Chapter 17
-A Hero?-
By Geor-sama
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Kim stared at Ron, unmoving as if she had turned into a living statue. It was not a new condition, after they had moved to one of the spare sleeping quarters and Ron had begun his story she'd sat in the same position. In all honestly, the first time she heard the story she had been listening with rapt attention, the second time around however she was half-listening half lost in though.
However much she thought she could do anything, wrapping her mind around everything that she had been told, just seemed beyond her abilities. However, she was giving it a valiant effort, instead settling on a simplified concept: Ron was a hero, not because of choice, but because of other people.
Once she had that concept she could look at the blond boy in a new light, he had his head leaned back against the wall, eyes closed. It was then that she noticed that he looked like her when she remembered just how much weight she was carrying on her shoulders. It was frightening to think that she had been so self-absorbed in her 'hero business' that she never noticed that her best-friend, the guy she depended on and loved more than anyone, was bearing just as much weight as she was.
She wasn't sure what to say, words escaped her. How long had he been bearing this weight quietly? Before these ninjas had laid all this mess at his feet? Before high school? When had it hit him, the same time it had her?
Finally, she said the only words that made any sense to her right then "Wha?"
He opened his eyes and looked at her with a familiar weariness. He took a breath before letting it out again "Oi, KP do I really got to tell that whole story again?"
Kim shook her head, sitting forward on the thin mattress of the bed "No, just...you're a great mystical hero uh?"
He gave a weak chuckle "Yea, surprise."
The red head shook her head slightly in amazement and then sighed, "So they really expect you to stop Monkey Fist by yourself?"
At this he closed his eyes shaking his head "No, remember that prophesy I mentioned? It boils down to me having to kill him."
Kim's eyebrows shot up, almost into her hairline. That would explain a lot, she quickly regained control of her emotions "Are you," she paused staring at him closely "Are you going to do it?"
Ron opened his eyes and sat forward, staring at her feet "I don't want to, I just...if I don't do it then he'll keep coming till he kills me and then-" He fell silent letting the meaning of what he was saying sink in.
"He'll kill me and our families?" Kim asked quietly, already knowing the answer.
"Everybody." Ron's voice sounded thick with some nameless emotion. He lifted his head and looked up at her "You saw what the mystical monkey power is capable of. He's already unstoppable; it won't be hard for him."
Kim remained quiet for a moment, staring back at him. She gave a slight nod before sliding off the bed to sit on the floor across from Ron "Well, you have the power too. That's what you said, so if he's unstoppable that means you're unstoppable, so it's not over."
He looked away from her, staring at the bare floor "Kp," he paused placing his head in his hands "I never told Yori, I wasn't going to tell you cause I knew what you'd think but I got to..." he shook his head falling silent.
"What is it?"
"Monkey Fist, he offered me a deal." the blond said softly, still not moving his head from his hands "If I gave up and let him have all the power then he'd leave Middleton and you alone. A gift among brothers." He finally looked up "I wanted to take that deal, I almost did, but I couldn't."
"Ron," Kim whispered unsure of what to do or say.
"Kim, I wanted to give up. I wanted it all to be over, I wanted him to take all the power just so I wouldn't have to fight him." he stared at her, as if he was expecting her to run away from him "I was willing to just let him have the world as long as I could keep you and our families safe."
"I don't see why-" Kim started when he placed his head back in his hands.
"KP, I wanted to give up and everyone's expecting me to be some great hero that'll save the world. I don't want to be a hero, I just want-" whatever else he wanted he never said, but Kim said it for him.
"You want to be an ordinary teenager, worry about ordinary things. Be able to go out on a date and not have to worry about super villains trying to conquer or destroy the world because you're distracted."
Slowly he lifted his head, eyes wide in surprise and nodded. Kim got to her feet and walked over to sit next to him before she continued, "There's nothing to be ashamed of Ron. It's not as if you're the only one here that wants those things. I actually long for them all the time."
After that, the conversation seemed to die, neither seeming to be able to find any words that could be said. Each was lost in their own thoughts about what had been admitted and the feelings that had come about because of it.
Finally, Kim spoke up, breaking the silence "Ron, I don't know if I believe in all this mystical stuff." He turned towards her, causing her to turn and face him as she continued "But you're a hero and I don't care what these ninjas say were going to go through this together."
"Kp-" Ron started to say before she placed a finger to his lips silencing him. She shook her head, then removed her finger replacing it with her lips in a tender kiss.
It lasted for several minutes, stretching out longer than any previous kiss they had shared. Finally, they broke the kiss but they're eyes remaining locked. Without a word being spoken, Kim reached out and took his hands lying back so that he was pulled forward on top of her.
As if some silent understanding passed between them, Ron lowered his head and captured Kim's mouth in another kiss, this one intense and loving at the same time.
The room was sterile white, like a million other hospital rooms. It held no pictures nor did it even have a TV. Generally, it lacked every object that would denote visitors or patients some comfort. Not that the figure stretched out in the medical bed cared.
For the last few hours they had been breathing through they're mouth, they're nose covered with thick gaze. Brown eyes stared at the blank ceiling forcing the pain further into their unconscious mind with the help of the pain killers in they're system. Finally, he clenched his fist then released the tension. Clenching his jaw muscles, he began moving, swinging his legs over the side of the bed to sit up.
He looked down at his hand and carefully removed the IV taped to the back of his hand. That done he turned his attention to the gleaming handcuff holding him to the bed. He studied it for a moment then ran his tongue into the crevice between cheek and gum, then feeling the small metal tube he pried it loose dropping it into an open hand.
He dried it using his hospital gown, his hands perfectly calm. He studied the small tube, he'd spent many years learning all the tricks that he could and this was one of them. The man tapped the tube on his thumbnail until the wire inside slipped out.
Now he reached the difficult part, with a preciseness that was very hard to maintain he stuck the wire halfway into the tube and used it as a lever to bend the strip of metal between the two incisions. The minute strip of metal slowly bent to the right angles of the tube, giving him a handcuff key.
He slipped the key into his handcuff and twisted popping it free, and then swayed as he rose to his feet. He cautiously took a step, easing his weight slowly onto his foot, nearly collapsing from his lack of strength. Catching himself, he made slow, yet steady, progress towards the closet.
Once he was dressed in his black ninja pants, he turned considering his possibilities. His room probably had a guard posted outside the door; no way could he take them now. He studied the window, frowning it was a security window opening just enough for air to get inside.
This was his fault, he should have gone for the kill not stopped and gloated. Stoppable was a volatile individual, he knew that. One minute a joke and the next very dangerous. It was a mistake that he didn't intend to repeat.
He began scanning the room once more, wondering how exactly he could escape. This was interrupted when the door to his room eased open revealing the small forms of four ninja monkeys. They stared at him with a detached interest, one that he returned as well.
"How?"
The ninja's held up a small metallic ball then slipped it back into they're clothes. He nodded, starting towards them slowly "Chjoi sent you?"
In response, they nodded and turned disappearing out into the hallway, Dainiori right behind them. The tall ninja paused looking at the unconscious bodies filling the hallway and then smiling started off down the hallway towards an elevator. The monkey ninja's surrounded him, acting as if they were bodyguards.
Wade stared at the blue rectangle on his screen, frowning ever so slightly. The flashing letters declaring a loss of a signal, which were two hours old, had prompted him to run every diagnostic program he and all the other government agencies had. Everything seemed to be in working order, it was just that the station was now missing.
He slowly began typing on his keyboard, thinking. He had no handy answers to this problem so he had to be patient and think. He paused, his eyebrows drawing themselves together deep in thought.
Turning he typed a quick command into the prompt bringing a secondary screen to life revealing the annoyed looking Doctor Possible. He was leaning against the computer desk, his mouth set into a thin line.
"Finally," the man said "I've been trying to get a hold of you for the last hour."
Wade turned his attention back to his main system "Sorry, been trying to get a hold of the station and Kim's communicator but no luck so far."
The father sighed "Well, you'll just have to try harder Wade. The MUSA Satellites are giving preliminary information, that stations orbit is decaying at a rapid rate."
"How long do they have?"
"Maybe ten hours, by noon tomorrow the station's going to be crashing. Best scenario is a water crash, but that's not very likely." He paused and turned his attention to someone off screen "Tell Mr. O'Keefe I'll talk to him later."
"Do you have any ideas on how to stop the decay in orbit?" Wade asked, his fingers picking up speed.
"We're not sure, but there are small rockets located on the station. I designed them to maintain orbit, so they might work, but until we know what's going on we have nothing."
The boy genius nodded "I'll get a hold of them I promise, you guys just concentrate on figuring out what to do." He turned looking at the worried parent on the screen "Besides like Kim say's 'She can do anything.' she can handle this."
The man gave the chubby ten year old a nod and shut off his connection. Wade turned back to the monitor still flashing the blue lost signal dialog box, frowning he reached up rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands. Then started talking to himself "Ok, how are you gonna solve this one Wade?"
Monkey Fist stared out from the bow of the ship, hands clasped behind his back staring at the horizon. His gaze was thoughtful; it had been a stroke of brilliance to use Kim Jong IL's enthusiasm to his advantage. An American space plane in exchange for his freedom was a bargain and the two countries would be so engrossed in fighting over the plane they would forget about him.
He glanced down at the wooden deck of the stolen fishing boat and then back up at the horizon. He would have allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, but despite all his accomplishments, he could not rest. Even with his mystical monkey power restored he was not at full power, he could not rest until he had all the power.
He narrowed his eyes, teeth grinding slightly in his anger. The buffoon should have given up by now, not play 'hero'. Suddenly Monkey Fist relaxed, his anger seeming to dissipate. It didn't matter, let the buffoon do as he wished, he'd just take the power by force, which was easy enough.
He allowed a vicious smile to twist his lips, revealing the fangs he bore now. He knew how to do it; he could already feel the shudder of death already going through the buffoon's body. All he had to do was draw the boy to him. He could have done it at the station, would have been easy enough, but that would not be right.
No, he wanted to see the life fade from the boys eyes. Wanted to see the knowledge that he had failed wash over his face. He wanted to see the look of despair in Kim's eyes when he snapped the boy's neck.
For that, Stoppable had to be awake and at Monkey Fist's mercy, which according to what he had planned would be easy enough. Monkey Fist clenched his hand into a fist, causing a dim green glow to appear around his hand. He would be the only monkey master, he would control the Lotus Blade and nobody, not even a foolish upstart, would change that.
He let his hand relax and considered the slowly bighting horizon. He would reach his cave temple soon, perhaps after sunrise. Either way, he would see the sunrise and he couldn't help but think about his wife for one brief moment.
The raven-haired beauty sat down slowly on the couch in the living room, her eyes having taken in the familiar space of the modest yellow house as soon as she entered. She turned her attention to the tall, blond woman that had escorted her into the room.
"I'm sorry," the woman said "But Ronald's not here. He hasn't been since yesterday."
The Japanese girl nodded her face friendly hiding the fact that her mind was racing "Do you know where he went?"
The woman shook her head walking over to straighten a picture of the family "No, he's probably run off with that girl and eloped." Despite her lack of physical reaction, her voice betrayed what she thought of that.
"I doubt that Ron-san would do that." Yori said from her spot on the couch, "He would prefer his mother was at his wedding I am sure."
The blond woman turned looking at the seated girl "Maybe if it was up to him, but that girl has taken over. She's got all the control over the boy and she's changing him." The older woman sighed, "I wish he could have met a nice girl like you. You wouldn't change him."
Yori remained silent, keeping her opinions to herself. It would do her no good to tell this woman that Kim was not the one changing Ron. "I would not change him Mrs. Stoppable."
The woman gave Yori a sweet, appreciative smile "Would you like to stay for breakfast? I've fixed more than enough."
Yori shook her head and stood, smoothing out her plaid skirt "I can not, I must return to home."
The woman nodded, looking slightly disappointed "Oh, of course. My husband will drive you."
Yori shook her head "I don't think he can. I am returning to Japan, I-tell Ron-san goodbye for me." When the tall woman nodded, Yori bowed at the waist and then turned striding out of the living room towards the front door.
She paused, hand hovering over the doorknob looking at the stocky, short man that was Ron's father. He shook his head and spoke softly to her "My wife is pretending. Ron is in space on a mission, she always pretends he's run off when he goes on a mission."
Yori raised an eyebrow speaking softly as well "Gomen Stoppable-dono. I am sorry for bothering you this early, I didn't know."
The man made a reassuring motion with his hand "Don't worry about it dear, you had no way of knowing." He smiled reaching out to pat her shoulder, the paused lowering his hand back to his side a weird look crossing his face "Have a safe trip."
Yori nodded ever so slightly, noticing the look but playing it off "Domo Stoppable-dono. Please tell Ron-san I could not say goodbye in person." She gave him a smile and then turned opening the door.
Once outside she paused and looked around at the early morning of the quiet neighborhood. She should leave; it wouldn't be long until her plane left for Japan. Now, for some reason, something was holding her here. Sighing she closed her eyes starting towards the sidewalk, her only option was to talk with Master Sensei.
Fingers moved with blinding speed over a keyboard, while a chubby African-American boy leaned forward bathed in the ethereal glow of the flat screen monitor. Strings of white syntax disappearing rapidly on his monitor as he continued to type. He paused leaning in his chair, blinking his dry eyes.
Yet another all nighter, he was used to them by now, but he still didn't like them. With a sigh he rubbed at his eyes to make them water; once the dryness was gone he sat forward resuming his typing. He continued for a moment and then paused, muttering to himself about what steps he should take next. Sighing he turned towards another monitor, and pushed the power button bringing it to life.
"Wade," the older man said on the other side, his tone reserved. His eyes seemed duller now, as if an all nighter was more than he could handle.
The computer genius returned to his work, focusing all his attention on the blinking cursor on the monitor. "I think I've got a way of connecting to the station. I'm going through sub-level communication satellites and then bounce the signal off the Global Justices satellite."
"Don't tell me about it, just do it." the older man said irritable then paused, rubbing the bridge of his nose "Sorry Wade. No sleep and I'm worried, I shouldn't have snapped like that."
The genius shrugged it off, almost all of his resources focused directly on the screen in front of him "Figure out how to stop the decay in orbit with those rockets?"
"Yes, if we can get one system online and patched into the station control protocols we can use the rockets to restore its orbit." The man paused "We just don't know if we have a system there that's working."
"The loading bay, where Kim and Ron landed there space plane, has an operating system. At least according to the CIA's spy satellite." Wade mumbled as he continued typing "What are the actually chances of that plan working?"
The rocket scientist rubbed the back of his neck, looking reluctant "About twenty percent." he sighed, "That's a conservative estimate."
Wade nodded "I'll make sure it'll work, I promise." He paused glancing at the man "Shouldn't be hard, after all she's Kim Possible she can do anything."
The older man seemed unamused and shut off the video link without a word. Wade looked back at his screen and resumed typing ten more satellites, which belonged to several of governments that would not appreciate what he was doing, and he could send it to the station pumping through the GJ communication satellite at triple power.
In the bright light of the late morning, the lush plant life seemed to whisper as the medium built man slowly weaved his way along a hidden path. His black hair was pulled back into a short ponytail on top of his head, his brown eyes darting everywhere in search of the missing monkey ninjas. Now that he was back, on the island, his bodyguards had deserted him and the lack of noise set him on edge.
Dainiori paused, placing a hand on the trunk of a palm tree, forcing down the pain he felt. The hours he spent returning to this island had worn him out and the pain medication was fading quickly, thankfully, he still had his natural pain suppressing skills. Pushing off the tree once his world had stopped spinning he continued along the path.
Minutes later, over hanging leaves moved out of the way and the young Japanese man shuffling entered the clearing. He studied the dark gray of mountainside, then moved forward passing through the door way and starting to down the spiraling, rough-hewn stairs. It seemed like forever before he managed to reach the cave temple, pausing on the platform giving him a bird's eye view of the area.
He looked at the half-lit temple, eyes roaming over the pillars and the jade statues. The flicked upwards to where the two stone gorillas had stood and noticed that they were missing, frowning he locked down searching for the Lotus Blade and his master. He found his master, standing perfectly still, back towards the stairs and studying the gleaming Lotus blade.
Dainiori descended the last few steps, then feet slapping against the smooth stone floor, approached his master stopping at the outer edge of the monkey design. He bowed ever so slightly, eyes staying focused on the back of the wild haired looking man "I have returned master."
"Indeed," the man intoned without turning. There was a moment of silence and he continued, "Only because you're quest for vengeance failed. Still, I must wonder did you even try to kill Stoppable."
Dainiori snapped his head up, everything falling into place. Chjoi had betrayed him, now to survive he would have to do a great deal of fast talking "Master, I only sought to save you the trouble. He is not worth your energy to bother with."
The English lord turned slowly, hands still held behind his back as he considered the fast talking ninja. He smiled slowly "Of course you did," Dainiori felt the panic in his stomach fade.
"Of-" Whatever else he was going to say was cut off when he found his lords iron grasp around his throat choking him. Wide eyed he felt his feet leave the floor and he struggled to get free.
"You have lied to me; I can smell your fear." Monkey spoke softly, but his voice seemed very loud to the futile struggling ninja. He tightened his grasp, mystically enhanced muscles bulging slightly "You believe that by killing him you can take his power. Then you believed you could kill me and take my power as well, it's an obvious thought."
Dainiori tried to choke out a response, but his face was beginning to turn blue from the lack of oxygen. Monkey Fist studied his victim for a moment and then released him, the ninjas legs collapsed under him and he remained in a gasping heap.
"I would suggest you leave now," The simian lord said, looking as if he had done nothing more than walk across the room "Leave Stoppable to me, next time he might very well kill you."
"N-no," the ninja managed before lifting his head to stare at the monkey lord "I will kill him, he's nothing."
Monkey Fist let a cruel smile twist his lips "You think you can kill a monkey master?" he shook his head "Even if I do not like it, right now Stoppable is a monkey master and you Dainiori are nothing. Just as you were when you were Fukashima."
The ninja slowly managed to rise to his feet, he squared his shoulders and spoke with a confidence he didn't feel "I am Dainiori, I will have the power. Not some outsider or an insane foreigner!"
Monkey Fist stared at the young man for a moment, considering him. His smile becoming cold "What entitles you to this power?"
Dainiori stared unflinchingly into the former brown eyes that now glowed green with power. "You ask what entitles me to the power. What of you, what have you ever done to earn the power other than thievery and deceit?"
Monkey Fist's voice, which before had held a semi-balance of humanity and warmth, now lacked such qualities. His eyes narrowed, the glow seeming to become brighter "Thievery and deceit? Do you even know that power comes from self-sacrifice? I have sacrificed an existence with a family for my power; I sacrificed my own wife to the darkness so that I could have this power."
Dainiori took an involuntary step backwards, despite the fact that the simian man hadn't moved. He opened his mouth to say something when Monkey Fist cut him off "I pledged my daughter to the darkness as well for the power and I have spent all that my family owned to continue my path to my power."
Dainiori took another step back, eyes wide, then stopped seeming to gain control over himself "Maybe you have earned it, but why has Stoppable earned the power? I've given up my home and left my family for this and he's done neither."
Monkey Fist was quiet for a moment, his body language changing slightly to show that he was not going to lash out physically "Stoppable is unique. He has sacrificed much of what he could have been to something greater; he has given all he owns that is of any worth to someone." The simian lord paused, staring at the ninja "He should be bitter and hurt and yet he's not. All that he's suffered; the rejection, the ridicule, and emotional torture that the likes of you could never dream of and he's still pure and happy."
"How can you know that?" Dainiori asked desperately, trying to find some way to keep his self-entitlement intact.
Monkey Fist let a twisted smile fill his features "I have spent time roaming his dreams, our ties to the Mystical Monkey Power binds us in many ways. I have watched him in both the waking and the dreaming world; there is nothing about him I do not know."
Dainiori's eyes widened slightly and the simian lord tilted his head "You will not leave him alone, you will not stop till he has killed you." Without any movement to suggest he was about to move Monkey Fist crossed the gap between the two and struck, driving an arch hand strike to the ninjas jugular.
Dainiori collapsed, holding his throat, trying to breath. Standing over him he heard the distant sounding voice of Monkey Fist "I was going to kill Chippy, but now I can't help but wonder if I should kill you instead." His tone grew more conversational "Should I kill the ninja that would serve my rival who has shown him kindness or the ninja that would serve no one but himself and seeks my power."
Dainiori managed to croak out his answer "Not m-" Whatever else Dainiori was going to say was lost as Monkey Fist dropped an ax kick snapping the ninja's neck. The English lord remained motionless, staring at the lifeless body as it went limp.
"Ninjas do not shrink from death." He said softly, eyes sliding over to a few ninja monkeys that appeared on the stairs. "Remove this waste." as four ninjas slowly moved towards the lifeless form Monkey Fist stared at Chjoi "Has Chippy left yet?"
Chjoi nodded and the simian man smiled widely "Good, now then let's see if he appreciates this honor. Not many get to serve two masters at once." Chuckling he turned and resumed his position staring at the Lotus Blade, everything would be over soon and he would be the only Monkey Master.
The somber surroundings were familiar, the low silver mist and the impenetrable darkness a second home to the figure seated in the lotus position. Her attractive face was blank, her eyes closed and her figure hidden beneath the red and gold uniform. Her black hair was pulled into a bun on the back of her head.
Slow even breathing was the only sign that she was alive, yet it was so slight that it was barely noticeable. Suddenly she opened her eyes, looked across the expanse of darkness, and found an old man, dressed just as she was and seated in the same position. The two considered each other and then the woman spoke.
"Gashi Master Sensei."
"Gashi Yori-oshiego" The old man said softly, studying his student "What has made you seek my guidance?"
"Ron-san has refused to continue training, it is my fault. I believe I should leave yet I can feel something holding me here." The girl said softly, lowering her gaze to the mist that surrounded both of them.
"His refusal to train is it truly because of your actions or is it because he believes he can handle what lies ahead."
"I-I do not know for certain Master Sensei. I have thought on those possibilities and all I can see is my failings as a teacher." Yori's voice dropped, almost as if she were about to cry.
"Do not be so hard on yourself, you have not failed him. He is ready for all that lies ahead, he does not know it consciously but in his heart he feels it." Master Sensei shook his head "You made no mistakes with him, you taught him the best way you knew how and that is all one can do."
Yori lifted her head, eyelashes glistening with unshed tears "Then why do I feel that I have failed and must stay? Why Master?"
The old man seemed to consider what she said for a moment before answering, "Because you love him, not as a wife to husband or even lover to lover, but as teacher to student, friend to friend. You see what is coming far clearer than he does and you fear for him."
"I-I master, I'm confused. Ninja do not feel this way, not towards students they've taught." Yori said, her voice trembling slightly.
The old man gave her a bemused smile "Who said that you were the teacher? He has always been your teacher, he will always be." He lowered his eyes "Ninja are human Yori-oshiego, we detach our emotions, but there are those that make us unable to do so. Stay that is what your heart is telling you. Help him as you can, I see far clearer than either of you."
"What do you see Master?" Yori asked her voice and countenance returning to the normal inscrutability that she always wore.
The old man stared at her, any humor that he had felt gone "When it is done, when there is but one master, he will have lost the most important thing to him."
Yori's eyes went wide, whispering a single name "Kim-dono."
The old man nodded "Hai that is why you must stay. If it is Monkey Fist that wins you must destroy the statues, if it is Stoppable-san then you must give him the one gift you have left."
"What if I cannot help Ron-san in this way?" Yori asked softly
"Then, it would be far better if we allowed Monkey Fist to win." Master Sensei responded without hesitation. "Purity cannot remain pure if it looses its heart." He paused, his look turning melancholy.
"You're mother is so very proud of you, you grow more and more like her every day." he said a note of sad pride in his voice. Yori looked at him unflinchingly and then lowered her head, eyes closing and said nothing.
Kim was first to stir, her mind still clouded with sleep beginning the slow process of identifying the various things she felt before opening her eyes. Once her mind had processed that she began to wonder why an arm was draped across her waist and why she was missing her clothes. Then when a warm, male body pressed against her back and the arm pulled her tight against them she had the answers to her questions.
That accomplished she cracked her emerald green eyes open to stare at the wall ahead of her, a satisfied smile appearing on her lips. Without a conscious thought, she pressed back against the spooning body behind her. She made a soft noise of contentment, listening to his muffled snoring. Her eyes drooped until they closed once more and the matched her breathing with his without thinking.
Despite her apparent state of sleep, she was awake and sleepily basking in the moment. The way his body felt against hers, the way he shifted behind her and his snoring grew louder. She did feel different in a good way, just as Monique had said and she knew what her mother meant not that she would ever tell her mom until way after being married.
Her thoughts were disrupted by a soft kiss planted on her bare shoulder. Her smile grew when a finger from the arm draped across her began making circles on her stomach. To show her approval she made a throaty sound, pressing back against him.
"Mornin Kp," a drowsy voice whispered.
"Don't think its morning Ron," Kim responded in an equally drowsy voice.
The blond chuckled, planting another kiss on her shoulder letting it linger for a moment. "So, what'd you think? Was it everything you expected?"
Kim laughed "Much better actually," she paused, letting a yawn escape before going rigid and letting out a quick, heavy breath. "Ron!"
"What?" The boy asked sounding completely innocent.
Kim opened her eyes and turned her head, panting a little; as she looked at his grinning face, "You keep those fingers still and above the border." She paused a low moan escaping her "Do it or I break them."
Her tone was about as serious as it could sound considering what was happening But Ron stopped anyways and gave her a mock pout "Spoil sport."
Kim, flushed but smiling, lowered her head back to its original position. The two teens laid there, for the moment free from everything that plagued them in their lives. It was easy for them to pretend that they were just two normal teens lying in some motel or in one of their bedrooms. This however could not last, much too both teens displeasure.
The soft insistent beeping from the scattered clothes and space suits quickly grew annoying. Kim grumbling pulled herself out of Ron's grasp, snagging her pants and scooted back into his embrace. Sighing she fished in the pockets until she grasped the communicator and turned on the screen "What's the sitch Wade?"
The worry in Wades face disappeared for an instant in curiosity "Kim-are you guys lying down?" He tilted his head ever so slightly blinking.
"Yes, we wanted to take a nap. Now what's on the agenda?" Kim responded easily.
"Sorry about the delay but when the station died I had to route my signal through several satellites so that would be strong enough." He saw the impatience in Kim's features and continued, "With the station dead in space, its orbit is beginning to decay rapidly. You'll crash to Earth sometime within the next three hours."
"I'm Sorry!" Ron suddenly shouted, "I promise I'll never cheat on a test again."
Kim rolled her eyes sitting up slowly, making sure that all Wade could see was her face "Wade, what's the good news?"
The boy genius began typing quickly "Simple, you and Ron just have to rewrite some protocols in the loading bay where your ship is. It's the only still functioning part of the station."
"How will that help?" Kim asked, her eyebrows moving close together in thought.
"Well, you're dad put some rocket adjustors on the station, if you can get the loading bay's protocols rewritten I can access them through a terminal and then fired the rockets, stopping your decay in orbit."
Ron sat up as well; looking relieved "So, how long should this take?"
Wade shrugged "Not sure, I'm pretty much making things up as I go along." he smiled "So shall we get started?"
Kim and Ron remained silent then looked at each other and then back at the boy genius "Give us a few minutes Wade, say about twenty of them."
"Why?" Wade asked, tentative about the response he'd get.
Kim was the one that answered him "Because we have to put our clothes back on and they're sorta scattered at the moment." They three of them stared at each other and then Kim killed the screen leaving the sputtering Wade without a view.
Monkey Fist stared at the gleaming silver sword; his eyes unfocused as he enjoyed the sensation the power inside gave him. He slowly reached out; his mind not really focused on what he was doing and wrapped his hand around the handle, finding that the blade did not even protest his grasp. A smile twisted his lips as he lifted the sword from its resting spot.
He felt the power within the weapon far better than he had last time. It was as if it was his one with his body, it felt perfectly balanced in his hand. He twirled it slowly, eyes closing; he could almost swear it was whispering to him. Moving his arm a little faster he made a figure eight in front of him with the sword, the gleaming blade flashing through the air.
The sword began to whistle, as if singing to him, as he moved his arm faster and faster. He had started stationary but was now moving with slow, even movements, spinning with the sword, slicing and dicing invisible enemies. When he brought himself to a stop he smiled, it was amazing his mind had been so focused that he hadn't even thought about what to do.
That alone had been the true prize of the power, the pure bliss and the connection with everything. Turning he walked back to the alter carefully setting the sword back in its case. Once he had released the weapon, he felt as if he still held it in his hand, a sort of phantom limb.
That done he turned his attention back to his empty cave, considering it carefully. The Jade Statues were flawless now; he walked in a semi-circle studying each one closely remembering the trials he had went through to return them to perfection. He paused in front of the last one, considering it, the closets without this one he would have never been able to gain his destiny.
He turned away walking towards the Lotus Blade, hands held behind his back while he ran through the preparations for his 'guests' arrival mentally. His ninjas were out en mass, ten dozen monkey ninjas would be more than enough for the teen heroes. Even if they somehow managed to defeat that, many ninjas they still had to content with his two giant stone gorillas.
He frowned, mentally reminding himself of how long his message would take to reach the buffoon. His only comfort was that once it was delivered Stoppable would charge head long to his death and he would bring his red headed wench with him. Too birds with one stone. Monkey Fist's frown changed slowly to a satisfied smirk, everything was covered he had nothing else to do.
That allowed the simian man to turn and walk back towards the center of the jade statues; he slowly lowered himself down into the lotus position. Eyes closing he slowed his breath and concentrated on his power and the feeling of bliss it granted him.
Kim, doubting that she had done things as they should have been done backed away from the exposed computer systems and pushed the button bringing up Wade's image "Alright, I did it like you wanted and the communicator is jacked in. Anything else?"
The genius nodded wiggling his finger preparing to start hacking and programming "As soon as Ron finishes with the terminal then just stand back."
Kim turned, raising an eyebrow as the blond crossed his arms, shoulder slumped while he grumbled dark thoughts. Smiling despite herself she turned back to Wade "He's finished Wade, go for it." The boy nodded and then terminated their video uplink. "Ok Ron le-"
She was silenced when the station jerked, as if someone was pulling the station out from under her feet. Groaning she sat up from her spot on the ground and looked at Ron who was looking equally as surprised. Before either could say anything the station came to a shuddering stop and then jerked once more, in a different direction, sliding them along the floor.
It happened five more times before it finally came to a stop. Grumbling and muttering Kim got to her feet and picked up the now hanging communicator reestablishing the video connection "What was going on?"
The boy shrugged looking up at her "Sorry about the bumpy ride, but I was stopping you're decaying orbit and putting you back as close to the original as I could." He smiled "You're dad really knew what he was doing when he put those adjustment rockets on that station."
Kim rolled her eyes "Great, so can we jet already?" The computer genius nodded and Kim turned to look at her slightly confused partner, disconnecting the communicator and killing the video feed "Let's get out of here Ron, before Wade decides to turn off the gravity."
--
--
--
"Honey," a female voice asked through the door, followed immediately by the red head of an attractive woman in her early thirties. Her eyes alighted on the male she had been searching for; he was slumped forward busy reading some report on the screen. "Dear, can I come in?"
"Hmm, wha?" the older brown haired man spun around in his chair standing "What are you doing here?"
The older woman smiled "My daughters about to land back on Earth, like I'm really going to stay home and see it on the news?" She saw the slightly annoyed look on her husbands face and shrugged "I worry about her, just like her friends."
"Friends?" the older man said slowly, eyes darting towards the door which opened to admit the slender, yet toned form of Yori. His eyebrows nearly disappeared he raised them so high, she had dark hair and almond shaped eyes. A heart stopper, that was for sure.
He quickly looked away from the teenage girl and back at his wife, "You can't just bring people in off the streets."
His wife crossed her arms "Look, she's heading back to Japan tomorrow and she wanted to say goodbye to our daughter and Ron. I wasn't going to tell her no, are you?"
Doctor Possible looked back at the girl sighing in defeat "Fine, she can stay. But no special privileges, she's stuck in this room with us."
When his wife nodded the Japanese girl spoke up "Domo Ika Possible-san," she bowed quickly before taking a seat on the couch in his office.
The man shook his head returning to his seat and his computer screen. Sometimes it just didn't pay to be him.
--
--
--
The ship reentered the Earths atmosphere, shuddering from resistance and heat, but Kim had been expecting it. She handled the plane beautifully, as if it was just another part of her. The space plane jerked as it passed into the breathable section of the atmosphere, the darkness of space being replaced with the light blue and white of a setting sun.
The two teens sat there, staring at the sight Ron darted his eyes over to Kim and then back to the sight. Kim was about to say something when the space plane lurched flipping upside down throwing the two heroes against there harnesses.
"What the-" Ron shouted, arms flaying about in surprise.
Kim didn't respond, concentrating on keeping a tight grip on the controls, she managed to level the plane and right it. It required every one of her muscles, to keep the plane from breaking free of her control.
"Kim!" The shout caused the red head who was struggling to keep the space plane from spiraling out of her control to curse "Not now Wade!"
The boy genius did just that, his voice squeaking over the crackling audio link since neither hero was willing to try to turn on the communicator "Fine, Ron you guys have to get off that ship."
Ron blinked "Wade, I think were fine. Kim's got the ship under control." silently adding, for now.
"Maybe she does, but the engines starting to over heat." He paused "I mean your cars engines, if those things blow then that entire ship is going to become a fireball."
When he received no response, he said both there names but Kim and Ron were already busy preparing to jump out of the plane. Kim allowed the nose to angle down towards the ocean and using an extra strength scrunchy jury-rigged an autopilot. That done she joined Ron who was pulling himself out of the space suit, Kim followed then flung the emergency door wide open.
Ron glanced at Kim and gulped "KP, have I ever told you I hate jumping? Because I do."
Kim's response was to grab his hands and using the element of surprise flung the boy out of the space plane. She took a breath and leaped out and away from the plane, listening to the shouts of her boyfriend. "RON!" Kim shouted, her voice sounding weak and distant over the whistling air.
The blond ceased his scream and twisted around to look at her, and Kim cupping her hands around her mouth continued "PRETEND WERE HIGH DIVING!" To illustrate her idea in case he couldn't' hear her she extended her arms over her head and locked her legs so that she looked like a high diver.
Ron, getting the idea, mimicked her exactly and none to soon since, he reached the ocean an instant later. He sliced through the surface of the water, reaching the end of his dive he twisted and started kicking wildly trying to surface.
He felt a hand grasping his arm and he was hauled upwards, his head breaking the surface, his girlfriend right next to him holding his arm. The blond was gasping for air, his blond hair slicked back as was Kim's.
"You're a drowned rat KP," the blond finally said.
Kim, in response to this puffed her cheeks and sent a stream of water into his face "Watch who you're insulting,"
"I hate jumping." Ron muttered, seeming unapologetic, Kim groaned and closed her eyes. The blond seeing that she wasn't going respond lifted his head and started searching the sky for the space plane. He found it, slowly growing closer and closer to the water; he started to say something when the ship exploded in a fireball as he finally smashed into the surface of the ocean.
The tidal way from the force of the explosion washed over the two and sputtering Kim turned to stare at where Ron was. "Was that the space plane?"
Ron nodded whispering what was on his mind "My car," before shouting "MY CAR!"
Kim frowned slightly, turning to look at him "Ron, forget about your car were lucky to be alive."
He looked at her, his eyes wide "Bu-but that was my car!" he looked completely bewildered.
Kim snorted, "You know a girl could get the impression that you care more about that car than you do her."
Ron blinked staring at her "Bu-I-my car-" he sighed slumping in the water "Sorry KP, your right, I just freaked is all."
Kim didn't respond save to kiss his cheek "I understand." Silence descended as the two teen heroes floated there, each other their only company. They both watched as the last rays of the sun began to disappear from sight, leaving a pale yellow and white on the horizon.
Just as Kim opened her mouth to suggest something to get back home, the air was filled with a pair of rescue choppers, their halogen searchlights sweeping over the dark waters surface before alighting on the two teens. Kim shared a look with Ron while a ladder was lowered and then they both broke out into laughter for no apparent reason.
Eyes slowly closed, a head falling forward allowing the man for one blissful instant to sleep. He didn't allow it to last, forcing his sleep depraved mind back to wakefulness. He turned slowly to stare at the sleeping form of his wife; she was covered under a blanket stretched out on the couch.
"Ika Possible, naze mochi suimin?" A female asked softly from the far the table near a wall.
"Uh?" the older man said, turning his attention towards her.
The Japanese girl blinked "I'm sorry, I was asking why you don't sleep?"
The older man rubbed the bridge of his nose "Oh, well...I never sleep till Kimmie comes home." he sighed, "I have this fear of phone calls late at night waking me up."
The raven-haired girl nodded then looked around the small office, scanning the pictures. Her eyes alighted on a picture on a wall, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth "Kim-dono looks quite happy."
Doctor Possible stood with a groan walking over to stare at the picture, smiling "She was it was the first day of rocket boosters. So happy to be at work with dad." He pointed at the distracted blond headed boy who at the moment was kept in frame only because of the tight grip the red headed little girl had on his hand "Ron wasn't as excited; he caught sight of some of our monkey's horrible mess." He shook his head chuckling.
Yori nodded staring at the picture as if memorizing it "Kim-dono and Ron-san are holding hands,"
Kim's dad sighed "Yea, stupid me. My wife kept telling me that something was gonna happen between the two of them." He shot a glance at the sleeping woman and then looked back at the Japanese girl "Don't tell her this, but I wanted something to happen. Much easier to sleep at night if she's off with a boy I can intimidate."
Yori placed a hand over her mouth giggling; "I understand Ika Possible," the ringing of his desk phone interrupted whatever else they would have said. Turning the doctor dropped into his seat and snatched up the phone. He held a quiet conversation, nodding before finally turning to look at Yori.
"Ok Kim, yea, I'll have her waiting for you in meeting room one." He raised an eyebrow hanging up still staring at Yori. He stood and picked up the receiver and dialed a quick number, talking softly then hung up. "Yori, Kim and Ron are in a car on their way back."
"I am glad. They are fine?" Yori asked, concern lacing her words.
The salt and peppered haired man nodded "Yea, wet but fine. But she asked me to find you; apparently it's really urgent she and Ron talk to you." He shook his head "My daughter's life is just too complicated for me. I have a security officer on the way, he'll take you to meeting room one." That said he dropped back into his seat, visibly relaxing.
"Sanyora Ika Possible," Yori responded sweetly "thank you for you're kindness."
A few minutes later a knock on the door signaled that the officer had arrived. Yori stared at the older man who was watching her and then giving him a sweet smile strode across the room, giving her hips an extra sway for him in case he was watching, then disappeared into the hallway, the door clicking closed behind her.
AR:
continental-line: Updated
Monkey Fist: I'm glad you enjoyed this last chapter. Yes it is almost over, sadly...
Oh I figured you knew that, but just wanted to make sure. As for your eye color, I hate to admit this but I don't spend my time looking into male eyes...so sorry XD
(Hey humans have my contempt as well, were a miserable breed of ape) He thinks he's better than you, I like it that you keep to your oaths. He'd probably taste like chicken, I would suggest a fine Bordeaux though, human blood is much to salty. (Don't ask)
Good day
CFFJ:
Plowed through this story in two days? Amazing. Glad this fic has been so good. Well, I hope you're faith is rewarded...cause I have my doubts.
Well I'm glad that at least one person found the chapter enteraining. I figured it was about time Ron cleared the air on that whole bit, besides I think Kim reacted nicly. I can't answer that other question, after all that'd be giving away the plot.
Wanderer3: I thanked him and I thank you for taking the time read them. I actually haven't watched Naruto, I've been reading the magnas...well no, none of them resemble their namesakes, but if the fic was longer I would make at least one of them talk to a bug. :D You have no idea how rockin its gonna be when I bring ti all to an end.
THE MAN:Hehe, that question about Monique is to be listed among the other 'great mysteries of the universe' I am trying to update Betrayal, but the new chappie is at a roadblock.ss3dj:I update as I feel is the proper time.Spice Of Life: Thanks, yep he finally told her. Yes, I've heard it and all I can say is once oyu hear it there can be no doubt about who Kimmie's singing about. Yes actually, there will be another sequel...eventually.
John Steopenwolf: "The God's love a hero, they also love a good joke-think about it'-unknown
Yes, well...he also hurt the boy badly enough to be in a hospital so maybe he needs to learn some restraint.
Ahhh, I missed that one. Shame that. It don't matter how you spell it, he's dead.
ainominako: Ahh, didn't know that. I'm glad I got a major booyah. The grammar was horrible? Then correct it! ummm...not sure.
warprince2000: Thanks
Yamal: Well as long as you don't mind. I'm glad they fight scenes were very well written. Those modifications are sadly lacking now aren't they? I'm glad he rocked, I hope that continued. I promise I will continue this and I won't forget Betrayal.
AN:
Not a lot to say...just two chapters to go and please save all flames for the end of the fic.
Geor-sama