Author's note: I'll be very busy this week, and won't be able to post another chapter until Friday at the earliest. So I made this one a little long. Read slowly.
Many thanks to: LKillingsworth, Jezrianna2.0, Spooks-A-Lot, JPMod, kemiztri, aimtbj, Cold-Chaos, recon228, Willk1989, PotenialBoy, Sand Lord, Sestren NK, Jokerisdaking, qtpie235, WidowShark, and all who are reading.
Part of this chapter takes place on a mountain top, and I wanted to note that it's an homage, or shout out, to a story by faithful reader 'recon228' called "Kim Possible: Bailout", about how Kim and Ron are stranded in the Sierras. Check it out, leave some reviews, and maybe he'll finish it when he's not too busy protecting the rest of our sorry butts from crime.
Curious about Yori…?
III
"What?"
"Did you not hear me?"
"Yeah," Ron said, not knowing what to think, "I heard you. I'm just having a hard time believing you would pick this time and place to tell me."
She cast her eyes downward, "I was not sure if we would come away from this place alive. I felt I should inform you of my feelings before either of us was lost."
"Oh, come on," Ron protested, "Things aren't that bad. Let's try and keep a little optimism here!"
But Ron didn't believe it himself. Things certainly did appear to be that bad.
"I am sorry," Yori said, hanging her head, "I have dishonored you. I know your love belongs to another."
Ron didn't say anything. Yori stood up and stepped out into the rain.
They were stranded on a rocky outcropping near the peak of Mount Ishiku. They had climbed up this far, hoping to reach the peak and escape over the ridge, but had run into an impassible rock face. The rain forced them to seek shelter. The outcropping was graced by a slight overhang that allowed them to huddle together, just barely sheltered from the elements. Well, there wasn't much protection from the wind, but at least they were able to stay relatively dry.
Yori stood at the edge of the outcropping and gazed down the cliff face. The enemy was somewhere below, unseen, hidden by the mist. But they were there. She folded her hands in front of her and bowed her head, her eyes closed.
"Yori, come back in here," Ron called from the shelter.
"No," Yori said emphatically, "I have shamed us both. Better to die at the hands of the enemy now than face you."
"OK," Ron said, standing up with some difficulty. The bruises about his face and upper torso were still fresh and it hurt to move. "Let's reduce the angst levels a little. I think we're in enough of a tight spot that we don't need to go all drama ninja on each other."
He stepped out into the rain, not realizing just how warm and dry he was under the overhang. The rain hit him like a shower that once might have had a brief relationship with a water heater, but had forgotten what it was like. He walked over to the edge, took her by the arm, and led her back to the rocky shelter.
From far below came a distant, taunting cry, "Outsider! I know you are up there!"
It was late autumn. Ron was nearing the end of the second year of his training at Yamanuchi. Every year about that time, Sensei allowed the school to close down for two weeks so the students could spend time with their families and loved ones. The students and instructors eagerly took advantage of the vacation and the school was deserted, save for three people; Ron, Yori, and Sensei himself.
Sensei always used the time to meditate in a tiny room, high on a cliff above the school. He always went up there the day after the break began, and never came back until the morning the school was to resume the new session. He had made it clear over the years – over the centuries, in fact – that he was not to be disturbed by anyone for any reason. Rumor had it that Sensei had once expelled a student just for knocking on the door. It wasn't true of course but Sensei allowed to rumor to flourish because it gave him his much wanted privacy.
Ron had briefly considered returning to Middleton during the break, but wasn't sure he could face anyone, especially Kim or his parents. The longer he stayed at the school, the more he realized what a huge mistake he'd made in walking away from Kim. It had been almost two years since that day he left her, sitting in the hospital room with a look of fearful disbelief on her face. How could he have been so cold? And how could he have been so stupid as to think breaking off their engagement, their relationship, any contact with each other was the solution? It occurred to him recently that she probably had gone forward with the hero work. And if she had, then was she any safer with him gone?
Ron realized his decision to part ways with Kim was born more out of self-pity than common sense. And this realization only caused him to sink further into depression. No, he wouldn't go home during the break. Worse than seeing Kim again would be finding out she had gone on with her life, and was probably in a relationship with someone else. He wasn't sure how he'd react to that kind of news. Ron kept in contact with his parents via regular mail, but always asked them not to relate any Middleton news to him. They respected his request.
Yori had no loved ones or relatives to go home to. She had never known her mother, and her father had once been a student at Yamanuchi. He worked as a mercenary, hiring out his skills as a ninja to anyone who was willing to pay. One of his missions, however, had gone bad, and he lost his life. His final Will and Testament directed that Yori, who was four years old at the time, be sent to Yamanuchi to learn the skills of her father. She became a ward of the school, and though most of her daily care was undertaken by the other instructors, Yori came to see Sensei as her father figure.
When Ron arrived at the school two years ago, Yori's heart leaped within her. He had come to stay for some time, and when Sensei asked after Kim Possible's well being, Ron could only mumble a dejected response.She guessed he had been deeply in love with Kim, but it had ended between them.
Yorihad once tried to express her feelings to Ron four years before that.
She had kissed him on the cheek, in front of Kim Possible no less, and admonished him for his "American style misunderstanding of girls."
Then Sensei summoned her and they climbed aboard the Ninjacopter.
Hoping the message had gotten across, she waved to him from the cockpit of the departing aircraft, silently pledging her undying love to him.
She shared her feelings with no one, of course, and so the love grew within her. It was entirely probable that part of the reason she loved him was that Sensei had shown a sincere fondness for him. In her whole life, she had never heard Sensei address anyone with the term of respect he had bestowed upon Ron. Of course, she called him "Stoppable-san", because in modern day Japan, that was the custom of showing courtesy to an acquaintance or a stranger. The term had evolved into Japan's equivalent of "Mr.", "Miss", or even "Sir" or "Ma'am". But Yori knew that Sensei called him "Stoppable-san" because he deeply respected the young warrior. Sure, she was a little jealous of the honor and attention he showed to Ron, but it also made her see Ron in a light that went well beyond friendship.
She decided to keep her distance when he arrived at the school. Clearly he was troubled, though he refused to talk about why. Yori knew that if she threw herself at him too early, then her chance at a relationship with him would vanish. She didn't want a Ron on the rebound. She had waited this long, she could wait a little longer. She bore no malice toward Kim Possible. In fact, she respected the feisty teen hero who had been so instrumental in helping her rescue Sensei. But if Kim Possible could not see the true worth of Ron Stoppable, Yori could hardly be held to account for her own feelings.
Since Yori was the only person Ron knew at Yamanuchi – besides Sensei of course – they spent quite a lot of time together. Mostly they would engage in sparring matches with each other, hone their moves, and so forth. There had been one tense exchange between them early on, when Ron was given the task of chopping and stacking firewood for the coming winter. The chopping block, ironically enough, was the stump of that same tree he had knocked over years before, sending it crashing into a building that had taken Toshimiru some twelve years to construct. Yori found him, and asked if he would be done soon, so they could practice a few newly-learned fighting styles on each other.
"It would go a lot faster if you helped," he replied curtly.
"Oh Stoppable-san!" she laughed lightly, "Your American humor is so amusing. Naturally it will be your honor to-."
"Whoa!" He barked, burying the axe in the chopping block and stepping up to her, "Let's get something clear right up front. I know you've been able to get me to do grunt work in the past by telling me it would be my honor, but that ends today. Either help me with this task, or it should be your honor to wait patiently… and quietly… until I'm finished."
Yori looked hurt, but said nothing. Ron ignored her and returned to his work. She stood there, hands clasped in front of her for a time, then quietly began picking up the chopped pieces and carrying them to the woodpile.
At dinner that evening, she sat silently next to him, never looking at him, or anyone else. Her eyes were cast downward.
They ate in silence as the others at the table finished their meals and departed. Soon, they were the only ones left in the room. Yori had long since finished her meal, but continued to sit there, waiting for Ron to finish his, unsure of what to say to him.
He spoke first.
"I'm sorry." He said softly, "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."
She looked up at him, tears brimming in her eyes.
"It is I who must apologize, Stoppable-san. You were right. I used honor as a means to manipulate your actions in the past. I ask your forgiveness." She was whispering by the end of her sentence.
"It's cool," He said putting an arm around her shoulders and giving her a gentle squeeze, "And would you please just call me Ron?"
"I will try," she said, smiling and blinking back her tears.
"Why don't we go spar before the evening training session?" He suggested, standing up and holding his hand out to her.
"I would like that very much," She answered, accepting his hand.
The months went by, Ron and Yori spent most of their free time together, and they became very close. Thoughts of Kim began to recede into the back of his mind, and his demeanor grew more cheerful as time went on. They both worked hard in their training, though Ron's clumsiness was something of an impediment to his. Sensei was patient, which surprised Yori. She had seen Sensei send other potential students away without training who had far more skill than Ron. Perhaps Sensei was grateful to Ron for saving her and the Lotus Blade. She did not know for sure.
That first year passed and ran on into the second. Yori was becoming very skilled in the ways of the ninja. Ron struggled, but kept at it.
Then came the autumn break of that second year. Even the instructors were gone; home to their families or just taking the opportunity to spend time outside the school. Ron and Yori were compelled to fend for themselves during mealtimes. Yori enjoyed preparing meals for the both of them. She also enjoyed the feeling of solitude at the school. Preparing the meals was giving her an idea of what domestication with Ron Stoppable might be like.
In other words, she was playing 'house'.
Naturally her feelings for him grew.
One evening, he offered to prepare the meal for them. The food he set before her was not only delicious, but pleasing to the eye; something very highly valued in Japanese society.
Yori fell deeply in love with him.
They ate in relative silence, until he asked how she liked her meal. She decided then and there to confess her feelings for him.
"Ron", she said shyly, "I-"
A noise outside.
Both of them turned to look at the door. She was on her feet before Ron was. Something was amiss. No one was supposed to return until the end of autumn break and Sensei certainly would not have come down from his high perch so early. Silently she moved to the door and peered out.
Then she turned to Ron and motioned him to join her.
Ron crept over to her and, as quietly as he could, peeked his head out the door. Darkness enveloped most of the outer courtyard. Only two or three lanterns were lit. Sensei disapproved of the use of electricity, preferring to keep the school as much in its original state of being as it ever was. Wind moved the leaves about the darkened space outside, and other than the rustling noise they made, all was silent.
Then, into his field of vision crept a dark figure. It had been lurking in the shadows near the outer wall, but was now making its way toward Sensei's empty quarters. Yori touched Ron's arm and pointed silently to a space on the top of the outer wall. There, lined up neatly in a row, staring intently after the creeping figure, were fifteen monkeys dressed in ninja garb. Ron stepped away from the door and pulled Yori inside after him.
"Monkey fist?" He whispered.
"It would seem so," She confirmed, "I was under the impression he was still hiding from-"
"The Gorilla his dreams?" Ron interjected with a smirk.
"Now is not the time for jokes," she whispered, "especially puns as awful as that."
"One of us needs to distract the monkey ninjas while the other one goes for Monkey Fist," Ron whispered.
Yori pulled her fan blades from somewhere among the folds of her tunic.
"I will deal with the monkey ninjas-" She began.
"Let me guess," he interrupted, "It will be my honor to take on Monkey Fist?"
"I think it would be best for you to deal with Monkey Fist, since you possess the power of Tai Xing Pek Wah, as he does." She whispered testily.
"Oh," Ron whispered sheepishly, "OK, got it."
Yori leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, "Be careful…Ron."
Ron felt an odd sensation. Certainly he was attracted to Yori, and she did seem to still like him. But where he would have eagerly jumped at the opportunity at a relationship with her six years ago, now seemed, well, not wrong necessarily, but somehow improper. He supposed it was a result of unresolved issues regarding Kim. Somewhere deep within him burned a fire that would only offer warmth to Kim Possible. Either he needed to quench that fire, or find some way to bring her near it.
Ron thought abstractly about the possibility that he and Kim were bound together by destiny. Certainly Sensei seemed to believe in such things. Among his instructions to the students at Yamanuchi was the solemn advice not to turn one's back on one's own destiny. Ron didn't necessarily like the idea that he might not have a say in the course of his life; that he might not possess free will. As if reading his mind, Sensei assured the group of students that it was indeed possible to turn aside from one's destiny, or one could exercise his free will and choose to stay on the path. Destiny and Free Will, Sensei instructed them, existed simultaneously. One was not a greater force than the other, though it might seem that way, since a person does have to choose which path he will take.
Ron looked back at the relationships he'd had in his short life. He realized he was very attracted to strong women. There was Kim, of course, and Yori who, though demure, possessed an obvious inner strength. And there was Zita Flores; she also was a strong, independent-minded female. He remembered finding out that Tera had been attracted to him, and though he initially reacted as if he were upset, he realized he had been clueless about Tera because she didn't possess the type of strength that would have drawn him to her.
Then, of course, there was that relationship he had with Violet Parr over the summer between his Junior and Senior years in high school. Turned out she had a secret superhero identity, but also had a very timid sort of personality. In the course of their summer romance, Ron watched her bloom into a very strong, very beautiful young woman. They had even thwarted a couple of villains together! Violet told Ron she drew her strength from him, and it was thanks to his influence that she was able to become a full fledged superhero in the course of time. Their relationship ended amicably when Violet felt she needed to concentrate more on her hero work, and the upcoming school year. Ron understood perfectly.
And Kim.
What of the relationships in her life? There was Mankey and Walter Nelson, both relationships seemed to go nowhere. In addition, there was Syntho-drone number 901, otherwise known as Eric.
It seemed the only real, long-lasting relationship she and Ron ever had was with each other. Was destiny really playing a part in-
Screeching from outside. Yori had ambushed the monkey ninjas.
Ron sprinted outside and around the corner toward Sensei's quarters. He surprised the thief who already had the Lotus Blade in his hands.
It was Fukushima.
"Outsider!" He growled, and slashed at him with the Blade.
Ron uttered a startled yelp and dropped into a kind of crab stance, his hands and feet on the ground, belly facing the sky. The blade missed him by just a few inches. Ron let his arms fold and rolled over backward, thrusting his legs up, half-somersaulting and landing on his feet, facing his old rival.
Fukushima had been expelled from Yamanuchi for his treachery years before. Worse still for him was his humiliating defeat at the hands of Ron Stoppable. He spent a few years drifting about, the only purpose in his life being that of vengeance. He sought out Monkey Fist, and wished to place himself under the villain's tutelage. But Fist was nowhere to be found. In his search, he came across the dejected remnants of Monkey Fist's private army of monkey ninjas. They needed a leader. He needed a purpose. So he spent years training with them, learning their ways, while they studied his. He decided his first undertaking with his new monkey minions was to steal the Lotus Blade from Yamanuchi, and bring it to Monkey Fist in order to garner the villain's favor.
He surmised the best time to strike would be during autumn break, when the school would be all but abandoned, and Sensei would be too far away to deal with him. Finding Stoppable here was a bitterly unpleasant surprise.
"I can't allow you to take the Blade, dude," Ron said, sounding much more nervous than he would have liked Fukushima to hear.
"And how do you think you will stop me, Outsider?" He sneered.
Ron held up his hand, "Here…uh… Lotus. C'mere boy!"
The sword wrenched itself painfully from Fukushima's grasp and flew to Ron. Ron missed it and it clattered to the stone paving of the courtyard behind him. Ron turned and threw himself to the ground, diving for the Blade as Fukushima howled with pain and rage behind him.
"Monkey ninjas!" he bellowed, "Retrieve the Lotus Blade!"
Instantly the monkeys scampered away from Yori and moved in on Ron. Ron sprang to his feet and for a moment, squared off against the monkeys. But there were too many of them, and Fukushima was behind him. Ron leaped and rolled away from the group just before the money ninjas set upon him. Yori sprinted over to join him.
"Go", she ordered, "Protect the Blade. I will hold them off."
"I won't leave you h-"
"GO! NOW!" Yori practically screamed.
Ron turned, his route to the gate was cut off, so he leaped and struggled over the wall. Landing painfully on the other side, he frantically searched for some sort of escape route. Muffled growls and screeches were heard coming from the other side of the wall. Ron panicked and ran along the wall to the gate and peeked inside. The battle still raged within, but one of the monkeys spied Ron and raised the alarm.
Ron, still panicked, turned and sprinted across the flimsy rope-and-board bridge that spanned the chasm between Yamanuchi and the next peak over. Running was difficult because the bridge swayed and rocked with every footfall.
Suddenly, sickeningly, his stomach did somersaults as the bridge dropped away beneath him.
"Farewell, Outsider!" He heard Fukushima call out behind him.
Ron plummeted into the chasm, losing his grip on the Lotus Blade. His mind went blank with fear. There was a river below, but he knew with certainty he would not survive the fall.
Suddenly, with a thud, he was snatched out of the air by Yori, who had swung down into the chasm using her claw and chain. How she managed to find him in the dark, Ron could never guess, though he suspected she zeroed in on his blood-curdling scream. Midway through the arc of their swing, the claw came loose and they fell, plunging into the frothing waters of the river below.
Water found its way into Ron's lungs. He came up choking and gasping for air, tumbling through rapids and bashing into huge, sharp rocks. Still unable to breathe, he felt consciousness leaving him as the current forced him beneath the surface again.
Ron Stoppable knew no more.
When he awoke, coughing and spluttering, he was vaguely aware that Yori had her lips pressed against his, breathing air into his lungs. His body was still half in the water, the roar of the river in his ears. It was pitch black, though he could see the outline of Yori's head against the star-filled sky.
"Are you all right, Stoppable-san?" she asked, audibly relieved.
Ron tried to answer but went into a fit of coughing. He rolled over and allowed what water was left in his lungs to dribble out. His throat felt raw, his lungs were on fire, and his body was bruised and battered. He decided that however his life would eventually end, he most definitely did not want it to end by drowning.
Yori helped him struggle to his feet.
"We need to get out of here," he croaked, his voice hoarse and gravelly.
"Quick," Yori exclaimed, "Call the Blade to you and we will make our way back to the school."
"No," Ron said bluntly, "Fukushima is up there. He'll be waiting for us, and he thinks I still have the Blade. No doubt he saw you snag me out of the air."
"Then what-?"
"Wherever the Blade is, it's safe for now. As long as Fukushima thinks we have it, he will pursue us. We need to lead him away from the school and make our way to a town or something. He'll stop chasing after us if we can get to, like, a police station. Then when we return, I'll call the Blade to me and return it to Sensei."
"The nearest town is beyond that ridge," Yori indicated, pointing off in the distance.
Even in the dark, Ron could tell it was quite a ways off. It would be daylight before they would even begin climbing up the ridge. How could such a crowded country have so much open space?
"Shall we begin?" She asked.
Ron took a longing look at the warm, inviting lights of Yamanuchi far above him.
"I don't suppose it would be your honor to carry me," He asked dryly.
He couldn't see her, but she smiled warmly. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it ever so lightly.
"If I had such power within me, I would, Stoppable-san…Ron." She said softly.
They set out.
Day dawned cold and cloudy. They had begun climbing an hour ago. Though the climbing kept them relatively warm, the hunger pangs were very distracting. Mist swirled about them, so they stayed very close so as not to lose sight of each other.
Several more hours of climbing brought them to the rocky outcropping which they now found themselves trapped upon. After almost an hour of searching, they found no way to climb up the sheer rock face.
They turned to make their way back down the mountain when a nefariously cheerful voice came drifting up to them.
"Outsider! Where are you, Outsider!"
They scrambled back up on to the outcropping. Because the mountain was shrouded in mist, they had no way of knowing exactly where Fukushima was, and any route they used to descend might take them straight to him. There was no telling what he would do when he discovered they no longer had the Lotus Blade with them.
Then the rain came.
They huddled together under the overhang. At least Fukushima's progress would be slowed or halted. Every now and then they would hear his voice drift up to them, mocking them and telling them he had a nice warm fire going. All they had to do was come down and warm themselves with it. As if to drive home the point, and make them suffer, they soon smelled the smoke of a campfire. Where he got the wood, how he was able to light a fire in the rain, and any number of other questions went unanswered. Fukushima and his army of monkey ninjas had lain siege to Mount Ishiku.
They sat back to back, drawing as much warmth from each other as they could. Ron began to grow drowsy. He thought at first he might have been dreaming when he heard her softly whisper:
"I love you."
"Huh? Did you say something?" He asked, rousing himself.
She became slightly agitated, "Stoppable-san… Ron… How is it you do not know that I love you?"
"What?"
"Did you not hear me?"
"Yeah," Ron said, not knowing what to think, "I heard you. I'm just having a hard time believing you would pick this time and place to tell me."
She cast her eyes downward, "I was not sure if we would come away from this place alive. I felt I should inform you of my feelings before either of us was lost."
"Oh, come on," Ron protested, "Things aren't that bad. Let's try and keep a little optimism here!"
But Ron didn't believe it himself. Things certainly did appear to be that bad.
"I am sorry," Yori said, hanging her head, "I have dishonored you. I know your love belongs to another."
Ron didn't say anything. Yori stood up and stepped out into the rain.
"Yori, come back in here," Ron called from the shelter.
"No," Yori said emphatically, "I have shamed us both. Better to die at the hands of the enemy now than face you."
"OK," Ron said, standing up with some difficulty, "Let's reduce the angst levels a little. I think we're in enough of a tight spot that we don't need to go all drama ninja on each other."
He walked over to the edge, took her by the arm, and led her back to the overhang.
From far below came a distant, taunting cry, "Outsider! I know you are up there!"
Ron walked to the edge and glared down into the mist, "Dude, will you SHUT UP? Get over yourself already! We're trying to have an important conversation up here!"
She stood gazing at him in the rain. Both of them were soaked to the skin, but neither of them noticed.
"Yori, I… I don't know what to say." Ron stammered.
"Have you not noticed the effort I make to spend so much time with you?" She pleaded.
And it all suddenly seemed to fall into place. Yori wasn't exactly raised in an environment where people shared their feelings with each other. He realized she had been trying her hardest to send him a message without actually telling him. He further realized it must have taken a life threatening situation in order for her to open up to him.
No question Yori was a kind, caring, stunningly beautiful woman. Ron certainly was attracted to her, and he was just as surprised as before to learn she had feelings for him. In hindsight, her devotion to him – her constant, almost fawning attention – had lessened the pain of missing Kim over the last two years. Though he did not love Yori, at least not like that, he certainly had very deep feelings for her.
His face softened, and she saw the conflict within him. She took a tentative step forward.
Almost before he realized it, she was in his arms, kissing him eagerly, passionately, fiercely. She pressed herself against him, her arms entwining themselves about his neck. Overcome with a rush of emotion, he returned her kiss. The world seemed to fall away from them, almost as if it were retreating to a respectful distance. The rain coursed over them, running down their faces, dripping from their hair, or their clothes, or their noses. They paused briefly, looking into each others eyes; their noses less than an inch from each other. Though he was smiling at her, she saw pain, grief, and a yearning for someone else in his eyes. In hers, Ron saw a deep longing, an almost desperate need to be loved. Then they plunged themselves into another kiss. His arms wrapped around her tightly, as if trying to draw her closer to him, though it was physically impossible to get any closer than they were now.
"What a touching display!" mocked a voice behind Ron.
Ron's training was not entirely lost on him. Ninjitsu was beginning to find its way into his instincts. He was startled, as was she, but without hesitating, he pushed Yori away from him, dropped to a crouch and spun, kicking Fukushima's legs out from under him.
Fukushima hit the rocky surface with a surprised grunt. Monkey ninjas swarmed up over the edge of the outcropping. Yori brought out her fan blades and set to work. Ron drove a fist into the nearest monkey, then blocked three attempts to bring him down by Fukushima. It was the first time they had fought since that day in the snows near Yamanuchi. Ron had had quite a bit more training since then, and Fukushima pitifully realized he was overmatched.
Every punch he threw, Ron blocked. Every kick, Ron dodged. In frustration and rage, Fukushima charged at him, head down. Ron stepped aside at the last second, crouched, and brought himself up under Fukushima's charge. He was flipped neatly, almost effortlessly, into the air, and came crashing down on three monkey ninjas.
Yori blocked, kicked, dodged, and punched her way out of the group of monkey ninjas and made her way over to Ron's side. Fukushima struggled to his feet, while the monkey ninjas surrounded them, lining the edge of the outcropping.
"BOO!" Ron suddenly lunged toward the nearest group of monkeys. Instinctively they took a step backward and tumbled down the side of the mountain.
Seeing this, several more monkey ninjas retreated.
Ron squared off with his old rival.
"Got some news for you, Genius-san," Ron teased, "We don't have the Lotus Blade. It's been safely returned to the school. Now who's the outsider?"
Fukushima looked wildly about. He could not see the Blade anywhere, and it would have been impossible to hide in their clothes. He clenched his fists, and bellowed at Ron in a rage, his eyes barely open.
I do not know why villains so often do this.
As Ron suddenly realized, all of Fukushima's attention was focused on his own anger. His face was thrust forward in a grimace of burning wrath. Ron reared back and drove his fist into it as hard as he could. Fukushima stumbled backward, losing his footing, and was about to tumble off the ledge when Ron lunged forward, grabbed Fukushima by the belt, and pulled, which kept him from falling. Ron had dealt with enough villains in his life to know that Fukushima would not be grateful for having his life saved, and thus never let his guard down. In fact, he didn't even hesitate. Still pulling on Fukushima's belt, Ron stooped and rolled on to his back, bringing his legs up. Fukushima was catapulted off of Ron and slammed, upside down, against the rock face beneath the overhang. He crumpled up in a heap.
Ron continued rolling backward, rolling himself up into a handstand, from which he twisted, landing on his feet to face Fukushima.
"BOOYAH!" He bellowed in furious triumph, "It is my honor to defeat you…again!"
The remaining monkey ninjas retreated in a panic. What they had just seen in Ron they wanted no part of. Their old master, Montgomery Fisk, had the same powers as this young warrior had, but that power clearly favored the latter. Screeching and wailing, they disappeared into the mist.
Fukushima unconscious, Yori beamed at him and flew into his arms. Again, they relished the sensations of each other, but Ron pulled away earlier than she would have liked him to.
"Don't want to get caught twice in the same net," Ron said lightly.
For in instant, he sounded just like Sensei, using an abstract philosophical statement to describe his feelings or the situation. It struck her as a little odd.
That evening, when they returned to Yamanuchi, Ron had the Lotus Blade in one hand, and Yori's hand in the other. He felt better than he had in a long time. Though he was not in love with Yori, he felt a deep affection for her, and was content to allow himself to have a relationship with her. Inside, he felt a little guilty that he might be leading her on, and there were still those distant, muffled feelings for Kim. But today he was the conquering hero, returning home after a great victory with a fellow warrior. Today he would revel in his success.
They were surprised to find Sensei waiting for them at the gate. He had sensed something the night before, and had come down from his high place to investigate. He observed their affection for each other without reaction or comment, and listened very carefully to their story.
They had left an unconscious Fukushima up on the mountain. At some point he would awaken and find his way down. But with his monkey ninja army having abandoned him, it was unlikely he would make another attempt to steal the Lotus Blade that day.
Sensei bowed to both of them; a sign of respect, "You have both saved the Lotus Blade once again. We will celebrate your victory with a feast when the other students return to the school."
"Thank you, Sensei," they both said.
"Um…" Ron began, "You don't think we could have a little bit of that feast now, do you? We haven't had anything to eat since last night."
Sensei nodded slightly, "Please follow me."
And, to their astonishment, Sensei prepared and cooked a lavish meal for them in an ancient Japanese style, after which he favored them with a tea ceremony. If you have never experienced a Japanese tea ceremony, it is something I highly recommend. Neither Ron, nor Yori forgot that night for a long time.
There was still a week left before the students returned to the school. Sensei went back to his room high up on the mountain, and Ron and Yori enjoyed their time alone together to the fullest. They laughed, and talked, and ate together. They repaired the bridge, and celebrated by standing on it that evening, watching the sun set. They kissed until long after the moon came up. Those were probably the happiest days Yori could remember, and Ron enjoyed a respite from the emotions that had been churning within him over the past two years. On the last night before the students returned, Yori favored Ron with her own tea ceremony. She wore a beautiful silk kimono, colored a deep emerald green with the image of a blue fox emblazoned across the back. She bade Ron relax while she served him. Ron enjoyed the ceremony, but couldn't take his eyes off the back of her kimono.
The next morning, Sensei returned from his retreat and summoned Yori to his quarters.
"It is my intention that you should become an instructor at this school," He said impassively.
Her eyes lit up. But after the fashion of her master, she showed no other emotion.
"Thank you Sensei," She bowed, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Therefore, in order to become well versed in the various fighting styles, you will go to China, to the Mandarin Province, and study under the Shao Lin Monks there." Again there was no emotion in his voice.
Yori's heart sank into her feet. Dimly, a hope burned within her that perhaps he might not send her until next year. But she new her master better than that.
"When am I to go?" She asked, unable to keep the trembling out of her voice.
"Tomorrow morning."
"But master-!" She could no longer contain herself.
"Did I not tell you years ago that Stoppable-san's destiny lies along a different path than yours?" He did not sound angry, simply matter-of-fact, "It seems you chose not to believe me."
"I believed you, master," she sobbed, "But when Ro- when Stoppable-san came to the school, I thought perhaps you might have been mistaken."
"You hoped I might have been mistaken," He corrected her, not unkindly, "When I told you your path was to be different from his, I did not tell you everything. It was my intention to spare your feelings, but it seems in that I was mistaken. Stoppable-san's destiny lies with Kim Possible. I have seen this with my own eyes."
"You have foreseen this?" She asked, confused.
"No," He said evenly, "I do not possess the gift of prophecy."
She couldn't understand what he meant, but he did not volunteer any more information. Briefly, she considered quitting the school, and asking Ron to go with her. But she knew he would refuse. She knew he did not love her the way she loved him, and she had been hoping that with time, he would come around. Now that time was taken away from her.
Yori bowed her head as silent tears flowed down her cheeks. Sensei sat patiently and allowed her emotions to take their course. At last she looked back up at him with pain-filled, glistening eyes, but said nothing.
"Speak, my daughter," he said, quietly, "Ask your question."
It was the first time the old warrior had ever called her that; the first time he had ever called anyone by a term of endearment.
"May Stoppable-san escort me to the airport?"
"I will allow that," he conceded.
Yori bowed, then stood up and exited his quarters.
Yori spent a miserable day packing her things. She and Ron ate a quiet evening meal together. Yori came to regret asking for Ron to take her to the airport, it turned out to be much more of a painful experience for her than she thought it might. Ron was very supportive, telling her she'd do well under the Monks' tutelage and promised to write to her often (a promise he kept for as long as he was at the school).
Yori and Ron shared a final salty, tear-stained kiss at the airport before she went to the gate.
Back at Yamanuchi, Ron stood proudly, if with a little sadness in his heart, as Sensei presented him with a real Lotus flower from his own garden, in a ceremony. He was cheered on by his fellow students.
"You have done very well for yourself, Stoppable-san…"
"…and I am pleased with the man you have become." All of the wedding guests were gathered around in a large semi-circle, watching with rapt attention as Sensei gave them their wedding gift.
At the clap of his hands, the two ninja pilots appeared and set up a small, low table, and cushions for the bride and groom to sit on. Then they produced a tray with neatly arranged flowers, two small cups, and a teapot.
Sensei performed, to the utter fascination of the guests, a particular tea ceremony reserved for newly married couples. It was called, simply, the Bonding Ceremony. Sensei served them both and bade them to drink while he arranged flowers in a specific pattern between them. At the end of the ceremony, he took two white orchids, and handed one to Ron, while delicately placing the other in Kim's hair. After they sipped their tea, he had them trade cups, and drink once more.
Yori assisted in the ceremony, again, never once taking her eyes off Ron.
When the ceremony was completed, Sensei clapped his hands twice. The ninja pilots came in and retrieved the tray, but they left the table, the cushions, and the ornate tea set as a wedding gift.
As Sensei prepared to leave, Ron and Kim eagerly brought their parents over to meet the old warrior. He was pleased that they would want him to meet their mothers and fathers, and told them they should take great pride in their children.
Ron made to escort Sensei to the helicopter, but as he turned to go, Sensei asked to speak to Kim alone.
Kim and Sensei stepped out into the night, a short distance away from the pavilion.
"I can't thank you enough, Sensei", Kim bubbled, "Your gift was the highlight of the reception."
"It is my pleasure," Sensei responded, "But now I am afraid I must ask something of you."
"Of course," Kim replied.
"One day soon, I will call upon you during an hour of great need. I need your promise that you will come to me, regardless of your circumstances."
Kim felt a rush of adrenaline. Whatever the old warrior wanted, it was serious. She felt she could not say no to him. "I promise," she said evenly.
Sensei simply nodded and turned back toward the pavilion.
Inside, Yori had sidled up to Ron, "You are looking well, Stoppable-san."
Startled, Ron turned to look at her, and then sighed, "Thanks, Yori. You look quite well yourself."
"Stoppable-san, there is something-"
"I am afraid that now we must go," Sensei said, stepping into the pavilion.
Kim and Ron escorted them to the helicopter.
"Sensei, thank you so much for coming. You've given us a memory to last our whole lives." Ron called above the noisy engine of the aircraft.
Sensei turned to face them. He balled his right hand into a fist, placed it over his heart, and then extended two fingers, "It is all good."
They watched as the helicopter lifted off and flew out of sight.
"Kim", Ron began hesitantly, "There' something I forgot to tell you about my time at Yamanuchi."
"Not tonight, Ron," She turned to him, "This is my wedding night. We'll talk about it later."
Ron could tell she was upset at the mention of Yori.
It had grown late, and some of the guests were beginning to leave.
"Oh," Kim said with some disappointment, "We never got to dance to our song."
"I forgot all about that!" Ron said, smacking his forehead. He ran inside the pavilion to talk to Barkin.
"Stoppable!" Barkin greeted him, "I'm out of here. I've never been to a reception where blue guys and girls with glowing green hands show up and leave you gifts, while thousand year old Monks fly in by helicopter and lay flowers out on a table. Seriously, Stoppable, your parties are whack."
"Sensei may be old, but he's very wise. Unlike some other old dudes I know. You don't have to make fun of his age." Ron snapped.
"Whatever, Stoppable." Barkin responded, "I'm gone. Congratulations on your nuptials."
And he packed up his turntables and left.
Ron dejectedly returned to his new wife. "I'm sorry." Was all he could offer.
She shrugged, the disappointment evident on her face, "I want to go home. Do you mind seeing off the rest of the guests?"
"Sure," He said.
Well, he'd blown it again. Maybe he'd talk to her in the morning. Perhaps he could pick up some flowers on the way to her parents' house for breakfast.
"I'll see you in the morning," She said wearily.
Kim said a quick goodbye to all the guests and then left. Ron was busy for the next couple of hours, helping guests find their coats, securing the gifts in his car, and generally tidying up. Rufus was asleep in his jacket pocket. Tomorrow, a work crew would come and tear down the pavilion, and haul away the chairs and tables.
"Hey, you two!" Ron called out, just before leaving, "Make sure you get home before sunrise!"
Wade and Monique waved and returned to their conversation. They were the last two people left in the pavilion.
Ron pulled up to the ranch house, disappointed Kim's car wasn't there. He knew she was talking about her parent's house when she said she was going home.
Ron left the gifts in the car and let himself in the front door.
The light wouldn't turn on. Great, now the power was out.
Then he became aware of a dim, orange/yellow glow coming from the back of the house. A few seconds later, he heard music.
I know we've been friends forever
But now I think I'm feeling something totally new
Ron dropped his keys on the kitchen counter, took off his jacket and laid it gently on the table, remembering Rufus was still asleep within.
"I'll see you in the morning" she had said. Ron realized it was after midnight. She'd played him good.
And after all this time
I've opened up my eyes
Now I see, you were always with me
She stood in the very center of the living room. There were lit candles on every available flat surface. It seemed as though there were hundreds of them, all different sizes, all flickering in different rhythms. The glow was bright, and she was mostly backlit. He couldn't see her very well.
Could it be, you and I never imagined
Could it be suddenly I'm falling for you
She had her hands behind her back, and as he walked toward her, she convulsed a little; a shiver.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
"Just a little cold," Kim answered softly
"I've got my jacket on the table, you want it?"
"That would defeat the purpose, Ron."
"The purpose of what?"
"I think you'd better come over here, Mr. Stoppable," she said invitingly.
Could it be you were right here beside me
And I never knew
Could it be that it's true
That it's you
Ron walked slowly over to his new wife and discovered exactly why she had caught a chill.
Oh.
My.
Gosh.
Ron's heart raced.
What little she was wearing was white, billowy, and quite transparent.
"You're…" Ron hesitated, "Wow… you are so beautiful."
"Dance with me," she whispered.
He took her in his arms.
It's kind of funny, you were always dear
But who would ever thought that we would end up here
She put her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. He felt her warmth against him, though abstractly he was aware of goose pimples. Guess she really was cold. He plunged a hand deep into her hair while trailing the other hand down the small of her back.
And every time I needed you
You were there to pull me through
She put her hands on the back of his head and neck and kissed him, softly at first, but with increasing fervency and passion.
Now it's clear
I've been waiting for you
Without taking his lips from hers, Ron picked up his bride and carried her into the bedroom.
Rufus stood on the counter and watched as Ron carried her in and closed the door. He didn't want to, but something made him get up and watch them. The poor little guy felt horribly guilty, but had no idea what exactly had compelled him to do this. Unbeknownst to him, the hidden signal slowly withdrew itself. Rufus returned to the jacket, curled up inside the pocket, and fell into a troubled sleep.