Out There, In Here
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Ron's begun his 'Finals', ninja-style, and these are serious business, as you shall soon see. Kim's Finals aren't near as drastic, nor have similar ends for those who don't make the grade. But Kim's feeling much better about what is in her heart for Ron, just wish he'd get the memo, right?
The harassment of Ronnie has begun and the Ninja Guardian Angels are on the prowl once more as Kim spends more time with Tara and the Cheerleaders when the gauntlet is thrown down with Crystal. So to see how this goes from here you need to start reading…
Chapter 21
The Possible Home. Middleton, Colorado:
"Morning, Mom and Dad, thanks for all that stuff you included with last night's lessons.", Kim beamed a huge smile to her parents.
"We thought you'd like the surprise Kimmie.", James smiled, "How do you feel?"
"I feel great. Just covering the high points of what I learned and then all that imagery of us and Uncle Slim and Josh, Nana and you guys."
"Anything else honey?", Anne asked smiling.
"Yeah my life with Ron and all that each of us has done for the other. I am so happy right now I could almost burst.", Kim beamed and blushed a little.
"Now that's the way I want my Kimmie-cub to go and take her exams today.", James smiled even more.
"Well sit down for breakfast honey.", Anne said.
Thanks Mom.", Kim replied as she sat down and poured a glass of milk.
Forty-five minutes later the elder red head dropped her daughter off at Middleton High School. Kim entered the building armed with all the supplies she needed to take her Academic tests, as well as her gym clothing for the Phys Education exams at the end of the day.
She walked the empty halls until she got to the office. Taking a deep breath and saying a small prayer, she entered.
"Miss Possible it's good to see that you are on time. Mr. Barkin and Mrs. Brate are waiting for you in the Teacher's Conference Room.", Joan Stickler stated, "Please follow me."
"Thank you Mrs. Stickler.", Kim replied as she followed the secretary back to the nearly empty room.
As the teen entered the two other adults who would be administering the exams stood up. "May I see your calculator and cell phone Kim?", Mrs. Brate asked.
"Yes Ma'am.", Kim handed them over. Steve Barkin took the calculator, cleared the memory and handed it back. He then set the Kimmunicator facedown on his desk.
"Miss Possible, do you know why I did all that?", he asked.
"Yes Sir. You wanted to make sure there would be no chance or the appearance of cheating on my part. Some students may have left formulas in the calculator and relocating the Kimmunicator was to make sure that I couldn't call for help if I had a problem.", she replied.
"Very good Miss Possible. While both Mrs. Brate and I know that you would never cheat or call for help this, as well as our taping this session, will be proof of how well you did totally on your own. Except for bathroom breaks, which Mrs. Brate will accompany you on, all three of us will be together until your tests are graded. Also, at midday, lunch will be catered in the cafeteria by several of your friends who have volunteered.", Barkin informed her, "Are you ready to begin?"
"Yes Sir and thank you for this opportunity for me to rejoin my class and friends.", Kim stated fully aware that everything she said or did in this room would be a matter of record for the School Board to review if there were any questions.
"Very good; then let's get started. The first exam is math. You have an hour and a half for the full test. Please sit down.", Mrs. Brate instructed.
XX
Five hours and three tests later, Kim wasn't so sure this was a good idea. She hadn't gotten any of her scores back yet and she was beginning to worry. Tara and Bonnie were sitting with the red head trying to calm her down.
"But guys I might be screwing up.", Kim's eyes began to moisten.
"Kim, will you just relax. It's going to be fine. You're a smart girl, maybe too smart." Bonnie smirked.
They all shut their mouths as Mr. Barkin and Mrs. Brate walked up. "Miss Possible, good job so far. Three for three…..", Steve Barkin started before he was interrupted.
"Three what Sir?", Bonnie interrupted.
"Not that it concerns you Miss Rockwaller, but three A's for three courses. A's in Math, Chemistry and English. This afternoon we have History, Physics and French. After that we have a Gym test early this evening which is three parts; physical, oral and written. He informed the teens and Kim especially. Let's hop to it Miss Possible.", Barkin urged.
As she walked out Steve Barkin handed the two teenagers a twenty. "Get her something to eat and drink for later. Kimberly is going to be very tired. I want her to have every advantage that I legally can give her.", he advised them.
"Yes Sir. We'll be back around four-thirty Mr. Barkin.", Tara replied.
"Good we'll see you then.", he replied as he followed the red headed teen back to the office.
Tara and Bonnie were joined by Josh and both Doctors Possible at four-thirty in the cafeteria when Kim walked in carrying her gym bag followed by the two teachers.
Her head was down and she was shaking it. Both Possible parents made to get up, but Mr. Barkin motioned for them to sit back down. Slowly she walked over to the table and sat down. "I'm beat and my brain is fried guys.", Kim stated, "I don't know if I can do the last one."
"How did the last three tests go Kimmie?", James asked.
"I don't know Dad. I'm too numb to have a feel for it.", she replied.
"Well honey what you're trying to do is very hard. We brought some food for you and something to raise your spirits.", Anne told her.
"Thanks Mom, I need something to raise my spirits. This was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.", Kim replied softly
While Tara pulled out the food for Kim, Anne pulled out her Pandaroo. Kim's response to seeing the black and white plush toy was to quickly grab it and hold it to her chest. "Thanks Mom and Dad.", Kim started as she nuzzled it with her cheek.
"Kim likes Cuddle Buddies?", Bonnie asked in fascination.
"So do you, so you be quiet Bon-Bon.", Tara retorted.
"Don't thank us thank your brothers. It was their idea.", Anne replied.
"I'll do something nice for them as a way of saying thanks Mom.", Kim confided
James saw Mr. Barkin write some things down on paper, then he stood back up and walked over to Kim's table.
"Miss Possible, I have just one question for the History exam.", Steve Barkin stated, "If you answer it correctly, you will have a perfect A so far. What is the name of the region between France and Germany the two nations have been in contention over since before 930AD?"
"Mr. Barkin I believe that would be Alsace-Lorraine.", Kim replied with a smile.
"Very good Miss Possible, please sit down and eat, the last set of tests are going to begin in about thirty minutes.", Mr. Barkin suggested.
"How did you know that Kim?", Tara squealed.
"I don't know Tara, it just came to me in a flash.", Kim replied.
"Honey there was a lot more in the learning material than you think, but it wouldn't have worked if you hadn't been as smart as you are.", James told his daughter.
Soon enough the two instructors returned. "Miss Possible we have to finish up would your schoolmates and parents like to watch you finish or would you rather do this without them? If they remain, they would have to stay back and be quiet.", Mrs. Brate asked.
Kim looked at her parents and friends, "I'd like to do this on my own Ma'am."
"Very well, Mr. and Mrs. Possible please remain here. Students please do likewise.", the teacher instructed.
Kim nodded as she got up, "I'll be done in a little over an hour guys see ya later."
With a chorus of good lucks Kim exited the cafeteria and walked with the two teachers to one of the gym classrooms. "Miss Possible on the stand in the corner there is a human skeleton. On the tray next to it are various labels. Please attach the correct label to the correct bone. You have ten minutes.", Steve Barkin told her, "Begin."
In seven minutes Kim was finished labeling forty bones.
"Now you have thirty minutes to describe in five hundred words or less the digestive system of a mole rat.", Barkin smirked.
"Yes Sir.", Kim replied knowing this subject backwards and forwards.
When done the teen heroine put her pencil down and waited. "Time.", Mr. Barkin called out.
Mrs. Brate told Kim, "Now the last part is the Physical Education end of your testing, so you'll need your workout clothes to take part in this exam. Now please go to the locker room and get dressed. Mr. Barkin will get your family and friends and meet us in the gym."
"Yes Ma'am.", Kim replied as she headed to the girl's locker room while Mr. Barkin headed to the cafeteria.
Fifteen minutes later the petite red head was stretching in front of the bleachers. "Miss Possible fifteen laps around the gym is one mile. You have nine minutes don't disappoint me.", Steve Barkin informed her.
"Yes Sir.", Kim replied as she took a sip of water.
"Ready…..GO.", he told the teen as he clicked his stopwatch. Kim took off at a good pace, not as fast as her best time, but she wanted something in reserve in case she was feeling bad at the end of the run.
Kim slowly built her pace every lap. At the end of lap seven she heard, "Three minutes."
'Good I'm feeling fine, I'll keep this pace up for a while and see what happens.', she mused.
At lap eleven Kim picked up the pace pushing herself even more, 'Over two thirds of a mile. You can do this Kimmie.'
Soon she heard, "Two laps to go." At this point the world saving teen hero decided to let it all out.
"Bell lap.", Barkin yelled getting as excited as the rest.
Finally Kim heard, "GOOD JOB MISS POSSIBLE, slow down walk it off."
Tara rushed off the stands to give her friend a shoulder to lean on for a moment.
"Good job Kimberly cool down a bit, you just ran an indoor mile in just under five minutes. If it had been a regular indoor track and you had more training, you would have been close to four minutes.", Steve Barkin smiled.
"The rest of the physical test is as follows: A shuttle run to test for agility…you must complete it in less than twenty seconds. At least thirty sit-ups in one minute. At least twenty boy's pushups in one minute, and last the rope climb. You will have thirty seconds to get up and thirty seconds to get down without injury. Do I make myself clear Miss Possible?"
"Yes Sir.", she replied seeing Mrs. Brate setting out the shuttle run course.
Kim turned and smiled at her parents and gave them the thumbs up.
Kim lined up, still sweating from the mile run. She leaned and edged her back foot in for extra traction on the lead step. "GO.", Barkin yelled.
Kim Possible was a blur moving back and forth moving the correct blocks to the correct positions. At the end she dove across the finish line seeing the Vice Principal snap his stop watch to capture the time.
"Fourteen point seven seconds.", Barkin announced as Mrs. Brate wrote the official time down.
Kim looked up with a smile on her face, 'Everything is working perfectly.'
"Miss Possible pushups or sit-ups first?", Mr. Barkin asked.
"Push ups Sir, that is if I climb the rope last.", she replied with a smile.
"Smart girl.", he told her.
"Miss King, would you come out and brace Miss Possible's feet so that she doesn't waste effort sliding while she does he sit-ups in a couple of minutes?", Mr. Barkin asked.
"Yes Sir.", the platinum blonde answered as she climbed back down off the bleachers.
"Now Miss Possible it's been a long day, how about we get out of here and go home in a few minutes."
"Yes Sir, that's what I have planned.", she replied as she got down on her hands and knees.
"Alright Miss Possible no cheating with being on your knees; remember boy's pushups. GO.", he repeated for the third time in under thirty minutes.
Kim was like a machine her face showing no emotion as her arms cranked out the push ups. At thirty seconds she had already done the over the required number that she needed for a full minute. Her friends began counting for her. At forty-five seconds she had done fifty push ups.
"Done.", Barkin called out.
"Sixty-two push ups Mr. Barkin.", Mrs. Brate informed him as she wrote the number down. Kim stood up shaking her trembling arms trying to get them to function again.
"It's a good thing we're filming all of this. The School Board wouldn't believe us otherwise.", Barkin chuckled.
"Miss Possible I have a hot date tonight. You don't want to keep me from it do you?", Steve asked trying to keep her focused.
"No…no Sir.", Kim replied as she sat down with her knees bent. And put her hands behind her head. Tara came over and secured her feet to give her that little bit of extra leverage she knew Kim would need near the end.
"K….You're doing great, you're almost done.", the blonde told the red head who seemed to be in another world at this point.
"Miss Possible you must do at least thirty sit ups. Miss King will count for you, I will keep the official count…Ready….GO.", he yelled.
"Damn.", Barkin mused softly, "Fifteen in fifteen seconds and it looks like she just got her rhythm."
"Done.", he finally called out.
"How many?", Barkin asked.
"Fifty-two Sir.", Tara called out. 'Great job Kim, we're all proud of you.", she told the red head softly.
"Thanks Tara, only one thing to do.", Kim replied.
"Yeah, but I've never done it myself.", the blonde told her.
"It's a lot easier than going after Shego.", Kim replied as Tara helped her up.
"Miss Possible get a drink. Only one event to go and I want to make sure that you're ready for it.", he told her.
James Possible just looked dumfounded at his only daughter. She had just put on an athletic demonstration that he just couldn't believe, but he had to because he had seen it with his own eyes.
"Miss Possible this is the last event. I will hold the rope for you since I am the heaviest and I will spot you for safety. Mrs. Brate will time you and she needs to see that you have touched the rafter like the boys do. Are you ready?" Seeing her determination and nod Barkin yelled, "GO."
To Kim this was much easier than some of the things that she had done over the years in saving the world.
"She's up.", Mrs. Brate and Mr. Barkin stated at nearly the same time.
Steve Barkin's heart almost jumped into his throat as Kim seemed to let go of the rope only to re-grab it a few feet above his head as he readied to catch her. In way under a minute Kim had climbed and returned, passing her final test of the day and clearing her way to rejoin her class.
"Thanks Mr. Barkin for the spot, but Ron and I do this all the time.", Kim smiled at him.
"G….good job Miss Possible. Remember School starts in a few weeks. I will see you then.", he smiled back. 'Welcome home Kimberly.', he smiled inwardly.
Kim leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "I hope I don't get detention for that?"
"I…I'll overlook it this time.", the teacher reddened.
"Well what are you going to do now Kimmie?", Anne asked.
"Well I think I want to go to Bueno Nacho with some friends, and then tomorrow I want to try out that new gadget Wade sent me and test for my driver's license since Mr. Barkin spent extra time with me over the last few weeks.", she replied with a beaming smile.
"How about we get Ned to bring over a big bag of goodies and we have a little 'Graduation to Senior Year Party'.", James suggested, "What do you kids think, do you want to call the rest of the squad and tell them to meet at our house?"
"Sure Mr. Possible. That would be great. If you want to call in the order we can go get it.", Josh countered.
"Good idea Son, we'll see you in a little while. Right now we'll take Kimmie home because she really needs a shower after all this.", James laughed.
"DAAAADDDDDD!", Kim whined.
Bonnie sniffed, "Your Dad's right, you are ripe. We'll be over in about an hour; it's going to take at least that long to round up the girls and for you to cleanup. I don't say it enough, but good job Kim on catching up with us. But if you decide to run for Homecoming Queen, I'm going to kick your butt."
"You wish, and Ron's gonna be my King, too.", Kim snarked right back.
XXXXXX
Yamanouchi, Japan:
(Yes Sensei?), Yori asked as she and Hirotaka sat down at their Master's invitation.
(Are your bags packed as I instructed?), he asked.
(Yes Sensei. We are ready to leave at a moment's notice.),Hirotaka replied.
(Good we will leave in the morning.), he told his students, (Now please enjoy this repast with an old man.)
(It would be our honor Master.), Yori stated.
(Thank you. Now onto business before we leave for the United States. We have word that Kim Possible-san has turned down a very persistent recruitment offer from Global Justice. In light of this I think that it would be wise for her to learn a little more about Stoppable-san and the nature of Yamanouchi.), Sensei began.
(If they are to become one, then she must become aware of us and who Ron-san has come to be.), Yori confided, (It would be very difficult for someone to be faithful, but still lie at the same time. Isn't that correct my love?)', Yori glanced at Hirotaka before turning back to Sensei, (In my humble opinion that deceit would rend their relationship. No matter what kind of ninja gardening tips we use to explain our actions, we will lose the Chosen One if they become more than just friends and he has to hold this back.)
(I agree with Yorishi-chun Master, it also is how I see the situation.), Hiro added as Sensei looked at him.
(Ah then I see the way out. Do you think Miss Possible would be interested in visiting Stoppable-san before he is scheduled to return to Middleton, Colorado?), Sensei asked.
(If the reports of her and her feelings toward Stoppable-san are accurate, she may jump at the chance.), Yori replied.
(Good while we, excuse me, while I am interviewing the Stoppables I have a mission for each of you and for this to work you both must do your best. We must not fail in our endeavor.), Sensei cautioned as he looked at Hirotaka, (Have I ever told you the story about Warrior Princess Kimko Kanoosie and her closest friend?)
(No Sensei what was she like?), Hiro asked.
(She was a very brave young woman. She searched high and low, near and far for the right young man to give her heart to.), he continued with a grin, (Much like someone else we have heard of.)
Sensei continued, (Unknown to her, the love of her life lived not far away. This young man traveled with her and helped her on her adventures. When she had gone on a particularly dangerous adventure she vanished from known existence through some sort of evil magic by a mad dark sorcerer. This left her helper distraught. In his own right he was quite an adventurer as well and he decided to continue on with her quests and sought difficult training to help him complete her legacy.)
Pausing to ask his spellbound pupils, (Does this sound like any one or any two that you know of?)
Seeing the blank stares he continued.
(Anyway, after she had returned, and he had to go away for a while because of previously made vows, a valuable heirloom was stolen from her. To maintain tranquility the property needed to be returned to her to keep the peace and welfare of her Kingdom. This young man who she knew regained it for her and fought through many dangers to accomplish this task. She then saw the light within him and they fell in love and lived happily ever after.), the Master finished.
(That is a wonderful tale Sensei, but what does that have to do with our problem?), Hirotaka asked as Yori's eyes opened wide in realization of two couples in question.
(I see Master, it is a great plan. Even though my betrothed doesn't catch it yet I will explain it to him in detail.), Yori smiled.
(Very good. We leave for Middleton in the morning. Rest for now.), he stated dismissing them.
XXXXXX
St. Mary's:
Steve Barkin sat in a pew in the back of the large church with a large smile on his face. A figure in a black cassock crossed himself and then slipped in next to him.
"Well Stevie you sure look happy tonight.", Father Mallory observed softly to keep from being overheard by others.
"Yes Padre, Miss Possible tested out through her Junior year and will return as a Senior in a few weeks.", the flat topped Vice- Principal grinned, "I taped the whole thing for the School Board so there won't be any accusations of favoritism. The tests themselves were put together to push Kimberly farther than just about anyone else and I am very proud of her accomplishments."
"Oh the 'tough but fair' Barkin rule huh?", Mallory asked.
"Yes Father, I can see some weirdo media types getting their mitts on a story like that to try and trash her reputation.", Barkin explained, "With the tapes they will see that we held her to a higher level."
"It gives the School Board ammunition to fight any charges filed by anyone who would claim we showed favoritism toward her because of her status in the community. There was at least one teacher with her the whole time watching except for when she changed clothes for the Phys Ed tests. We even held her to a higher level there as well.", he explained.
"So what are you going to do for the rest of the summer Stevie? I know Miss Possible was one of your pet projects.", the Padre asked.
"I am taking a few days to go fishing then I have a coach's clinic up in Boulder at the University. After that I have to get back here to get ready for football season.", Steve filled in his Priest.
"What about the Stoppable boy?", Mallory asked.
"He's still on that cultural exchange program at Yamanouchi Padre. You know by the time he's done Stoppable ought to have a pretty good handle on how the Japanese think, maybe it'll help him in the classroom somehow.", Barkin replied, shaking his head in amusement.
"Are still you trying him out for football?"
"Yes I am, that's why he's returning two weeks early. He originally was going to be returning the night before school starts but this way he'll just be in town in time to start two-a-days.", Steve replied, "I was able to talk to the headmaster of the school and he confirmed that Stoppable will be back in time."
"How's he doing?", Father Mallory asked.
"Very well Padre according to the head of their school. He has all sorts of praise for the effort that Stoppable is giving.", Steve replied.
"How about we go out for coffee. With news like what you just gave me, I feel like buying.", the Priest told him.
"Sure Padre, Marcie's in fifteen then.", Steve asked.
"See you there.", came the reply from the man in black.
XXXXXXX
Outside Yamanouchi School:
The white gi'd ninja student wiped off the blood from his split lip. (Why do you not use the blade?), the instructor asked.
(Oh that's correct, since it is mystically powered and you are barred from using the MMP during your test you have decided it also includes your weapon.), the black uniformed ninja laughed at the mute form.
Seeing again no response the instructor attacked again with a vengeance trying to make the student overextend.
'I must make him mad so that he uses the Blade. I must break him' For him to reach the highest level he must be pushed to the brink. The only way for him to be free is to destroy the shell so the light may shine through.'
The instructor mused as he attacked the now mud stained student again, 'The next group will be using swords. If he doesn't defend himself all out we will start cutting things off. He can still be the Chosen One without an ear or nose.'
Suddenly his 'prey' ran off. 'What...he is a coward? Now he must die.', the instructor fumed and cursed the behavior of the young man as he began to chase him into the woods.
(Inushi Tamaru, you have disgraced your honorable name, it is time for you to die.), the instructor cried as a log crashed into his chest from a blind side, knocking him down.
The instructor watched as the white clad figure reappeared with his hands on his hips.
(I surrender, you win this round student. Very well done. Now please help me up...On my word I will not take advantage of your kind actions.), he vowed.
Seeing the bow the instructor knew this was all right.
In moments the American taped the instructor's ribs, glowed blue and touched the instructor to heal him.
(Thank you...I must warn you that groups armed with deadly weapons will soon come. Be aware and take care. You have been an honorable foe. I will not return to torment you.), the older ninja put his hand on the shoulder of the teen.
Inushi bowed in understanding. As the instructor turned to leave, the student returned to the woods to make more surprises for his future combat partners.
'I have to be smarter than they are. Something tells me the next ones will not be as easy to fool.', he mused as he got to work.
XX
(How are you feeling Master?), a student asked as he helped the instructor through the gate.
(I feel lucky, he could have easily killed me after I taunted him.), the instructor hissed as his ribs continued to bother him.
(Did he ambush you?), one of the other instructors asked.
(No but I insulted him and then chased him into the trees. I barely got into the woods before his ambush broke several of my ribs.), he grimaced, and his breath caught when his ribs reminded of his encounter. (So when you go be careful, he's out there setting traps for us.)
(Had you been able to get any kind of a reaction from him before this happened?), an instructor asked, hoping for any information that might help their turn with the Ninja Trainee.
(I had been beating him with my Bo and he never raised a weapon to me or insulted me back. The only way you may be able to beat him is to overwhelm him.), the instructor advised.
(Did he use the monkey power?), another asked also to help formulate a plan of attack.
(No he did not, but I heard that he was using it earlier. However, if many of you come at him at once he may be forced to use it. But be very careful should this happen, he is extremely dangerous when he uses it as Hirotaka-san and Yorishi-san has related to us of his previous battles.), the instructor continued.
(Then how do we push him over the edge?), one asked.
(Only en-mass do you have a chance. It must be a swift enough attack so he doesn't have time to bring the MMP to bear. If you can do that and knock him out you may win.), he told them, (However, I have to wonder how much rest he is getting if he has to be alert even when he's meditating. He may wear down in a day or two.)
(And if he doesn't wear down and we have to use the mass attack?), one asked.
(Then he could easily destroy you all.), came the reply, (All he has to do is be pushed past the edge. The problem is...That is our job. He will never reach the final level if he isn't tempered by extreme stress and it is our honor to complete this task for him and Master Sensei.), the instructor stated.
(Then won't he be too exhausted to complete his exercise and in the end wouldn't it be too dangerous for him? I remember how hard it was on me when I was going through this, and I can see that he's going through much worse.), another instructor confided to those who were listening.
(We can't worry about the exercise at the moment. Tonight and tomorrow harass him as best we can. Work in teams of six. Use arrows and stars, but do not try to kill him, just wear him out. That should keep him occupied for the next couple of days. At the end we will mount a final attack to break him.), the instructor explained.
(Are you coming with us?), one asked.
(No even though my injuries are not as painful as when I first received them, I have promised not to attack him again. I must keep my word.), the instructor told them.
XXXXXXX
The Possible home. Middleton, Colorado:
"Thanks for inviting us over Anne. I'm so glad you've invited us to your party to celebrate Kim's passing to her Junior year at school.", Barb Stoppable told the elder red head.
"Yes well, James gets a good idea once and a while. And Kimmie's able to have a party with her friends for the first time in a long time.", Mrs. Dr. P replied over the music.
Kim and some of the cheerleaders were dancing to the music. They'd been taking turns dancing with the few boys who were there, and since there were so few boys Jim and Tim Possible were also pressed into service. At first they struggled and tried to get away, but even James Possible could tell they were beginning to enjoy dancing with all the beautiful girls at the party.
After nearly an hour the Stoppables pulled the Possible parents off to the side into the kitchen. "We've got news that the people from the adoption agency are going to be here the day after tomorrow to inspect the house.", Dean was finally able to tell James and Anne.
"That's great I hope it goes well.", Anne told them while James just smiled thinking about having another little girl he could tell stories to.
"Well so do we. I've told them about you guys and they want to meet you. I guess they think that you're like our support group.", Barb told them, "So is it alright to help us with a run-through on the house tomorrow and meet with the adoption people with us?"
Anne looked at James (who nodded), "Yes we'd love to help. If you used Jacobs Construction Company you're all up to code or well past code anyway. They're the ones who fix up all the accidents at our place.", James told them.
"Well we did, but you have to understand we're a little nervous.", Dean explained.
"I think you'll do fine. Now how did Ronald's room turn out?", Anne asked.
"Very nice. He has his own entrance into the house; there's high speed cable internet and cable TV and he has his own phone line. The room has its own furnace and AC unit too; and there's another door down to the main part of the house and it's all soundproofed. It's like he has his own apartment.", Barb informed them.
"That sounds great. Did you move his things in yet?", Anne asked.
"We put all of Ronald's old furniture in the basement and now he has a whole new set with a queen size bed instead of that twin, and there's a small microwave and fridge too. We even have Rufus's new runs made up and it's all ready to go, with a small one in the baby's room, you know Ronald's old room, in case Rufus wants to stay with her some.", Dean beamed.
"That's so sweet Dean, it's about time that Ronald got a place where he can relax on his own. Did you guys get that other thing for him?", Anne asked.
"Not yet, we're going to have him come with us since he's going to be the one using it.", the actuary replied.
"Speaking of Rufus, where is he?", Anne asked.
"Didn't you see him over by the stereo, he's tonight's disc jockey.", James replied.
"Now that you mention it, yes I did see him there, and I also did see him dancing on Kim's shoulder for a while out on the floor too.", Barb added as the teen and the mole rat entered the kitchen.
"I'll get you some more cheddar Rufus, just hold on for a second.", Kim told the loudly chittering pink rodent on her shoulder as she entered the kitchen.
"Hnk...good Kim-Kim.", he cheered back.
"Ah it's good to see you Kimberly.", Dean began, glad for the opportunity to have this conversation with Kim with her parents nearby for support.
"Hi Mr. and Mrs. S. Are you enjoying yourselves?", Kim smiled at seeing them.
"Yes we are thank you for asking. Now what's this I hear that you may be interested in Ronald as more than a friend? If you don't mind my asking, how did you come to the conclusion that he was boyfriend material for you?", Dean asked getting right to the point.
"Whoa Mr. Stoppable, brainfreeze…. Well give me a moment to shift gears here, ok? This is really an unexpected sitch.", a surprised Kim replied as she regrouped.
"Well from personal experience I sorta know how I feel about a boy I want to go out with…. And what I feel for Ron runs deeper than anything I've ever felt for any of them.", she started to explain.
"And thanks to Josh…" at the blank or concerned looks that suddenly appeared around her, "who I had been crushing on, I learned that Ron so loves me, and from the talks with Tara and the others I've realized that Ron IS the guy for me.", Kim replied. "And it's my hope that he'll feel the same way about me and I'll be the girl for him too."
"Does this have anything to do with Ronald's money?", Dean asked startling Kim, while in the background the other three adults stiffened
"Mr. Stoppable are you trying to make me out as a gold digger? I hope that's not the case because I don't care how much money Ron has or doesn't have. Your son could be destitute for all I care and I wouldn't love him any less. If I had to, I'd take a job at Smarty Mart or go waitressing at J.P. Bearymore's to help support us"
Twinned 'Hooshaws' float into the kitchen over the music, causing Kim to shudder before continuing.
"Will having money make life easier? Yes. Do I need it to be happy? No… The way I see it if Ron doesn't want to go to college we can get an apartment close to campus of the school I go to. Mom and Dad have some money tucked away to help me with school costs and if we have to we can both get jobs to make ends meet.", a fire in Kim's eyes now.
"And if Ron wants to go to college, I'll be with him there, or nearby, wherever he goes.. That is if he wants me with him." Kim calmed down, her eyes glistening from laying out her feelings for Ron to his parents before she even had a chance to reveal them to him.
"This is all so surprising and new to me, yet I know in my heart that your Son is who I want to be beside for the rest of my life. Since my return and the circumstances afterward, we haven't been able to discuss us yet. So until I hear it from Ron about our feelings, I don't know what our future will be, together or not." Kim looked down at the floor between them.
"But when Ron returns I hope to have that little talk with him over dinner, or in the tree house, or wherever; but we will talk about us. And I will tell you this, if he wants to spend the rest of his life with me, even if any or all of you disapprove, I will be his wife.", eyes blazing, then blushing a bit, "But that wouldn't stop us from naming the first two boys after you, Mr. Stoppable, and you Dad."
"Very good Kimberly. You may not have all the information you and Ronald need to make a decision about your future, but I had to ask before I could give my blessing for you and Ronald to become a couple. You've answered truthfully and from the heart about your feelings for Ronald and you do have my blessing to pursue my son and hogtie him.", Dean smiled as he opened his arms to Kim.
The red headed teen stepped forward, emotionally drained by her speech to the adults, and felt the arms of her hopefully-boyfriend's-father wrapped around her. Instinctively she melted into him.
They were interrupted as Monique entered the kitchen. "Anybody seen Kim?", she asked, then she stopped upon observing the scene.
"Yes Monique, Kim's right here with us. Now what's that I hear about your plans for tomorrow?", Anne asked the fashion diva.
"Oh I...uh was going to ask Kim if she still wanted to go shopping tomorrow at the mall. She wants to pick up a few things to wear for Ron when he gets back.", Mo replied to Anne, "But for now I need to get home soon. Mom and Dad still have me on something of a curfew even if it is summer."
Then turning to Kim, "But girlfriend, some of the summer stuff is on sale...So you know it won't last long once the doors open tomorrow."
"Yeah Mon, let's try to get there about noon. I'll meet you there. But before I go I have to take my driver's license test, Mr. Barkin has been working with me for a few weeks.", Kim replied knowing she still had a lot to do in what remained of the summer.
"OK Kim, I'll see you later and congratulations on testing through.", Monique replied.
"Thanks Mon. Drive safe.", Kim replied as she guided her friend outside.
Once there Mo asked her best friend, "What was going on in there girl?"
"The Stoppables were worried that I was just after Ronnie's money.", Kim replied.
"So they know about your intentions of having about a hundred kids with him?"
"Mo!", Kim squealed, then muttered, "It's not going to be thaaat many."
"I was just kidding you Kim.", Mo laughed lightly, "But you should have seen yourself, you went completely red."
"Anyway I explained I was falling for him before I had any idea that he had some money. They just wanted to be sure that I was pursuing him for the right reasons.", Kim informed her friend.
"And those are?"
"To have about a hundred kids with him.", Kim deadpanned, then giggled.
"Well I have a few things in mind at CB that ought to get that thought process going through his head.", Mo informed her.
"Like what?", Kim asked just what her friend had found for her.
"A white bikini; after it gets wet it almost becomes almost transparent. You'd better trim if you're going to wear that thing. And I would suggest it for a secluded beach or pool to get his mind right.", Mo leaned in and whispered.
"Then I have a green one set aside as well as a black one. I think you'll find that they accent what you have quite well. Listen I do have to head home. I'll see you tomorrow.", Mo told her friend.
"G'night Mo, be safe.", Kim hugged her friend as they separated.
Monique walked to her car and Kim walked back inside to the music. She had totally forgotten about the pink rodent still standing patiently on her shoulder.
"Cheese.", Rufus reminded her finally as he digested all the information he had heard in the previous minutes.
"Oh I'm sorry Rufus I'll get you that cheddar right now.", Kim apologized, not realizing the little guy did have quite the vocabulary.
Then realizing she had a 'witness' to her discussion with Monique, Kim took her passenger off her shoulder and held him before her on an outstretched palm, "You won't say anything to the 'rents about those swimsuits will you? I don't want any black hole or other threats hanging over our heads. Ok?", Kim started to PDP Ron's best mole rat buddy.
Like Ron, his little friend collapsed like a house of cards in a stiff breeze, his eyes glazing over. "H'ok Kim-Kim, no talky to 'rents 'bout suits.". Then shaking his head to clear out the spell he was under, "Cheese?"
"You got it Rufus, as much as I can sneak out of the fridge.", the grateful reply.
"Booyah!", Rufus double-pumped his tiny fists as he was once again placed on her shoulder.
Entering the kitchen Kim immediately got a plate out and some cheese from the refrigerator and began to slice off chunks of aged cheddar for her little friend.
Kim whispered to Rufus, "Little guy can you do me a favor?"
"Hnk, sure Kim-Kim.", Rufus replied.
"OK when you get out there to the CD player again can you play some slow music to dance to?", the red head inquired.
Rufus looked at her with his black eyes and gave her the thumbs up, "Sure Kim-Kim."
"Thanks buddy, and after the party, do you want to stay with me for a few days. I already asked Mr. and Mrs. Stoppable."
"Hnk sure Kim-Kim.", he smiled to her as he popped a piece of cheese in the air and caught it in his mouth.
A few minutes later the mole rat was ready to roll again.
Kim approached Dean Stoppable as the music started Kim asked, "Mr. S would you like to dance?"
"Why sure Kimberly, I'd love to.", he replied as he took her right hand in his left.
The small talk continued until Kim got up the nerve, "Mr. Stoppable I just want to thank you for letting me have this chance with Ron. Earlier I didn't tell you that when I think of him, how calm I feel inside, and how safe and secure he makes me feel when he's with me in body and spirit."
"You're welcome Kim.", he responded as he danced her around the family room.
While this was going on Barb handed over a small wallet to Anne. "What's this?", the auburn haired surgeon asked.
"Oh just Rufus's paperwork, you know his license, health certificates, passport and care instructions. When Rufus is left in the care of someone Ron always leaves this...Remember?"
"Oh it's just a different package. Ron used to give us an envelope with everything inside.", Anne smiled, "It was very worn."
"Ronald has become more sophisticated, I suppose. He left this on the table and we found it when we got home.", Barb informed her friend.
"I'll make sure Kimberly has it then."
XXXXXXX
Outside Yamanouchi, Japan:
(There he is...in front of the fire. It looks like he's making tea.), a senior students whispered to the others as they waited for the signal.
(Yes he looks calm enough, but remember what the instructor said.), another whispered.
(Well he is easy to spot with the white gi on.), the first stated, (Go on let's get closer so he doesn't have time to react.)
(Right let's rush him now. We get extra credit if we can do what the instructors cannot.), a third voice lightly urged.
Twenty meters away they charged the lone figure. Before they covered half the distance he vanished.
A moment later one of them punched another. (Hey knock that off!), the recipient of the face-punch yelled at the black clad figure beside him and pushed him in retaliation.
(Watch what you're doing!), one said as another stumbled into him.
(Somebody pushed me, sorry.), the stumbler offered in apology to the stumblee.
(Damned jerk!), a voice in their midst snapped.
(Go shove it!), the one who had gotten pushed snapped back.
Suddenly in the dark a fist slammed into his face.
(That does it you moron. I'm going to kick your butt.)
(In your dreams.), a voice taunted.
(Oh yeah?), one of them growled while looking for the instigator.
Suddenly two who were there to attack the student began to fight each other.
XX
From behind a tree, 'That should keep them busy for a while.', he mentally chuckled when the hairs on the back of his neck stood up.
XXXXX
On board JAL flight 6832 over the north Pacific:
"I hope all is going well with Stoppable-san.", the Master said to his two senior students.
"The rest of the staff will keep him busy while we are gone. I hope this all works out.", the girl replied.
"I'm sure it will be most educational for all involved.", the while haired old man chuckled lightly.
XXXX
Ok, things are really starting to heat up for Ron in this phase of his 'Finals' while Kim smoked hers. Sensei's on his way to inspect the future home of his little charge and Kim got another Test of sorts from her hopefully future in-laws.
Now the legal stuff: Disney owns Kim Possible and all from their program on display within this tale, we own our own creations and if there is some of neither category in here, they are their own selves or creations…
And we don't do this for any monetary gain, just pure fun and mischievousness, nothing more.