I do not own nor have rights to any of the characters contained within this story.
AN: Sorry for the delay in updates – The World Series and ensuing madness (I live in Chicago) made writing a little difficult. Please R&R – I need a lot of help to get better at this.
Chapter 14 – An unexpected Visitor
- - - Morning at the Possible residence - - -
Anna Possible was sure that she had heard the door to her daughter's room open a few moments ago so she knew that her daughter was up and about. She remembered how nervous Kimmie had seemed yesterday when she had literarily run out of the hose on her mission and wanted to make sure that everything was okay. As Anna walked up the stairs toward her daughter's room she had a strange feeling that something had changed but could not for the life of her put her finger on what.
As she entered her daughter's room she said "Mornin sweety. I just wanted to kno…." She never finished the sentence. She saw that Kim was standing just inside the door, still in her PJ's, staring at the wall next to the door and clutched tightly to her chest was Panda-Roo. When Anna saw the cuddle-buddy her eyes started watering immediately. Then she followed her daughters gaze toward the wall and noticed the picture that Kim and Ron had taken just a few months ago was now back in it's spot on the wall. When Anna saw this she broke down completely and rushing to her daughter pulling her into an embrace. After a moment she leaned back slightly and kissed her daughter quickly on the forehead then turned and fled the room with her hand pressed over her mouth to stifle the uncontrollable sobs which had started to escape her chest.
As Anna ran down the stairs she realized what was different. The empty spots on the wall that she had never had the heart to refill were no longer vacant. All of the pictures that had been missing these last few months were now back. When Anna saw the faces of her daughter and Ron smiling at her from the wall she gave up any attempt of controlling her emotions and ran the rest of the way to the kitchen where her husband was finishing his morning coffee.
James had heard the sound of someone running down the stairs and had just risen from his chair to see what was happening when Anna came running into the kitchen. James saw that his wife was crying uncontrollably and was about to ask what had happened when Anna threw her arms around him and buried her face into his chest. James stood immobile for a moment and then gently wrapped his arms around his wife and started making soothing sounds. He knew it would be a while before he got any coherent answers from her so decided that questions could wait for a while.
He was still holding his wife in his arms when his Kimmie-cub walked into the kitchen a short time later. As he looked up he saw the way that Kimmie was gripping her Panda-Roo. He now knew what had started his wife crying and after just a few moments joined her.
Kim just stood there wondering why her 'rents were crying in each others arms. After a few seconds she decided that she'd have to wait for them to finish whatever they were doing before she got any answers so she started toward the coffee pot to get a cup of coffee. When she reached the rack where the mugs were hanging she suddenly thought to herself "That's strange, I don't seem to have a free arm to reach for a mug. I wonder why?" When she looked down at her arms to figure out why they were refusing to obey her she noticed that Panda-Roo was still being clutched tightly to her chest.
At that moment it all came flooding back. "It was Ron" she thought "That was Ron I saw. Not some stranger. Ron. He hadn't left me; not really, he was still there for me, caring for me, guarding my back like he always had. B-b-but why wasn't he here right now. Why was he …." She turned to look at her mom and dad as tears started forming in her own eyes. She saw that they were looking directly at her each with an inviting arm outstretched in her direction. She rushed to them and was instantly enveloped in their embrace. The three of them just stood there softly sobbing and holding one another. Kim kept wishing that there had been a fourth person there to share the embrace, but her wish was not granted…. At least not that morning.
- - - Club Banana - - -
Monique was standing behind the counter at Club Banana leafing through a catalog of the latest fashions when she saw Kim rushing toward her. When she noticed Kim's reddened eyes she closed the catalog quickly and ran around the counter to meet her friend. "Monique, I simply have to talk to you" Kim said as she slid to a stop in front of Monique. As she looked closer at her friend Monique saw that something was terrible wrong. Not only were Kim's eyes red quite obviously from crying, but she had on two different sneakers and one was untied. "Whoa girl, This must really be serious" Monique thought "Okay girl let go back to the stockroom where we can get a little privacy" As she said the 'privacy' part she narrowed her eyes and stared pointedly at the other two Club banana employees who had stopped what they were doing to stare at the friends.
They made their way to the back of the store and entered the stockroom. Only after she had closed and locked the door did Monique turn back to her friend saying "Okay K, spill". The first thing Kim said made Monique's jaw drop.
Kim: "Mo, I saw Ron yesterday"
Monique: "Ron? Our Ron? Ya mean he's back? Okay girl now I know ya gotta spill. Tell all"
Kim: "Yes Mo. Our Ron. But he's not uh.. back or anything I just saw him"
Monique: "Come on girl, the Mo needs details. Like where and when K. did ya talk to him or anything? What did the creep say?"
Kim: "He is so NOT a creep Mo. And No, I didn't talk to him I just saw him, like from a distance ya know."
Monique: "Girl that man left you, that makes him a creep in my book but we can argue that later. Where exactly did you see him?"
Kim: "It was on a mission Mo. He was there doing his thing ya know. Kinda taken care of me"
Kim then told Monique what had happened, well, not everything. She did not talk about the blue glow and she also failed the mention (purposely) about the way Ron had just appeared and then disappeared. But what she had said was apparently enough because when Kim finished Monique had a far away look in her eyes and said;
Monique: "Ya mean that man like put his own life in danger to save you from a trap? I am so forgetting that creep remark I made earlier. But why didn't you talk to him K, why didn't you say something?"
Kim: "He looks different Mo. He's bigger now and his hair is different and Uh... well…he was doing stuff that I had never seen Ron do, doing stuff I never thought anyone could do. I didn't realize it was Ron until just this morning."
Monique: "But you said that you thought he knew you were there. Why didn't the big lug say anything to you? Why did he just leave?"
Kim: "I think he's been around for the last couple of months Mo. Kinda in the background ya know. I think it was just an accident that I saw him. I don't think he ever wanted me to know"
Monique: "Humph, MEN. I don't know why we put up with them, well…. I guess I know a couple of reasons but uh.. never mind. Well baby girl what's your next move?"
Kim: "Next move? I hadn't really thought about that Mo. I mean if he doesn't want to see me what can I do?"
Monique: "Doesn't want to see you? Girl maybe you are out of your ever lovin mind! I mean the man saves your life. The man follows you around just to take care of you. Of course he wants to see you. It's gotta be some stupid guy thing he's pullin, you know how dumb guys can be when it comes to……"
Monique suddenly stops. She knows exactly who to go to for help.
Monique: "Kim girl, The Mo just got a really spankin idea. I think maybe we can help you find the Ronster. You just hold tight girl. I gotta go move a mountain and then I'll get back to you. Gimme a day, or two at the most and we'll be finding your Ron for you. After that it's gotta be up to you though. I am so not gonna help you seduce that man."
Kim laughed for the first time that day and she was hugging and thanking her friend as they left the storeroom. As she was leaving the store Monique was standing with her hands on her hips glaring at the other employees saying "And just WHAT are you lookin at, If ya know what's good for you you'll get back to work…. NOW"
As Monique's voice faded in the distance Kim felt a little better for sharing her feelings with her friend. But she did wonder what Monique meant by "Moving a mountain"
Monique was still glaring at her fellow workers but her mind was elsewhere as she thought "Felix Renton, you are so much in trouble now boy. It's about darn time you spilled the beans about what you know" She was supposed to meet Felix for dinner that night and decided that she would just have to come right out and ask him what he's been hiding from her. She returned to the counter and started leafing through the catalog again but the look in her eyes said that her mind was not on fashions.
- - - Monique and Felix - - -
Felix was sitting at a table in the Pizza Town Restaurant waiting for Monique. Since she didn't leave work until 6:00 PM it was silly for her to go home first and since the Pizza Town was right on her way home It worked out for the best if they just met at the restaurant. Looking at his watch he decided that it was time to order the food so it would arrive just after she got her.
Felix was staring at the tabletop oblivious to the rest of the world. He had reached a decision about telling Mo what he knew of Ron's plan. He knew he wasn't lying to Monique by not telling her about the plan but he still felt uneasy about whole situation. So he had finally decided that he would just have to live with the discomfort because a promise to a friend was… well, it was a promise to a friend and as much as he disagreed with Ron's decision he still couldn't bring himself to break that promise.
After ordering the food Felix went back to studying the tabletop again until a shadow formed on the table before him. Looking up he saw Monique. The light behind her had formed a golden glowing halo around her head making her look even more angelic than she normally did. Felix immediately started smiling.
As Monique slid into a chair Felix saw an uncertain look on her face and that puzzled him. "Mo was always so confident" he thought to himself "What could possibly make Mo unsure of herself?" He could see that Mo wanted to say something but was struggling. So he decided to broach the subject himself and make it a little easier on the woman he had found himself caring for so deeply.
Felix: "Mo? What's the matter? You look worried about something. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Monique looked over at Felix and the look softened a little as she answered.
Monique: "Well Fel, as a matter of fact I think it is something you can help with."
Felix: "Anything Mo. You know that. If I can help at all I will, so spill Mo, what's the prob."
The food had arrived at that moment interrupting the talk for a minute while the dishes and drinks were placed on the table. As the wait-person left Monique decided to just take the plunge and ask straight out.
Monique: "Felix? I know that you know more about Ron leaving than you've told me. I gotta know what. It's really important that I know Fel. You've just gotta tell me everything."
Felix felt the world spinning around him. "Oh no!" he thought "She asked me straight out. If I don't tell her now than I will be lying to her." And Felix now had to decide between lying to the woman he loved or breaking a promise to his best friend.
Monique saw by the look on Felix's face that she was right. He did know something. The agony that Felix was obviously going through continued for a few seconds before he look at Monique and said;
Felix: "Mo? You know that I love you right?" and not waiting for an answer just plunged on "But I made a promise to a friend and that is…. Uh….jeeze Mo. I just don't know what to do. I wanna tell you, I've wanted to tell you for a long time. But you're here and Ron's not and it was a stupid idea anyway and … Oh man I just don't know what to do Mo. I gotta think Mo. I…… Don't hate me Mo but I gotta think before I say any more."
With that Felix Placed enough money on the table to pay for the meal and with a last look at Monique that told her everything she wanted to know he turned and wheeled his was to the door and out into the shadows of early evening.
Monique just sat there for a moment then a small smile came to her face as she thought "I'll know soon, that man is gonna make the right decision I know he will." She than took her cell phone from her purse and dialed Kim's number. She had told Kim that there was defiantly something fishy about the way Ron had left and would be able to find out by tomorrow at the latest. After hanging up she finally looked down at the meal that had placed in front of her. "Oh boy!" she thought "Veal Marsala, my favorite food. That man really knows the way to my heart" Then Monique started eating but between bites the smile always returned to her lips.
- - - The Possible residence - - -
The night went slowly for Kim. She had been hoping for a mission. Not so much for the action or break of monotony but because she may see Ron again. Unfortunately there were no missions that night; Wade had still found no trace of Dr. Drakken or Shego. (And Kim sooo wanted to meet up with them again, may God have mercy on their souls) So Kim spent an uneasy night at home with the family.
Uneasy because she had not yet explained to her 'rents about what had happened to bring on this mornings episode. The only thing that knew was that it somehow involved Ron. She had a hard time talking about her feeling with her mom and dad. Oh she'd talked about boys and stuff to them, had even talked to her dad about 'hotties' at one time or another. But those were crushes and stuff not real feelings, not the kind of feelings she had for Ron.
Kim had gotten a phone call about 7:00 PM. To her parents it seemed that Kim was a little disturbed by what she had heard. Disturbed but somehow hopeful if those two emotions could coexist. As Kim settled back on the couch after the phone call she wore a very anxious look and was biting her lower lip so hard that her mother was surprised it wasn't bleeding.
After about an hour Kim found an excuse to go to bed early saying she was still exhausted from yesterday. As she slipped between the sheets and wrapped her arms around Panda-Roo she was thinking "Soon, I'll know something soon" she also found that the excuse she had made to her 'rents wasn't too far from the truth and soon slid into a deep sleep.
She slept soundly that night. No interruptions by old men with beards or tree houses. And sleeping with Panda-Roo again, well that was just a plus.
Kim had risen late and had taken her time getting ready for the day. Now, dressed in dark green cargo pants and a light yellow mid-sleeve blouse she was making her way toward the kitchen to see if any of the morning coffee was still in the pot. When she entered the kitchen she was disappointed to see the pot was empty and spotlessly clean. "Mom and her fetish for neatness" she thought longingly thinking about a cup of coffee. She was considering making a cup of instant when she heard the doorbell ring and heard the tweebs running toward the front door.
Just about the time she had decided that instant coffee just wasn't the same and was considering making a fresh pot of brewed coffee she heard the tweebs talking from the doorway of the kitchen. "Uh Kim, you have a visitor" said Jim "We asked his to wait in the living room" said Tim. Kim spun around quickly to see what was the matter with her brothers, there had to be something wrong, they were actually being polite. What she saw was the tweebs standing in the doorway with identical serious but slightly scared looks on their faces..
Kim decided she had better see who this visitor was and as she headed out of the kitchen she was again shocked when the tweebs parted and allowed her to walk between them. As the tweebs fell in behind her to follow to the living room her mind was going a mile a minute. "It can't be anything that bad, bad guys don't ring the doorbell." She was thinking as she entered the room where her visitor waited.
"Wait a minute this is just plain impossible" she thought as she saw who was seated on the sofa dressed in a conservative business suit and looking distinctly uncomfortable. As her visitor took notice of her entrance he rose from the chair he was sitting in and bowed politely to her. Not knowing just what to do she copied his motion and bowed back. "Sensi?" she said "Why are you here in Middleton?"
She then heard the tweebs behind her as they said in unison, "Here's Kim sir, we'll go and find our parents now and ask them to join you" She turned at the sound and watched openmouthed as the tweebs respectfully backed out of the room. With her mouth still hanging open she turned and once again faced Sensi. Sensi was looking directly at Kim and motioned for her to be seated as he started talking.
"You are perhaps surprised to see me so soon Possible –san" Sensi said as he reached to his left and lifted a beautify decorated tea pot from an equally beautiful tray and poured tea into two cups. "That's funny" Kim thought "I don't remember seeing that tray here a minute ago." As Sensi handed one of the cups to Kim he noticed that her mouth was still hanging open in surprise. As she took the cup from his hands he gently moved two fingers to the bottom of her jaw and closed her mouth. What Kim did not notice was that as his fingers touched her jaw there was a dim blueish glow. What Kim did see was Sensi staring at his finger tips as smiling.
"I am sorry to have startled you with my appearance Possible-san. But it was necessary that we speak again and there were things I had to see with my own eyes to confirm my suspicions" As Sensi spoke he seated himself next to the beautiful tea set. "I have come to speak again of destiny Possible-san and to speak of the warrior Stoppable-san" Kim almost dropped her cup as he said this. "He's here to talk to me about Ron" She thought. Anything she had been about to say was lost as her parents entered the room.
Anna and James Possible entered the room being lead by their twin sons but they were looking at the boys like they were strangers. "Sir" Jim said "Here are our parents" Tim said. Sensi once again rose to his feet and looking at the two young boys said "Thank you young ones. You have been most helpful." And to the astonishment of Kim and her parents the boys simply said "Your welcome sir" and left the room.
Sensi turned and bowed toward Anna and James Possible saying "It is a great honor to meet those responsible for guiding the life of such a fine and honorable young lady as Possible-san" as he rose from the bow he continued "Please, be seated. Would you do me the honor of sharing tea with me?" With this comment he turned and started pouring two additional cups of tea. Kim simply stared in amazement. She knew that there were only two cups on the tray a moment ago and now there were four in the room. A moment later Sensi was walking over to Kim's parents and handing them cups of tea. Kim, from across the room, was trying to get her parents attention to motion them to close their mouths.
As Kim's parents took seats Sensi seated himself and took a sip from his cup. Kim finally realized that it would be considered bad manners not to drink and took a sip of her tea also, she noticed that it had one sugar and a little lemon, exactly the way she liked it.
When Sensi placed his cup back on the saucer he looked at Kim's parents and introduced himself "I am Sensi of the Yamanochi School in Japan. I have had the honor of meeting young miss Possible-san when she assisted in my rescue from evil forces last year. I have also been honored to have been one of the teachers of young Stoppable-san. It is these two young people that I have come to discuss"
Anna Possible was finally able to speak. As she looked over at the daughter and then back to the old man with the long white beard she said "You want to talk to us about Kim and Ron?" Sensi simply smiled and answered "Just so Mrs. Dr. P." at his use of Ron's phrase Kim felt her heart flutter. But concentrated on hearing what Sensi was saying next.
"I must start my comments with some information you may not have as I swore Stoppable-san to secrecy in these matters. Stoppable-san is the true Master of the Lotus Blade and his destiny is to keep the world from falling into darkness. He has been endowed with Mystical Monkey power and that power has been growing greatly these last few months. He has now achieved a level where the Blade and he are nearly as one and the Blade is now ready to move to the next level. This is what, I believe, concerns your daughter. The prophesy can only be fulfilled if the true Master of the Blade is united with his soul-mate in his struggle against darkness. I believe that your daughter's destiny and that of Stoppable-san are intertwined, each being incomplete without the other. I have come here with a dual purpose. The first of those was to assure myself that Possible-san was the one I seek. That question was answered a short time ago when I saw that she was indeed connected to Stoppable-san and the power within him. The second purpose of my visit was to speak to you, her parents and guardians, and ask your permission that I be allowed to assist in guiding these two young ones to their true destiny."
Anna Possible sat for a moment in thought and as she looked over at Sensi she said "And if we say no?" Kim's heart skipped a beat when she heard this but the answer from Sensi almost stopped it entirely "Then of course I will respect your wishes and not interfere. But be aware that if the true soul-mate of the Master is unavailable the Blade will use its power in an attempt to force its Master to choose another. And this I fear would be a grave error"
Kim jumped up so quickly that her feet left the ground for a moment. "Mom, Dad, I'm 18 years old and can make my own decisions. I love Ron, I think I always have. You can't say no. You just can't" Anna looked over at her daughter and smiled "Kimmie, we wouldn't say no. We've always known that you and Ron belonged together. Your Father and I have talked about this a lot. Just so you know your Father has been trying to find Ron for the last three weeks." James Possible just looked sheepishly at his daughter and said "I haven't found anything yet Kimmie-cub, but I won't stop looking"
Kim's eyes watered a little as she looked at her Father and Smiled saying "Dad, you're the best. I really love you ya know" James just looked at his daughter and smiled.
All eyes turned back to Sensi but Kim was the first to speak "Well Sensi, where is he. I've got to go to him; I've got to win him back." As the Possible's looked expectantly at Sensi he surprised them by saying "I am sorry Possible-san. I cannot break a trust and lead you to Stoppable-san" Kim was both stunned and angry at the same time as she returned "What do you mean, what was all that stuff about guiding us to our destiny if you weren't going to tell me how to find him"
Sensi simply set his cup on the tray and said "There are those among your friends that have more knowledge than they think. Together their knowledge will complete your destiny but is your test to uncover that knowledge and use it to guide you to that which you seek."
Sensi rose from his chair before speaking again. "I wish you well in your quest Possible-san. But I must return now and prepare myself for the next step. I would like you to accept this tea service as a gift. You may find it useful in the near future. It is a very old service known as a 'kekkonshiki soroi' in English I believe that translates to Wedding Set"
As the astonished Possible family watched a golden bubble formed around Sensi. Once the bubble was completely formed Sensi folded his legs into the Lotus position and looked one more time at Kim and smiled just as the bubble started shining brightly. Kim and her Mother and father had to close their eyes against the brightness and when they opened them again moments later Sensi was gone.
James Possible looked to be the calmest in the room as he simply stood and walked over to the tray where Sensi had been sitting. As he placed his cup on the tray he simply said "Wedding service huh. Well that should come in handy"
Next - Confrontations and truths