"Thank you, Load-san, for access to the files," said Yori. She had just finished reading Drakken's file.
She was sitting at a computer in the "Ready Room", the base for the agents. There was also a TV, phone, radio, a bookcase, and comfortable chairs.
"You're welcome," he answered.
"Is there any news of Drakken-san?" asked Yori.
"Nothing so far, and believe me, I've been looking. The GJ people are doing their best as well," he answered.
"I am sure you will find him," said Yori.
"While I've got you here, I need to scan your specs," said Wade.
"My... specs? I do not wear glasses," said Yori.
"I mean your specifications. Your... measurements," he said, turning red.
Yori tilted her head. "Why do you need such information?"
"I'm making you a battle suit like everyone else's, and I need them so it will fit," was the answer.
"I see. How do we do this?" she asked.
"Just stand up in front of the webcam, and I'll take care of it," he said.
She did so, and suddenly found herself with a green laser grid over her body from head to foot.
"Turn around, please," he said, and she did.
The grid hit her again.
"That's it. Thanks," he said after a few seconds.
Yori sat down. "Thank you for your trouble."
"It's what I'm here for. What color do you want?" he asked.
"Color for what?" she answered.
A picture of the battle suit appeared on the monitor. "See the color stripes? What color do you want them to be? Kim has blue, Ron yellow, Bonnie aqua, and Tara pink."
"I prefer the suit to be solid black," she answered.
"Black? Why?" he asked.
"I am ninja. I use no other color in my work," she answered.
"Oh, of course. Should have realized... okay, no problem. I'll get to work on it," he said.
"I thank you, Load-san," said Yori, ducking her head.
"I'm sending the files on the rest of the villians," he said, and disappeared from the screen.
kpkpkp
The next morning found Yori doing some warm up stretches in the dojo when Bonnie and Tara came in.
"Would you like to join us for exercises this morning?" asked Tara.
"It would be my honor, Matthews-san," said Yori, bowing. "If we are to work together, we should train together as well."
"Please, call me Tara. You're a friend, and you don't have to be so formal," said Tara.
"And call me Bonnie," added the other.
Yori ducked her head. "Thank you, Tara-chan, Bonnie-chan." 'American culture was so open and direct, and moved so quickly,' she thought.
Tara giggled, and accompinied Bonnie to the locker room.
Back in the dojo they warmed up then proceeded to spar with each other.
Bonnie and Tara found Yori's Tai Sheng Pek Quar to be a surprise, but they recognized it as the same style Ron used.
Yori was just as surprised by the other two's unusual offense/defense coupling, and the grace, speed, and smoothness they worked together. It was difficult to find any way of getting through, but she finally managed.
They were taking a break when Ron stuck his head in. "Yori, our stuff has arrived."
Yori clapped her hands. "Wonderful news!" She headed for the door, Bonnie and Tara trailing in her wake.
Ron was holding up the Lotus Blade. "Wow, it feels good to have this again."
Yori recovered her weapon of choice; fans. She snapped them open and did a few moves,
Kim, Bonnie, Tara, and Monique backed away a few feet.
"And it feels good to have these again," Yori said.
"Tomorrow, all five of us will start training together, to work as a team," said Kim. "It will be vital we do so, if this vision is coming true."
"A good idea, Kim-chan," said Yori. "I will look forward to it."
Yori went back to the dojo to practice with the fans, and at Ron's suggestion the others followed. They were amazed at the skill displayed with them. Ron set up a thick wooden bar on a stand, and with just a few swipes Yori made short work of it. This caused several mouths to hang open.
"That's amazing!" said Kim.
"Wow, with her on our side, we don't have anything to worry about," said Tara.
"I must respectfully disagree, Tara-chan," said Yori, "We must not lose perspective in light of a single technique."
"Okay, then, we have less to worry about," corrected Tara, smiling.
Yori smiled, blushing slightly, "That I will allow."
"Yori, what are your plans after this vision thing is over?" asked Kim.
She stopped and looked at Kim. "I had not thought that far ahead," she replied.
"Well, we want to offer you a permanent position with Team Possible," said Kim, and Ron nodded, smiling.
Yori was shocked. "You-- you want me to join your team?"
"You did come highly recommended," said Kim, glancing at Ron.
She bowed deeply to Kim. "It is a great honor you offer this humble ninja. I accept. I place myself, my knowledge, and my skills at your command."
Yori's face lit up with happiness. She had a home now, and a place on a well-respected team! This was a dream come true!
Everyone else applauded and congratulated her, and Yori was on Cloud Nine for the rest of the day.
kpkpkp
Days passed, and when she wasn't busy elsewhere, Yori could usually be found with Adrena,
teaching her Japanese, or helping answer mail from there. The two of them, as different as night and day, seemed to hit it off, and enjoyed spending time together.
They found a Japanese restaurant, and Yori taught Adrena the finer points of that cuisine. In her turn, Adrena introduced Yori to many types of food from around the world. Middleton was surprisingly cosmopolitan when it came to places to eat. She enjoyed the products of the Middleton Pickle Works, as well.
Monique introduced Yori to Club Banana, and helped her pick out some clothes. Living for years in an isolated school left little opportunity to consider fashion.
One afternoon, Yori was teaching Adrena Japanese. The blonde picked up languages rather quickly, and Yori was pleased with her progress. Adrena was helping Yori understand American slang, and other difficult concepts.
Yori glanced at the clock. "I am sorry, Adrena-chan, but I must go. Ron-kun and Kim-chan are taking me apartment hunting this afternoon."
Adrena blushed slightly. "Well, if you're interested, I can save you a lot of trouble."
Yori looked at her friend. "Ah?"
"I have an empty bedroom in my apartment. It's yours if you'll pick up half the rent, half the phone, and half the cable bill," she answered, the blush getting deeper.
"I would not wish to impose upon your privacy," said Yori.
"Actually I would feel better if you were there," said Adrena.
"And why is that?" asked Yori.
Adrena proceeded to tell her about the kidnapping. As she spoke, Yori's expression changed to one of anger.
"They would not have found it so easy, had I been there," she said.
"That's why I'm asking," said Adrena. "I'm still a bit nervous about being alone, and it's been four months."
"When may I move in?" said Yori.
"Tonight, if you like. The bedroom is furnished; I've just never had a use for it,"answered Adrena. "There is one thing you should know about me first, though." She blushed.
"Ah?" said Yori.
"I'm a convicted felon. I tried to kill Ron, Kim, and her boyfriend a few years ago," said Adrena, looking down at her desk. "I understand if you don't want to live with me, now."
Yori smiled. "I know what happened, I remember seeing the broadcast. You have paid for your mistake, and have more than made up for it since then."
"It doesn't bother you, then?" asked Adrena.
"Not at all. I accept. I will be honored to live with you," said Yori.
That settled, Yori left to tell Kim and Ron, and make arrangements to move her belongings.
Adrena watched her go, a happy expression on her face, coupled with relief and hope.
That evening, there was a knock at Adrena's door. She opened it to find Yori. The Japanese girl had very little with her; just her black bag, and a few hangers with the clothes she had bought with Monique.
She stepped inside, and Adrena took the hangers from her. She put down the bag, and took off her shoes, placing them neatly by the door. This made Adrena a bit uncomfortable, as she still had on the high heels she had worn to work. But she knew it was just one of many changes she hoped to make in her life, very soon. She kicked off the high heels, and wiggled her toes.
"This is the living room," she said, sweeping her arm around. "That's the kitchen," she added, pointing to a darkened room.
Yori followed her down the short corridor. "Bathroom's here; I've cleared you out some space in the medicine cabinet."
She gestured to the right. "This is my bedroom, and this one is yours."
Stepping in, Yori looked around. There was a double bed, with side tables, a chest o'drawers, and a dresser. "This room is very large, and beautiful!"
Adrena looked at her. "Large? It's actually pretty small compared to some apartments I've lived in."
"My room at Yamanouchi was half this size," Yori clarified.
"I see. My cell in prison was too. And I had a cellmate, as well. That's the closet," said Adrena. She went to it, and slid open the door. She hung up the clothes as Yori took a look in it.
"This is very large too. I'll never be able to fill it with clothes," she said, and dropped her bag on the floor in the closet.
"Thank you for inviting me, Adrena-chan! I will endeavor to be a good roommate!" said Yori, bowing.
"Thank you for accepting! Here's your door key. I've told the landlord you were moving in already, so you're all set," said Adrena.
Yori accepted the key, ducking her head. "Are you hungry? I would like to take you out to dinner to celebrate!"
"Sounds good to me!" answered Adrena with a smile, "Let's go!"
And the relationship between the ninja and the publicist deepened.