Hello again, and welcome back to the latest chapter of 'Storm Chaser', thanks to all who've been following along.
Last time Kim and Felix faced off at a restaurant Larry named after MrDrP's wingman, Campy, and there nearly was wings-a-flyin' before cooler heads prevailed…Justine made sure of that. The air was cleared, but I don't think Felix will completely let Kim off the hook. Meanwhile Drakken was getting the grilling of his life and he hadn't been anywhere near the GJ cafeteria kitchen that day…yet. Betty and Shego made sure that Daddy will never experiment on Sam again…or Mom and 'Auntie Betty' will exact a vengeance no court in the world would interfere with. And in passing, the sitch, or lack thereof, between Kim and Ron is discussed to the colorful ex-villain's surprise. Ron's time with the internship is coming to a close, while Rufus is marking the days until his 'pet' returns to pick him up. Ron seems to be really getting into the path he's chosen in this field, and Rufus seems to have made friends with the local Barn Rats at the Kaminsky's Norwegian home. Oy.
Before we get into this one, we'd like to thank the following for chiming in: Mahler Avatar, Renting, Ken106348, Jimmy1201, pbow, ajw1970, Robot Wolf 26Z, DarthManwe, merceralex117 and Sentinel103, thank you one and all!
Storm Chaser
Chapter 35
Tokyo, Japan:
Down the concourse of the international airport walked four young Japanese adults, three female and one male. In deference to two of the women, the lone male lugged two carry-on bags, one for each of the female travelers. The rest of their luggage had already been placed in the cargo section of the huge airliner.
As they arrived at her friends' departure gate, Yori said, (You two are prepared.) Fixing them with a look that brooked no arguments, (And remember your mission is to study and be background players. Kim-san has no idea that you are going to school with her.), she reminded them of their exact assignment. (You are to protect her since Yamanouchi has upheld that Kim-san continues to be Ron-sama's Chosen.)
Wanda frowned, (He doesn't have any say in this does he?)
A shake of her head, (Not really, he is unaware of all the facts, in his deliberate oblivion,), Yori nearly snarled, (so he acts like an ostrich with his head in the sand.), she snorted in frustration. (So his stubbornness will have to be modified so that he will be brought back to his true path.), she smiled at the thought of finally getting her way in this angst-fest, something that hindered the Wa of the school.
Rotating his shoulders to loosen them up, (You two sure don't travel light.), Hirotaka kidded their friends as a way to could redirect the focus of the conversation before it escalated into something worse between the three women regarding their absent friend.
Waving him off nonchalantly, (Never mind him Suzy-san and Wanda-san.), the women could see the mischievous glint in her eyes, (As Hiro never went to a prestigious university, he has yet to learn he should not exceed his abilities, in this case, to carry your luggage.)
The tall woman rolled her eyes as her shorter friend asked, (Is that why Sensei kept us from talking to her while she was at the school?) While neither of the young women wanted to argue with any of the instructors about Kim's status within the covert ninja school, they wanted to be sure of the reasoning behind their absence from her visit at Yamanouchi.
Nodding, (Yes, this way she will not recognize you, so you will be able to remain close to her and not think of you other than as just students at that school.), Yori replied. (We have transferred your doctored records so there are no questions regarding your status, too.)
The shorter one asked, (Yori-san, did Sensei tell you what transpired with Kim-san and Doctor Load-sama during their stay on the sacred mountain?)
Hirotaka cut in, (Yes and it all was an accident. The supposed break up between Kim-san and Ron-sama I mean.)
Incredulous, Wanda (the tall one) asked, (Accident…what are you saying?)
A wry grin, (It appeared that Kim-san was channeling Ron-sama's flashbacks from past or current actions of his since high school. Coming to her out of nowhere, and with no context to them, she felt she was losing her mind to what she described as 'nightmares' and eventually suffered a nervous breakdown.), Yori replied to the two surprised women. (In her panic to resolve this on her own, she cut off all ties to those beyond her immediate family, barely telling them anything of her plight. And Ron-sama was not informed of this.)
Wanda laughed for a moment, (You mean he leaked?)
Suzy's eyes rolled, (Then she doesn't hate Ron-sama?)
(No, like I have said the nightmares gave her a nervous breakdown which caused her to break off communications with everyone including Ron-sama.)
Wanda brightened, (Then the resolution to this is simple. All we have to do is get them in the same bedroom with a lot of Sake, sans apparel, and our job is finished. We can go on our way, and they can go there's…that is if Ron-sama can still perform…), she smirked.
Sighing heavily, (Not quite.), Yori rebutted, (Erabareshi mono is indifferent to emotions concerning women since he returned from Tibet, he is all about business and no play. We have to work more on him to turn this around and keep Kim-san's focus on him before this is resolved.) Then frowning to address the latter concern, (Of Kim-san, I do not think you have to worry.)
Middleton, Colorado:
"Well girlfriend this time next year you'll be back home.", Monique Jenkins whispered into Kim's ear as the announcement for the red head's flight sounded overhead.
"I am so looking forward to being back for Justine's wedding 'Nique, when are you gonna find a guy and settle down?"
"Gonna take my time, Coco's got me running around till next summer. But when it happens you and Justine are going to be the first to know. Remember I'm your Maid of Honor, just like you and Justine are mine."
"Well the way my search is going you're probably going to have me beat.", Kim laughed ironically as she continued to hug her friend.
"Yeah but you are on the right track."
"Maybe so, but it's still hard.", Kim replied at that thought. Shaking her head to clear it, "Anyway I got a path to follow now and every once in a while I'll be getting a phone call from Japan asking me how I'm doing. So I have support that I didn't have before."
Shaking her friend in mock outrage, "If you had that support back when this started I'll bet that you and Stoppable would still be knocking heels…", Monique laughed. "Hell ole Mo might even have been a Godmother by now!"
Sheepishly, "If it happens then yeah, but just keep Ronnie and me in your prayers.", Kim replied as the final boarding call came out.
James Possible stepped in to embrace his daughter, "Kimmie you have to get on the plane, we'll talk when you get on the ground in London."
In faux-exasperation, "Yeah Daddy.", before Kim kissed him on the cheek.
Anne gave her a hug, "Remember to call us if you hear anything about Ronald, and we promise to do the same for you."
"I will Mom.", Kim said, stepping away. "I'd better go." Looking to them, "Ok, everyone, be as happy as I am right now and make sure you call me at my special number or email me, I don't want to be alone again.", she sniffed as she walked towards the gate. Once there she turned around and called out, (Kim being in GJ allowed security to allow her friends and family to accompany her to the gate this time….AN) "And let me know if you hear anything about Ron. Call me anytime day or night."
After the younger red head disappeared James said to his wife, "I am sure of it now."
"Sure of what Jimmy?"
"That our baby not only has a one-track mind, it's focused on one thing only."
"And this is, oh husband of mine."
"I don't have to say, but I do know that I need to get a hold of our two boys and have them put some software in place, that I had a very special friend design for me, to find Ronald."
"Jimmy…", Anne drawled out in concern for what could be unleashed from those three working together like this.
An amused questioning look, "Honey, do you want grandchildren?", James teased back.
Sighing in resignation, "Of course Jimmy.", Anne replied and lightly blushed.
Plowing on, "If we're ever going to have any from our eldest we need to find him. I was half trying before, but now I will not leave any stone unturned.", James replied in determination.
Quirking an eyebrow to the man their sons got their gleeful 'scientific-skills' from, "How are you going to do that?", Anne asked in subdued curiosity.
Conspiratorially, "People owe me favors, highly intelligent and well placed people that is.", James said. "I didn't tell Kimmie, but I emailed that couple we had dinner with back in Japan. They are coming to the States next month, and I invited them to stay with us for a few days."
Thinking back, "They're the same ones who showed Kimmie around Japan?", Anne asked.
A nod and a bright smile from James, "Yes, they are."
A warm smile, "Good I would like to meet them.", she replied.
Fondly, "I think you would like them Annie,", he said, "I think they are 'special' people.", James drew out before he offered his arm to his wife.
Taking it, they walked towards their way home, "If Kimmie made friends with them I am sure they are.", Anne agreed. Then after a moment, "Now remember we need to call the boys.", she fixed a look to James, "They have been working on some new experiments at their university...", Anne reminded her sometimes absentminded husband.
XXX
On an executive jet over Norway on final into Oslo:
Sitting quietly while looking out a window, 'Mannnn I've been gone from the states for years. I wonder how everyone is doing.', Ron mused. Shaking his head, 'Maybe they've forgotten about me by now…' Sighing, 'Only Felix, Zita, Monique and…and K…Kim,', he frowned sadly, 'were close to me. The rest didn't even really make any attempts…', a rueful grin, 'but then I didn't either. I guess I could have done better, but then I probably wouldn't have been exposed to Yamanouchi, and then who knows what would have happened? At least this way the world was saved from enslavement.', he pondered before he reached for the synopsis for one of his upcoming fall classes. After scanning through it for a few seconds, Ron/Dean pushed a button on a small table next to his armrest.
Moments later a very cute, petite young Japanese woman entered the one-occupant cabin, walked up and bowed to him. "Yes, Mister Kaminsky-sama, how may I help you?"
"Miss Sakanumi, would you ask the pilot to make arrangements to stay overnight in Oslo so you and the crew can get some rest and then file a flight plan for an airport near Oxford, England in the morning?"
"You do not wish to return to Japan right away, sir?"
"Not quite. I want to drop in on some old friends for a day or two to see how they are doing.", he explained. "And may I also get an outside line? I need to rent ground transportation so that I won't have to rely on favors from others."
Smiling brightly, "I am sure that you can take care of that locally sir, but if that is what you wish to do I will wave when I have the connection. Is that acceptable?"
A big smile in return, "Of course it is. Thank you for your help Miss.", Dean replied, while she walked to her telecommunications console. As she made the connections, he wondered if she had any connection to the Japanese government, or Yamanouchi, which at times could be considered the same.
At the wave from the Asian woman Dean Kaminsky punched in a memorized number and began a conversation in Japanese.
X
Later at the farm outside Oslo (actually Heggehullet, Norway):
Dropping his bags, "Hey Mom,", the bearded blond young man said as he began to offer hugs.
Barbara Stoppable almost crushed her son, "Ronald! So good to see you!", she kissed him on the cheek. Pulling away and looking him over, "So how was your summer? Did you like your internship?"
Shaking off the crushing hug, "It was educational Mom, we got to do some things that are really pretty neat and there is a real possibility of saving lives.", Ron said. "I think I made the right career choice" Then shrugging, "But I knew if I waited long enough I'd either be a ski bum, a beach bum or make something out of myself for a change.", teased her before he glanced around, "Where's the Intruder and the black hole of food? And Dad?"
Beaming, "Hanna has made some friends here in Norway…she has even picked up the language,", then a little less enthusiastically, "and your pet has made friends with some of the…rodents on the farm.", Barb filled him in. Abruptly shrugging that off, "Anyway Hanna's at a friend's house for the afternoon and Rufus is with her. Your Father wanted to get some work done, he should be almost done…you know how he is.", as Barbara brought her son up to speed on their family's summer activities.
Smiling quite happily that Hanna and Rufus had such a great summer together, he hoped none of his sister's friends recognized the famous mole rat. "It's good she has friends here Mom, the better for her and her friends." Ron said. Sighing, "I only had one through my early years and now that I think about it I think I should have tried harder.", he lamented.
Interrupting what could turn into a pity party, of one, "That is a discussion for another time Ronald,", Barb cut him off, "now come inside." While he gathered his bag, "You mentioned on the phone that you were going to stay the night and fly out in the morning back to Japan, is that still your plan?"
Shaking his head, "No Mom, I'm going to make one diversion before I fly back to Japan. The detour should only make the trip back to school a day or two longer than originally planned."
Her eyes hopeful, "And you are just spending the night here, then?"
Nodding, "Yes Mom, but I have to get back to school, the next semester begins in a couple of days and I haven't even been in my apartment even once this summer. So I have to get everything ready and not much time to do it all.", Ron explained.
"I understand dear.", Barb sighed. Then changing the subject, "Oh, and your father and I decided that we won't be going back to the States next year like we thought, but the following year, instead.", she said to his raised eyebrows. "Right around the time when you return to go to school there, I believe…Those still are your plans, aren't they, Ronnie?", she dropped on her son.
Glad that she hadn't sprung it on him at the last minute, like before, "Yeah Mom,", Ron smirked, "and if I keep this up I'll have more than enough credits to graduate."
Her interest piqued, "What are you going to do after that?"
"I want to go for my PhD."
"Have you researched the schools yet?"
Shaking his head, "Not yet Mom. But this time next year I think I'll know where I'm going. The big three are Colorado State, Oklahoma and the University of Miami. Each has its own advantages."
At this point, Dean Stoppable walked into the room from where he had been doing some work. Now that he was finished he was able to talk to Ron, "So you have been paying attention after all?", he smirked at a former member of the 'Lifetime Marinating Club'.
Rolling his eyes, "Yeah dad, and I'm also paying attention to other guys who are in the same field that I'm trying to get into."
Nodding in satisfaction, "And how did flying into storms feel son?", Dean asked to see where Ron stood about this particular 'nuance' of his chosen career.
"Well it took some getting used to, but I think I can save lives by doing this. I mean I was the sidekick to a pretty good hero back in High School, and maybe this will be the way I can make a difference and help keep people safe.", Ron summed up his take on his new calling.
Putting a hand on his shoulder, "Ronald I know I wanted you to go into business, but if this is what makes you happy then I am behind you one hundred percent.", Dean proudly said to his son.
"Thanks dad it means more than you know.", Ron said at his dad's acceptance. "Maybe in some way, I'll still be living up to Kim's legacy."
Frowning, Barb added, "And without being in danger from those criminals…"
Looking casually to her, "You can get hurt crossing the street Mom…"
Glaring at him, "Ronald you went looking to get hurt…", she shot back.
Raising an eyebrow, "I went looking to help people who needed it Mom…", Ron countered. Then sighing, "Listen I don't really want to talk about this. I want to have a little family time before I head back to school.", he called for a ceasefire in a 'discussion' with his mother that went all the way back to Middle School.
Looking around, 'Anyway when are Hanna and Rufus going to get back?"
Dean beat her to the punch, "It's going to be another hour or so son."
Shrugging, he walked towards the kitchen, "Want me to make something…something sweet and nice smelling?", Ron suggested. Looking to his mom, "So what are we having for dinner tonight?"
A glint in her eyes, "Lamb and cabbage stew.", Barb replied.
Ron faltered, his left hand shot up to his mouth before Barb began to chuckle, "No Ron, I was just kidding. Though the locals eat it a lot, it's not one of your father's favorites, either.", she smirked.
Passing right by him, Dean whispered, "At least she got that right…", before he went off into the kitchen.
"I have some fish that was caught yesterday,", she related to her men, "but we have cabbage, potatoes and carrots to go with a very nice home baked bread."
X
After dinner, the five Stoppables, with Rufus curled up on Ron's shoulder, sat facing the setting sun. After the meal followed by a simple blueberry dessert that Ron had concocted earlier in the afternoon before Hanna returned from a friend's home, all were quite happy.
Looking to Hanna, "Hey Sis, Mom said you guys are going to stay here another year.", Ron tossed her way. "What do you think about that?", aware she was a little ambivalent on the subject.
Shrugging, "I guess one more year here will be nice,", she said before her eyes widened, "but the winters are cold Ron.", Hanna mock-shivered.
A corner of his mouth ticked up at her reaction, "Well I have this year and next, then I'm planning on going back to the states for more schooling.", he informed her.
Peering at him, "I read up on colleges while you were in Japan.", she replied. "So where are you going to go?"
Looking off in thought, "Well either, Colorado State, Oklahoma or the University of Miami.", Ron recited his main preferences. Back to her, "While Oklahoma is supposed to be the premier school in this field overall, Colorado State, only a few hours' drive from our old home, is not bad either…and then Miami has a real good school that specializes in what I plan to go for."
Cocking an eye at him, "Any of them warm?"
Smirking, "The warmest is Miami, with an ocean right next to it,", he winked at her, "but if I get accepted to any of them that's the one at the top my list."
The ninja girl smiled, "Then I hope you go to this Miami school Ron, it would be nice to be away from cold weather for a while."
Smiling, "We'll cross that bridge when I come to it.", Ron tousled her hair. Looking the rest of his family, "Now how did you like the dessert guys? I haven't had that much time to cook lately and I think I'm losing my touch a little."
Barb shook her head, "I seemed fine to me.", she smiled at her son, then frowned at her husband, "And I think your father enjoyed it too much, he had thirds."
Smirking, "Maybe he did at that.", Ron looked at his dad. Then turning his head to Rufus, "But the big question is if the black hole of food consumption liked it. He's going to have to live off my cooking 'till next summer."
Perking up and rubbing his belly, "Hnk, good.", the mole rat gave his accolades on dessert.
"That's a compliment 'cause there are very few things that he likes without cheese and hot sauce on them.", Ron brought them up to speed on Rufus' current culinary tastes.
Dean Stoppable/Kaminsky, Senior (Ron, being Dean, Junior) chuckled, "He takes after you Ronald. You don't need to get married, just adopt mole rats.", he teased his son.
Swiveling quickly to give her spouse 'the eye', she shook her head while he cringed, "Your father is wrong as usual Ronald.", Barb said as she stared him down. Then turning back to him, "Having a pet…even one as engaging as Rufus is not the same as being married to a wonderful woman and having children of your own.", Ron's mom steered the conversation into a long worn out topic of hers he learned to tune out after these years.
Zoning out slightly, but quite good at keeping his mom from noticing (if she did, it would make the 'discussion' so much more unbearable for him), the American Ninja had long ago set himself on a path devoid of romantic interests. After his exodus to Japan from Middleton, he traveled to Tibet where he meditated for nearly six months straight to gain insight into his life, and while there, both physically and in the succeeding mystical planes he attained, he decided that his existence did not have to include romance for him to be content in his life.
Subtly breaking out of his 'trance' before his mom figured out where he had gone while she lectured him further on a subject so well-worn out with him, "Mom we've been over this before. I am happy with my life.", he said in frustration, "You guys…", and he nodded to the beady eyed stare the hairless rodent was giving him, "and Rufus are my family and I certainly see no reason to change that…"
Then to the glare of his mother's infamous 'Mom-Stare', "At least at this time.", he added to mollify her, again, for the time being, and to keep the peace during one of their rare family get-togethers.
He knew his mother wanted grandchildren, and while deep down inside he still longed for Kim…the treasure he learned, from previous events back home, he would never have, he had decided that he wouldn't settle for anyone else. That, he made painfully clear to Yori after his return from Tibet and his eventual immersion into the mystical and martial studies which lead him to become one of the most dangerous men who ever lived.
It was his breaking things off with Yori that lead to her and Hirotaka coming together, and further, especially after he told them of a vision he had of them raising children of their own.
Of course, none of this was known by his 'rents, nor his actual 'day job' where he was on a speed-dial relationship with the Japanese Government to troubleshoot their security issues before they were blown beyond epic proportions.
XXX
Aboard flight APN 179:
Hesitantly reaching in, "Miss?", the female flight attendant touched the red head on the shoulder.
Her eyes blinking slowly as she woke up, "Yes, what can I do for you?", Kim groggily replied.
"My name is Jane, and I just want to thank you for your service.", she almost gushed to Kim. "I remember the destruction and the people who saved us from that time, so if there is anything you need…"
Kim's smile was a little tired, she was used to this type of thing but kept it in perspective with all the things she now knew of that time, "It's no big, but if you don't tell anyone until I get off the plane, I would be in your debt."
Nodding eagerly, "Sure thing Miss…"
Raising her hand, "Please.", she stopped the attendant from saying anything more, "It's just Kim, and thank you for remembering us." And with that, Kim returned to her nap.
XX
Leaning in when the attendant returned to her station, "Well Jane, did you know who she was?", her co-worker asked quietly.
Shaking her head, "No I was wrong…for a change.", Jane replied, not quite looking her friend in the eye.
X
Gatwick International Airport:
Stepping up to her as she stepped to the curb to hail a cab, "Miss Possible?", a man in a dark suit, asked. She could tell his accent was slightly English in origin.
Cautiously, "Yes…", Kim had her guard up as he stopped a few feet from her.
His demeanor non-threatening, "Your car is waiting. I am here to give you a lift to Oxford."
Still wary, "Why?"
Producing his ID, "GJ Ma'am.", he held it out to her to examine. "Agent Courtney. I'm a courier, and my current assignment is to give you and your luggage a ride to University."
Satisfied with his credentials, she nodded and he opened a rear door for the red head, and then pushed a button on his remote to open the trunk.
A little flabbergasted from this attention, "I was going to take the train…", Kim started.
Smiling he held his hand out to help her into the backseat, "GJ wants to make sure that you have no problems getting back in the swing of things Miss Possible.", Agent Courtney assured her as he took her luggage. "Just relax and before you know it we will have you back to your room."
Still astonished, "Thank you…", she stammered out.
Before he closed her door, "It is my pleasure to see you taken care of. I expect we should be there in a little over an hour."
XXX
Olso…ok outside Oslo:
Giving her a kiss on the forehead, "Good night Hanna, sleep tight.", big bro hugged her. Looking to her and Rufus, "You wanna keep Rufus with you tonight?"
Nodding a little sadly, "Yeah Ron.", she said. "I'm going to miss him since he's going back to Japan with you."
X
Three steaming mugs of tea sat before Barb, Dean and an empty chair at the kitchen table, until Ron returned from Hanna's room.
As he took his seat and his cup, Dean turned to Ron, "Ronald, this has been the best summer for Hanna."
Taking a sip, "I'm glad I left Rufus with you guys…" he said. Then looking to each of his parents, "Because I might have to do that next summer too, since I plan on taking part in the same internship again."
Looking intently to him, "Ronald.", Barb asked, "Do you really like doing this?"
Nodding in calm satisfaction after a few moments, "Yeah mom, I do. I feel I can make a difference…a…at least as much of one as I did working with Kim.", he stuttered slightly.
Taking the 'in' from that, "Do you still miss her?", she pressed lightly.
Sadly, "Yeah Mom…at least a little.", Ron sighed. Looking back to his mother, "All I can do is hope that she's happy now."
Pressing further, "But…are you happy?", she continued to focus, once again, on the crux of what began her family's odyssey after that disastrous summer and fall in Middleton.
Serenely, "I'm content with my life as it is right now, Mom.", Ron answered as he drew on his meditation techniques to tamp down anything his mother would see as a 'chink' in his emotional armor. Shaking his head slowly, "As for being happy…I really don't think about that anymore."
Frowning, Barb Stoppable shot back, "Well I think I should call the Possibles and tell them how messed up you are now…"
A hand up, "No Mom, don't do that.", Ron cut her off. "All I really ever wanted was for Kim to be happy and if she is and it came from being free of me, then it's the best thing for all involved.", he said evenly.
Having none of this, "So what are you going to do if Kim ever finds you through…say, television?", Barb brought up something that was plausible.
Rolling his eyes, "Mom we've gone over this. The part of Meteorology that I am going into really doesn't put us in front of a TV camera.", Ron tiredly replied. Waving a hand to him, "We're behind the scenes, doing the science of what the pretty people read and wave their hands about in front of a green screen on the air.", he retorted.
As his mother fumed, "So I'm not worried about that happening, ever.", Ron countered. "And even if by some chance,", he rolled his eyes again, "she does see me, somehow, on TV, I doubt she'll admit it knowing me to any of her friends.", he waved her off. "Besides, after the changes I've gone through over the last four years, I don't think she'd recognize me, anyway.", he finished and sat back in his chair, somewhat tired of this fencing he seemed to do every time he had moments like this with his parents.
Dean smiled at the opening he was given in this angst-fest, unaware as all males seem to be, and entered the conversation, giving his spouse extra ammunition to use, "Yes you have son. Living in the mountains has produced some amazing changes in you."
Grateful for her husband's cluelessness, "Changes,", Barb used to continue to press on with her agenda, "that any girl with half a brain would fall for.", as she looked him over from her seat.
Having none of that, "Mom I can't do that…", Ron shot back. To her raised 'Mom-eyebrow', "I still think it's too early to start looking at the fairer sex.", he said before she crossed her arms, "I still have much education to get and I do not need…"
Relaxing her arms, and her stare, "Ronnie.", Barb said quietly, "So Kimberly hasn't completely shattered your heart…", she posed to him, "It is healing…", her tone hopeful.
Tilting his head slightly to the side as he leaned forward, "I don't know about that Mom, but I know that I do not hate Kim nor any of the others from Middleton…", he said after thinking on them for a moment, "Even the ones who tormented me during high school." Sitting back, "It's just that I really don't think about them either.", he said somewhat distantly. Then gesturing with his hands, "Besides, I have a very heavy course load at college with not much extra time on my hands because of the effort that I am putting into this." Extending his forefinger upward, "I did however start a karate class.", he said to his parents' raised eyebrows. "I always did want to get better at defending myself.", as they looked to each other, then back to him. "I mean I couldn't rely on Kim to do it for me now could I?", to which they just shrugged, no comeback to that from their son who spent a veritable lifetime running from physical violence directed at him and/or Kim.
"No, I suppose not.", Barb quietly replied to someone she had no idea of just how capable he was in the martial arts. "But as long as you are taking Karate for the right reasons, I have no problems with you taking something like that."
Smiling as he picked up his tea, "Of that I am sure of, mom.", Ron said before taking a sip.
Startled out of his reverie from watching the back-and-forth between son and mother, Dean suddenly remembered something, "Ronald, your Mother, Hanna and I have to go back to the states for a seminar in two months, will that complicate anything with staying in the background?"
Eyebrows raised, "You guys are still using Mom's maiden name aren't you?", Ron asked his dad.
Nodding, "We are.", Dean confirmed.
Looking to his mom, "Are you going to Middleton?"
Barb shook her head, "No further west than Chicago."
Smirking, "Then I don't think there will be a problem.", Ron said as looked to her in mock-concern, "As long as you don't cause any trouble you should be fine.", he teased.
Rolling her eyes, "Good, glad to hear we won't upset your lifestyle choices, Ronnie.", Barb mocked back. Then a little more seriously, "But as planned, we won't move back to the States until you return…So when do you think you'll know where you'll be attending for your advanced schooling?", Barb asked him.
"I should have a very good idea this time next year, but it might be the following Christmas before I know for sure and get accepted. The colleges have some input here too ya know.", Ron chuckled lightly.
Dean smiled, "The smart one will take you son. You have matured a lot over the last four years, and I am proud of the way that you turned out."
Smiling gratefully, "Thanks Dad.", Ron replied. Then after looking to a clock, "Listen I need to get some sleep, got to leave in the morning, so I'll see you guys for breakfast.", and he finished his tea and put his cup in the sink after rinsing it out. Returning to the table, he hugged his dad and kissed his mom on the cheek before heading off to his room.
XXX
Oxford, England:
Turning the car off, Agent Frank Courtney looked to his passenger in the backseat, "Here is your apartment Miss Possible. Do you need anything else?", then pressed a button to unlock the car's trunk.
"No thank you Agent Courtney, I can manage alright.", Kim replied, "And thank you for the ride from the airport."
Nodding, he exited the car and made his way to her door to let her out, but she beat him to it before he got that far.
Extending a hand to her, "Would you like for me to help with your luggage Miss Possible?"
Shaking her head, "No Sir, I didn't pack more than I could handle, but thank you for the offer.", Kim replied and made her way to the trunk.
XXX
Oslo, Norway:
Hugging his five year old sister to him as hard as he dared, Dean looked on with Rufus on his shoulder, while Barb smiled in amusement.
Her breath whooshing back into her lungs when he let her go, she laughed at her brother. Ron looked to his 'rents, "Now I might be able to return for a week at the end of the semester so don't rent out the guest room.", he mock scolded them.
Pinching his cheek, "Yeah right big brother, you just take care of yourself and maybe it'll be available then.", Hanna giggled.
Tousling her hair, "I'll try little intruder.", Ron teased before he put her down. Then turning to his Mom and Dad, he gave them each a hug, "Take care of Hanna for me, and Dad make sure you keep exercising." A raised eyebrow, "And Mom keep nagging him. He's lost some weight, but he could take a little more off."
Dean tousled his son's hair, "You missed your calling in life Ronald…you could have been a doctor…"
Making a face, "Not a chance Dad, blood makes me woozy.", he said to his family's laughter. Reaching out, "Come on Rufus, we have a plane to catch.", and the mole rat hopped onto his palm. Picking up his bags while Rufus scurried to Ron's shoulder, "I'll try to call once a week.", as he started to the door and the car he rented for his visit.
While he negotiated the door, Barb hugged her son one last time, "Keep looking for that girl Ronald, even if it isn't Kim…you deserve to be happy.", she said loud enough for all to hear.
Hugging her as best he could, "Not yet Mom, I have a lot of school to get through first…", Ron replied. Looking into her eyes, "But maybe, someday, I'll find somebody who doesn't expect too much.", he grinned sadly. Then making his way outside, "See you guys later."
X
As the Gulf Stream began to cycle its engines, "Miss Sakanumi, did you take care of those arrangements for me?", Dean asked her.
Smiling brightly, "Yes, Mister Kaminsky. You are cleared for a three day visa and the transportation you asked for will be waiting at the airport.", she replied.
"Has immigration and customs been contacted as well?"
Nodding, "Yes Sir, they will meet us when we park and they will check us out before we deplane."
Smiling warmly, "First class treatment huh?", he laughed lightly. "Thank you Miss Sakanumi, very much for arranging this for me. I am quite grateful."
"You are most welcome sir. Now, we will be landing at London Oxford Airport which is approximately sixty kilometers from London."
"Very good, thank you for setting that up for me.", he replied. "And I suppose I can get a map there…"
"There is no need as there is a GPS with your vehicle, so I don't think you will have a problem.", she informed him. "But if you think that you might need one, I can call a service instead…"
"I am traveling light", pointing out a bag set aside for his short jaunt, "and will only be bouncing around the countryside there, so I don't think we need to bother anyone on my account."
"Oh, I see. So where are you going to leave your other bag, Mister Kaminsky?"
"Would it be alright to leave it on the plane?"
"After we have cleared customs I will ask the Captain if you can do that."
"Good. I really do want to travel light. I'd like to see a friend or two and I won't be able to stay longer than a day since I have to be back in Japan shortly for some business meetings."
"Ah, I see that you are a busy man.", she replied with a smile.
X
Oxford Shire, England:
"Mister Kaminsky? What is your business in Great Britain?", the customs agent asked after looking over Dean's credentials.
"I wanted to pick out a suit for a country gentleman and see a friend or two this evening over dinner.", Ron/Dean stretched the truth with the agent.
"And they are enrolled at?"
"Oh, Kings in Cambridge."
"So why did you land here?"
Shrugging nonchalantly, "I thought a nice drive through the English countryside would be nice and invigorating."
"Have you ever been here before sir?"
"No sir, and I can say truthfully that Dean Kaminsky has never been to the British Isles before now."
"I see.", the customs agent said. "And how are you going to get around?"
"I plan to ride a motorcycle, I have a license…"
"Are you aware that we drive on the correct side of the road?", he smirked to the American.
"Though a Yank, and after having lived in Japan for several years, I know how to drive on the left-hand side of the road.", Dean smirked back. Pointing to his luggage, "Now, would you like to check my bags?"
His tease lightly rebuffed, "Quite right, so would you please open them up?", he smiled to Dean.
The blond smiled as he set out both bags and unzipped them so they were open for anyone to see into.
Moving some things around within each, "Not carrying much…", the agent said in passing.
"No sir, but I'll have room if something catches my fancy to take up the free space. And I won't have to worry about making arrangements to get it back to Japan."
The government official smiled, stamped the passport and handed it back to Dean, "Your visa is good for one month. If you plan to stay longer you must reapply. Welcome to Great Britain."
Ron smiled, "Thank you. But for my need to fly back to Japan so soon, I'd be able to stay a little longer than a day or two.", he said. Then sighing, "You know how it is."
Nodding sympathetically, "I can see your life is hectic.", the agent replied. "But have a nice stay in our country."
"I certainly hope to, and thank you for your hospitality.", Ron replied as he zipped up his large bag and handed it to the co-pilot who wheeled it back to the charter's baggage hold.
Ron then closed his small bag, which doubled as a backpack, and walked towards the exit to take the airport shuttle to his reserved motorcycle.
X
Ron started up the motorcycle and then turned on the weatherproof GPS unit. Looking to his friend, "Hang on Rufus once we get away from here I'll let you out of your pocket. It's just that if someone sees you it may bring attention I'd rather not bring to myself…whether or not anyone would remember me.", Ron cautioned to his buddy.
Rufus didn't feel like talking to Ron, either verbally or mentally, so he kept quiet. He knew most people would take notice of him, which was counter to Ron's desires to stay in the background most of the time. But they were going to check on his mistress, and after so many years apart, he would finally see with his own eyes if she was fine and happy.
Hearing nothing from Rufus, the blond American pulled the helmet visor down over his face and glanced down at the GPS for directions before he turned onto the street.
X
Twenty minutes later:
Ron steered onto a side street near campus and began to 'feel' for his onetime romantic interest. Lowly, "We'll find her and see for ourselves that she's doing fine.", he said, almost as an afterthought. Frowning, "I just hope we don't interrupt a date or something."
Perking up, "Hnk, she only yell then.", Rufus shot back.
Shrugging, "Yeah, maybe so, but maybe she'll hate me even more, so we have to be quiet once I get a bearing on her.", Ron forecast to Rufus as he began to concentrate.
Sitting on the motorcycle, visor down-he didn't want to attract attention to his glowing blue eyes, 'Hummmm turn left.', he mused, 'She's within a half mile.'
XXXX
Well, a lot of flying in this one…Suzie and Wanda…and Kim to England, Ron to Norway and England, with either returning to school or family visits and short stopovers. While Kim received an escort to school, Ron kept up with his family and their plans for the immediate future.
Now that Ron is checking on Kim in England, I wonder what he will find…Vindication for letting her go, or further regrets for letting her go…
Questions to be answered next time, I believe… (Looking to see Larry's nod) Yeah, next time.