A very Special Thanks goes out to my beta reader Samurai Crunchbird because of all the extra work he put in on this chapter. This chapter was very taxing for him, besides correcting my usual dumb spelling mistakes he had the emotional content of this chapter to work with so drop him a line and let him how much he is appreciated.
Also my thanks to Captainkodak1 for all of his help and suggestions that he gave for this and the remaining chapters, I know I could have not done it with them.
To Jutter6922, I have no doubt my friend that you will hang with this story to the end and that is a good feeling, thank you!
Chapter 26
The Passing of the Torch
Kim landed at Narita International Airport, just outside Tokyo, in the late afternoon. She taxied the jet into one of Global Justice hangars they maintained there.
After talking with the chief of the maintenance crew, she had an intern drive her into the mountains. A three hour trip through twisting and turning roads led them to a majestic waterfall.
The intern gave Kim a strange look when she asked to stop here. There were no structures, no other vehicles, not even a tent to be seen. Kim, however, knew this waterfall hid the entrance to Yamanouchi.
She waited until the intern had driven off before she picked up her luggage and started down the all-too-familiar path to the school. Arriving just after dinner, all of the lessons were through for the day. There were only a few students in the yard, sparring with each other.
The second Kim walked though the gates, an alarm was sounded. She was quickly surrounded by twenty students, all holding staffs and ready to defend the school against any and all intruders. Not one to pass up a challenge, Kim dropped her luggage and called forth the Lotus Bloom.
With a broad smile, Kim changed it into a staff and challenged all of them, "Come on! Let's see what Yori and Aika have taught you."
Five of the oldest students charged at the same time. In an instant, those five students were sprawled out on the ground. As the first five fell, two more attacked and were dealt with even quicker.
A voice away from Kim's sight yelled, "STOP hurting my students!" The students moved aside as Aika with Yori walked into the yard.
Kim smiled and chided, "If you taught them better, maybe they wouldn't be getting hurt—or is that the best you can teach?"
Aika looked stricken, "Kim," she shot back, "how could you say such a thing? I am as good of a teacher as the one who taught me. In fact, I bet I can take her right now!"
With a wider grin, Kim teased, "Bring it on, Aika. Let's see what you've got."
This time, Yori was glad to just sit and watch these two spar. It was almost like watching one of the training videos she and Kim made for Global Justice years ago. She was pleased with the one glaring difference…No matter what the outcome; she was not the one who would be sore in the morning!
Kim was in rare form. She was faster than Aika remembered and she was stronger that ever. Aika found she was getting desperate. Kim was making her look foolish.
Every move Aika made was blocked. Every joust, jab, or swing she made, Kim countered. Aika felt she was back at Global Justice, just learning it all over again.
Suddenly, Kim made her move. Aika found herself sprawled face-down in the dirt, with Kim's knee in her back. Kim was all smiles as she helped Aika up from the ground and gave her a big hug.
Kim turned to the crowd and proudly announced, "My friends and family of Yamanouchi…I, Kim Possible, the Chosen One, have returned to pass on the Lotus Bloom to my successor, Jessica Stoppable…
"After tonight, you will have a new hero to defend your school against all of the world's evils, and those that would bring dishonor to the name of Yamanouchi…
"Do not think that your teacher Aika Yamamote is weak or a poor teacher. While I still possess the Lotus Bloom, I am empowered by it—and, therefore, almost unbeatable…
"She was and always will be the better teacher and master of the staff and sword. I bow to her, for she is the true master of her discipline."
Yori stepped up to Kim and gave her a hug. She then instructed a student to take Kim's luggage to her room that was already prepared for her.
"Come, Kim." Yori said. "You must be tired after your long flight and you're…exercise…here".
"Where are Ron and Jessica?" asked Kim.
Yori replied, "Ron is at home in Colorado, taking care of his restaurant for the weekend. Jessica, however, is right here."
Looking up, Kim spotted Jessica standing at the top of the steps leading to the temple. The woman looked rather unsure of herself. Kim bounded up the stairs, stopping in front of Jessica.
Kim bowed to her old friend and declared, "Tonight, we will perform the correct ceremony that was intended to pass on the Lotus Bloom to the next generation. It is a ceremony that has not been witnessed at this school for over fivehundred years. Afterwards, you will be the one and only mate to the Chosen One…and the only one to possess and use the Lotus Bloom…
"It will be my charge to teach you all I know about this sword and prepare you for the life of duty and rewards that come with it."
With a nervous humility in her voice, Jessica responded, "Thanks, Kim. I'm just a little scared. I don't know if I have what it takes to replace you as the Chosen One's mate."
Kim gave her a hug and reassured her, "Trust me, Jessica. You'll be just fine—and I will always be there for you. Besides, you have already replaced me as his mate years ago…or did you forget that you're married with children?"
This caused Jessica to blush slightly and whisper, "No, I didn't forget!"
Kim turned to Yori. Speaking to her in Japanese, she asked, "Where is Sensei, and did you get everything I asked for?"
Unwilling to look Kim in the eyes, Yori answered, "Sensei went to bed early, but asked that I awake him when you arrive. And yes, everything has been made ready."
"Then wake him!" Kim demanded. "I need to do this tonight, the sooner the better." With a softer tone, she asked, "What about the ceremonial dress? It has been some time since I last wore a kimono. I never applied the make-up before, and I know Jessica has never done this, either."
"All is ready, Kim." Yori informed her. "I have already appointed two girls to assist each of you in getting ready for the ceremony. Your kimonos are in your respective closets."
Kim then turned to Aika and bowed to her. With a solemn tone, she said, "Aika, it would be my honor if you would agree to join us tonight in the exchange ceremony. I am in need of a second, and I would prefer someone with your skills to be there."
Caught off guard by the question, Aika's answer was automatic. "Yes, Kim. I would be honored to be there as your second."
Kim smiled at her before walking to her room to get ready. When she entered her room, the first thing she noticed was that it was just as she left it almost two years ago when she last visited the school.
In the closet was a very beautiful kimono. On the dressing stand, the make-up and hair sticks were already laid out. There was a gentle knock on the door before two young female students walked in and bowed to Kim.
The older of the two spoke. "It is our honor to be chosen to help you get prepared for the passing of the sword tonight. Are you ready for us, Master Possible-san?"
Kim nodded and sat in a chair while the girls started getting her ready by applying the make-up.
After a short while, there was another knock at the door. Kim turned toward the door and responded, "Come in."
Yori calmly entered the room. She turned to the girls and asked, "Would please excuse us for a minute? I have something I wish to discus with Master Possible?"
Both girls bowed politely and left the room. As soon as they shut the door Yori turned and stepped up to Kim. She took Kim's hands in hers and pleaded, "Please Kim, I beg you to reconsider what you are attempting to do tonight. I fear we may lose you if you go through with this."
Kim pulled her right hand from Yori's grip and gently placed it on Yori's cheek. She tilted Yori's head so she had to look Kim in the eyes.
In a steady, reassuring voice Kim whispered, "Yori, we have already discussed this. You know there is no other way, and this must be done! The Bloom cannot serve two masters, and we cannot risk losing the children. They must be protected at all costs, even if it means…" Kim paused, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. "…even if it means my life!"
"But," Kim quickly added, "It will not come to that! I have it all planned out, and if anyone can do it, I can. Remember, 'Anything is possible for a Possible'." Kim gave Yori a smile and added, "Now, please let me finish getting ready while you make sure everything is set. I will come to the temple as soon as the girls are finished with me."
Yori took a deep breath, nodded, and left the room without saying a word. With tears in her eyes and her head bowed over in sadness, Yori slowly walked toward the temple.
The time was fast approaching and the girls were nearly done getting Kim dressed. She wore a sky blue silk kimono trimmed in gold. Her hair was put up in a bun and held in place with hair sticks adorned with silver and pearl tassels.
While the girls were finishing with Kim, her mind briefly wandered. She prayed that she could do what was necessary if the sword refused to accept Jessica. Kim also hoped that Yori or Sensei had not informed Jessica or Aika what could happen if it refused.
As soon as she was ready, Kim sent the girls to check on the others. She then started the long walk to the temple of the Lotus Blade.
When Kim arrived at the temple, all was set. Aika, Yori, and Sensei were already there, dressed in their formal ceremonial kimonos.
Jessica entered a few moments later, her kimono and make-up almost identical to Kim's. Seeing everything was set, Kim started the ceremony.
Kim instructed Jessica to sit directly in front of the fountain of the Lotus Bloom, with Yori sitting on her right and Sensei on her left. Kim then handed Aika a bowl and instructed her to fill it with the water from the fountain and set it down in front of Jessica.
She then lit three candles and gave one each to Yori, Jessica and Sensei. Kneeling on the mat in front of Jessica, Kim explained what she was doing.
"The candles represent the past, present and future. The water and silk cloth are to wash the blade of my touch and to baptize it. This will renew its vows too protect thetrue Chosen One…
"Aika is my second. She will assist me when the time comes, if the sword refuses to let me go."
Aika couldn't believe what she just heard until Kim stood and walked over to two swords on the stand in front of the fountain. Picking up the long samurai sword, Kim unsheathed it and offered it to Aika.
Aika's eyes grew large and she backed away. She shouted, "NO! I cannot do this!"
Speaking as calmly as she could in Japanese, Kim pulled Aika in closely.
"Aika," she whispered, "it is my hope that you won't have to do this; but if it does come to it, I will need your help! I want the blow to be quick and painless."
"No, Kim." Aika cried. "Please don't do this! There has to be another way. I-I don't know if I can…not to you"
Kim hugged her and responded, "Aika, this is the way it has to be done. The honor I offer you will go down in the history of Yamanouchi. I do not believe that the sword will demand my sacrifice, because if does it can not receive my soul when I pass on—and I know that is the one thing it wants most from me."
She wiped away Aika's tears as she continued, "So please…just remember that and help me tonight. I can't do this without you."
Jessica could not understand what was being said between Kim and Aika; but she could tell Aika was very upset and didn't want to do whatever it was Kim had asked of her.
After a couple of minutes, Kim kissed Aika on the cheek and handed her the samurai sword. Aika started crying even harder, but reluctantly accepted it.
Kim walked back to the stand and slowly picked up the other sword, which was shorter than the previous one, and unsheathed it. She then walked back to Aika and pointed to a spot on the floor next to where Kim was going to sit.
Kim kneeled back down in front of Jessica, placing the short sword down next to her. Aika took her place beside Kim.
Jessica did not like the look on everyone's faces. Yori and Sensei were bowing low, as if in prayer. Aika stood behind Kim, crying and holding the long sword.
Jessica looked directly at Kim and demanded, "What is all this about? What's with the swords? And why is Aika crying?"
Kim gave her a weak smile and answered, "Aika is reluctant to be my second, even though it is agreat honor. The swords are to be used only if the Lotus Bloom refuses to release me from my oath."
Jessica looked up at Aika, then Yori, and back to Kim. At that moment, it dawned on her just what Kim meant to do with the swords.
"NO" Jessica screamed. "NO DAMN WAY AM I GOING TO LET YOU BE KILLED FOR ME!" She jumped back up and started heading toward the temple door.
Kim caught her before she was ten feet away. Holding her by the shoulders, Kim forced Jessica to look at her.
"JESSICA," she shouted, "listen to me. I have no intentions of dying tonight. It's just a ritual I must follow, for your safety and that of your children."
Her voice grew more gentle as she explained, "What we are attempting to do has not been done for over five hundred years, and I must follow the traditions laid down by the ones who forged the blades…So please sit back down and let me do what must be done. I promise you I will only use the sword as a last resort."
"Besides," Kim added with a small smile and a shrug of her shoulders. "I just rejoined Global Justice and ordered a brand new sword that is being forged, as we speak, by the finest sword maker in the world. Death is not on my list of things to do tonight. Jessica…please. Sit. Back. Down."
Jessica kneeled back down in front of Kim. Her whole body was trembling and she was having a difficult time breathing. She looked into Kim's eyes and saw how calm she was. The expression on her face helped reassure Jessica, and she started to settle back down.
Finally, all was ready. Kim took a deep cleansing breath and closed her eyes. Holding out her right hand, she called forth the Lotus Bloom.
Kim held the magical sword to her breast once again—perhaps, she thought, for the last time. She spoke to it in a dialect that had not been spoken in Japan in centuries.
"Lotus Bloom," she commanded, "I, Kimberly Anne Possible, am coming to you to request that you release me from my oath. The vow I took was when I was the mate of the Chosen One, whose name is Ronald Adrian Stoppable…
"We are no longer mates! That honor belongs to his new wife, Jessica Mary Stoppable. She is now your rightful master. I beg of you. Please release me, so that she can be the sole benefactor of your power…
"Lotus Bloom, you cannot divide your loyalty to serve two masters; and Jessica has children to protect who may one day inherit both you and the Lotus Blade. She is just now learning what is expected of the Chosen Ones, and I must instruct her and have her ready before the coming troubles arrive."
Kim then laid the magical sword in her lap and continued, "If you will not release me from my oath, I am prepared to take my own life. You cannot protect the both of us."
The moment Kim uttered those words; a peaceful sensation came over her. The world around her had an air of surreal tranquility. Kim picked up the silk cloth and dipped in into the water. She then tenderly washed the hilt of the Lotus Bloom.
Instructing Jessica to hold out her hands with palms up, Kim laid the sword in her hands and washed it. When Kim finished with one side, she had Jessica roll it over so she could wash the other side. All the while, Kim was very careful not to touch the blade with her bare hands.
Kim instructed Jessica, "Place the Lotus Bloom back into my lap." Once Jessica complied, Kim closed her eyes.
Kim's voice cracked with emotions as she chanted, "I have washed you of my touch and I…I no longer wish to hold you again!"
Kim was trying very hard to hold back the tears as she paused for a moment. Her breathing became very difficult while she continued, "I am prepared to do what is necessary to make you accept Jessica as the one and only mate of the 'Chosen One'."
Jessica watched in horror as Kim picked up the short sword that she had set down next to her. Kim held the point just under the center of her breast, angled upward and slightly to the left so that it would pierce her heart.
When she was ready, Kim turned and looked up at Aika. In Japanese, she told her second, "Do not strike, until you see that this sword is buried deep in my heart. If it is, then please…please strike true." Aika wiped away her tears and nodded in affirmation.
Kim then turned to Yori and said, "Goodbye, my friend. Never let what I do here today be forgotten."
With tears running down her face, Yori bowed and said "Your legacy will forever be remembered as one of the greatest 'Chosen Ones' of all time—no matter the outcome of tonight."
Kim turned toward Sensei and said, "You have enriched my life and given it meaning beyond measure. For that, I am forever grateful."
Sensei bowed back and replied, "No, Master Possible. It was my life that has been enriched, and I thank you."
Turning back to Jessica with tears in her eyes, Kim said in English, "Jessica, you must be strong and call the Lotus Bloom to you. If it refuses, I will have no choice but to strike."
All five of the participants were crying…
…Yori and Sensei were bowed low in prayer, not wanting to witness the blow that would end Kim's life…
…Jessica had tears streaming down her face. All of this just did not seem real in this day and age…
…Aika had raised the sword over her head and was concentrating as best as she could on the spot on Kim's neck where she must strike to end her friend's pain…
…Kim sat up straight. Closing her eyes, she screamed, "Please, Jessica. Call the sword to you now!"
At first, Jessica could not find her voice. She watched as Kim started applying pressure to the short sword with both hands. Already, Jessica could see Kim's kimono was cut, and blood was starting to trickle its first drops from the wound the sword was creating.
"Now, Jessica. Please!" Kim begged, "I do not know how long I can hold out before it hurts too much not to finish the plunge."
Yelling at the top of her voice Jessica screamed, "LOTUS BLOOM, I DEMAND THAT YOU COME TO ME—NOW!"
The Bloom remained in Kim's lap.
"Try again, Jessica—PLEASE!" Kim cried as she applied more pressure. The tip of the sword was now almost buried into her chest and blood was now starting to flow freely from the cut.
This time, Jessica looked at the sword in Kim's lap and held out her hand. In a softer voice, she pleaded, "Lotus Bloom, please come to me now! I do not want this great woman's blood on my hands!"
Kim was ready. She did not feel the sword move. Hell, she didn't feel anything. She steeled herself, determined to end it all now.
Kim repositioned her hands and went to pull in with all her strength, but her hands would not move. As she did this, she lowered her head to give Aika the best view of her neck. Kim tried again but she still could not move her hands. It felt like a force was preventing her from completing her sacrifice.
Jessica screamed, "KIM,STOP! I have the Bloom. It came to me. Kim…PLEASE open your eyes. Look…I have the BLOOM!"
Kim looked up at Jessica, but could not comprehend what she was hearing or seeing. Jessica pried the short sword away from Kim, and then held her face in her hands.
"Kim," Jessica cried, "It'sover! I have the Lotus Bloom. Your sacrifice is not necessary."
The words finally reached Kim's brain. She turned to Aika and faintly squeaked, "It seems that your assistance will not be needed after all."
Aika dropped to her knees, driving the point of the samurai sword a full four inches into the oak floor of the temple. She then broke down, curled up into a ball and started openly weeping.
Kim regained enough of her strength to sit up straight and look at Sensei.
She declared, "The past is gone."
As Sensei blew out his candle, Kim turned to Yori and said, "The present does not burn as bright as the future". With those words, Yori blew out her candle.
Turning to Jessica, Kim firmly stated, "You are the future. Please place your candle in the holder on the fountain of the Lotus Bloom."
Turning her attention back to Aika, Kim discovered she lacked the strength to stand. She crawled over to Aika and lifted her face so she could hold the younger women in her arms.
Aika was crying so hard, she could not even catch her breath. Kim held her in her arms and whispered, "Thank you, Aika. Thank you so much for everything you were willing to do for me. I promise I will never forget it—and I willnever ask you to do anything like that again!"
Authors Note: I don't know about you, but I thought that Kim was really going to do it, I'm sure glad she didn't!
Now how about sending me a review and let me know what you thoughts are about this story so far.
You're friend
Snapbang ☺