Chapter 4 Part II, Train Both Mind, Body and Heart

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DISCLAIMER: I own KFC and the staff (the idea is mine….you'll get it when you read) Not Kim Possible

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I use the word ass and pissed in the story…so if the rating is off, let me know.

Ok so here we go, chapter 4 part II. I hope you guys like it, I tried to shoot it out as fast as possible, while still keeping it actually good. In light of the fact that this is 28 word pages long (phew!)I am going to extend chapter 4 to encompass one more part. That means that the pairing will be revealed after the next update. I REALLY am sorry, but I had to do this. But don't worry, it will be a short update, then the real fun will begin. So again sorry.

Also, I don't know the history of the Lotus Blade. I tried to find it, but I couldn't at all. So, I made up my own…please don't hate me for it, it took a while to come up with.
Another thing, the history and the aspects of the Lotus Staff was drawn upon my own original story, "Protector."

Another "Also" is that I am sorry if Yori seems OOC.

Please enjoy, and I am sorry for the long wait.

And aaawwwaaayy we go…

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'Of course" thought Ron, bitterly to himself. He just knew, somewhere deep within himself that God's little miracle wouldn't last long. He had given up any way of fighting it now, it was going to happen, whether or not he liked it was a completely different story all together. His luck in finding no passenger next to him for the long flight had given way to the complete lack of luck in having to exit the plane into the freezing downpour of rain. It seemed that wherever Ron went, the rain followed like a bad memory….a reminder of what he left behind. Pushing the thoughts away, he solemnly walked into the airport, via arrival gate, soaked to the bone and in a spectacularly bad mood. Just because he was Ronald Dean Stoppable, didn't mean he couldn't get pissed.

Lost among the sea of people around him, Ron scanned the crowd ahead of him, to find Yori. Sensei had informed him that she would be waiting for him at the arrival gate. Sighing when he didn't see her, Ron slumped from his stretching position and stood silently still in the middle of the departing passengers. Craning his neck and darting his eyes, Ron desperately searched again for some signs of the ninja student. As the last shreds of hope hung dangling in a metaphorical wind, thoughts of a large practical joke being played on him ran through his mind.

"RON-SAN!"

Turning around to his left was Yori. Wearing a blue school-girl's outfit, short skirt, long, knee-high socks, all blue, white blouse and pink ribbon in her hair, Ron gasped slightly at how stunning she looked. Waving at her, and slapping on a too-happy grin for the way he was feeling, he called out to her and made his way through.

As he reached her, she just jumped on to him, enveloping him in a giant, surprisingly strong hug. Once again taken aback by such a strong emotion over someone as insignificant as himself, Ron gently grabbed Yori's shoulders and held her back a bit. Staring into her eyes, (sounds kind of familiar doesn't it?) he asked

"Hey Yori….what's up?"

Squeezing him again, in a very unusual display of affection for the calm-Japanese beauty, she simply stated "…I missed you Ron-san." With her face nuzzled in his shoulder, Ron discreetly touched the nape of her neck, checking for a modulator or truth chip.

'Or some alien/robot parasite that would have attached itself to Yori's brainstem and spinal cord, controlling her every movement, while feeding off her vict—'

Giggling slightly, Yori stepped back and blushed. "What was that for Ron-san?"

Blushing himself, Ron hastily replied, "Just making sure it's really you. Why…do you like that?"

"Oh Ron-san….you never cease with your American humor…" then as an afterthought to his question, giggling and nodding again, Yori finished, "and you may do as you did, whenever you like."

Staring into each other's eyes, both felt a sense of calm arise within them.

Then it shattered.

Rufus, finally waking up from Ron's jacket pocket popped out and yawned in question at what was going on. Seeing Yori, he immediately brightened and chattered away. Hugging her close, Yori couldn't help but chuckle at the sign of affection by the naked mole rat.

"Hello Rufus-san….I missed you two." As an afterthought she added, "And your owner."

"Brother. Yori, Rufus and I are brothers." Smiling at Yori, they captured each other's eyes for a moment, before Yori grabbed his hand and led him to the exit.

Slightly amazed at how well Ron had been able to flirt with the Japanese vixen, he let Yori pull him along by the hand. Still in daze, they reached the airport exit with little conversation. Stepping out of the revolving doors, they found themselves against the harsh, bitter cold and rain. Protected by the low overhang, both Yori and Ron zipped up their coats and stood side by side. Rufus, the smartest of them all, ducked back into Ron's coat pocket, where he hoped to be warm and dry.

Pulling out an unseen umbrella, Yori opened it quickly and held it above both their heads.

"I am sorry Ron-san, but we must squeeze together, to share our one umbrella. Hopefully it shall not be too much of a burden."

Flashing a patented Ron Smile, he chuckled slightly. "Yori….it would be my immense honor to escort you through such weather and accompany you to the school." Once again surprised by his own calm, cool, smoothness, he was surprisingly unsurprised when Yori grabbed his left hand with her right. Flashing her own smile, they both stepped out into the horrible storm.

And although the weather was unusually dark and forbidding that day, the space underneath the pink and blue umbrella seemed just a bit more serene.

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ Ron's POV ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

As she grabbed my hand, Kim flashed into my mind. Her emerald green eyes, fiery red hair, intense gaze and beautiful….everything burst so suddenly, that I had smiled in spite of myself. Realizing the mistake; that Kim was no longer mine (in truth she never was…) I focused on the here and now. Looking into Yori's eyes and keeping the grin on my face, I thought to myself,

'Maybe I only loved Kim because she was the best in my eyes. Maybe there is someone better."

I had my doubts. In fact, I didn't really believe that anyone could replace Kim, or help how I was feeling.

Continuously smiling, I resolved to forget Kim for the moment.

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ Yori's POV ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

'Oh god' I thought, as I had first spotted eyes on Ron, 'he is more handsome than I last remembered...' After my obvious display of affection for the boy….no for the man, I was a bit worried that perhaps I had gone too far. Ever since Sensei's behavior over the crimson light, and the knowledge of the prophecy; the harsh realization of how much I cared for Ron hit me so strongly that I trembled on the way to the airport. With his intense smiling gaze and kind, smooth words, all doubt left my mind. Thanking my fortune that in all of the excitement, I had forgotten an umbrella for the already soaked Ron, I took his hand within my own. Again worried about the forwardness of this action, I was ready for a look of disgust from Ron.

Instead I received the most dashing, handsome smile to ever grace my presence. Squeezing ever so gently, I returned with my own smile, and we both stepped foot into the horrendous storm.

My last thoughts where that, no matter who he had in America. No matter how beautiful or smitten Ron had been, or was with the so called 'Can Do Anything' girl, I would find a way to make Ron love me.

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As that very thought sprung into life, a lingering doubt also breathed into existence; unconsidered for the moment. The prophecy's bleak and awful prediction of the hero's demise…of Ron's demise worried her. Still….the prophecy had also stated that his true love may be able to get him back.

"I will do it."

Not noticing that she had said it aloud, while they were walking out to the taxis, Ron turned his head from his huddling position to questioningly gaze at Yori. "Do what?"

Blushing and scolding herself for being so foolish, Yori just smiled a mischievous smile.

"I was debating if it would be wise to delay our journey to the school for a large naco platter at Bueno Nacho."

"As tempting as it sounds Yori…believe you me….we really must get to Sensei, from what I understand, it is very serious."

Turning graver at the mention of the problem at hand, she nodded, and silently continued their trek to the taxis. As they walked, she couldn't help but think.

Charming

Cute

Smart

Funny

Sense of Humor

Honest

Good cook

Loyal

Has potential…

As Yori continued to add Ron's attributes to a mental list, she supplied one more.

And committed too.

Smiling to herself she added….

…did I mention cute?

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KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Kim heard it. She knew what it was. She knew that it could only be a combination of a handful of people. And she just didn't care.

She just didn't give a damn at the moment.

"Kim! COME ON! Would you just let me in already, the tweebs are freaking me out! Come on girl….please?"

She sighed, it was Monique….again. She had come over yesterday to cheer her up. She was being a true friend; which was more than what she could say for herself. Sighing and walking silently to the door, Kim weaved around dirty clothes and a just plainly messy room. Unlocking the door, Kim stood face to face with Monique. Wearing her red club banana shirt and a pair of new black jeans, Monique let herself in, pushing Kim a little. Sighing as she sat down on the unkempt bed, Monique gazed at her friend. She just couldn't stand seeing her friend looking so depressed….so…beaten.

As Kim silently shut and locked the door, she made her way next to Monique. Flopping down on her back, she asked in a dull voice.

"What Monique?"

Monique glared at her for a second, not liking her tone, but scolded herself and let it slide. Kim had been through a lot. At first she had refused to say anything, being too embarrassed….to ashamed. Eventually, a sly Monique was able to get Kim to confess every little detail. From what had happened, all the way to the final realization that she had made a day ago. Monique had even seen the video. It had shocked her to no end, but as did Mrs. Possible, she tried her best to comfort the red-headed teen.

The silence stretched on for a seeming eternity. Monique, unable to take the quiet that Kim was so placidly immersed in, finally spoke up.

"Girl, look. I've said it before yesterday, but I REALLY mean it today. You have to forget for a while. Get up, get going, go to the mall, Club Banana, Bueno Nacho….anything. Heck you can even go to smarty-mart…"

Seeing the very Kim-like glare that was shot her way, Monique continued, overjoyed at getting a hint of the old Kim back.

"…or not. Either way, you have to get active. Did you write those letters to Ron that you wanted to?" When Kim slowly nodded her head, Monique continued, "there you go, lets go, take a shower, get dressed and we can go mail the letters. Take a walk in the park, something….anything."

"I won't forget about Ron. I will never forget…" Kim started to say, but Monique cut her off quickly.

"Kim…moping around in his remembrance wont do you any good. If anything it will make facing him harder. You have to get up and build some…..I don't know, build something. DO SOMETHING. I am not saying to forget Ron, we all know that he is a great guy; you just need to focus on everything else for a bit. Besides, he IS coming back."

Kim didn't look too sure. "Is he Monique?"

Placing her hands on Kim's shoulders, Monique looked Kim squarely in her eyes.

"He will come running……after we mail those letters."

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Grabbing a taxi, Yori and Ron settled in the backseat. Cold, soaked, and realizing that one solitary umbrella did nothing for rain storms that swept sideways, Yori directed the driver to a garage thirty minutes from the airport.

Arriving at the garage, and after paying the taxi driver, Ron and Yori quickly entered and went to the far corner. Underneath a flickering lamp over head, they both stood looking over the beautiful yet dangerous vehicle in front of them.

"Yori….are you….driving…us…we….me…..that?"

Grinning and unlocking the bike chain, Yori pulled off an attached helmet, handed it to Ron, and put on one of her own. Looking at Yori's; a pink and blue landscape with an anime-style angel on the front, she looked the part of cute Japanese schoolgirl turned bad ass. Looking down at his own helmet, Ron had to smile a bit. It was ivory white with a large black triangle going down from the back to the front. The tip of the triangle setting at the spot where the black face-cover began. Upon the helmet, inside of the triangle was an anime-style man. He was shirtless, and wearing tattered cargo pants. On one side of his shoulder was a small pink rodent, and the other was a holster strap for a sword. In the man's right hand was a glowing blue sword, and in the left was a lotus flower.

"Yori…isn't this a little obvious to all of my villains?"

Flipping open her glass face shield, Yori held Ron's eyes with her worried ones.

"…Ron-san….after this battle…you will…you'll….it won't…probably wont... matter….because….."

Seeing her obvious pain in this, Ron, being the gallant gentleman he had always wanted to be, saved her from her struggle.

"It's ok Yori, I'm sure I will find out all the answers when we reach the school and Sensei."

With that, Yori smiled slightly, pulled down her shield and cautioned Ron as he took seat behind her on the fabulous machine underneath them. Strapping the strap of his only duffel bag, and holding tightly, Ron squeezed Yori's sides gently and they were off.

Into the ever pouring rain.

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Exiting the park, Kim had to admit that she felt a little better. With Monique next to her, consoling her and now immersing her in useless conversations to sway her attention from Ron, Kim smiled slightly in spite of herself. Walking down the street, they turned the corner where a large blue U.S. postal service mailbox stood. Gripping the letters tightly, Kim opened the flap and was about to put the two letters in, when Monique grabbed her arm in halt.

"Hey Kim….I have an idea."

Reaching into her purse, Monique rummaged around, and pulled out a small tube of lipstick. Popping off the cap, she twisted it, allowing the stick to slowly swivel out. The color was of a dark crimson. Steadying herself, and with a questioned look, Kim allowed Monique to paint her lips with the fiery color.

"Ok….Monique? What was that all about?"

Giving a sly smile, Monique shrugged her shoulders.

"Hey you love the man. You want to kiss him….You want to huuuggg him. You want to caress him and hold him at night so that he can keep you warm….but he is far away, and you don't want to call up a favor to get him yourself. Leave a kiss on the letter. Its some…added incentive to hear you out.

Realization dawning on Kim, she couldn't help but feel that there was no reason for Ron to ever care for her again. He would probably think that she was trying to taunt him, he would probable throw the letter in a fire or just shred it up without ever reading the contents. She had to face the harsh realization that Ron hated her now. Unconditionally and unforgiving….Ron hated Kim.

'… Or at least he probably does.' Thought a worrying Kim; a small shred of hope lingering.

"Monique I don't think that it's such a great—"

She was cut off when, none other than the most hated person in her life (besides herself of course) waved as he walked up.

"Hey Kimmie! How's it going? Nice lip color, maybe you could let me test it…."

Both girls turned to face the vile sight before them.

Both girls spat out his name at the same time.

And both girls could feel their blood rising at the mere mention of his name from their perfect lips.

"Josh"

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Walking up to both of them, Josh smiled and put his hands on his hips in mock concern.

"So Kimmie? How's Ron doin—"

Josh had a huge speech to read off. A whole storyline memorized for just this moment. A million things he had to say to make the deal go off. All his money was on this shot.

Unfortunately for him, pain seeped into the equation.

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Kim knew exactly where this was going. She had never had the time to figure out exactly what role Josh played in all of this. Why he hated Ron as much as he apparently did. Why he did the things he did, or the motivation behind it. What he meant when he said that Ron would hate her. How he would have known. But all the speculation and questions would come as she laid her head to rest, later on that night. At the moment, Kim's blood turned to fire. Her eyes seared green, and angry. For the first time in the longest time, Kim lost herself to the Rage.

Grabbing his neck strongly, she abruptly cut off Josh's words in his throat. Squeezing, Josh's eyes grew and widened at the lack of air finding its way into his lungs.

"I don't care what you think, Josh. But I DO know that you were going to say something very bad about Ron. Now I want you to know that I HATE you and that you had better stay away from me or Ron or Monique. Or else I will completely make sure that I finish the job I started last night."

Through gritted teeth, Kim spoke the words, seething with unabashed hatred, and then released her grip of Josh. Clutching his neck, he eyed them both angrily; slapping a large sneer on his face, Josh uttered his last words…

"What's wrong KP? Did Ronnie-poo leave you all because of little old me? The freaking loser was more of a dork than you."

Just then the Kimmunicator abruptly sounded, but the familiar beeping tune was lost in the sudden flash of red. In one quick fluid motion two very opposite things happened.

One of which was Wade's face appearing on the screen, sipping from his soda cup.

The other was a blur.

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Whipping around, Kim closed in and destroyed the distance between her and Josh. With one giant leap, the kimunicator fell out of her pocket, as she leapt towards Mankey. Astonished and surprised at her agility and abilities, Josh stood too afraid and shocked to move. Wade, Monique, and even Josh expected Kim to slap or punch him. Maybe a few roundhouse kicks. Heck, maybe even a tornado kick combination followed by a few jabs. (A tornado kick is the ones where you jump up and twirl around 360o into a kick. Sorry I kick box and do karate…lol…) Instead Kim grabbed his shirt, lifted him up with obvious upper-body strength, and threw him against the mailbox. Rushing up to his body, sprawled over the mailbox, Kim leaned in close and shouted directly in his face.

"You….You BASTARD! How DARE you speak of Ron that way! He is ten times the man you will ever be, and he could wipe the floor with you if he believed in himself more!" Grabbing his shirt, Kim hauled and wrenched at Josh's shoulders with each pronounced syllable and continued to scold the despicable thing in front of her.

Smiling an obviously pleased smile, Josh sputtered out a few words amid the harsh shaking he received.

"If he's such a good friend…and you love and care for him soo much, as you say you do, Where is he? Why did you guys fight? Why is he gone?"

Kim's pushed him into the warm blue metal of the mailbox. Hard.

"You stupid ass! If I hadn't trusted you to help me keep track of the time, and let myself get lost in the moment by your OBVIOUS meddling, then that wouldn't be an issue! AS IS, THIS IS YOUR ENTIRE FAULT! YOUR FAULT HE"S GONE! YOUR FAULT HE HATES ME! YOUR FAULT THIS WHOLE PROBLEM STARTED!

With that, the expected punches flew in a barrage of fury. Blow after blow landed on contact with Josh's once-perfect face. It took the efforts of Monique to physically and verbally pull her away from the beating. By that time, Kim was in a hysterical frenzy. Tears staining her cheeks, and her eyes and knuckles red, Monique held her back as they looked at the beaten artist.

Josh lay sprawled on the mailbox, his face bleeding in a million small cuts from where Kim's knuckles had made contact. Both eyes were bruising, and they were going to be black the next day for sure. Both Josh's nose and upper and bottom lips were bleeding down upon his blue polo shirt. He honestly looked like a mess; the end result of a massacre.

Panting heavily, Kim stood righteous, fists still clenched so hard that a small drop of blood formed over each pressurized nail-on-palm contact spot.

"Don't you EVER speak to me or Ron again. YOU utter ONE word about Ron, negative or positive, and I swear to God, no one will help you. No one will be able to. I will watch you bleed…then lets see how far you will get without your….third leg working"

Whispering harshly, Kim turned to Monique and walked off, back into the park. Monique, picking up the forgotten communicator with Wade still linked, found solace in the fact that she was not the only one surprised at the amount of damage Kim had given to Josh. Wade sat there, without blinking, straw from his cup dangling loosely from the side of his dry lips. Rushing after Kim, both Monique and Wade shared the same thought for the first time.

'Ron means more to her than I thought…'

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As Josh lay on the floor, he tried to smile to himself, but bleakly failed.

He hadn't gotten to finish the speech, but the job and reaction had been the same. Kim Possible was now officially a train-wreck of wild uncontrolled emotions.

He would get paid triple for his service now….

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Monique came rushing over to Kim, where she sat in angry sobs on a park bench. Sliding next to her, Monique embraced her friend with open arms. Kim gratefully latched on and continued to sob into Monique's shoulder. Having been forgotten, Wade silently signed off and allowed Kim and Monique some privacy. After sniffling a little, and ceasing her constant stream of tears, Kim regretfully let go of Monique. Looking into the redhead's teary eyes, Monique said the first thing that popped into her head.

"Damn girl….you kicked his butt like mad. Remind me to stay on your good side, you KFC."

Earning a small smile and look of confusion, Kim had to ask over sniffles.

"…..KFC?"

Smiling, Monique traced the letters in the air.

"Kung-Fu-Chick."

Seeing another small, tight lipped smile creep onto Kim's lips, Monique was about to go into what had just happened, when Kim interrupted her.

"…Monique I just lied. I just lied to Josh. I….I yelled and b-beat him up, saying that this was his entire fault, but…..it's not. It's all mine." Tears once again streaming down her face, Monique took Kim's hands in her lap.

"God Monique. How could I do this to him? I loved him for so long as a friend….a best friend. He was like my brother, and I treated him like dirt for so long, and now….now I—I pushed him too far. He's gone Monique. And he hates me….and, and, and, and…..I can't blame him. I hate me."

Trying to hold in her tears, but failing, Kim once again broke down, laying her head on Monique's shoulder.

Stroking her friend's hair, Monique whispered words of comfort to her, until she again calmed down. Sniffling and looking distraught and distant, Monique pulled Kim out of her haze.

"….you knows, Kim….we never DID mail those letters…."

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Wade sat back stunned at what he had seen. Kim had completely mutilated Josh. Still, what she had said…it made him feel better. The fact that Josh had consciously helped make Kim lose track of time aided in Wade's obvious need to make up with Kim. He just couldn't stay mad at her…It just wasn't possible.

It just wasn't right.

Clicking and accessing the botanical garden video feed, Wade watched in embarrassed astonishment at Josh's forwardness. He found himself cheering silently when Kim had struck Josh for his obvious violations, and watched approvingly at her apparent anxiety over missing the appointment.

All in all, Wade had to say that his heart had already forgiven Kim. It just took his head to catch up some time.

Resolving to makeup with Kim as soon as she was better, Wade was placid in allowing Monique the time to help get Kim back together. He would talk to her later that night.

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Entering the school, Ron felt a sense of urgency wash over him. At the same time, a deep, deep sense of calm cleansed him. With worry filling his eyes, he lost all thoughts of a crush with Yori, or even KP. Walking as if possessed, and with Yori behind, Ron entered a small room. Upon the walls were scrolls and banners hung with ancient writings. Lined up in winding patterns, candles stood flickering, giving a mystic cloaking to the room. Entering and seating himself on his legs, Ron slowly bowed his head to the dark figure. Bowing as well, the light splashed forth upon Sensei's brow.

"Ah Ron-san. I hope the journey has not been too tiring?"

Blatantly killing the small talk, Ron replied.

"No Sensei, I am fully energized. After arriving here at the school, Yori showed me to my room, where I changed into something dryer. I feel that as I have entered the school, both calm and urgency guide me. Please Sensei; I must know what is going on."

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Nodding solemnly Sensei sighed and beckoned for the standing Yori to close the sliding wooden doors before seating herself. With the lights dancing on the dark red, window –less room, he began.

"Fine then, the whole story and prophecies shall be revealed for the first time in entirety tonight."

With a nod from Ron, he continued.

"Long ago, as is with all legends, there was a great samurai by the name of Myato Mushasi. He studied many forms of fighting and strategy that no one had ever thought of trying. Along his journeying path, he made many enemies, those who were jealous of his power and discipline; jealous of his battles and skill. You see, from a very young age, Musashi was taught by his guardians the ancient teachings of monkey Kung –fu, Tie Shing Pek Kwar. He became a master of it and progressed into other fighting styles. He once wrote that Tie Shing Pek Kwar was the basis of all his learning and that he never once strayed from his path to full enlightenment. On a trip to visit his mother, for his father died years before, Musashi was struck down by a group of traveling thieves. It is said that during his fight, he employed both swords to dispatch his enemies. The long and the short sword. But, even a master can be struck down. Pierced in the stomach, the thieves stole all but his long sword and the clothing that he wore. Leaving him to die, Musashi was said to jog in and out of consciousness. It is said that during this time, he was visited by the great monkey monk. In his visit, he was instructed in the way of creating a weapon with the energy of Tie Shing Pek Kwar. An awesome weapon of unimaginable power.

When he awoke, Musashi, still not believing the verification of the dream, awoke, fully healed. From there, he thought nothing of the dream, or its knowledge, feeling that the dream's recurrence was from his injuries. After his long passage, he finally arrived to his mother's house, only to find the area desecrated. Rushing in, he found the dead corpse of his mother on the floor. From her chest stood his short sword, and knowing full well that the thieves were responsible, Mushasi was gripped in a terrible rage."

Sighing, Sensei continued.

"From there, the story states that he went forth upon this very mountain top (for his mother lived at the foot of where the school now stands.) Still gripped in the rage, Musashi called forth the knowledge, and, with power we still can not fully recreate, created the Lotus Blade. It is said that from there, Musashi cut down every member of the thieves' guild. In pure, unadulterated rage and hatred, he killed over three dozen men…samurai warriors with the blade. It was only until after he found himself out of the gripping madness, that he realized the blade had answered to his will, becoming any weapon he wished. With resolve, he pushed back the evils he had done, for even he knew the wrongness of killing. From there, he created the Yamanouchi School. We are to be the sacred protectors of the blade.

Nodding Ron interrupted. "Sensei, I know all this. You instructed me of the history on my last visit; although this is a briefer version. Still, I can not get the words, Louts Staff out of my mind…"

Nodding more to himself that his would-be savior, Sensei agreed.

"This is true Ron-san. But the background must be set first. We have learned that in power, there are both good and evil origins, just as there is evil and good in people. So too, the power of the lotus is both. Yin and Yang, good and evil; but more so, it is merely opposites. You see, when Musashi created the blade, it was not from his anger and hatred, but more so from his pain and anguish. You see, Musashi pushed aside the rage and evils in his heart, and lost himself in the remembrance of his mother. Of love. "

"I am confused Sensei, if he felt love, then why would he kill all those men?"

"Ahh, Ron-san. Just because rage is pushed aside, does not mean that it suddenly gives way to forgiveness. The mystical monkey monk informed him that to create a weapon of pure hatred would lead into his destruction. As hard as it was, Musashi pushed it all aside, knowing that his destruction would never bring honor and justice to his mother's memory. It is in this way, that he created the blade. Once created, the rage overtook him once more."

Pausing, Sensei searched Ron's eyes for understanding. Meeting his eyes with his own, Sensei continued.

"But just as there can be no good without evil, so too, there could not be a weapon of basic love without one of basic…"

"hatred"

Ron finished Sensei's sentence. Looking around to Yori for the briefest moment, she refused to meet his eyes.

"If I may Sensei, I think I understand. The rage he pushed aside took form into a weapon, just as his love did so. Thus the staff was created. Is this truth? And if it is, then did Musashi know of its existence?"

"Yes Ron-san, to both accounts. Musashi found the staff later, and placed it in the safe keeping of the school, briefly, before realizing that only one who knew the pain would not be affected by the strong hatreds harbored within the deadly weapon. He then took the staff and embarked on a journey to hide it in a far away place. Do you understand so far, Ron-san"

Cracking his knuckles, Ron took a moment to respond.

"Yes Sensei. Everything to this point is clear. The lotus blade and staff are brothers in origin. But what powers does the staff possess? The blade can become anything. Armor and weapon alike; what is left that would make this staff seem so special? And what was the streak in the sky? And the prophecies you mentioned?"

"All good questions. First, let me explain the ability of the Lotus Staff. The staff has a power that is different from the blade. Its form, although at rest as a staff, is best used as a gauntlet. Placing it on your hand, it molds to a form fitting armor. You may view this as a waste, seeing as the blade can become an armor as well. The difference is that the armor of the blade is just that. Armor. Although the best and a magic, mystic armor at that, it is still just armor. And once created, you are left blade-less. The staff forms over a warrior, and draws on his emotions to give him strength. The stronger his emotion, the more strength is lent to him from the staff. The staff, in this way is alive. Just as the blade is alive. Both have been in contact with emotions that give them personality. The blade is superior in attacks; having the mantle of ultimate weapon and accessory. BUT the STAFF is the ultimate asset to battle."

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Looking confused, Ron had to interrupt.

"Sensei, you aren't making much sense. Lets get some things straight. The blade can become anything. The staff can become………?"

Finishing his sentence, " anything as well, but in this sense, it is an inferior weapon. If it were to take the form of, say, a long sword, and the lotus blade would do the same, then the blade would eventually win. But the staff is not to be used that way.

Imagine this. You have been attacked by Monkey Fist. He has the blade, and you have the staff. You are losing, and have a large gash on your chest, spilling blood forth upon your bare chest. He seems confident, and cool, but has tired from your long and strenuous battle. As are you; taking the staff, though, you may employ an asset that is lost to the blade. The staff, forming into a form fitting gauntlet, then armor will wash over you. Seeing you defenseless, Monkey Fist would attack you, but, the blade would not be able to pierce your armor, for it is superior, if only by a little bit, in this way. Still you are both tired, but at a standstill. Seeing his chance, Fist grabs the first hostage to make you surrender. Taking Yori…."

Ron visibly stiffened. There was a vision of a mock battle being projected above the candles as Sensei mystically created a magic holographic scenery image in front of both Yori and Ron; a trick that Ron reminded himself to learn before leaving. Ron admired the staff and transformed armor in the image before nodding to Sensei to continue.

"He pulls her close and transforms the blade into a sharp assassin dagger. Edging it to her neck, her throat, he threatens her life, unless you give up. When at first you respond no, to buy yourself time, He ruthlessly slits her helpless throat…."

Yori squeezed her eyes shut, and Ron's eyes blazed in a fury for a moment, before realizing that the vision was not real. Putting his arm around his friend, Yori, shuddering opened her eyes and they both watched the continued projected image show the slow fall of Yori's lifeless body hit the floor, lifeless eyes in shock. Lifeless…….Sensei continued in a calm, bitter voice.

"Seeing that he has killed her, without remorse or sorrow, the only obvious feelings can radiate into your very being. Pain, Sorrow, Anger, Hatred…but most importantly, RAGE. Gripped in the rage, the large gash on your chest hastily zips and heals itself. So too, the gashes and cuts, bruises and scraped slowly heal as your rage continues to grow, burning in your soul. You feel revitalized, fresh, as Fist is watching in obvious fear. He is still tired. YOU are not. Jetting forward, you rush up to Fist, striking powerful, hate-filled blows. Each hit glowing crimson; until finally, Fist drops the blade. Picking it up, the blue pulsation of the blade, and the red, deep crimson burning of the staff merge, and the red armor becomes a silvery grey. The blade and armor intertwine and your hand is lost, your whole arm becoming one with the blade. In fact, you ARE the blade. The staff has allowed you to become the ultimate weapon. The silver glow intensifying as you slowly walk forward to the huddled Monkey Fist; each step burns with hateful, vengeful purpose. The armor, melding and slipping like water in your right hand, brings the sensation: you are new, revitalized, and ready to kill. Your eyes flicker and dance with the madness. Raising your right arm out directly to the side, the powerful, combined brothers form out in a deadly, long, double- bladed edge. Whispering bitter words that will never bring back Yori to our world, you quickly strike down your arm, jetting Monkey Fist in his vile heart and KILLING him once and for all! The blood runs down and splatters, but the armor quickly molds to deflect it from you directly. Retracting the blade, you smile evilly as your enemy has been killed. You have become one with both lotuses. Walking away from the first death you have ever created, you walk off in search of more killings. Bloodlust overcoming all reason. As you walk off, the wind picks up, spreading and blowing dry, autumn leaves to fall upon Yori's lifeless body. Her death….Your catalyst……….. is long forgotten."

Both Ron and Yori were breathing heavily as the image that Sensei had projected faded into the flickering candlelit flames. Controlling his breathing, Ron met Sensei's eyes.

"This is the deadly power of the staff. Rage is a powerful tool. Only one who knows how to wield the staff correctly and evenly will prevail. All others will be lost to the raging madness. As for your other questions: the streak in the sky is the marker of the final battle. You see, Musashi knew of the evils of the blade. Only he knew how to control the rage. Only he knew how to counter the force. After a long life, having hidden the blade and staff, he was moments from his final death; lying in a thatched bed, when the mystical monkey Monk came to him and delivered a message in this very school. In fact, this is the very room where Musashi died. His presence here is almost the strongest. Upon his final moments, a prophecy was given, dictating the time when the two brothers would either bring destruction of life or meet together in harmony. Unfortunately, there is a problem"

Perking up, Ron asked intently, "Problem?"

Nodding and sighing, Sensei continued his long monologue, "The battle is to decide the supremacy of the two weapons. To do this, each weapon picked its chosen one. You are the Blade's pure chosen one. The staff has chosen Monkey Fist, your sworn enemy. Unfortunately, Fist has started the prophecy. In it, well…. one of the chosen ones will die."

Stunned, Ron sat back and blinked before rubbing his eyes a few times. "SO to win, I have to KILL Fist?"

Looking up into Sensei's worried eyes, Ron knew there was more.

"Why is it that although that sounds horrible, and I don't know if I can do it, there is something more?"

"There is Ron-san. Even if you win, the battle may….kill you as well."

As this, Yori lifted herself out of her own thinking and gazed back worryingly at Ron. Rufus, who had hidden in Ron's pocket the whole time, quickly crawled out and patted Ron's head.

"I would like to see the prophecies please." Whispered a pale Ron. Nodding, Yori got up and walked over to a shelf, where a Word document version of one of the many scrolls lay. Handing it to Ron, he read, and reread both prophecies over again.

Sorry guys, but I am too lazy to copy/paste the prophecies, just check out chp3…

Lifting his eyes from the papers, he glanced quickly at Yori, seeking her eyes, but only found her staring at her lap, as if it was the center of the entire universe.

"The prophecy says that Monkey Fist can kill me and win, or I kill him and may still die. That's a pretty big MAY. But if I don't then…..

Ron's voice quivered

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

Sensei waited with hidden anxiousness. They could not actually force Ron-san to fight and enter the prophetic brawl. He had to consciously choose.

"…..if I don't, then he will kill us all? Bring about the end of existence? Do I have it about right?"

Nodding, held breath, both Sensei and Yori awaited his decision.

"…I will."

Ron, looking into Sensei's and Yori's eyes, uttered his own sealed doom into the dark, candle-lit room.

"I am just going to assume that I have to initiate my decision with some sort of prophecy?" asked a humorless Ron. Like Rufus, Ron was fully committed to this mission. The one mission he knew for a fact that he would not survive. He was afraid. Honest and true, but he just could not fail. He knew that although it was said that he had a choice, it really was no choice at all. He could not fail Sensei, Rufus, Yori, His parents, Kim……

"No Ron-san, you must grasp the Lotus Blade."

Looking up and expecting him to finish, Ron impatiently asked.

"….And?..."

"From there, you shall know what to do."

Slumping his shoulders, Ron switched his position, sitting cross legged. Looking over to Yori, she continued to avert his gaze. 'She must feel horrible about all this…both of them…'

"Just one more thing, Sensei. The prophecy said something about a….Symmetry of Souls, or something. What exactly is that?"

Silent for a moment, Sensei chose his words carefully.

"Ron-san. The Symmetry of Souls was an ability mastered and created by Musashi long ago. Together, with the staff and blade, he created this powerful gift. You see, only he could fully understand the power of the Staff and Blade. More so, only he could achieve and unlock the full potential of the Lotus Weapons. The Symmetry of Souls is being able to control both the Blade and Staff. We at Yamanouchi were taught the ways of the Blade. Your training will be extensive for your physical strength and the blade. Through this training you will learn the first half of the Symmetry of Souls."

Looking over to Sensei, and with pleading eyes Ron questioned,

"So basically….I am going to train to wield the blade, and also get myself physically fit. Learning all the secrets of the blade will give me half the knowledge to this Symmetry thing. Then you expect me to be able to win this monumental battle with only half-knowledge, and more so, half ability, while Fist has already come into contact with both weapons, while I have not. Then, even if I do completely save the world from complete annihilation, which by the way sounds like a bad movie catch phrase, I, being the geek turned hero, am still going to perish? Unless of course, my so called "true love" rescues me by finally realizing that I am her love?"

Did I get it all, Sensei?"

With heavy eyes, and a heavy heart, Sensei responded quietly…..almost defeated.

"Yes and no Ron-san. It is not certain that you shall perish. All else is truth."

Sighing, standing up and shaking himself off, Ron stood tall and stretched his back before allowing Rufus to scamper up into his pocket. Giving a hand to Yori, he awaited Sensei to follow his lead. With the three of them standing up, Ron announced.

"So…..let's get this initiation going. Wouldn't want the world to end over little ol' me. Take me to the Lotus Blade. I am ready."

Gazing with new fire, both student and teacher gazed approvingly and in great respect for Ron. Opening the door for the two of them, Yori stood aside as Sensei took the lead with Ron trailing behind. Leading into the hallway, Yori could make out Sensei speaking with Ron. They both knew that the decision that Ron had made was monumental, and affecting him on so manly levels. Still he did not, or tried not to show how strenuous this new-found knowledge was.

"So Ron-san. I know this is hard for you, and unfair, but I am greatly proud of you. The school is proud of you, and of course, the honor that will be achieved will be great. You must have faith Ron. Faith in yourself. Faith in others who love you. DO you have faith Ron-san?"

"I have HOPE. I have HOPE in myself, Sensei. With training, maybe the faith will follow. For now, only hope."

"Ahh, Ron-san. You speak of the prophecy. Do not fret. Your love will save you, as you will save us all. Have faith."

As Yori silently snuffed the candles and closed the wooden screen door, she could faintly make out Ron's reply. As the gathering darkness loomed, and she raced wordlessly to reach them both, a dejected sigh could be made out.

"No Sensei. I have faith and I have hope. Both in myself and your ability in teaching me…..maybe. But one thing is for sure, certain. Love will not save me this time; or ever. Love has already sentenced me to death and pain…..long ago."

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

As Yori caught up with the both of them, the sounds of rain splattering against the roof above echoed among the dark corridor; rumbling thunder pronounced itself in the night sky. Opening a door, the trio made their way into the pouring rain. The cold, harsh wall of unrelenting rain had no effect on the three. Walking out into the central courtyard of Yamanouchi, every student was lined up in black. Sitting in reverence, two rows of students, facing the inside of the path, and across from each other, they lined the pathway. As the three walked to the center, Yori silently slipped to her position at the beginning of the path. Kneeling next to her fellow students, her hair flapped madly in the wind, whipping about her eyes. This too, prevented any gazing, wandering eyes to meet hers.

As the now-duo walked past, every student bowed gently, head to floor in respect. The callous rain continued to fall, but none felt the natural coolness. Instead, a chill, more icy and supernatural then ordinary traced itself through each guest at the monumental moment. Finally reaching the altar placed at the end of the pathway, Ron silently remembered, randomly, that the courtyard was usually a mirage of colors, mostly brown. Now, in the moon-less, nightmarish setting, only black and grey silhouettes could be made out. Stepping up to the altar, Ron noticed a box glowing ever so faintly; as if something was actually glowing inside. Sensei, walked over to the left of Ron, and stepped behind the altar, and facing Ron; grimly, placing two hands over the box, he opened it slowly. Within the box lay the lotus blade. Pulsating blue, much like its brother had, it seemed almost expectant of what was to come.

"Take it Ron-san. Take it Chosen One…for it is yours by right. Grasp the blade, grasp the power of the Lotus, of the Lotus Blade and fulfill the prophecy, initiate your end, and allow the battle to be set. Take the power and responsibility upon your own shoulders—willingly, willfully giving up all other causes and paths, except the TRUE one. Bring yourself honor. Save us all, Chosen One. Bring peace through battle. Strive to learn the Symmetry of Souls. Call out to the fighting brother. Combine them. Allow them to intertwine and become one. Manipulate them back to what they once were. Fulfill your destiny and grasp the blade. With purpose, you must give yourself completely to this goal. Allow your mind to be flooded with the now-dead consciousness of the ancient one; Musashi, the creator of the Lotus'. Intertwine yourself in the center of the monumental, final battle. Destroy your enemy, or be destroyed. Save love; both yours and that all around. Give man a chance to live. Give in to hope, destroy fears and have faith. Grasp the Blade now….only doing so to protect and promising to fight every battle to reach your last. Fight for the good, and grasp the Staff. In hatred, do not lose yourself, grasp both together and let the power connect you to Tie Shing Pek Kwar. Completely… to one purpose. To fight. To save. Committed to life, by defeating death. And perhaps die as well, but justly, honorably…truthfully….rightfully, and above all……proudly. Do you, Chosen One…Ron-san…agree to grasping the blade in full commitment to doing what is ultimately right? Forsaking all your worldly joys? All for the life you want to save. Is it worth it?"

Ron stood silently as Sensei finished his speech/question. At that moment, had this been a movie, and he watching it, next to Kim and Monique in a theater in Middleton, Ron would've made some joke about "Is this supposed to make me WANT to do this?" Now, though, Ron sought out all the lives he would save, the good he would do….and what would happen if he failed. At that moment, he made a promise to himself….no; he couldn't only make a vow with himself, promises of telling Kim how he felt had been broken too many times. He made a promise to Kim instead….yes; he never could break a promise with her. He would never fail her.

'Yes…' he thought, 'I will. I agree. Maybe I can actually be the hero for once………'

Outstretching a quivering hand, all had fallen silent, and even the rain and thunder were, but, hazed background sounds. Muffled among the vast and unstoppable apprehension growing at that moment; Ron slowly gripped the handle of the blade. The blue radiated out, washing over him. Tightening his grasp, he slowly pulled it out of its prison. This was not like the last time he had touched the blade. This time…things were different. The blade was different, some how; and so too was he. Lifting it out, holding it in his hands, Ron was guided, as if Musashi was there, living, breathing…his soul within the blade. As Ron held the blade out in front of him, pointing edge towards Sensei, The master of Yamanouchi silently glided from his position of holding the Lotus Blade's box, to kneeling behind Ron. Likewise, Rufus had scampered out and knelt before Ron. Turning his back, slowly on the alter, Ron's eyes blazed a deep, dark and at the same time, intensifying blue color. With words of unknown origin, Ron spoke out into the rumbling sky.

"To this…I hold

And to answer….then it is so.

To your question I reply….behold.

….It is worth it….

As history shall now unfold.

So too shall power grow

Born from a past of two ways

By this blue, holy glow

As the light bending rays

Strike down upon both my brother and I

The battle shall be set

Symmetry shall be achieved in time

Upon the battlefield shall both be met

And time shall only show

The victor standing dead or stone

For prophecy is certain

One shall kill all and have triumph

And the other—if won shall be

Unloved and locked in jade

Won his battle—but lost his love

And that warrior must keep the blade

And shall be,

Tool of both Lotus….betrayed.

….Me."

With his final utterance met into the dark night air, the rain, thunder and now flashing lightning rumbled and roared viciously as his words escaped his lips. Later on, in the time that followed, both Sensei and Ron would be unable to explain where the words had come from, but now, all was disheveled. Nature rapidly created her worst. Standing tall, facing all those gathered, Ron pointed the sword towards the night sky. The blue light pulsated and bathed him fully in the encompassing light. Flicking his wrist, and transforming the blade into a fighting fan, he threw it into the night. Pulsating blue, the fan arced in a boomerang motion, coming back to rest in Ron's hand, a bright, pulsating blue light flashed suddenly. All but Ron and Rufus covered there eyes.

Looking up as the flash had dimmed into nothingness, Ron and the rest of the spectators gazed into the night sky. Seeing that the harsh, furious storm had gone; a bright night now reflected down upon them, as soft stars twinkled brightly. Transforming the blade back into its regular form, Ron stared hard into the night. With a thought, the blade transformed slightly, lengthening a few feet, now outstretching to six feet. Wielding it with obvious ease, Ron flicked and twirled the blade with no difficulty, as if guided by a second force. Spinning the blade around, faster and faster, he suddenly let it go, flinging it into the sky. As the blade spun in ever-changing, vertical/horizontal, circular shape, another thin but powerful blue burst of energy shot forth. A twin to the streak shot off from its brother a night before, Ronald Dean Stoppable, The chosen one, chosen to wield the blade, and save the entire world, gazed into the heavens, watching the streak shimmer out of sight. Catching the sword as it fell, Ron did not even glance as it fell perfectly into his outstretched right hand. Transforming it back into its regular form, and then again into a thin leather bracelet, with a bright blue circular stone, he paused.

Whispering into the suddenly, dead-quiet night, he announced.

"And so it is complete"

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

Far in the deepest corners of a new lair. Monkey Fist stood on his balcony, Staff in hand. Gazing up into the night sky, a bright, blue-lit streak stained the sky. Passing over him, Fist was overtaken with a terrible pain. One that shot through his entire body; a message dawned and appeared into his mind. Unknowing and yet, undeniably a message from Ron, Fist snarled as the pain seeped away. With the aide of the staff, he stood straight as the blade's twin gleamed. Grinning, his fanged jaw glinting slightly, in obvious amusement, he spoke out into the night air.

"So the boy has taken on the challenge. The fool, I shall rip out the blade from him, and leave him as my slave…."

Before finishing his thought, the staff gleamed slightly, a sinister red colored vapor issued forth. Intertwining around Fist's head, silent whispers were uttered, slowly twisting the already evil mind into a monstrosity of hate and rage. With eyes filled with blood lust, Fist finally continued his thought, as the issued vapor disappeared back into the staff.

"…No….I shall rip out the blade from his grasp and engulf his little girlfriend's heart, before mutilating him. Yes….I shall use both weapons to destroy him."

Turning and walking back within the confines of his lair, Fist slowly disappeared from sight as the moon was hidden by passing clouds.

The night air cooled and dropped suddenly, as the staff gleamed slightly once more.

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

Sinister forces were moving into play, and were, perhaps, to much for one Lotus chosen one, with half the knowledge and ability to face.

Then again….what other choice was there.

Then again……Who else would save us all?

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

a/n

Ok so part III is on its way. All about Ron's training. And Yori. Also promise to tie up some lose ends. Again i am so sorry i took so long...please forgive and review. PLZ!

I shall update sooner than before!

Fern nu

A/R

GJMEGA: All will be revealed. Part III will tie in a lot of lose ends. For now, you just have to keep wondering. ­"

Whatever Star: Criticism is the best form of flattery….or is that copying. Lol, anyways don't worry bout it.

Monkey Fist: Thank you so much. I love all your stories (not trying to flatter you or anything) so praise is great.

Eckles: We had the same exact idea….which means it must be good. Lol. Still don't know how it will work out though.

Thanks to all of you guys….

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