Chapter 11
-An Unexpected Fight-
By Geor-sama
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Ron dodged to his right avoiding the heavy box that hurtled through the air at his head, he immediately twisted his upper body and threw a left palm heel strike sending an attacking monkey ninja away. He twisted back just in time to drive his left elbow into the chin of its partner. The blonde was bruised and battered, but thankfully he wasn't fighting all of the remaining monkey ninjas on his own.
He started towards his new fighting partner Osamu then froze hearing an odd whistling sound, he turned his head to watch as a shining metal four pointed star soared at him, he ducked and then looked from the throwing star stuck in a box behind him and then back to the ninja to find it brandishing several more of them. "Hey! Nobody told me you could use throwing stars!"
The monkey ninja narrowed its eyes and focused on its target. Ron gulped and took off, he wasn't sure why but he began to perform front handsprings to dodge them. It worked great until one of his hands slipped and he landed face first on the ground, rattling his teeth as his chin hit the concrete.
He laid there for a moment and then pushed himself up on his hands and knees and shook his head to try and clear it. He talked quickly to Rufus who was climbing out of his pocket "Take cover lil buddy." The pink naked mole rat made a squeaking noise and then when Ron nodded harshly scampered off like he had been told.
Ron stood and back flipped twice almost slipping once more then landed in a fighting stance, his back foot touching a wall. He stared at five ninjas who were crowding in cutting off any sort of path he might have.
He risked a glance at Osamu and watched as he ducked a leaping ninja and then stood up throwing a side kick/front kick combination that dropped two ninjas. He was defiantly a Yamanochi student.
Ron immediately refocused on the monkey ninjas in front of him, they weren't moving, and he knew why, they were waiting for his stance to become weak or for him to make a mistake. The ninjas grew tired of waiting after several minutes and launched their attack.
Ron responded nearly flawless. He easily turned away their punches and kicks, striking hard and fast in retaliation. A few incoming attacks did find their destinations but he continued to fight them off.
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Monkey Fist glared at the two cages left untried, with just two it should have been easy but he was beginning to seriously doubt that he would find the one he wanted here. Despite this doubt he studied the two monkeys behind the bars, they were nearly identical the only difference was that one was uglier than the other.
Snorting he held the statue up to one of the cages and performed his ritual and much to his frustration received no response. He narrowed his eyes and growled, muttering curses at the simian inside the cage that cowered at the far back.
He turned his attention to the other one, this one two was trying to hide at the back of its cage, but it was staring the Monkey Master in the eye, as if it could see the power that infused every inch of Monkey Fist.
Something inside Fist told him that this was the monkey he had been after, he smiled slowly and lifted the jade statue up so that it was in line with the monkey. "Hey hairy!" He snapped his head around to see who had shouted at him.
He gave the owner of the voice a rather charming smile, at least it was charming for him. He bowed with a sweeping motion of his arm not letting his jade monkey go and spoke with an aristocratic tone "What a pleasant surprise my dear Shego. I am rather flattered you came all this way. Really, I was wondering when we'd see each other again."
Shego crossed her arms giving a thin smile "Always the gentleman."
He inclined his head "Should I be anything else? Now please, do tell me if you would be so kind, as to how you got inside."
Shego shrugged "The side door, you should really teach those monkeys not to eat strange bananas."
Fist grew serious for a moment and then nodded his head "I will indeed be teaching them that, but first I shall teach you where you belong."
"Where's that?"
He smiled "At my feet."
The pale woman let her arms fall to her sides, her hands balling into fists as they began to glow a dark green, her eyes narrowing "Give me the device and I'll let you keep your family jewels."
Monkey Fist smiled widely revealing his fangs, his own eyes narrowing as a slightly yellow glow shimmered into view around him briefly "Oh bring it."
Shego charged, a battle cry following after her while the monkey master stood there unconcerned, one hand behind his back the other holding the jade monkey to his side.
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"Hey! Use this!"
Ron didn't react to the yell but he knew that his mysterious partner had thrown him a weapon. But he couldn't take his brown eyes off the attacking monkey ninjas. This resulted with him getting smashed soundly on the head, he saw spots before his eyes as a broom clattered to the ground.
The ninjas took full advantage of his distraction, turning him into their own private punching bag. They immediately started to pile onto him, but were tossed off almost immediately followed by Ron springing back upwards spinning the broom treating it like a makeshift bo staff, he paused catching it expertly under one arm and eyed the ninjas "Time for me to sweep the floor."
The ninjas slapped their foreheads at his pun and Ron sighed "Sorry." They growled and charged at him. Ron reacted instantly sweeping upwards to catch one in the chin then spun the opposite way to catch another with a downward strike.
As it was smashed to the ground Ron drove the other end upwards into the chin of another and then immediately brought his weapon down on the head knocking it unconscious. He spun performing a single handed ankle sweep with the broom and then wrapped the broom under his arm as he grabbed the last one by the throat with an arc-hand strike.
They stared into the others eyes for a moment before Ron shot the end of his staff out striking it in the solar plexus driving the air out of it. He let it go so that it fell to the ground with an dull thud.
Ron surveyed his work and groaned as the few ninjas that he hadn't put out of action slowly regrouping. He immediately began to spin his broom in a defensive manner, keeping them at bay talking to himself "Maybe it would have been safer to face Kim upset."
One of the monkeys lunged forward mistiming the spinning weapon, thus getting smashed to the ground, Ron shook his head "No, this is definitely safer."
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Shego regained her feet and with a loud scream charged the so far untouched monkey master with unbelievable speed. It didn't help her efforts though, he merely side-stepped her charge and tripped her so that she went skidding face first along the aisle way.
Fist studied her for a moment, then sure that she was dazed for the moment he turned back to the cage and approached, starting to perform the spell. He was focused solely on what he was doing, but somehow he sensed Shego's renewed attack and threw a side kick catching her in the chest sending her sprawling backward on her rear.
The jade statue glowed briefly and then faded, this had the effect of causing the faded glow around him to pulse with extra power. He smiled feeling the effect and without thinking caught Shego's surprise punch and drove his knee into her face, busting her lip.
He let her hand go at the same time of his strike and watched as she flew backwards to crash into the shelves and then off of them onto her knees and hands.
She stood up slowly, wiping at her mouth glaring death at the unphased simian man. He merely gave her a cold smile and placed one hand behind his back the other continuing to hold his jade statue.
As if cued by an unseen force Shego attacked her fists burning hotter than ever, all her slashes left a glowing trail behind them. Monkey Fist dodged them all, barely even moving, now that he had a third of his power restored she was no where near his league.
Shego obviously grew more frustrated with each and every failed attack, redoubling her efforts. Monkey Fist ducked a particularly vicious slash at his head and then threw a front kick to her stomach doubling her up.
With unnatural speed he flipped upwards throwing one front kick followed by another to her chin, both of which lifted her high off the ground. He landed as she crashed to the earth before him, her limbs akimbo.
She laid there, stunned and unable to move, then she was on her feet once more her lip bleeding even more and her face bruised rather badly. She spit out whatever blood was in her mouth narrowing her eyes "I'm going to skin you alive."
Monkey Fist just smiled.
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The blonde boy spun his staff catching the last ninja that was attacking him on the side of the head sending him to the ground knocked out cold. Ron looked around expecting to find yet another ninja but instead found himself rather removed from the fight.
Indeed it seemed that Osamu was the one that the remaining ninjas were all focusing on and the mysterious boy was holding his own. He traded blow for blow and block for block. It was a rather beautiful, though brutal, ballet.
Ron took a step towards Osamu when he paused as the boy spun in the fight and shouted at the blonde "I got these rejects. You go get Fist."
Ron stood there a moment, uncertain, and then nodded decisively and tossed his broom staff at the other boy "Behind you!"
The broom nearly hit the other boy in the head, but Osamu ducked at the last minute allowing it to strike the monkey ninja behind him. Ron chuckled weakly backing out of the loading area muttering "Sorry."
Osamu scooped up the weapon and spun it expertly talking to himself "Yori-chan, your right about him. He's clumsy but definitely a master."
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Ron slammed the door behind him leading to the loading dock and then locked it. He turned staring at the empty Smarty Mart aisle ways, he let out a low whistle smiling "Ok, no time to be tempted. It's nothing special, sow what if your in an empty Smarty Mart...all alone..."
His eyes drifted from item to item for a moment as he fought the urge to dart forward and start taking them. He shook his head, summoning up his willpower and took off looking for Monkey Fist.
He managed to go a few aisle ways before he stopped and strained his ear to catch some clue to the monkey master's whereabouts. He just hoped that Rufus had found a safe place to hide, he'd have to recover him after this was all over.
Sighing he continued walking, eyes darting everywhere. None of the signs were in English so he couldn't find the pet section. He eventually reached the end of the aisle way he was following and looked left, then right. Which way? Might as well ask why Camp Wannaweep was still standing.
He looked up at the sign then he closed his eyes, emptying his mind the best he could, trying to let his inner self guide his actions. It was something that Master Sensei had taught him not that he had ever tried it before now.
He remained there for a moment unmoving and then opening his eyes he turned and started walking as if he knew exactly where he was going. After a while he paused and sighed looking heavenward "Do you think I could get a little help here?"
He was answered by silence and he couldn't help but mutter "Just thought I'd ask." He immediately continued his path beginning to doubt his inner self, after all if it was anything like his outer self it could get lost easily. This was dispelled when the loud crash of a fight reached his ears.
Smiling he began to jog towards the noise, which was ahead and to his right, whispering "Thanks."
As he jogged along he couldn't help but wonder where the other monkey ninjas were. No way would Fist be on the move with just twelve ninjas. He rounded the corner and skidded to a halt, the fight was louder than ever but his path was blocked by two black clad monkey ninjas.
They seemed as surprised by his appearance as he was. They stared at each other in silence until Ron slid into a fighting stance. One of the ninjas followed suit while the other remained motionless. Ron eyed them both ready for anything.
He was startled when the other started chattering to his companion in the fighting stance. They seemed to be holding a brief conversation and then quite suddenly they both bowed deeply and stepped out of his way.
With a wary eye he started past them, then paused turning to look back at the one that had started the conversation. Neither were standing, but holding their perfect bows. Ron felt a smile tugging at the corner of his lips and then turned continuing his jog towards the fight, silently thanking Chippy.
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As soon as he was on his way the two ninja's rose and shared a look with each other, a silent conversation passing between them then they turned to watch the aisle way as ordered.
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Ron began to pant slightly, jogging this far was not something he normally did. He redoubled his efforts and then before he knew it he was at the fight, he skidded as he rounded the aisle way for the first time wondering who was fighting Monkey Fist "Alright you over grown Lemur..."
Whatever else he was going to say was cut off as a black haired girl in a green and black spandex outfit came hurdling through the air to slam into him. He was knocked off his feet and sent backwards to crash into a set of shelves shattering items as they knocked it over, momentarily dazing Ron.
The wind whipped her long red hair playfully, making it dance as if it was alive. But that didn't bother or distract the very attractive young woman crouched down on the roof of the building neighboring Smarty Mart.
She studied it quietly, mentally figuring out how to enter the building. She'd left her ride a few buildings away, not wanting to draw to much attention to herself. Her muscled bunched, readying herself for her leap, she jumped without hesitation.
She launched high into the air and flipped three times before she landed in a fighting crouch on the other roof. Her green eyes darted left and right and then, certain that she wasn't about to be attacked, started towards the access ladder instinctively knowing that was how Ron had done it.
She grabbed the rails and planting her feet on the sides slid down it like it was a slide. When she reached the bottom she landed lightly, already reaching into her backpack to retrieve her lock picking kit.
She slid along the back wall, headed for the back door. As she came even with the door she reached out to check the handle and found it turned easily under her hand. She pushed it open and entered, listening for anything that might be a trap. It was absolutely quiet and she frowned continuing to slip along among the boxes.
She soon came to an astonishing sight, several destroyed crates, a ruined computer set up, and the bodies of scattered monkey ninjas. She blinked and then started forward in disbelief. If Ron did this, he might just actually be able to handle himself.
She shook her head, dreading to think of what he had to look like after such a vicious fight. She paused as one of the ninjas toppled from the top of a crate. She relaxed her fighting stance smiling slight upon seeing the familiar pink naked mole rat looking down at her expectantly.
She cupped her hands and began to hum the lullaby song. Rufus swayed for a moment and then toppled forward into Kim's hands. She cradled him for a moment and then slipped him into her pocket and stepping over the unconscious ninjas started towards the door.
She reached the door and finding it sealed she quickly put her lock picking tools to use, swinging it open in under four minutes. She couldn't remember any other time she had done it that quickly.
She stepped into the main store closing the door behind her, not bothering to lock it. Sighing she started to walk, reading the signs glad that she had decided that the Indian language was one she had decided to study. She couldn't help but think that if Rufus was awake it'd be a lot faster, not to mention easier, to find Ron.
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Ron groaned, his back felt like a thousand needles were jabbing into him. He was having a hard time breathing and then he realized why. He opened his eyes and found himself pinned under a vaguely familiar female form, though at that moment she was not conscious.
He carefully rolled her off of him and then stood, his back popping as he regained his feet. He shook his head, a black gloved hand coming to rest against his temple "Oh great, I've got a major headache and I'm going to get yelled at."
He looked up hearing the clearing of a throat and smiled brightly. "Ahh, Monty! Just the chimp I wanted to see!"
The simian man frowned "Excuse me? But how exactly did you get past my ninjas?"
Ron shrugged smiling "Hey, what can I say? I have mad fu skills." His face fell when Monkey Fist snorted and clutched that handle of a metal case. "So what now?" Ron asked trying to figure out how to deal with this situation.
Fist smiled cruelly setting his case down "What happens now my dear boy? Why now I kill you." Fist moved with blinding speed, planting a front kick to Ron's chin.
The blonde stumbled back and then slid into his own fighting stance, only to be struck two more times by the attacking monkey master. Ron moved back, working over time to try and block the kicks and punches.
He managed to grab an arm but before he could perform a counter attack Fist drove a punch into the blonds solar plexus, driving the air out of him. Ron backed off gasping for breath, but it did little good Fist grabbed the back of his head and drove him face first into his knee sending him sprawling backwards onto his back, blood trickling from his lip.
Ron laid there, gasping and blinded by pain, listening to the evil sounding laughter from his foe. He wasn't sure where he got the will, but Ron rolled over and scrambled up, backing away studying his enemy.
Monkey Fist had been moving much to fast to be normal. Then he saw the dim glow and felt the prickling of the Mystical Monkey Power. Ron barely kept from gasping in realization.
Ron's surprise was cut short as he was attacked yet again. This time however Monkey Fists strikes appeared less blur like to him, allowing Ron to block and retaliate on an equal footing, unconsciously drawing on his own one third of restored Mystical Monkey Power.
They're fight grew vicious, almost as if they were building towards a fight to the death. Fist threw a punch at Ron's face, but the blonde caught and redirect it, throwing a kick at his opponents knee only to have it blocked.
They're furious fight went on till at last Monkey Fist slipped a punch in followed immediately by a kick sending Ron backwards. The young man managed to catch himself against a shelf and then dodged to the right while a hammer fist plowed through where his head had been.
The blond rolled forward and to the side before standing, slipping into a fighting stance. He was greeted by Monkey Fist in the perfect counter stance, they stared at each other waiting for the other to make a move.
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Kim frowned slipping back to hide completely behind the shelf, two monkey ninjas were blocking her path the fight. The red haired girl frowned thinking, if she doubled back and came at this from the other side she'd be wasting precious time.
What could she do? She remained there listening to the fight and then snapped her fingers without making any noise whispering "Of course." She immediately turned and climbed the shelves.
Once on top she crouched down low and located the two ninjas, elated that they hadn't moved an inch, focusing on the aisle way ahead of them. Smiling slightly she turned her attention back to what was a head of her.
Readying herself she leaped forward landing in a crouch on the next row. She paused listening once she was sure they hadn't heard anything she proceeded to the next one. She continued her actions for several more before she stopped and try to catch her breath.
She discovered it was very hard to move without making any noise, he turned her head back to stare at the ninjas, then tensed up finding them gone. She immediately snapped her head around scanning her surroundings looking for them.
She couldn't find a trace of them, she kept her panic down this was so not good. She jumped to the next shelve landing in a fighting stance ready for anything. Just three more and she'd be staring down on Ron and Monkey Fists fight.
She dropped to her side suddenly catching one of the ninjas in the chin with a side kick. It fell backward and she rose into a standing position turning to stare at the other one. Kim readied herself just in time to block the ninjas attack, they exchanged blows for several minutes before he dropped his body throwing a leg sweep.
Kim reacted by jumping upwards and preformed a single handed back hand spring landing in a crouch her foot at the edge of the shelf, she narrowed her eyes watching as the ninja approached her ready to continue the battle.
Lacking any other options she leaped to the right heading for the next shelve, she cart wheeled in the air and landed in a crouch. She immediately turned her head to watch as the monkey ninja followed her and timing it the best could she threw a round house kick.
Instead of knocking the ninja out she caught it in the bridge of the nose, causing the ninja to drop like a rock down the side of the shelf. Kim stood there for a moment, then unwilling to waste any more time turned and jumped to the next shelve.
Her eyes instantly focused on the fight below her, Ron wasn't doing that bad actually, he was at least holding his own, but no way was he going to win. A tucking on her sleeve pulled her attention away and she looked down to see the pink hairless mole rat.
It was chattering at her quietly, trying to tell her something. Kim could manage to understand him every so often, but right now her anger with Ron and worry about his safety kept her from even getting close. She merely patted his head muttering "Later lil guy."
Rufus continued to try and chatter trying to tell her something, but seeing that it was pointless fell silent and retreated back into his pocket home disgruntled. Kim turned her attention back to the fight and worked out how to intervene.
With a small bit of frustration she decided that she would just have to do the direct approach. With a readying breath she jumped out into the air as if aiming for the next shelve, but she fell short, which of course is what she wanted.
With ease she planted a foot on a self and pushed off spinning around to throw a heel kick. The simian man didn't even look in her direction as her threw an arm up blocking her kick "Excuse me, but young Mr. Stoppable and myself are having a private conversation."
Kim blinked as she toppled to the ground on her hands and knees she rolled forward in the same movement and stood turning to stare at the man, her now sore leg in the back. She narrowed her eyes, her anger momentarily focused completely on Monkey Fist. No body brushed her off like that, nobody. His words had stung her worse than his block and that was not something she'd just let go.
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Ron darted his eyes from Fist to his rather angry looking girlfriend and then immediately returned them to the monkey master. If he knew Kim at all she would be attacking extra hard.
The three of them stood there, waiting, prepared for their battle. Monkey Fist had an odd smile on his face, he shifted his body weight slightly and moved a split second before Ron reacted.
He drove an elbow into Kim's cheek sending her stumbling backwards and threw a front kick to Ron's chin as he rushed forward sending the blond backwards stumbling. Monkey Fist reacted fast leg-sweeping Ron, immediately followed by a spin ax kick driving him into the shelves making it rock as he toppled face first to the ground. Fist spun back to face Kim who was attacking once more.
She shifted her weight to throw a jump kick, but found herself on the receiving end of a backfist that was followed by a punch and then a palm heel all before she crashed to the ground.
Monkey Fist spun back around to look at the prone form of Ron Stoppable, he smiled and strode over and kicked the boy so that he rolled over on his back. The Monkey Master gave a rather sadistic smile and placed his foot on his chest, pressing downwards as if to put him through the floor "That's better isn't it? Under my heel where you belong."
He stared down into the empty face, beginning to say something else when Ron's eyes snapped open and he grabbed the foot in an iron grasp wrapping his legs around the monkey master's leg trapping the knee.
Fist started to try and extract his leg, but was stopped by a hard kick to his back, he fell forward since Ron both let his leg go and pushed him upwards.
Monkey Fist slid slightly and then planted his foot and flipped himself upwards into a standing stance. He spun to stare at the two teen heroes, they both were in their fighting stance and both looked ready for a fight.
He gave them a genuine smile, even if it was demented "Bravo, I must say I am impressed." Whatever else he was going to say was cut off by a groggy sounding voice.
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"What semi hit me?"
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Kim and Ron both turned to stare at the owner of the voice. The green and black spandex wearing woman rose slowly, a hand pressed against her temple. She looked around, her bruised and battered face eliciting a slight gasp from Kim.
She narrowed her eyes when she spotted Monkey Fist she growled and started towards him "You!"
Monkey Fist gave her a sweeping bow "You're slipping Shego, but I understand that happens in ones old age."
Shego sped up her pace, completely ignoring Ron and Kim, but Fist gestured around them, pointing out to all three the monkey ninjas who were gathering around, some where even supporting unconscious brethren.
Shego paused and darted her eyes from ninja to ninja, then back to Monkey Fist. He smoothed out his black gi and walked over retrieving his case, he turned to stare at the three opponents.
"I believe it is time for me depart, this has been highly enjoyable." He gave a slight bow and stared daggers at Ron, then glanced at the others "We shall meet again I am sure."
Smoke suddenly filled the air, obscuring the three fighters view and making it easy for Monkey Fist to disappear, leaving behind only his smile, much like the Cheshire cats.
Shego lunged forward, hands blazing slashing at where Fist had been, obliterating the smoke she stopped and spun around to stare at the two teen heroes. She seemed to debate something, then shook her head "Ronny Poo, I hate to say it, but I'll have to leave you in Kimmie's barley adequate hands. I'm not up to an strenuous activities right now."
Ron and Kim stared at her blankly for a moment, then Kim let out a low grumble not that it phased the dark haired girl. She just gave Kim a condescending look and turned disappearing into the remaining smoke, some how managing to give her hips a seductive sway as she slinked off without a trace.
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Ron touched his busted lip gingerly and winced slightly, he was going to be extremely sore tomorrow. He shook his head and reaching up brushed his hair back turning to look around at the ruined store. He quickly decided that things could have went better.
Letting out a small sigh he turned to stare at his girlfriend who was brushing her own hair back. She finally looked at him "Are you alright?" Once he nodded she looked away and composed herself.
"KP, you alright?"
He started towards her, his body sore and screaming at him, but paused immediately when she turned her gaze back to him.
"I'm fine," she answered giving him a rather cool look. She looked around at the store and then looked at him "This it the last time we do this right?"
Ron blinked and began to scratch the back of his head "Er...Kp, what do you mean?"
Kim's face remained cool "This!" she gestured at the store around them and then back at him "You running off on your own. Without telling me. Getting in over your head."
Ron froze letting the insult churn in his mind, as he stared at his girlfriend "You think I was in over my head?" When Kim didn't answer he continued "You know, your right I should have told you," he rubbed his forehead before finishing the rest of his thought "But you should have trusted that I could have handled this myself."
"Oh yea, you handled it real well." Kim shot back.
Ron glowered a moment and then sighed "Just...lets just go home alright? I don't want to fight." He started past her heading for the front doors, but was shoved backwards slightly by Kim.
"No Ron, not until we understand that your not going to do this again."
Ron looked at her blankly and then took a step back. "I'm perfectly capable of handling a mission on my own." Kim crossed her arms, staring at him hard. Ron shook his head "Kim, this is what we do. You would have done the same thing, went running off to save the world and innocent lives."
Kim took a step forward and jabbed a finger into his chest "Yes, but the difference is I would have told you, brought you with me. Good lord Ron you're not me. You can't do anything."
Eerie silence followed as minds mulled that and other previous comments over, Ron finally brushed the accusing finger aside talking in a low, angry voice "How would you, no, how could you know Kim? I'm nothing but the sidekick to you, some guy to do the whole 'distraction' thing while you go be the hero. Since when did you stop and take notice of what I can do?"
"Ron! This isn't about that and you know it. This about you breaking a promise to me and not telling me what was up."
Ron snorted "Sure Kim, whatever. Face the facts I'm just suppose to wait for you when we have a mission, be your happy little shadow."
Kim reached up and placed her fingers to her temple "You know what?! Don't give me that, your the one that's always off with Yori! Your always with her!"
Ron stared at her with a look of disbelief on his face "This is not about her and me, besides your the one that's always telling me to go hang out with her. I'd be just as happy waiting at school for you."
"Oh? Then tell me what is this all about?" Kim demanded her eyes narrowed.
"About trust Kim. Trust." Ron told her without hesitation. "Admit it as soon as you found out I was on a mission you came charging along to 'help' because you didn't trust me to handle this."
"Trust? I can't get more trusting!" Kim nearly shouted
"What is that suppose to mean?"
Kim growled in frustration "Ron how stupid can you be?!"
Ron stared at her for a moment, almost as if she had slapped him, then spoke in a rather cool voice "I don't know Kim, why don't you tell me."
Kim stared at him in horrified realization at what she had said, but her ego wouldn't let her take it back. And she dearly wanted to take it all back.
The blonde pushed past her heading for the front doors; he paused and looked back at her waiting for her to join him, his face blank. Silently the red head walked over so that side-by-side they walked out into the crowded streets and towards the busy news crews.
Ron faded into the background, but he stayed close to her, but the news people focused on Kim and she responded in the normal way. But at the back of her mind she kept wondering about what she and Ron had really said.
Monkey Fist crossed his arms as he settled into the back of a covered truck. He had his eyes narrowed staring at Chippy, he didn't say a word and the other ninjas remained quiet.
The truck bumped and jostled them as it raced along the uneven ground, but Monkey Fist remained silent. He was not happy, he might have yet another part of his mystical monkey power restored but he had been betrayed. This was the last thing on his mind however, the device had been damaged.
His jaw muscles tightened as did his other muscles, he wasn't sure when or how it had happened, but it had. But it meant that he couldn't find his last target until he replaced it. He narrowed his eyes, loosing himself in thought, If he knew Drakken the blue skinned buffoon would have a spare. He always had a spare, he would just have to figure out how to get it.
However, he had learned on important fact this time around Kim and Ron were no longer just partners. It had been obvious to him, after all to be a Tae Sheng Pek Kwar master one had to read body language.
He closed his eyes and slowed his breathing trying to reach his mediation state, he wasn't sure how or why but he knew that Kim and Ron's new relationship would help him in his quest. He found he couldn't quite reach his mediation state, but he kept his eyes closed, allowing his mind to begin working on several plans.
Shego found herself leaning against the dirty brick wall a good distance from Smarty Mart. Her entire body was sore beyond belief and it had taken almost all of her will power to get this far.
Her joints felt weak and her mind seemed way to slow, now she knew what exhaustion was. What she wouldn't give to just pass out or fall asleep. Instead she fished inside her ruined spandex outfit and produced her cell phone.
She held it with a shaky hand, then she carefully made sure to push the speed dial number for Dr. Drakken "Dr. D..." she started once the phone was answered.
She fell silent listening to him, then reached up with a hand and touched her lip speaking "What do you mean your already in India? How did you know where I was at?"
She blinked and then shook her head, dropping her hand "I made that much of an entrance?" She looked down at her suit "What the hell are you doing microchiping my outfit?"
Whatever Dr. Drakken said didn't hold water with her, she looked up at the nearly quiet hum of the slow descending black dot of a hover craft as she spoke into the phone absently "Well just for that I'm tearing out those 'hidden' cameras in my bedroom and the ones in the bathroom."
She hung up and grabbed the rope ladder that descended to her a few minutes later. She painfully climbed up it and then into her seat next to the blue skinned genius. He turned to say something but she held up her hand "Just take me back to the lair...or I'll give you another scar."
Drakken nodded looking almost terrified and then using the steering controls lifted the machine back into the air, he glided the hover craft around and started back for the lair, the entire time sulking and wondering what had happened to Shego.
Ron plopped down on his bed, studying his pink mole rat friend who was munching on cheese puffs. He laid back stretching out on his messy bed staring up at his ceiling. He was in deep thought for several minutes and then suddenly spoke, drawing his pink friends attention "I think that I should have kept my mouth shut."
He heard the reassuring squeaking from Rufus and chuckled slightly reaching up to rub just above this eyes with the palm of his hands. He closed his eyes sighing letting his hands fall back to his sides.
Why had argued with her? It was stupid, it didn't make any sense. He admitted to himself that at the moment they were arguing it had made perfect sense, but now, well know he felt like an idiot.
He rolled over on his bed, ready to just pass into sleep. He didn't want to call her, fearful that they would argue all over again. He knew apologizing wouldn't work, he'd tried that already on the ride home. He felt a little resentment at that realization and grumbled, deciding that Kim could apologize but he wasn't going to do it again.
He was just about asleep when he jumped at a sudden falling sensation, he opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling then turned his head to stare at his now ringing cell phone. Sighing he sat up and answered it "Hello?"
He reached up rubbing the bridge of his nose "Oh hey Yori," he paused and gave a weak chuckle "Wrong? What makes you think anything's wrong?"
He listened to her for a moment and then sighed "Fine if you must know, yes there is something wrong. I got into a fight with Kim."
He shook his head listening to her and then expanded "Look, the fight was over something stupid. Things just got a little heated between us really."
He looked over at his pink friend who was still munching on his cheese puffs responding to whatever Yori had said "Yes, Monkey Fist managed to restore the third jade monkey."
He nodded and shrugged "Well, I did alright I suppose. I was holding my own for a while."
He blinked and then looked horrified "No way! I am not going to do any more training. No way, no how, nothing on earth can get me to go through that torture again."
He listened to her for a moment and then shook his head violently "No, I mean it. I have more important things on my mind than going through your torture."
He frowned and suddenly slapped his forehead "Alright, if I can work things out with Kim I'll start training again...This all happened at a bad time," He glanced at the clock before continuing " There's only twenty three hours left until her birthday."
He closed his eyes listening to her and then snorted "It's time for bed...so goodnight, " he paused and smiled slightly "And I met your boyfriend, Osamu."
"Yea, yea...that's what me and Kim said for nearly sixteen years." he chuckled and shook his head "Anyway, Goodnight." He listened to whatever she said then hung up on her.
He stared at his cell phone, he wanted to just go to sleep, but he couldn't just bring himself to go to sleep without talking to Kim. He didn't want to call though, knowing that he was still upset and hurt.
"Rufus, do you think I should call her?" He asked quietly looking over at his pet who was licking his claws. The naked mole rat looked up at the blond and shrugged.
They stared at each other for a moment and then Ron sighed hitting the speed dial number for Kim. He just couldn't live with himself if he didn't at least say goodnight.
It rang ten times before it was finally picked up. He licked his lips and then just plunged on "Listen Kim, I'm just calling to say goodnight" He paused and then sighed "and I love you."
He listened to the brief silence that filled the line before Kim responded, saying it back to him. He didn't get to say anything else because the line went dead. Ron turned off his cell phone, beginning to wonder why he was the one feeling so bad. She was the one that had called him stupid and told him he couldn't do anything and then refused to accept his apology.
He snorted and put his phone on the table beside his bed then rolled over, leaving the over head light on because he was unwilling to get up. He closed his eyes and tried to force himself to relax while letting his anger and guilt go.
It didn't work that well he still felt like the whole fight was his fault and at the same time that it was all Kim's fault. Finally, at three in the morning he managed to drift off into a dreamless sleep, the entire time wondering why he felt so guilty.
AR:
guest: I'm glad that you liked my stories so much. (I'm thrilled you bothered to read all of them) I'm especially glad to hear that I've managed to keep Ron's personality in intact. I'm sorry about the long delay in updating.
dustinbanks: Here's the next one so enjoy.
Electric: (Yea, you are a slow reader) Anyway, I'm glad you think its well written and excellent, and yes he was back, but he's gone now. I updated as soon as I could.
red52:I now sport Red52 Approval! Thank you, no seriously thank you. ... I'm glad the fight scenes earned an Excellent, and the Character Portrayal a perfect and everything else a To damn good. I will keep it up as long as you keep reading and reviewing and make sure to tell me where I mess up.
Mr.Elliot: Don't kick yourself, just leave another review. I'm glad the twists are good (though some may not be true) And yes, that might be my one gift taking all the different plotlines and weaving them into one climatic scene.
I have an answer for your question: Yes, the line in Othello applies to what Yori keeps telling Monique. It is her cryptic way of telling Monique she's jealous, though whither it's because she wants Ron or because of Ron being Kim's best friend...that is the question. So no, its not your over-active imagination (is there even such a thing?)
OsuwariTetsusaiga: Yes! I'm glad that its all that. Well, you might be right or you might be wrong. S'ok about being ditz I can be a bit of a moron myself
stevetheloser: Glad this is a great story and yes you will and never will it end.
Spice of Life: Thanks
ainominako: What can I say about your review? I thank you again for pointing out my grammar mistakes; but I must tell you that no matter which spell or grammar checker I use they say that the correct spelling for the plural form of Monkey is Monkeys not Monkies.
Monkey Fist: I am sorry for leaving you hanging, but alas, I had to ensure that others would come in for the next chapter, I try to update quickly, but it's like someone keeps throwing a monkey wrench into the works. Osamu is interesting, even if he doesn't stick around for long. Hey, he didn't do anything stupid. He followed orders exactly "only let a monkey master pass." and Ron meets those requirements. Hey, no worries, my species is quite offensive. I would use tape, it works great glances at the minions then back I would recommend duck tape, it works on everything. I shall try to keep up the superb work and good day to yourself.
japanesejewel: You enjoyed that line uh? Please don't go postal on me...though...maybe with the way the postal system goes, I won't have to worry for a few months.
ss3dj: Glad you enjoyed your guest shot and it wasn't over until this chapter. .
Yamal: Glad you enjoyed the chapter, and that the story seems to be flowing well. As for how Ron's car will perform, Just wait, it'll be either massively cool...or well...there won't be much left of the U.S. You've learned more about Shego and Monkey fist? Impressive, and yes, Frugal Lucre made an appearance, I just has to use him. I hope the plot development scenes showed up...I'll keep them up, I always do.
warprince2000: Glad it's cool
AN: At long last, I updated. Not much to this one I'm afraid, but at least its an update so maybe you won't hate me to much. I have no idea when the next one will occur since, A) I doubt anyone will leave a review and B) I must begin looking for a new job since where I'm working is closing.
Anyway, I do hope you enjoyed this installment, that nothing was to wrenching, and that you'll leave a nice review.
Sincerely,
Geor-sama