I find the answers aren't so clear
Wish I could find a way to disappear
All these thoughts they make no sense
I find bliss in ignorance
Nothing seems to go away
Over and over again
"One Step Closer" by Linkin Park
Divided We Stand
The temple was well hidden in the Tibetan mountain range. Although it was large, very little of it could actually be seen from without. The temple entrance was actually carved into the mountain and extended deep within it. The location was remote and the climb treacherous.
Not that it bothered Ron any. He had made this climb many times during training the four months he had stayed here. He didn't even bother with a safety line, it would waste too many precious seconds. Seconds that he couldn't afford to waste if this feeling in his gut was right.
As he reached the ledge housing the temple entrance he didn't even stop to catch his breath before running towards it. Ron was exhausted for sure, but his worry pushed his body further than he normally could.
The main room of the temple was where his fears were confirmed. As he approached the face down body of the Ancient One he slowed, reality finally catching up with him. He turned the body over and nearly vomited when he saw the huge red gash in his friend and master's chest. He settled for collapsing with tears.
**********
It took Ron awhile to compose himself, but once he did his face was sent with determination. He immediately set out with preparing the body for burial. As he did he forced himself to examine the wound in the hopes it would lead to some sort of clue. It was obviously made by a blade, but not a traditional one. There were marks that indicated that the blade would have been serrated.
He had to carry the Ancient One's body a little further up the mountain. The place he had chosen to commit it was a spot that the Ancient One could often be found meditating. It seemed only fitting that he be buried in one of his favourite spots. It was actually a little bit in from it since he tended to meditate on a small edge that would have crumbled under the weight of a bigger man. But it was as close as he could possible get.
When Ron finished burying the Ancient One he marked the gravesite with stones and began to meditate in the same spot as his former master. It just barely held his weight.
**********FLASH**********
Ron didn't know what he was doing here as he struggled his way up the rock face. It was odd really. He had gone to the Yamanuchi school in Japan that summer just as he had been doing for years. Then, just a day after arriving he felt an undeniable pull, like something was calling out to him. Master Sensei had encouraged him to follow his instincts. So here he was, climbing a mountain in Tibet with no clue why or what he would find.
He saw a ledge up ahead and he sighed in relief at finding a place to rest. Pushing his already weary body he made his way there. Ron nearly lost his grip in panic as he neared it and a wrinkled hand appeared before his face. Looking up he saw the smiling face of an incredibly old man. Seeing he was in no danger he took the offered hand.
"Welcome Ronald Stoppable." The old man said. "You are the first to arrive."
**********FLASH**********
Four men stood before the Ancient One in the large main room of the temple. A large Russian man named Anton Ermakov stood at the far left of the group. Beside him was an Asian man introduced as Kit Yun. Ron stood warily next to him. Rounding out the group was the reason for that wariness, Montgomery Fiske. Better known as Monkey Fist.
"You must all be wondering why you are here." The Ancient One said. He wasn't asking though, he knew they were. "You are here because I have summoned you here."
Seeing that they were about to interrupt he held out a hand. "Before you protest just listen. I am known as the Ancient One. I am the current Guardian. As such I safeguard a great secret of the mystic realm. But I fear I am old. One day another will need to take my place.
"I have foreseen that each of you has a great destiny ahead of you. One of you will inherit the secrets. Alas, which one of you even I cannot see. So I have brought you all here to better prepare you for what your individual destinies have in store for you."
The group was silent for a long moment taking in what they had just been told. They knew it was true. They felt it in their guts. It was the Russian who spoke first. "When do we start?"
**********FLASH**********
"I can't believe I have to share a room with you of all people! You'll probably try to kill me in my sleep!" Ron exclaimed at his roommate for his stay here, Monkey Fist.
"You don't have to worry about that boy." He told Ron calmly as he placed his duffle under his buck. "It would interfere with the course of destiny if I understand correctly, and I do. Besides, it's a matter of honour too."
Ron just stared at his arch foe confused. "Come again."
"Although it pains me to admit it, you are as I, a Monkey Master. If there really are any mystic secrets to be had then only a Monkey Master deserves to hold them! With both of us here there is a 50/50 chance of that happening."
**********FLASH**********
"I'm done." Ron said hitting the ground hard. "You win the match."
His opponent didn't let up and Ron barely had time to roll out of the way as the bo staff came down towards his head. Rolling and blocking was all he could do as the onslaught of staff and feet came flying at him. Finally he saw his chance and launched a both feet into his opponents gut throwing them backwards.
Ron's attacker was on their feet just as fast as he was and charged with fury in his eyes.
"That's enough Kit. The match is over." Came the gentle, yet firm voice of the Ancient One. With one last glare Kit turned and left the training room.
**********FLASH**********
"I'm not sure I could handle it. Being able to see glimpses of the future like you do." Ron said as he and the Ancient One walked deep into the forest.
"It can be difficult at times yes. The first thing I saw when I reached this level of mental and spiritual clarity was my own death. But there are times, like with the four of you, that I am allowed to help guide destiny. I take great pride in that."
"If you saw your death couldn't you just change it so it didn't happen?" Ron asked.
The Ancient One laughed. "I am an old man Ronald, my time is due. But yes, it is still a temptation. I will not succumb to it though. Sometimes difficult choices must be made. You may not like them, but you still have to make them. If it is my fate to die I will accept it."
A sigh escaped Ron's lips as he lowered his head. "So whatever we do is already written? Fate has already decided what choices I will make."
"Not quite. Destiny can only lay the path before you. It is up to you to walk it. Or to walk off the path and create your own. The choices are yours to make, destiny is more of a guideline really. Remember that Ronald, because you will certainly have to make hard choices in your life."
**********
Ron stood from his meditation and looked out from the mountain. As far as the eye could see was land untouched by modern machination. The red and orange hues from the sunset only added to the mysticism and beauty of the sight. No wonder the Ancient One liked this spot Ron thought to himself.
With a sigh he pulled out his communicator. He had been gone for three days and should probably tell someone he was all right. As he switched it on Wade's face filled the small screen.
"Ron!" He exclaimed. "I've been trying to reach you for hours!"
"What's wrong Wade?"
"Not sure." The super genius admitted. "Just got an email from somebody named Yori. All it said was for you to get to Japan quick."
"Get me a ride Wade." Ron said without a second though. If Yori was calling him it had to be important.
**********
As soon as Ron got to the Yamanuchi school he was immediately ushered into a small room in the back. The private room of Master Sensei. The Master lay on a cot in the corner looking deathly pale. His bare chest had a large bandage on it.
Ron was immediately by his side, a worried expression on his face. "Master Sensei!"
"I will live Ronald." He said weakly. "But I must ask you, is the Ancient One truly dead?"
The expression on Ron's face was answer enough. "I see. He said it was so."
"Who?" Ron asked. "The one who did this to you?"
"Yes. He appeared while I was alone in the courtyard. I fought him off as best I could, but he finally managed to slash my chest. Some of the students heard the commotion and came to help. The attacker fled soon after."
"Do you know who it was?"
"No, he wore a mask of metal and disguised his voice."
"Caesar!" Ron spat.
"You know of him? Good. I wish for you to find him. We know he has already fled Japan. He seems to be killing masters. You have to stop him." Master Sensei told Ron weakly, yet with a confidence that shone through. He knew Ron could do it even when masters could not.
"He dropped this during his escape. It may help." He said as he handed Ron an object. The blade Caesar had used. A serrated blade.
**********
Ron had Wade working double time for anything on Caesar as he headed back to Upperton. He wasn't staying though. Just long enough to talk to Bonnie and grab a much larger supply of clothes and equipment. He didn't plan on coming back until he had dealt with Caesar.
Funny thing about plans though, they tend to change quickly.
As Ron departed the ride used for the last leg of his trip home, another helicopter, he noticed two Global Justice agents approaching him. At first he thought they might have somehow found out about Caesar and had some information to offer. That was until one levelled his sidearm at him and the other spoke.
"Ronald Stoppable. You are under arrest."