You know the drill. You saw it on KP, Disney owns it. Snap.
Thanks to everyone for reading. And special thanks to reviewers charizardag, mattb3671, WhiteLadyoftheRing, Campy, and G-Go.
Campy noted correctly that on the series, Senior Island was located off the northern coast of Spain, while I had placed it in the Mediterranean. This happened because of either (a) author error or (b) billionaires might own more than one island! You make the call.
Now, we return to our regularly scheduled programming …
I.
Ron. In danger.
Kim felt like she'd just been kicked in the stomach. Since the earliest days of their friendship, she had always felt the urge to protect Ron. Now that they were a couple, that instinct was only stronger.
Focus, Kim. Ron needs you.
"What do you know Wade?" Kim asked.
"Not much. The web-site just received a hit from Yori." Kim read the text of the young ninja's message, which appeared on the bottom of her screen: Stoppable-san is in grave peril. You must come to Yamanuchi. Yori.
He's at a school filled with ninjas and yet Yori says Ron needs my help, Kim said to herself. That means the ninjas can't or won't help him. The color drained from her cheeks. She was worried – and beginning to get scared. There was too much she didn't know about this situation – the nature of the threat, Ron's exact whereabouts, even his condition. Kim knew that it would be all too easy to let her imagination run wild; she had to keep her head in the game.
James Possible, sensing his daughter's anxiety, came over and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, which helped steady her.
"Wade, how fast until my ride's here?" she asked. There was no question that she'd go to Japan, and Kim assumed that Wade would have anticipated her decision to make the trip.
"Kim, all the usual options are already tied up," the tech guru said apologetically. "I'm sorry, but the best I've been able to come up with right now is a commercial flight in two hours …"
James interrupted Wade. "Can you get me Col. Scott Reid at the Middleton Air Force Base?"
Wade said, "Sure. I'm on it." Before Kim's father could say thank you, Wade's image was replaced by that of a man in uniform who appeared to be the same age as Dr. Possible.
"Squirt! Good to see you," the officer said. "I heard about that raw deal you got at the Space Center."
"Thanks Stinky, but I don't have time to talk," James replied. "My daughter needs a ride to Japan. Can you help?"
Noting James Possible's demeanor and tone, Col. Reid could tell this request was of the greatest importance. "How fast does she have to get there?"
"She needs to be there now," James said evenly.
Reid pursed his lips. "Okay, by the time you get her over here, I'll have a bird ready to go."
"Thanks, Stinky. I owe you one."
II.
Col. Reid had delivered. Kim was hurtling towards Japan in a B-1B bomber, flying at 1.2 times the speed of sound. The pilot, a blond haired major named Weber, detected early on that Kim was preoccupied and left her to her thoughts.
Kim felt alone. Ron, of course, was in Japan. And poor Rufus. He was back at her house, recovering from some of her home cooking. She had wanted to improve her homemade naco recipe so she could surprise Ron with a treat upon his return; Rufus, seeing what Kim was making, decided to scarf down her concoction – and promptly got very, very sick. He was in no shape to travel.
Kim was thinking about the conversation she and her father had on the way to the air base. She had thought only her uncle called her father Squirt but learned that a number of his childhood friends, including one Scott "Stinky" Reid, whom James Possible first encountered in pre-school, used the nickname.
"You never know who you'll meet when you're four – do you?" he said with a fatherly smile and a wink as they drove through the gates.
No, you don't, mused Kim. That was when she had first met Ron. And so much had happened between them since then. It was at moments like this that Kim realized just how much a part of the fabric of her life Ron had become. She shuddered at the thought of anything bad happening to him. Two days, Ron. You were supposed to be in Middleton in less than two days. And now this.
Even though she was traveling at close to 900 miles an hour, Kim felt immobilized. She wanted to do something, anything to help. But for the next few hours she could do nothing but wait. She felt tears of frustration and concern welling up. Hmmph, she thought. I'm the girl who saves the world, and now I'm turning into an emotional sob sister.
The air force major looked over and decided it was time to speak. "He must be pretty special."
"Huh?" Kim was still lost in her thoughts.
"That partner of yours. He must be pretty special." The pilot spoke with a pronounced Texas twang.
"Yeah, he is." Kim answered softly.
"So when are the two of you going to be married?" Weber asked with a warm smile.
Married? Kim thought.
"We've only been dating a few weeks! And, and, I'm still a teenager!" Kim protested.
"Yeah, but if I recall, you're so hot, you're on fire!" the pilot responded.
"Oh, I, uh …" Kim sputtered as she turned a deep shade of crimson.
"Heck," Major Weber said with a hearty laugh. "We saw that on the evening news and we hooted and hollered; everybody just thought that was the greatest thing, like something from out of TV or the movies. You know, we liked that line so much, it's become the unofficial motto of our squadron.
"And seriously? My parents weren't much older than you when they met. They dated six weeks before they were engaged, though they then took a few years to tie the knot. They've been happily married now for 37 years." The pilot paused, then looked Kim right in the eye. "Let me tell you something. You got it bad. And the way you two looked on the boob tube, I'll bet your man feels the same way about you."
Kim sat stunned. She knew of another couple that had dated just a few weeks before their engagement: her parents.
III.
The plane dropped to sub-sonic speed as it approached Japan. Kim got up to leave the cockpit and prepare for her jump. She turned to the pilot.
"I'm sorry I've not been the best company," she apologized. After the earlier exchange with Major Weber, Kim had lapsed into silence. She was lost in a sea of confusion as she began thinking about what the pilot had said. Kim knew she and Ron had a special bond, one that was first forged more than 12 years earlier. With Ron, she had cared and felt cared for in ways she had never experienced with anyone else. Still, Kim thought, it was far too early to even be thinking about the idea; she wasn't even a high school senior.
Yet this brash woman from Texas was telling her that she knew after just a few minutes who it was Kim would spend the rest of her life with!
"Don't worry," the pilot said. "And I'll make you a deal. You get through this safely, I'll arrange for a Thunderbirds fly-over when you and your man get married. You just make sure I get an invitation!'
Kim looked at the Air Force officer and much to her surprise simply answered, "Deal." An Air Force flyover at his wedding, she mused. Ron would probably say that was the coolest thing he'd ever seen.
IV.
It wouldn't be long, just a few hours actually, before Ron was back at the School. He was tired, yet invigorated. The week had been – remarkable. But he was looking forward to returning to Yamanuchi, to a bath and a shave. And to packing and flying home to Middleton. In just a couple of days I'm going to see Kim, he thought happily.
IV.
Major Weber slowed the aircraft as she approached Yamanuchi. Kim was in the bomb bay, wearing a parachute and her battle suit, which was only partly operational. Wade was relieved that it had survived the L'il Diablo incident but told Kim it would take some time before he could get the energy shield and power glove back on line. Still, having the grappling line and the self-healing fabric still made suiting up worthwhile.
She looked around the cavernous bay and felt odd, waiting in a space designed to carry 4000 pounds of smart bombs, not 105 pounds of cheerleader. She'd never thought of herself as payload before.
As the sleek aircraft neared its destination the giant bomb doors swung open. When the jump light flashed green, Kim, without hesitation, launched herself out of the plane.
She felt the usual adrenaline rush as she entered free-fall. Even today, even on a mission to save Ron, she was able to appreciate the wind against her face, the feeling of great speed, and the sense of danger as she plummeted to the earth below. Kim really couldn't understand why Ron was such a crybaby about this.
The small dots on the ground began to resolve themselves into trees and crags. And in the center of it all was the Yamanuchi School, its features becoming ever more distinct.
With confidence born of experience Kim pulled the ripcord and deployed her parachute. The fabric quickly spread above her, slowing her descent to the school below. If she hadn't been so worried about Ron she would have been taking great pride in jumping from an intercontinental bomber; even she didn't do that every day.
After Kim's feet touched ground she ran a few steps and came to a stop. She had enjoyed a perfect landing, as usual. As she gathered up her chute, she looked around at the courtyard, noting the yew trees and traditional Japanese architecture; the place was so different from Tokyo, which she and Ron had last visited on their mission in the spring. The bustling city, with its giant neon signs and multitudes of people, was a riot of activity. Yamanuchi, in stark contrast, was a peaceful oasis.
That was about to change.
V.
Ron had come around a bend when he heard the chattering. He stopped in his tracks, sure that the sound was awfully familiar. "Fuji" he swore as he withdrew the Lotus Blade from its sheath and willed it to take the form of a bo staff. "Monkey ninjas."
He looked at his surroundings. Before him was a vale. On the far side was a ridge, beyond which appeared to be trees; to his left and right were escarpments. He knew he couldn't go back the way he had come; the only way to Yamanuchi was forward. He continued to survey the terrain, then, deciding where he would make his stand, took up a defensive position.
"No way," Ron said incredulously as armored orangutans began to emerge from a variety of hiding places. He'd seen those get-ups before on DNAmy's minions. Great, Samurai from the Planet of the Apes. I bet one of them is even called Zaius, He thought. Why can't it ever, ever be the Crazed Super Models?
The warriors, brandishing their weapons, began circling Ron. He willed the bo staff to change from wood to titanium. He didn't want to kill anyone, but he needed to disable his opponents, at least enough of them so he could high-tail it to the safety of Yamanuchi. It would be my honor to run away right now, Ron told himself. Too bad I won't be given the chance.
"Okay, you punky monkeys. BRING-IT-ON!" he cried out, lunging to his right and taking one of the samurai by surprise. Ron rammed the butt end of his staff into its side, and it crumpled to the ground. Then he spun, hitting another in the head; it, too, went down.
Ron looked around. He'd taken two down but there were so many more to go. He launched into a backwards somersault, flipping over two of the samurai; he swung at them from behind, bringing them down. Then another rushed at him, swinging his sword. The simian thrust at Ron; he parried. He knew that the easy hits had been made. The battle was fully engaged.
VI.
Been here, done this, Kim thought as she was surrounded by a large group of people menacing her with weapons. She looked for the familiar face of Yori or Hirotaka, but neither was to be seen. Great, this is so ferociously inconvenient.
A moment later the circle parted and Sensei appeared.
"Kim Possible!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
"Call off the ninjas," she shot back. "I'm here to help Ron."
"That is impossible!" Kim was too stunned to even think Nothing is impossible for a Possible. "You do not belong here!"
"What?" Kim's shock was immediately replaced with anger. "Don't you tell me where I belong. Ron's in trouble and he needs help and all you and your ninja wannabes are doing is sitting around waiting for people to drop in from the sky?"
"How do you know that Stoppable-san is in trouble?" Sensei asked, his eyes narrowing.
"She knows because I told her."
The circle parted again, as Yori approached. Sensei looked like he'd been slapped across the face.
"You?" he said, unable to hide his shock.
"Yes, Sensei, me," she replied evenly. "I have read the chronicles of Toshimiru's Time of Retreat. Stoppable-san's life is in danger."
"You have betrayed Yamanuchi. You have betrayed me," he said quietly yet firmly. "You know what must happen."
"Yes, I do, Sensei. I am to be ronin, cast out from Yamanuchi. But better that than I let my friend be hurt."
Hirotaka broke into the circle. "And I too will be ronin," he said reaching for Yori's hand. "I, too, must place friendship above tradition."
Kim turned to Yori. "What's going on?" she asked, her anger and worry both mounting quickly.
"Many times people have gone on the Time of Retreat. But only twice have the Retreaters possessed mystical monkey power. The first time was when Toshimiru, the founder of Yamanuchi, went. The second time was when Stoppable-san left a week ago.
"When Toshimiru was returning to Yamanuchi, he was attacked by the Simian Samurai," Yori explained.
"Let me guess. Sword-wielding primates." Kim interjected.
"Yes. Highly evolved orangutans from Malaysia, to be precise. They first appeared in the historical record 1900 years ago …"
"Yori," Kim asked, her agitation showing, "what does this have to do with Ron?"
"Please, bear with me. All I have to say is relevant to Stoppable-san's situation," the young ninja said. "The people there thought the orangutans were demons and began to hunt and kill them. In response, the creatures began to migrate northwards, finally finding their way to Japan and these mountains. All through their travels, they were harassed and persecuted. As a result they began to learn the martial arts, with which they first protected themselves but later used to attack others. Though it has been many generations since they have been seen, legend has it that they wait for the day that they will defeat their foes and reign supreme over …"
The Planet of the Apes, Kim thought, realizing that those would have been the words Ron would have uttered had he been present to hear about this lunacy.
"… all Japan," continued Yori. "But to do that they need the Lotus Blade, which Stoppable-san now carries."
Kim had a great deal of new, and quite bizarre, information to assimilate; this was one of those times she was particularly grateful she was the daughter of a rocket scientist and a brain surgeon. Though her inclination was still to rush to Ron's aid, she knew she had to understand what she was being told before she could go.
"Okay, some questions. If they want the Blade, why don't they just storm the school? It's kept here, isn't it?"
Yori sighed. "Yes, but they did not know that; it has long believed to have been lost. Only we at Yamanuchi, Rufus-san, Monkey Fist, and now you, know that not to be true ..."
Kim noticed that Ron was now considered part of Yamanuchi. As for Rufus, she was now deeply regretting her cooking experiment; he would have been such a help right now.
"… The Simian Samurai do not actively look for the Lotus Blade, not wishing to be exposed to their foes, but they have waited sixteen centuries for an opportunity to seize it. Stoppable-san's retreat offered them that opportunity."
"Yori, how would they know their chance had come?" Kim asked, sensing that she didn't like where this was leading.
The teen hero could see that Sensei was becoming agitated. It was clear that he thought Yori was saying too much. Yet for reasons unclear to Kim, the old man wasn't he stopping her.
"The Tempus Simia," Yori whispered.
For the first time since that day Ron insisted they take Latin thinking he was going to learn all about salsa and mambo, Kim was grateful for his impetuosity. Tempus Simia. Time Monkey. But what would a Time Monkey have to do with a shape-shifting sword? she wondered.
Yori sensed what Kim was thinking.
"Possible-san, bear with me," she asked. "It is said that the Tempus Simia allows one to travel through time. However, it was broken in two more than 1600 years ago, to prevent its use. Its parts were then sent to different parts of the world. One half is actually now in your own Middleton Museum. The other is still lost, though there have been rumors of sightings in Australia.
"However, I have recently learned from reading our archives that there is a third piece, a shard. And that shard is somehow connected to the Lotus Blade. The tie between the two has lain dormant. Until now. If Stoppable-san has fully mastered his mystical monkey power the Lotus Blade will have been excited, and it in turn will excite the shard. The Simian Samurai will then descend upon Stoppable-san, sparing no effort to gain control of the Lotus Blade."
Kim had seen and heard a lot of strange things in the years since she began saving the world. But surreally enough, Kim realized that Yori was describing a quantum entanglement. Kim wasn't sure why she knew about this; it was either that special she'd watched on the Knowing Channel with her dad or had something to do with the Tweeb's latest gadget. At some sub-atomic level, the Lotus Blade and the Tempus Simia were connected. And if the Samurai Simians had the shard, it would act like a fire alarm. In fact, right now people at the Middleton Museum were probably panicking because their piece of the Time Monkey was doing strange things. She hoped that the other piece was sufficiently lost so that it wouldn't attract anyone's attention in its excited state.
"If the Lotus Blade is so important and the Tempus Simia is so dangerous," Kim asked, "why are we standing here? Why didn't anyone go out to find Ron hours ago? In fact," she continued, staring directly at Sensei, "why did you send Ron out in the first place?"
"The Lotus Blade is not in danger from the Simian Samurai," Sensie replied, ignoring Kim's question. "Without mystical monkey power they will not be able to use its power."
"Whatever," Kim said, exasperated. "Right now I don't care about the Lotus Blade; I only care about Ron. What about him?"
"If he succeeds in his quest," Sensei declared, "he will restore the missing piece of the shard to Yamanuchi, from which it was lost so many years ago, and prove that he is worthy to bear the Lotus Blade."
Kim could barely utter her next words: "And what if he fails …"
"Then he will have died a true warrior hero. But the Lotus Blade's power will die with him, since it can only be manipulated by one with mystical monkey power. It would surely be a tragic loss. We would, of course, have to search for the Lotus Blade, lest if fall into the hands of Monkey Fist …"
Kim was staring wide-eyed at Sensei. She could not believe what she had just heard; Ron only seemed to matter insofar as he played a role in some bizarre ninja plan. "I cannot believe this! This is so ferociously whacked!" she snapped. "Ron needs help! Just tell me how I can find him!"
Sensei shook his head. "I am sorry, but I cannot do that. This is Stoppable-san's fight."
Kim was now burning with a white-hot rage. Her eyes flared and she stepped towards Sensei. The ninja students, sensing trouble, tightened their circle.
"Hello!" Kim practically yelled. "We're talking about Ron! You can't expect me to leave him alone out there!"
Sensei arched his eyebrow. "Is that because you do not believe in Stoppable-san? That you are so drunk with your own pride, so arrogant, that you believe he is dependent upon you, unable to fight on his own?"
Kim felt as if she had been slapped across the face. She knew in her heart that what Sensei said was wrong. Maybe in the past his words would have been true, but not now. Not after the Diablo attack and Motor Ed. Not after the last two months. Not after her flight to Japan. There was a different reason she couldn't leave him to face this fight alone.
"No, Sensei," Kim spoke calmly. "You are so wrong. I do believe in Ron. With all my heart." She paused. "I love him."
She had said it. I love him. And she felt exhilarated. She didn't care that she wasn't even a high school senior. She was in love, real love. She knew that where Ron went, she would go. And she hoped and prayed that he felt the same way. But the only way she would ever know was to help him through this ninja-inspired madness. "Sensei, I must fight by the side of the one I Iove. Please," she asked, imploring him, "tell me how to find him before it is too late."
Sensei sadly shook his head. "I am sorry Kim Possible. I cannot. I repeat, this is not your fight." Kim's eyes were filling with tears when Yori began to speak.
"Sensei – Grandfather," at that a number of heads snapped towards the young female ninja. No one else at the school was aware of their family tie; Sensei and Yori had purposely kept it secret so she would be treated no differently by her classmates. But it was because of their relationship that what she was doing was that much more of a betrayal, and thus that much more of a challenge, to the old master's authority. "You are mistaken. This is her fight. Though it may be of a different nature, Possible-san and Stoppable-san have a bond no less strong than that between Stoppable-san and the Lotus Blade. Were it not for the bond he has with her, Stoppable-san would never have been exposed to mystical monkey power. If Stoppable-san is to journey with the Lotus Blade, he will only be able to do so with Possible-san at his side. They are partners. It is their destiny."
Sensei looked at his granddaughter. He stood quietly, considering what she had said. "You are right," he declared. "It is I who have been arrogant."
The old man turned to Kim, asked for her forgiveness, and began to tell her the most likely path that Ron would be traveling.
As his aged teacher spoke, Hirotaka, left the group and moments later returned with his motorcycle. "You will be able to reach him much faster with this."
For her part, Yori presented Kim with a bo staff saying, "It is my honor to have you go into battle with this."
Kim looked at Yori, who once caused her to jell, and Hirotaka, over whom she had once crushed. She knew they would not be going with her. Their disagreement with Sensei, she understood, was ultimately not with Ron's mission; it had been with the way it had been structured. They may have been declared ronin, but they still thought like ninja and believed in the test to which Ron was being subjected. Still, Kim was deeply grateful for the risks they had taken for Ron and for her. She embraced Yori and Hirotaka and told them, "You two rock."
VII.
Ron's gratitude for all of the training at Yamanuchi, the experience gained through his missions with Kim, the hand-eye coordination he'd improved by playing video games with Felix, even the cool fighting moves he'd learned by watching Commander Kane on Space Passage (Ron's favorite was the one where Kane clasped his hands into a giant fist, which he would then bring down on an opponent like a club; the move was usually accompanied by an attempt at a manly grunt) was increasing with each passing minute. At the same time, Ron stopped noticing the acuity of his perceptions and the swiftness of his reflexes. Ron had adjusted to the Lotus Blade becoming an extension of his will and his and his full harnessing of his mystical monkey power.
Ron dropped to the ground, rolled and, willing the sword to take the form of a chain, which he swept inches above the field, tangling an opponent's ankles. He pulled his foe down hard, then sprung to his feet, pivoted on one and kicked out with the other, striking another attacker in the chest. "Heeyyy! That was a Kim move!" he said. "Cooool!"
He surveyed the scene. Twelve down, but a lot more to go, he thought. Time for the Rondo to get back to work.
VIII.
Kim raced through the forest, swerving between trees, narrowly averting crashes on more than one occasion. Either Hirotaka never rode his bike in the woods or he was an exceptionally good driver. Having once sparred with him, she guessed the latter.
The roar of the bike was deafening. Kim knew that as she approached the fight the sound would alert Ron's foes to her presence. She wasn't sure whether that would necessarily be a bad thing. It could distract them, and possibly draw some of the samurai away from him. But if they had posted a guard, or simply heard her too soon, they would stop her before she reached Ron. She made her decision; she couldn't take any chances.
Kim brought the motorcycle to a halt; she climbed off and hid it amidst the trees. She then quietly made her way to the edge of the forest. Beyond was a small, empty field which gently climbed to a ridge. She dropped to her stomach and crawled forward. As she approached the top, she could hear the sounds of angry chattering and knew it must be coming from the simian samurai. But she didn't hear Ron and her heart sank. Then she caught her breath, as a familiar voice cried out, "Yo, monkey boy, you want a piece of me? C'mon and try to get it!" She peered over the edge. There were the Simian Samurai. And in their midst was Ron, bloody and bruised, but holding his own.
Kim was amazed as she noticed the number of fallen foes surrounding Ron. She was filled with pride in Ron, her Ron, who really was a Warrior Hero. Sensei was right. Ron could fight this battle on his own. But leaping over the ridge, she knew Sensei had missed the larger point. Even though Ron now could fight this battle alone, Ron didn't have to. He had a partner. Just as she did.
Ron had just plunged his feet into the stomach of one of the samurai, watched his foe fall, and sprung back to a standing position when he saw her.
Kim.
His Kim. Come to help him. And he was confident enough now to know that she had come to his aid, not because she feared he could not handle himself, but because …
She loves me? Could it be?
I know I love her.
Whoaa! This is so cool! Ron told himself.
"Hope you don't mind if I join in?" Kim asked as she kicked away a sword, spun, and landed a punch on a samurai's jaw.
Ron grinned. "I think there's enough monkey booty go around!" he replied as he dodged a blow from one of his attackers.
Kim evaded a thrust, then shot the grappler line from the battle suit at a warrior's weapon. She reeled it back in, then threw the blade aside, preferring to fight with Yori's staff.
"Heyyy, nice move, KP" Ron said as he willed the Lotus Blade into nun-chucks and proceeded to fight off another orangutan.
"You should know Ron. You're looking pretty awesome today." Kim replied as she did a double hand spring, landing behind a samurai, who she brought down with a kick from behind.
"Thanks. You are too," he said, taking a second to admire Kim in the form-fitting suit. She saw what he was doing, blushed, then said with an impish smile, "Keep your head in the game, Stoppable. There'll be time enough for that later!"
"Boo-yah!" Ron shouted as he took down another attacker. There were only a few left, yet they were relentless, refusing to give up.
"Ron! Did you see any of the samurai carrying a piece of carved rock?" she asked as she kept fighting. Kim had been so caught up in finding Ron that she had forgotten about the Tempus Simia shard.
"Uh, Kim, I've been a bit pre-occupied …" he said as he grappled with an especially large warrior.
"My bad, Ron. But we have to find it," Kim said as she used her staff to block a thrust from one of the remaining samurai.
"Why?" Ron asked, as he rounded on the orangutan that Kim was fending off.
"Thanks," she said, grateful for the help. "It's a long, weird story. I'll tell you later. Now let's finish this up. It's time for the Ron-man to take his girlfriend home."
IX.
Ron and Kim eventually defeated the last of the Simian Samurai. The fight finished, Kim thought that the day's strangeness had come to an end. She was wrong.
"KP, I've got to talk to them," Ron said matter-of-factly.
Kim just stared at him, wondering if she had she missed him taking a blow to the head.
Ron realized what she was thinking. "Mystical monkey power. Talk to the animals and all that," he said.
Kim nodded, a bit confused. Then again, she said to herself, there was that level ten weirdness with Roachie. And he does talk to Rufus. Wait a minute. I talk to Rufus!
Ron approached a still unconscious orangutan. He knelt down and shook the samurai until it awoke, but taking no chances, kept the Lotus Blade at hand. Kim watched, fascinated, as Ron and the warrior began to chatter. After a few moments, Ron helped the creature to its feet. The samurai led Ron to one of its comrades, to whom it spoke. This orangutan, who was larger than the rest of its comrades and was wearing a more ornate set of armor, appeared to be their leader. He bowed and began talking to Ron, who responded with a bow of his own. It then handed something to Ron, and bowed again.
Some of the other warriors began to rise, and their leader spoke with them. There was chattering and shrieking, which made Kim nervous. But she trusted Ron, and so stood still and waited. Slowly, the orangutans gathered their wounded and began to retreat, their leader taking up the rear. As they were rounding the bend around which they had first come, it offered Ron a deep bow, which he returned.
Ron, whistling, walked over to Kim, holding the piece of the Tempus Simia. "You looking for this?"
"They gave it to you?" she asked, unable to contain her surprise.
"Yeah," Ron answered. "We made a deal. I promised them that Yamanuchi would protect them in exchange for the Tempus doo-dad. I think Sensei will agree that was a pretty good bargain." He paused, then, wearing a huge grin, continued. "And Mr. Barkin didn't believe me when I said I was a master of diplomacy! I am da man!"
Ron's last remark elicited laughter from Kim.
Ron loved watching her laugh. She was especially beautiful at those moments. He reached out and took her hand, then pulled her close and kissed her. It was long and passionate, a punctuation mark to a hard-fought battle and a month of separation.
Kim looked at Ron's face closely. It was gaunt. He was bruised and there were bags under his eyes. His hair was a mess and he had a scruffy beard; she'd never seen him with one before. He desperately needed a bath. But all she could notice were his eyes. They were alive and filled with joy. She reached up and caressed his cheek.
They held their gaze for a long time. Then they both spoke.
"I love you."
Again, they stood in silence, each taking in what the other had said, looking into one another's eyes, smiling.
And then beating Ron to the punch by a split second, Kim said, "Jinx!" and giggled. "You owe me pasta Kimberly!"
"Heyyyy! I don't even know what that is!" he protested.
"Then you'd better get to the kitchen, where you belong, and get to work, Warrior Hero," she countered.
"Awww man!" Ron whined, but his eyes betrayed him. He was already looking forward to creating a new meal for his Kim.
X.
Kim, worried about what Ron had endured over the past week, suggested they ride back on Hirotaka's motorcycle, but he declined. "You can ride if you want. We've had a rough day; I'll understand. But I walked out of there and I'm walking back in."
Kim could see he was wearing his serious face. "Then Hirotaka will have to come get his bike tomorrow. I'm walking with you," she said.
Their hike took several hours, though the two teens didn't notice the time pass, as they were lost in each other's company. Occasionally they stopped to take in the star-filled sky. Though they reached Yamanuchi in the dead of night, their arrival was not unnoticed. Lookouts had been posted, and when the two figures were seen walking across the bridge to the school, braziers were lit and drums were beaten.
The students had gathered to greet them. Kim and Ron walked through the gates holding hands. Ron was glad to see Yori and Hirotaka; he flashed them a big thumbs up, grateful for their sacrifice, which Kim had described on their way back, and wishing there was a way he could repay them.
Sensei stepped forward from the crowd and approached Ron. Then, much to the surprise of the assembly, Sensei bowed deeply before the younger man. Ron returned the bow, confused. He always bowed first, and deeper, to his teacher.
Sensei beckoned to Ron. "Come forward Stoppable-san."
Ron reluctantly let go of Kim's hand and approached the old master.
"Show us what you have brought with you," he commanded.
Ron reached behind and withdrew the Lotus Blade from its scabbard and held it aloft with one hand; the sword reflected the light of the burning fires. Then, with his other hand, he took the Tempus Simia shard from within his tattered ninja suit and lifted it, too.
Sensei bowed again, then proclaimed, "Behold, the true Bearer of the Lotus Blade has returned. And with him he carries the key to the Tempus Simia."
Sensei bowed yet again, making Ron distinctly uncomfortable. "By the ancient decree of Toshimiru himself, I declare you master of the Yamanuchi ninja."
Ron, stunned by this announcement, almost dropped the Lotus Blade.
Kim felt a tightness in her chest. No! This so cannot be happening! her mind screamed. Please tell me I haven't just lost Ron to ninjaworld!
The old master, seeing many perplexed faces, explained, "Toshimiru left a document that has been passed down from master to master of Yamanuchi. It has been in my possession since the day I became Sensei of this school. According to his decree, when the true bearer of the Lotus Blade appears, he is to be declared Master of the Yamanuchi ninja."
Ron had returned the Lotus Blade to its scabbard and handed the Tempus Simia to Sensei. He scratched his head and thought for a moment before speaking. "O-kay, everyone, listen up. Today I," and he then turned to Kim and extended his hand to her, which she took, "Today we have defeated the Simian Samurai. It was our honor to fight them and all that. But now it's time to peace out. From today on forward, they will be defended by the ninja of Yamanuchi.
"And as the new master of Yamanuchi, I am letting Yori and Hirotaka back into the school. In fact, having heard of their courage, I think that they should be my successors as masters of the Yamanuchi ninja.
"But for now, I want Sensei to run things for me."
"But Stoppable-san, it is your honor …" said the old master.
Ron shook his head. "Let's get real, Sensei. I did well today. Even I know that. But be the master of a bunch of ninja? No way. There's so much I don't know. Heck, you should put KP in charge. Did you know she knows 16 kinds of kung-fu? I'm still working on my first. Besides, my destiny lies back in Middleton." He looked at Kim and smiled. The relief and happiness on her face was plain for all to see.
"Stoppable-san, I am honored," the old master said.
"No, Sensei, it is I who am honored," Ron replied. "You believed in me enough to call me here. And you are wise enough to know that a master can always learn new things. Today, you learned from Yori and Hirotaka to see new possibilities, just as I have been doing this past month.
"Oh, and one final thing, before I turn over the reins to Sensei" Ron said, turning to the crowd. "As the master of the Yamanuchi ninja I am declaring: no more walking to school from the base of the mountain. From now on, it will be our honor to ride a shuttle bus."
XI.
Neither Ron nor Kim wanted to leave the other's side, but she insisted that Ron have someone look at his cuts and bruises. Kim also ordered him to take a long, hot soak, knowing it would do his aching body a world of good. He reluctantly agreed, succumbing to dreams of fluffy towels and a good shave. Besides, he knew he must have smelled terrible; Kim was just too kind to point that out.
Cleaned, treated, and feeling like a new man, Ron approached his quarters, never thinking that he would look forward to sleeping on a tatami mat. He was going to stop in next door to say good-night to Kim, but he sensed that someone was in his room. He opened the door to find a surprise.
Sitting on the mat, her legs curled up beneath her, was Kim, wearing his red hockey jersey and gazing at the prom picture. She looked up and smiled. "I hope you don't mind," she said a little shyly, "but I didn't have time to pack a bag when I left Middleton and I didn't want to sleep in the battle suit …"
Ron just stared. She is so beautiful, he thought as he admired her.
Kim returned his look and giggled.
"… Besides, Ron," she said softly, "I want to sleep in this shirt. In fact, I plan to make a habit of sleeping in it. That way I can always have you beside me, even when I'm asleep."
Ron sat down beside Kim. He thought a month of ninja training would have toughened him up so much that he would never cry again. But tears began to fall from his eyes. He was overwhelmed by all that had happened, but especially by the love he felt for, and was receiving, from the young woman beside him. He pulled Kim close to him and began to run his fingers through her hair. "Kim, I, I don't know what to say …"
"You don't have to say anything, Ron Stoppable," Kim whispered. "Just never stop loving me."
XII.
Kim woke up first, her arm draped over Ron's chest. This definitely beats sleeping with Pandaroo, she thought. They had both fallen asleep quickly and slept soundly through the night. They hadn't done anything, yet she still felt on top of the world, being next to the one she loved.
Ron stirred, noticed Kim gazing at him and said, "I could get used to this."
"The intense ninja lifestyle or waking up next to me?" she asked with an impish smile.
"Ninja lifestyle, definitely," Ron answered, grinning.
Kim responded jumping on top of Ron and tickling him mercilessly until he agreed that perhaps he'd rather get used to starting his days with Kim by his side than living a life of endless ninja adventure.
But just to make sure, he pulled Kim down, took her face in his hands, and gave her a long, loving kiss. Yep, he thought, this beats ninja anything, any day!
XIII.
The time had come to depart Yamanuchi. Farewells were said all around. Kim and Ron encouraged Yori and Hirotaka to visit them in Middleton. Ron was happy to see that Hirotaka was taking his advice to get to know Yori better. He hoped they never had a falling out however. He was sure that two ninjas having a romantic spat could get ugly, fast.
Sensei approached Ron and Kim, bowing to both.
"Stoppable-san, you have done us proud during your visit. We look forward to the time you return," the teacher said.
"Unless you've got a monkey ninja problem or something sooner, we'll be back next summer," Ron said. Kim agreed with Ron that he should return for additional training; she was pleased and touched when he insisted she join him. Sensei readily agreed. Of course, Sensei didn't really have any choice in the matter, since Ron was still technically the master of the Yamanuchi ninja and Sensei was only acting in his stead.
Sensei turned to Kim. "Kim Possible, I once again ask that you forgive an old man for his arrogance."
Though Kim wasn't prepared to say "No big" to Sensei, she knew that he had been acting out of an overpowering confidence in Ron and a commitment to the place he clearly loved so much. "You have my forgiveness, Sensei," she said with a bow.
"I thank you, then," he said. "I know you will never agree with the reasoning behind the decisions I made in the days leading up to yesterday. But I wish you to understand how I reached them. Please talk to your grandmother. She will be able to enlighten you about past events that may have influenced my decision."
Kim's eyes opened wide. "Nana?"
Ron whistled. Kim's grandmother had been at Yamanuchi. Now that was badical.
XIV.
Kim and Ron arrived at the Tokyo Airport early enough that Kim could make a beeline for the Club Banana Duty Free Shop. Kim, having no other clothing than a battered battle suit, reluctantly accepted the offer of one of Yori's school uniforms. And while she couldn't help but be flattered by the expression of approval on Ron's face when he saw her, there was no way she was going to be seen in Middleton wearing that outfit.
After Kim was comfortably clothed in capris and a new crop top, the two teens were able to settle into the first class lounge. Kim had been surprised when Ron said they didn't need to bother Wade for transportation. As Ron anticipated, shortly after they arrived at the airport, a black-clad ninja arrived with two first class tickets, one an upgrade for Ron, the other a new ticket for Kim.
"What was that all about?" Kim asked.
"Don't ask. They have a talent for just showing up. Usually just after you want them," he said. Ron thought of his last mission with Yori and the appearance of the ninja helicopter moments after they had fended off the poisoned monkey teeth threat. "Maybe I'll write Sensei a memo about that …"
Kim decided that flying first class on a comparatively slow 747 had many advantages over a supersonic bomber, including expertly prepared food served on china and a wide selection of movies and other in-house entertainment.
She enjoyed telling Ron about her flight to Japan in the comfort of their sleeper bed seats. Kim and Ron decided to cuddle up together in the seat by the window. It was cramped, but after a month apart, they didn't care. He listened attentively; obviously disappointed by the fact that he didn't get to fly on a B1-B bomber, but relieved that he didn't have to jump from one.
Kim decided not to tell him about the marriage part of the conversation with Maj. Weber just yet. She was still getting her head around the idea, one that she found she was actually enjoying contemplating. She knew it was crazy, they both still had to graduate from high school, go to college, decide what to do with their lives; but Kim also knew she was in love.
Yet Kim was practical and had no trouble acknowledging that she and Ron had a lot of ground to travel, and some growing up to do, before they reached the point where it made sense to talk about being husband and wife. So for now the wedding would be her little daydream, right down to the jet fighter fly-over. She smiled when she imagined Ron's reaction to that possibility.
He didn't know what she was thinking, but he returned her smile, then yawned.
It wasn't long before they fell asleep in each other's arms.
XV.
Bonnie Rockwaller lay on her bed, painting her toenails. She had much to think about after her visit to Senior Island. There was no question that she was totally into Junior. Billionaire Euro-hottie? He was definitely the top of the top of the food chain.
And she'd been strangely touched by his tale of dashed romance, of how he thought he'd found the ideal mate but learned through a product recall notice that the factory producing the Animology game had made a mistake. The Blue Fox was supposed to be paired with the Pink Sloth, not the Yellow Trout. Bonnie then told Junior what he dared not hope: she was a Black Panther, which was the correct perfect match for the Yellow Trout. Of course, Bonnie was actually a Lavender Mouse; but she was perfectly happy to say what Junior wanted to hear, feeling sorry for him and being smitten by him. Fortunately for Junior's safety, he never happened to mention the identity of his Blue Fox.
Bonnie and Junior had been talking and emailing since they'd met. Her sisters were extremely jealous about her new billionaire boyfriend; her parents were ecstatic. They would have been less so had they known about his forays into villainy. Bonnie decided to keep that her little secret.
Bonnie could be very good at keeping a secret. Junior, however, was not. And it wasn't long before he blabbed to Bonnie about his father's hobby and the older man's desire for his son to follow in his footsteps. He was at first terrified that Bonnie would stop talking with him but her response was to shrug it off; that a little thing like an unorthodox career move wouldn't scare her away. When Junior realized Bonnie still liked him, he began to tell her all sorts of interesting things, like his father's plans to take over the world and the run-ins he and his father had with Kim Possible. And when he realized how Bonnie felt about Kim, he wondered how he ever thought Kim Possible could be his perfect mate; if his little Bonnie disliked Kim Possible, there must be something seriously wrong with the red head.
But that wasn't all Junior told his new romantic interest. That very day, while Kim and Ron flew over the Pacific, Junior began to brag about how well he had been doing under the tutelage of a tutor in villainy until Father fired his teacher, who seemed happy enough to take the Seniors' money and run. Junior was miffed about that. And so, in a fit of pique, he revealed Ella Va's real identity.
TBC …