Nah, she might get mad and just ship you back for us bothering her.", he said as he ran a hand through his hair, looking off.
Turning to him, "Listen when we go to Norway, and we talked about it, how about I leave you there for the summer.", he said. Cutting off Rufus' apparent protests, "You'll have Mom, Dad and Sis while I'll be back here unable to interact with as much as I do now.", Ron said. "C'mon, you'll have fun, you'll be with family, and I'll even bet you could find some rat buddies to talk too… And you can take that old picture of Kim and me…unless you want me out of it so you can have a picture of you in it in my place.", Ron rambled.
"Hnk no way, mine.", Rufus shot back, not taking the chance that Ron would lose the opportunity to return the altered picture to him.
Grinning, "The photo is yours buddy,", Ron assured him, "I won't ever take it away, but you'd better not die on me…'cause if you croak I'm getting rid of it.", Ron mock warned his little buddy.
The mole rat stuck his tongue out causing the blond American to laugh again, "Come on, I'll make you a real omelet with real eggs and cheddar cheese, just like the old days."
"Hnk cheese."
"Yeah cheese…Hey, do you wanna go out with me for my jog this morning? It's probably all of five degrees out there."
Rufus just stood up on his back legs and crossed his arms and stared back. Ron snorted, "You're cold blooded ain't ya Rufus?"
Shivering, the mole rat jumped off the table next to the bed, ran into the closet and reappeared moments later in his robe and a white turtleneck sweater. "Ron nuts.", he chittered.
Laughing, "You're not lying, Ron is nuts.", Ron said at the display Rufus put on. "Hey, wanna know how that dinner date with that crazy girl went?"
Arms crossed, disapprovingly, "Not Kim-Kim.", Rufus frowned.
Hands in placation, "No she isn't buddy, but Ukuma's getting about as much lovin' from this blond love machine as KP is right now.", Ron said to hold off his buddy from getting angrier.
Though he tried to lighten the mood, Rufus was not amused by his Human lightly dancing around the room and striking an overblown muscle builder's pose when done.
"Phhhtttt! Ron fool…", blowing a raspberry at the blond.
"Aw c'mon Rufus, you're starting to say that all the time! Are you in a rut or something, or don't you watch anything else on the tube but old reruns of 'Agony County'?", he chided the mole rat who sniffed and stuck his nose in the air.
At Rufus' harrumph, "I bet even Kim doesn't watch that old trashy show anymore. And you're starting to sound like one of Mom's old records...and I'm talking about those vinyl ones from waayyyy back.", Ron continued to tease his buddy. "Which is why I'm going to cut back on your TV time, you're getting so last early-decade or something on me."
At that threat, the pink rodent burst quickly away from his indignation and grabbed the TV remote, chittering, "Nyt nahhhh, mine.", and gave him another raspberry in triumph.
Laughing at Rufus' antics, "Ok, buddy, you win; go ahead, I don't watch the boob tube anymore anyway…You keep that thing,", Ron said, nodding to the remote, "I don't have enough time for TV anyway with the studying and all.", he grinned.
Rufus, now realizing his was a hollow victory, pouted sadly. Ron, deciding to 'offer a consolation prize' to his buddy, "Tell you what, I'll make you breakfast, it's going to be a surprise too.", which perked the mole rat up noticeably. "But you'll have to wait a few minutes before its ready."
Taking back the 'high road' in this discussion, "Hnk 'bout time loser.", he jibed the blond.
Shaking his head in playful surrender, "You're never going to let me live that down are ya?"
"Hnk…nope.", the naked mole rat retorted.
'Giving in', as always on this topic between the two of them, the former semi-celebrity walked into the kitchen to make what was considered a 'delicacy' to the few in Japan who had the 'special appliance' necessary to make what Rufus thoroughly enjoyed when his Human created them: Waffles.
Though occupied with the TV remote and the multitude of channels available in this part of the world, the aroma of cooking waffle batter wafting from the kitchen caused the mole rat to forgo his channel surfing in order act upon what his keen sense of smell told him was a better deal than watching some Japanese game show host embarrass several college students on national television.
Looking to a nonexistent watch on his wrist, "Well, that didn't take long.", Ron quipped in mock surprise.
Snorting, "Hnk waffles!", Rufus replied in 'justification'.
A soft smile, "I know you don't get them enough,", Ron said pointing out the obvious, "but your nose ought to be sensitive enough to catch the bacon and eggs that are about done too.", he teased him.
Ignoring Ron's jibe, "Hnk, syrup?", he changed the subject.
Playing along, "Your favorite…maple."
Testing the limits of his good fortune, "Cheeessseee?"
"Not this morning buddy, maybe when I get home from the dojo."
"Hnk…rats.", he grunted in frustration.
Pointing to him before leaving for his run, "And you're a greedy one too.", Ron snorted.
XXX
Middleton, Colorado:
Feeling every hour she spent sleeping in her seat, "Oh man, that was a long trip Daddy.", Kim said as she released her seatbelt and stood up to stretch after their multi-hour flight back from Japan came to an end.
Stretching the kinks out as well, "Ah yes it was.", James agreed. Then teasing, "And you have another one in a day or two when you fly back to England."
Releasing a frustrated breath at the thought of going through this again and continuing eastward, "Yeah and I gotta take everything out of my luggage and get it the washing machine when we get home.", Kim replied, a little depressed thinking of that daunting task still ahead of her.
Filing that away for later, she turned to her GJ Teammate, "Well Wade what did you think of Japan? I know we didn't get to see much, but still I bet it was great to get away from GJ and Middleton for a while.", Kim asked him.
Shrugging wearily, "Not bad Kim, but I could do without the jetlag,", Wade replied with bags under his eyes, "it's gonna mess up my internal clock for a few days."
Kim smiled at the memories of having gone through this several times herself during her teen-heroine days, and then frowned when she also remembered that she coped by snuggling with her BF during the long flights.
Smiling knowingly, "Yeah Wade, it's tough and if you do it enough you learn how to get by…But Ronnie was always zonked after a trip like ours.", Kim smiled wistfully at the memory. "Like when we ran security at that parade…", then coming back, "He fell asleep eventually during the flight back to Middleton, and he drooled all over himself.", Kim giggled at the memory. "I had to wipe him off since I was using his shoulder for a pillow.", she said with a touch of longing in her voice.
Her musings were interrupted when the door opened from the outside by the ground crew and the internal stairs extended to the ground. One of the pilots leaned out of the cockpit, "We're parked now and we'll have the baggage unloaded and brought into the terminal shortly, so you can now disembark.", he directed the passengers. "For your safety, please follow the directions of the people waiting for you on the tarmac, they'll make sure that you get to baggage claims easy enough."
Nodding gratefully to the pilot, "Thanks for the flight.", James called out as he made his way forward.
Grasping his arm, "Come on Dad, you too Wade, let's get out of here, I'm stiff and I so need to walk around awhile to loosen up.", Kim implored her friend and father as she gathered them up on her way to the door.
Grinning to her, "You're not going to go out for a jog today are ya?", Wade asked Kim.
Shrugging, "After we get home I might. I haven't had a good run for a few days and I don't want to lose that edge, it has taken too long to get to this point and I don't wanna backslide."
Nodding in understanding, "I understand Kim, I know you feel that you have to get back to where you were…", Wade said, "But you know it might be better not to try and get it back in one shot…", he cautioned.
A little tweaked, "Waaaddddee…", her Kimness starting to come out.
Holding his hands up, "Now hear me out Kim, I've been around you for a long time and all I'm saying is that everyone in GJ knows that you're trying to get back into Field Ops.", Wade looked to her questioningly, as unseen by Kim, James tensed up.
At her you-got-me nod, "But have you thought about going into the Intelligence side of GJ? Sure it's not as glamorous as Field Ops, but those guys in the field wouldn't even know what to hit and what not to without the DI guys doing the background work for them.", he suggested to the lifelong adventurer.
Expelling a breath she held for a while, "Yeah I thought about it,", Kim said and saw her Dad's eyes soften, "but I do wanna spend time out in the field, maybe not as much as Ronnie and I did, but I wanna keep my hand in that."
With smile mixed with relief and some joy, "Kim, I'm sure that Betty would love to have someone heading that side of GJ who was good at both.", Wade offered. "Now when you can, do me a favor and talk to her about it, and see what courses you'll need to take at Oxford to help you in that track.", he said, getting more excited as he made those suggestions. "In fact I'm sure that as a team we can get the overt agent training necessary to go that route if you wanted to…"
Eyes widening in shock, "Wade you're not old enough for that.", Kim stopped his gushing about his apparent career track.
With a smirk, "By the time you're though with your course load Kim, I'm sure that I will be.", Wade confidently replied. Then a little quieter, "Betty hasn't brought it up yet, but she wants you to go for an advanced degree.", Wade informed Kim.
Cutting in on a discussion he found quite pleasing to him after all the years he and Anne lived through their daughter's lifestyle as a teen action hero, not to mention what happened in the years following her high school graduation, "Kimmie I think that you should listen to Wade and Doctor Director on this.", James eagerly interrupted. "In fact, I'm sure that with an advanced degree you will find you'd have better options available.", he also suggested, his eyes bright.
Looking thoughtfully to both men, "I'll think about it Dad, I promise I'll think about it, but I wanna spend some time looking for Ron too."
XXX
Sapporo, Japan:
Exiting his apartment building in a stocking cap and sweats, the blond wanted to get a few miles in before he had to get ready for his three hour class at his dojo.
Back after an hour, he mused in his hot shower about how he missed the traditional Japanese communal baths. It had been a few weeks since he last had one and he did miss them a little. His pleasant musings were interrupted, however, when thoughts of a certain local girl intruded upon them. And how no matter what local customs allowed, he'd have had a most difficult time of keeping her from breaking generations of Japanese customs in her recently ended romantic pursuit of him.
Shuddering, he quickly finished his shower, toweled off, dressed and knocked out three hours of homework to stay ahead of his Instructors and classes. A condition he had to maintain due to his responsibilities as the Chosen One, and all that entailed on the short notice interruptions in his life while in school.
His timer going off he checked his watch. Then to his best buddy, "Rufus I 'm heading out to the dojo, do ya want some cheese to tide you over till I get back?"
"Hnk cheese.", came the obvious answer from the couch the mole rat was embedded in.
Shaking his head in amusement, 'I bet he'd give answer while he's asleep.', Ron mused. 'But what do I expect, he's got me trained.', he snorted as he closed the book he had been studying and taking notes from.
A few minutes later, Ron quietly shut his door and locked it, taking care to not disturb his well-fed and dozing friend and made his way out in the early Sunday morning. A day of gaming, channel surfing and cheese scarfing had taken their toll on the mighty mole rat, now passed out on the couch, and sawing cheese logs in his dreams.
Shortly thereafter Ron entered the Karate Dojo where he trained and was the Resident Duty-Uki for the Head Instructor. Seeing he was alone, Ron quickly went and donned his white uniform with his not-quite-so white belt signifying his place in the school ranking system and pecking order; near the bottom.
Though three students enrolled after he did, Ron just couldn't bring himself to taunt or physically abuse the newer students; unlike the older and/or more senior students at the dojo. In fact, there were a few times when the buffoon came out to play and one of the older students ended up against an unpadded post, after the blond American had accidently sent them there.
Most got the message, but there was this one student who needed further encouragement which came when he challenged to spar Ron with few restraints placed on the contact allowed. While the more experienced Initu Hakkuri scored more hits and none were to vital areas, Ron's fewer strikes left small knuckle-sized bruises in places his adversary, given his competency and experience in the martial art, should have realized the significance of.
Coming out of that memory, Ron's thoughts turned to how soon it would be that the Master of this dojo would also learn of their significance; if and when Ron decided to actually get around to informing him.
Silently Ron dressed in his gi and made his way into the training hall. Bowing in respect upon entering the empty room was automatic with the American. Given that he had practically 'grown up' at the secret ninja academy after deciding to change his life, he had learned showing proper respect was an important part of that training.
That and the Yamanouchi Instructors could be brutal when provoked as the Chosen One found out one day when he didn't feel like training as hard as they required of him. However, for all the training and discipline he underwent, Ron Stoppable, aka Dean Kiminsky, maintained his outward persona of the bumbling clown, yet beneath the surface, he was anything but.
Puzzled at the lack of students in the dojo at what was past the time for classes to start, he began to lightly stretch, while, unknown to him, fifteen tough looking men wearing dark suits and sunglasses were keeping the incoming students at bay outside the entrance.
XX
Blustering with the overconfidence borne of his 'Ranking' in the dojo, (Out of my way you inconsiderate fool! I am late for class and it will be your fault!), senior student, Matuni Antorum, warned two of the nonplussed men blocking his way, (Don't you know who I am?)
Clearly not impressed, (Go home child, you will not have your class today so you will not be late.), one of them waved him away.
The other man standing with him chuckled patronizingly, (You have it wrong Usemnu,), (he doesn't know who he is…)
Now enraged at the lack of respect he felt he was due from these well-dressed strangers, Antorum hissed as he raised his hand to strike them, (I am a senior student of Master Initu Hakkuri! You will let me through…I have a Black Belt in Karate and I have placed high in tournaments…if you do not show me the proper respect, I will hurt you!), and rushed forward to deliver an overhead strike to one of his tormentors.
Moving faster than his attacker, the intended target of the dojo bully slapped the descending hand away and delivered a hard palm strike to the student's chest, winding and dropping him to the sidewalk before the crowd of students watching this impromptu exhibition could blink.
Dusting his hands off and smirking to the gasping student at his feet, (Like I said, you will not have class today, so you will not be late.) Then to the students clustered at the sidewalk, (That goes for the rest of you, too. Now don't come back for at least three hours.), he said before going back to his post at the dojo's door.
Intending to take advantage of the unknown man's retreat to the door, another of the senior students rushed up and pushed the other man and slapped his sunglasses off and attempted to rush the door. But that was halted quite abruptly when he suddenly had three cocked .45 caliber semiautomatic pistols shoved in his face.
(Do you want to go down to the Central Office to talk about this?), came the harsh question from one of the three holding pistols on the student. His voice a mix of anger and promised consequences should another student try something like this again.
All gaped at this display, (Who are you people?), one of Hakkuri's students asked when he got his voice back.
Producing a badge, (State Security.), the harsh man informed them, (Do as we say and you can go back to your self-gratifying lives.), he said as he put the badge away. Then holding them with a very harsh glare, (And the best thing you can do is to forget that you ever met us, which is the smartest thing that you could do. Now please go and don't return for three hours.)
Nodding and backing off the students began to hesitantly leave the school.
Calling out to them before they were out of earshot, (Don't worry about your Master, a friend of ours just wants to meet with him for a little while.)
Shaking his head at the display, (Damn.), Hirotaka muttered when the students were gone, (They sure are dense.) Turning to the group with him, (Alright go back to your watch, when we leave you can disappear.)
XX
Striding into his dojo, (It is time to begin…), Master Hakkuri announced as he always did, then abruptly he stopped and looked around in confusion, (Where are all my students?), he asked Ron, the only the student of his present.
The Master's confusion grew to shock when nine forms suddenly shimmered into view around him. One, a short, white bearded man with in a red robe brought him out of his stupor, (Your students have been detained to ensure we will not be disturbed. I am Insuhi Toshimuru, Sensei of the Yamanouchi School.), said, then bowed in greeting. Ron on the other hand, went from surprised to slight dread, for he knew who was here...and why.
Startled, Master Hakkuri bowed back, (I am Master Initu Hakkuri, Master of this Karate Dojo. For what reason are you here that you have detained my students?)
With a barely perceptible grin, directed towards Ron, (To give you a demonstration of one of Japan's Assets, Master Hakkuri.), Sensei said before he frowned, (And to encourage you to give your betters proper respect.), he stated, his demeanor now serious. (Your students have disgraced the Chosen One and you have allowed it!), Sensei said harshly.
While the Dojo Master's confusion increased, Sensei, with an not-so-amused glance to Ron, (I had given him until the winter break to inform you of his identity and to stop your students themselves from their behavior, but this has not happened, so we have taken it upon ourselves to show you that this conduct carries consequences.)
Taken aback at Sensei's declarations, and of who Sensei was speaking of, (Who are you talking about?)
Sensei turned to one of the black masked figure standing next to him, (Give the Founder's Heir his proper uniform so that he may don it and we may continue.)
With head lowered the black clad ninja held the package to the American.
Incredulous, (HIM?), Master Hakkuri shouted. (This one is a bumbling fool, who is barely able to walk across the dojo without harming himself or others! He is no Master!), he waved a hand in dismissive outrage at the scene, not believing his eyes.
Slightly bowing his head, Ron accepted the package.
With an amused smile, (Please young Master it is time for the circle to widen a little.), Sensei implored his young friend.
Sighing in resignation, (Yes Master, please excuse me while I change.), Ron bowed and exited the room to dress for the upcoming exhibition.
Hakkuri frowned, (I do not understand Toshimuru-Sensei.), and said as he watched Dean leave the floor, (But you must excuse my disbelief in what you say if he is your best.), pointing flippantly at the departed student.
Then holding a hand up to forestall any further entreaties from his guests, (Surely you have someone else), he snorted facetiously, (who could better represent your school and display their competency to me.)
Showing no reaction to the slight, (If that is your wish Master Hakkuri.), Sensei said, a casual tone to his voice. (Would you care to spar one my students?), his arm waving to the remaining eight in black. (I must warn you…they are quite accomplished.), he cautioned the Master. (Except for myself you may pick from any of them…even from the females among them…), with a twinkle in his eye, (I exempt myself from the choices as I do not wish to hurt you or cause you harm.)
Fixing Sensei with a mocking glare, (Or do you exempt yourself so that I would find you are not what you claim you are?), Master Hakkuri taunted.
A mirthful grin and a headshake, (No Master Hakkuri, I assure you that is not the case.), Sensei replied. (But after this demonstration with one of my students you may rethink your assertions…of so many things.)
After staring at Sensei for several moments more, Master Hakkuri huffed and, after scanning his choices, (I choose that one.), and pointed to a short form in black.
From underneath the face mask came a muffled, (I accept.) The voice feminine.
Gasping, (A girl?), Hakkuri exclaimed, (I do not wish to hurt a girl.)
Smiling, (She will now be insulted if you back out that is unless you are afraid of this little one…), Sensei replied, mirth in his voice.
Sighing, (Very well…), Master Hakkuri replied.
Those not involved in the spar moved to the walls as Master Hakkuri and his challenger stood at attention across from each other in the center of the dojo. Sensei took his place between them, a hand separating them. (No broken bones or joints…Is this acceptable?), he set the potential ground rules for them. Each nodded in the affirmative before they turned and bowed to Sensei, who returned the show of respect, then bowed to each other and awaited Sensei's command to begin.
Standing ready, the girl bowed again, removed her mask, displayed her face, and then masked up again. Taking a relaxed fighting stance, (Yes Master, I hope not to disappoint the Sensei of this dojo with my humble skills.)
Bowing to her, (You honor me with this match small one, I am ready.), Master Hakkuri said before he took his stance.
Behind the girl, a taller form giggled, (I have fifty on Suzie.), the voice definitely feminine.
A man's voice replied, (Your money is safe Wanda I learned the last time.)
At this line of banter from what was supposed to be some seriously proficient martial artists, Master Initu Hakkuri paused as he took in what was said; and for a moment wondered if he was being played.
There was no more time to consider this as Sensei raised his hand, (Begin.), and stepped back from between the combatants, who commenced their spar.
XXX
Middleton, Colorado:
Placing her drink on the table, "So how was your trip to Japan Kim?", the African-American fashion diva asked of the red head while sitting with her and Justine.
Looking to them as she put her drink down on the table, "It was interesting…I remembered that Ron had links to Japan and I asked this couple we met if they had ever heard of the school Ron went to for that exchange program while in high school."
Pausing her hand on the way to placing her drink on the table, "Well Kim, what did they say?...Were they able to help you find him?", Justine asked her.
Frowning in frustration, "No, no they didn't and we didn't have enough time on the ground to search either. But that couple offered to help a little…"
Justine frowned, "Are you sure of the name of the school Kim?"
Nodding, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure. I mean we also had missions there in our Senior Year, so Wade's gonna look it up in the mission logs and make sure.", Kim said.
Looking at her drink, lost in memories, "I went there twice and Japan overall three times…", the red head drifted. Shaking her head, "Anyway, with them offering to help, I'm going to see if I can get a couple of weeks off next summer and try to find Ron…and hopefully he'll want to talk to me.", she said somewhat fearfully.
Monique smiled, "You mean to get in the sack with him don't you?", and teased the red head.
Biting her lip, a timid nod, "Eventually…if he wants…"
Cutting her off, "Kim a word of advice…don't rush into that.", Monique advised. "He might still be hurting…and,", she shrugged, "he might have found someone too."
Sighing heavily, "My living nightmare…", Kim stopped as the other two women glared at her, "But you're right, I need to make amends somehow. I have to prove to Ronnie that what I did wasn't anything he should feel responsible for, that I brought this on both of us.", nearly brought to tears. "I need to tell him that I still love him and want to be with him...If he'll let me."
Sighing, "Kim I agree that you have to find him…but remember, jumping his bones right after you ask 'How are you doing?' might not be the best way to start the conversation. I mean to tackle that blond goof to the floor and have your way with him, ain't a good conversation starter.", Monique sagely offered with a grin.
Shrieking lightly, "Monique…he's not that big of a goof….", Kim's voice lowered to almost a whisper as her cheeks flamed.
Cocking an ear to her, "What did you say Kim?", Justine said before she took a large drink from her soda.
The red head raised her voice a little, "I said he was a stud.", and smiled coquettishly.
Justine sputtered, "A stud? Stoppable?", and spewed her drink on the table before she started a coughing fit.
Kim nodded and helped her with her fit, "Look Justine, I can get sex with a guy anytime I want it, if I want it…but I don't.", she said as she handed a napkin to the blonde genius. "What can I say? Ronnie sorta ruined it for me and not just from his attributes either. He took care of me at all levels…", she said dreamily. Then sighing, "He's the guy I dream about Justine, not those 'hotties' as he used to call them"
Once she was ok, Justine looked to Kim, with a 'go on' motion with her hand, "Well now that you brought it up are you going to leave us hanging?"
"Huh? Oh.", Kim looked around and motioned for them to get closer.
The Middleton fashion diva motioned and said, "Go on."
"Four."
Monique frowned, "Four what?"
"Hours.", Kim replied. To their looks of disbelief, "He sorta takes his time. Just like he said about Nacos.", she followed up as they sat back to contemplate what she said.
Coming forward again, "What's this about Nacos?", the blond genius asked.
With a look of far-off satisfaction, "They have to be savored, so Ron takes his time and he makes love the same way…", she stopped and shivered. "Gawd now I have to take a cold shower.", Kim shuddered again and looked off, lost in ecstatic memories.
Monique pensively watched her friend for a few moments, "You're right baby girl, we need to find that boy for you…" Then with a hopeful look in her eyes, "Uh you're not interested in sharing are you?"
Quickly coming back into the here and now, "Monique! I don't even have anything to share right now and even then I'd have to take Ronnie's feelings on this into account, too.", Kim admonished her. "Look, let me make up to him before I can even consider any thoughts of sharing Ron, ok?", she suggested. "But maybe you'll find a nice guy before I find him…"
In her 'calling' as a gossip diva, blushing was something Monique Jenkins found to be somewhat difficult to do, given the years she spent making others blush. Though she had built up quite the immunity to the concept, she nearly came to one in talking to Kim in this way on a subject that was definitely raising the temperature at their table by several degrees.
Offhandedly, "Well if you have trouble keeping him focused on you keep me in mind,", she waggled her eyebrows at Kim, "As a favor to you, I wouldn't mind trying this four hour 'thing' with Ronnie…ya know…I mean he might need some practice since it had been a while since you two had been together like that.", she said doe-eyed.
Kim snorted, "Most women wouldn't, and I am going to do my level best to keep his focus on me, and me alone."
XXX
Sapporo, Japan:
Once again the much beleaguered, heavily bruised and weakening Master Initu Hakkuri attempted to strike the lithe figure in black who again easily used his momentum to shoulder toss him across the dojo floor.
Finally hitting his limit at being toyed with for so long in this way, (I am overmatched. I give.), he breathlessly uttered as he held up a hand in surrender.
Reaching a hand to help the older man to his feet, Suzie backed off while he dusted himself off, gathered what dignity he had left. Then straightening, she did the same, they bowed to each other and she backed to a spot on the wall while Sensei came to him and they likewise bowed to each other.
Guiding him to a table in the corner where steeping hot tea and cups seemed to be where the Dojo Master was sure it was not several moments ago, (How?), Hakkuri croaked, mystified at this.
Pouring their cups, a twinkle in his eye, (We have been at this much longer than you.), Sensei said, his smile visible beneath his moustache as he waited for his tea to cool.
Then extending a hand to those who accompanied him, (Now, I think that you can agree that my students are as accomplished in their skills as I have stated to you.), he said before Master Hakkuri nodded after a few seconds' pause.
Further talk halted when a tall man in black approached and bowed a few feet from them.
Bowing in return, and then drawing Master Hakkuri to his side, (It is time my protégée, for you to reveal most of your skills.), Sensei said to his "host's" mystification, (Pick five to spar against you…full contact.)
A slight nod in return, the black-clad form chose his five 'combatants'. Surrounded, he closed his eyes, drew a cleansing breath and released it.
His eyes snapped open, (Begin!), Sensei shouted as three of the five pulled weapons from their belts. Their adversary however, remained unarmed.
Incredulous, (Why are they armed?), Hakkuri asked.
Pausing the match briefly, (So this can go longer.), Sensei simply said. (My friend has not sparred under our school's rules in some time and I wish to see if he is rusty in their absence.), he followed up to Master Hakkuri's shock.
To his host's further surprise, (What you do not understand is that he is armed as well, but he only uses his weapon when events are dire.), Sensei said before, (Kaminsky-san, please reveal your honored blade.)
Swiftly the masked figure removed his facial covering, revealing eyes that suddenly turned azure blue. A smell of ozone filled the air of the training hall as the figure held out a hand. With a burst of blue light a glowing sword appeared in his hand.
With a bow he saluted the two masters. Then his hand released the sword and it flashed away as quickly as it had appeared.
His eyes as wide as dinner plates, (How did he do that?), the Master whispered, becoming overwhelmed by what he saw.
Nodding to the single warrior, (It comes from the strong bond he has with the sword.), Sensei replied. Looking back, (He and the weapon make for a formidable combination and that is partly why he is an asset of the government.), Sensei explained as the Master turned quickly to him and then back to the sight on the floor.
Continuing, (Though I am sure he kept up his training in your dojo, I wish to see for myself his progress.), he said. Turning to the floor once again, (Please continue, I expect to see as much blood here as on our own training grounds.), Sensei ordered.
Once again the five began to circle the one. The slow stroll around him was broken when one behind the solo combatant attacked with his Bo staff.
In awe, Hakkuri watched as his bumbling student spun, seemed to stumble awkwardly and avoid the downward trajectory of the Bo aimed at his head.
Shaken from his stupor by the clownish behavior of Sensei's protégée, Master Hakkuri muttered when he saw him almost fall backwards to the floor to deny contact with another swipe at him, (Why do you waste your time with him? His actions make him nothing but a fool!)
Frowning as another, with a spinning sword, moved in as the first pulled back, (Sometimes it is the fool who is fooled by the fool!), Sensei quietly admonished him. (Watch further before you give me your assessment of what you have yet to understand. Then we will learn who the bigger fool is.)
The single warrior suddenly shimmered and nearly faded from view as the swordsman unsuccessfully tried to slice and dice said buffoon; only to slice through air.
(Come on guys, the last time we did this was a lot harder.), the solo fighter chided the quintet surrounding him, (You had me bleeding by now.), he mocked.
X
After ten minutes of cat-and-mouse with his sparring partners which left Master Hakkuri spellbound, Ron called out in English, "Lotus Blade!"
Again the glowing blade appeared in his hand, a moment later it turned into a Bo staff as the American's eyes flashed blue.
Sensei chuckled, (Kaminsky-san you may chastise them for their clumsy attacks, but please hurry my tea is getting cold.)
With a voice as cold as Greenland in January, (As you wish Sensei Toshimuru.), Ron replied as one moment his back to them, the next he had faded from view with his blade.
After a minute of blurred activity, the tall form reappeared, a six foot staff in his hands, being twirled in a manner Master Hakkuri had never seen the likes of before.
With a growl of, (For the Mountain.), he launched into his last moves in this full-contact, weapons-free spar.
XXX
Middleton:
"So when do you have to go back to England Kim?", Justine asked the recently back-to-world-traveling red head.
Smiling, "The day after tomorrow…", Kim started to say when she stared off into space, then flinched and clutched her chest, "It's...it't..happening again.", she panted in agony. "Somebody..get me some water…please."
X
Rising from her seat in concern, "Possible, what's wrong?", the blonde genius asked and went to her aid.
Slumping in her seat, her eyes glazed, "I felt…I felt..something stab me…Or I think something stabbed me.", Kim said, quite disoriented and gasping. "It hurt…a lot.", the red head said as she picked up her glass with two trembling hands and took a tentative sip.
Monique put the inside of her wrist to Kim's forehead, "You're not hot..."
"I don't feel dizzy.", Kim assured her friends. "But it's like someone put a knife into me.", she gasped.
Kim's best female friend asked, "How many times has something like this happened?"
Painfully looking to her, "I don't know 'Nique…but it's happened before.", Kim replied. "In fact I'd have to think about it to give you an accurate answer."
Looking at her in thought, "You've had a breakdown and now you have these episodes. Didn't you say that you dreamt of a couple of Japanese a few days ago?"
"Yeah well, Asians at least, but it seems that sometimes I just see stuff that makes no sense at all", Kim replied and thought back, "I mean last fall I had one of these fits out of the blue so-to-speak. I thought I was dying so they had to take me to hospital."
Surprised, "You never mentioned that to me GF….", Monique cut in.
An apologetic look, "Sorry Moni, but what could you have done with us on two sides of the planet?", she said. "I informed GJ and they checked me over the next time I was on base…and they couldn't find anything.", Kim sighed in frustration.
The wheels turning in her head, "When did they check you?"
Again thinking back, "It was about three days after the episode. The hospital already released me and I went in to my doctor to make sure. They ran all sorts of tests…uh and my trust pays for all my medical care. Then at the GJ base they ran all the tests again."
Flabbergasted, Monique blurted, "They ran the same tests again? Why?"
"Because even though I'm in training, I am an asset to them 'Nique and they have first class people going over everything."
Shaking her head in astonishment, "It's real weird that you have these 'fits', but I wonder if they had anything to do with the breakdown?"
"Yeah I think they did, but all that stuff was so overpowering and new to me…And the shrinks even thought that they had a lot to do with the breakdown…In fact I had a couple while I was under observation.", Kim supplied to her friends. "Anyway when I have one I hit the panic button or my roommate calls the hospital, then they run the tests again.", Kim muttered, "it is so annoying."
Nodding sympathetically, "Yeah I suppose it is.", she replied. Then reaching to her soda on the table, "Now before anything else happens, let's give a toast to the next one getting hitched.", Monique chuckled.
Kim raised her glass and smiled now that her mind was off the episode, "Here's to ole Bon-Bon and Junior, may they have a long and annoying life together…"
XXX
Sapporo, Japan:
Ron spun and then did a backflip as he kicked one of his opponents in the chin and landed on the balls of his feet.
As he switched his feet again he threw a spin hook kick at the face of another black clad assailant, snapping his head around. Ron spun in and used his fingers to touch a nerve cluster in this one's neck, and dropped him or her to the floor in a heap.
Amazed at the long running exhibition of martial art prowess on display, (This is a long fight, how does he accomplish this without making mistakes?), Master Hakkuri asked of Sensei as he sipped his cup of tea.
(The Chosen One is highly skilled and has trained and meditated very much in a short period of time to become what you see before you.), Sensei replied. (And he is not perfect. In fact has been closer to death than you would believe, so he has made his mistakes. But eventually he does make them as everyone will.)
Shaking his head in disbelief, (I have taken hard hits…)
Chuckling, (Not like he has my young friend, trust me I know of this matter.)
Ron twisted, again avoiding another sword strike, but in evading that sword thrust Ron turned into the two other deadly knives being brandished by another assailant. The first he blocked away with a forearm...but was too slow to react to the second one, and it plunged into his chest.
Startled, Master Hakkuri gasped and began to rise from his seat to offer aid, (My student!…), and froze when the stabbed solo fighter suddenly began to glow blue again. This time with a tinge of red blended in with the blue.
Standing still with a knife sticking out of Ron Stoppable's blood-covered chest, he looked down, and with a growl ripped it from his torso. The blood now flowed faster from the deep and serious wound as it soaked his ninja uniform top. With a flick of a wrist Ron threw the knife into a support beam, burying it to the hilt. Then continuing the motion with his hand he backhanded his attacker, and knocked him to the floor, unconscious.
Amazed at this display, Master Hakkuri was even further stunned when he noticed the fighter's surroundings seemed to speed up…Well the wounded fighter began to speed up while his attackers seemed to be in slow-motion in comparison as he went on an attack spree of which none before him could withstand.
Calling out in order to prevent a massacre of his students, (Stopp…Kaminsky-san please cease your actions.), a flustered Sensei requested of the Chosen One and almost let the cat out of the bag as to his true identity.
In seconds it became obvious that Kaminsky-san had not heard this as more attackers were tossed across the room by the wounded fighter.
Louder this time, (Chosen One please stop! The exercise is over! Master Hakkuri now has knowledge that the power exists and an idea of how powerful it is.)
Suddenly the figure known as Dean Kaminsky to one and Ronald Stoppable to the others slowed to a stop. (May I get a bandage…the blood is flowing too fast to stop without aid.)
Chuckling, (You have done well my friend. Please let me help you.), Sensei offered.
X
As Yori put the last strip of tape on her friend's bandages while she continued to lecture him, (That was very unlucky of you Dean-san…two centimeters more to the center and you might have become one of the former warrior heroes.)
Waving off her concerns, (Antubi got just lucky Yori. Anyway where's Hiro?)
A head toss to the door, (Outside pacifying your classmates. They thought their Master was in danger and had the foolish thought that they were tougher than the security team guarding the door…)
Snorting, (Ouch, I wonder who got popped?), Ron laughed.
(Just two of them, they are not hurt badly…just their egos.)
XX
In Hakkuri's study:
(You must never reveal what you have witnessed today Hakkuri-Sensei, this was just an educational meeting for your eyes only.), Sensei warned him, his eyes saying more than just his words.
Fully understanding, (What do you wish me to do?)
(In return for my protégée helping you with your mediation I expect respect to be given not just to Kaminsky-san but to all the students in this dojo…not just the higher belts.)
Sighing at this change within dojo protocol, (I agree, but the students will ask questions…)
(Let my friend deal with them one-on-one. The way of the monkey sometimes appears to be clumsy, yet teaches even the most oblivious. In exchange he will help you with your meditation.)
Eventually nodding, (I agree, it will be good to get back to the path again.), he said in relief.
(Then we are agreed?)
(Yes very much so and thank you for the instruction.)
XX
After all had separated into smaller groups and made their way into the night, (Grandfather?), Yori tentatively asked Sensei, Hirotaka beside her. The deserted sidewalk they were on gave some semblance of privacy.
Detecting the concern in her voice, (Yes child, is there a problem?)
Looking to Hiro, who nodded, she said, (Yes Grandfather, there seems to be a problem. We have met again with Kim Possible-san at the Air Force base and after speaking with her, all may not be as it seems between her and Ron-sama.), Yori explained. (And we, that is, I went against Ron-sama's wishes and dug deeper into Kim-san's situation in England.), she sheepishly informed Sensei.
His eyebrows rose suddenly, (Oh? Please go on.)
(Yes I…uh, have learned..she had been having these fits and had a nervous breakdown in her first months of school in England.)
Sensei put the pieces together quite quickly, (So what you are saying is that Miss Possible's breakdown is what lead to her breaking things off from Stoppable-sama and all the anguish we have felt over the last four years?)
Timidly, (It appears so.), Yori agreed.
Sighing heavily before contemplating for a few moments, (Very well, there is nothing we can do about this now. But eventually we must sit together and make a plan…)
Interrupting, (Should we inform Stoppable-sama?), Yori asked in disbelief.
Holding up a hand, (Not at this time, Yori, he has chosen a path and will take it. We, on the other hand, will do what we must to adjust the path a little and see if we can guide him to her somehow.)
XXXX
And there's another chapter in the books. Ron gets to play and has to, per Yamanouchi's Sensei, so his local Sensei can be let in on something bigger than his own Dojo, and just how far he had fallen as a Master in his art. But more comes to light in the chapter of things that go ouch for one can do so for another, and hard head will always lose to a wise and crafty Sensei.
Thanks for following along, even those who don't review…