Author Note: Please tell me no one still things she's a synthodrone. I mean for crying out loud she has a full name, records and a family. Who has a big enough grudge against Ron and the resources to do this? Anyway, thanks for the praise but please keep it up I'm getting the feeling that fewer and fewer people want me to continue.

Chapter 6: Who's the lucky one?

The score was fifty seven to fifty four visitors leading. It was Friday evening; the girl's basketball game long since started was coming down to the last ten minutes of the game. Kim was leading the squad in their routine in front of the audience. Ron was jittering around barking and howling in his trademark Mad Dog's costume.

"Come on Joan!" Ron shouted from inside the enormous head.

Joan moved down the court dribbling the ball quickly. Swinging past the defense and misleading their actions until a teammate lead in for a lay up; Joan fed her the ball and observed a clear dive into the basket.

"Go Mad Dogs!" The cheerleaders shouted.

The score was off by two points and the opponents had the ball. Procrastinating for time the handler moved back and forth eating up the last two minutes of the game. Joan moved in fast and managed to sneak the ball from the delaying player. She instantly scorched down to the hoop. With all the team behind her Joan was right at the net, she went for the shot and heard the smooth sound of mesh whipping.

"Boo-yah!" Ron cheered as the buzzer went off.

The audience joined in as the team huddled around Joan for congrats. After the game Joan exited the change room still talking to her fellow teammates.

"Lover at three o'clock." One girl said looking behind Joan.

She turned to see Ron standing at the other side of the gym looking directly at Joan. He smiled and waved slightly.

Joan turned back to her friends. "I'll see you guys later."

"We'll be expecting details." One girl cooed as they walked off.

Joan ran over to Ron and threw her arms around him.

"Hey good-looking." Joan beamed finally breaking the embrace.

"You hurricane rocked tonight." Ron praised. "So I got these for you."

Ron pulled out a bouquet of flowers from behind his back.

"Oh Ron, Casablanca Lilies how'd you know they're my favorite?" Joan gushed as she held them.

"I have my resources." Ron answered smugly as he polished his knuckles on his shirt.

Joan took a deep whiff of the beautiful flora. "They're wonderful."

Ron put his arm around her waist as they headed out the door into the brisk evening's air.

"So, are we heading down to BN to eat?" Joan asked rhetorically.

"Actually, I wanted to bring you somewhere different."

"Really? Where?"

"You'll see." Ron said as they arrived at his scooter.

Ron gave JC her helmet and soon they were off down the road. Joan clutched Ron tightly as they rode, not for her safety but because she loved the embrace. Ron enjoyed the embrace as much as Joan did; her soft arms around him made him feel like no other.

As they drove up the street they were approaching people of familiarity. It was Kim and Monique; they were walking home from the game.

"Hey guys!" Joan and Ron said a waved in unity as they darted past them.

Kim stopped walking to watch them speed off into the night. She waved for moment but said nothing. As she watched them drive away Kim never really warmed up to Ron's scooter but she found herself longing to be on it, to be with Ron like she had been before.

"Hoping for a ride?" Monique asked interrupting Kim's thoughts.

"No, I was just… thinking." Kim answered continuing like nothing happened.

After a few short minutes Ron pulled into the parking lot of one of Middleton's greatest Italian Restaurants.

"Why here?" Joan asked as she took off her helmet.

"I thought it would be nice to do something different. A special dinner for a special girl."

Ron's flattery made Joan smile coyly.

Ron offered his hand to Joan. "Madame?"

"Monsieur." Joan took his hand giggling as she played along.

The two walked into the building hand in hand. It didn't take long for them to get a booth and orders placed.

"Ron, you don't have to do all this." Joan explained after seeing how sleek the restaurant looked.

"I know, but you deserve it." Ron said as he grasped her hands.

Joan's heart melted as she looked into his eyes and felt the warmth of his hands.

"How can this be possible?" Joan said in her mind. "How can such a perfect guy want to be with me? He's kind, thoughtful, generous, funny, cute…" Joan's inner voice rambled.

Joan wanted to say something but couldn't find the words to express her feelings. Finding nothing to say she just brushed her leg up against Ron's and smiled.

The food arrived and they ate peacefully while Joan twisted Ron's arm making him tell her what happened in Ceylon. Between chewing and swallowing they were grunting and snorting trying not to laugh out loud, they were getting some dirty looks from the other diners of the establishment.

Following dinner Ron took Joan to the park where they walked along the pavement trail. As Joan rested her head on Ron's shoulder she gazed up into the clear sky. The stars glistened ever so lightly beyond the brilliant crescent moon.

Joan sighed filled with content. "That's what you are Ron."

"Hmm? I'm what?"

"You're the moon in my life. The stars are just soft pleasures that are there but so rare and far away, but the moon is always there, so close and wonderful."

Ron went crimson as he spoke. "Wow, that was beautiful, ever consider hallmark?"

"Don't joke, I was being serious." Joan nagged.

"So was I."

They sat down on a bench to rest their tired legs.

"JC, I have something for you." Ron said as he reached for his pocket.

"Now you stop that Ron Stoppable." Joan badgered. "Flowers, dinner, a romantic walk in the park and now a gift. Are you trying to spoil me?"

"Since when do girls' so no to gifts? Besides it's the last thing, I promise." Ron disputed innocently.

"Okay." Joan said playfully, making it sound like a chore.

"Close your eyes." Ron instructed.

Joan obeyed anxiously using her hands knowing temptation would make her peek.

"Now when I count to three you will be my slave." Ron joked.

"Hurry up." Joan urged impatiently.

"Okay, open."

Joan opened her eyes to see Ron holding out a small box for her to grab. Joan picked it up and looked at it curiously.

"What is it?"

"It's tradition to open the box to find out."

Joan was embarrassed by her stupid question as she opened the hinges. Resting inside the box was a shimmering necklace; two heart shaped rings were at the base which weaved to form a chain together. Left speechless Joan held it up to display for herself. Her eyes glistened as Ron took it from her.

"When I saw it I knew it belonged around her neck." Ron said as he placed it around her shoulders.

Joan looked down at it as it lightly dangled.

"Do you like it?" Ron asked unsurely.

Joan pounced on him her lips wrapped tightly around his. Ron's eyes went large with surprise but lazily closed as he kissed her back.

"That's a yes right?" Ron said after their kiss broke.

Joan nodded as she wrapped her hands around his arm and nuzzled into his neck. The feeling of Joan lightly kissing his collar made Ron feel invincible, like nothing could bring him down.

Ron glanced at his watch. "Uh oh, it's almost ten thirty; we've got to get you home."

"Just a little longer." Joan whispered blissfully.

"But we'll be late if we don't go now."

"I'll tell them the scooter broke down."

"Then you'd be lying."

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"What if they find out?"

"Then they find out."

"They might kill me."

"Then you better shut up and enjoy your last few hours of life."

Ron was a bit surprised by the verbosity of her last statement but was taken in by her intention. Ron sat quietly and moved closer to her.

"I never thought this would happen." Ron's mind said. "A gorgeous girl… is with me… and liking it. Why does she waste her time with me? Like I care, I guess I have something."

Eventually Ron managed to get Joan home with just a few seconds to spare. While Ron was heading home on his scooter Joan was instantly on her phone calling up her closest friends to fill them in on the most romantic time of her life.

"Oh yeah, who's the man?" Ron asked himself smoothly as he drove. "That's right I am the man!"

Ron was just a few doors down from his house when he noticed a lone figure walking slowly in the night. Ron pulled in closer and slowed down as he noticed it was Kim.

"KP? What are you doing out?" Ron asked grabbing her attention.

"Ron? I was just… you know… walking around." Kim answered.

Ron got off the scooter. "I guess it is a nice night to go for a walk." Ron agreed as he looked back at the moon and reminisced over what he heard not to long ago.

"Yeah… nice." Kim shifted her weight from foot to foot.

"Do you need a ride home?" Ron offered pointing to his scooter.

Kim got a glimpse of cheer in her emerald eyes. "Well, I guess I could…" Kim silenced. "Did you hear that?"

Ron and Kim said nothing as they listened in the darkness. There was a rustling coming from the bushes just a few feet from them. Without warning a shadowy figure burst from the shrubbery towards the two teens. Kim somersaulted forward and got into her fighting stance. Just as the unknown stranger was close enough Kim unleashed her kung fu skills.

"Hi-yah!" Kim shouted throwing out a spin kick.

The figure dodged without effort and continued to move. Kim jumped in front of her opponent again and attempted a forward punch. Nothing but air.

"Listen, I don't know who you are or what you want but you're going down!" Kim snapped as she came at the individual with a low sweep.

Obviously tired of the distraction the unknown person simply dodged and flipped over Kim while pulling her shirt over her head (hockey maneuver). Kim was unprepared for this tactic and was left weaving around trying to pull it back down; unfortunately the figure finished her off by leg sweeping sending her crashing to the ground in a daze. Finished with Kim the figure approached Ron who was mystified on how easy Kim was defeated.

"Whoa dude, back off. Don't come at me, when I'm cornered I become a raging one man army!" Ron tried to intimidate as he went into a position, the stranger stood in front of Ron unfazed. "Okay, I bluffed!" Ron whimpered blocking his face.

The shadowy figure handed Ron a letter. Ron instinctively took the letter and gave the figure a look of misunderstanding. The mysterious person bowed and disappeared into the shadowy night.

By this time Kim finally had pulled her shirt back down and stood back up.

"That's it! Where did that little punk go!" Kim ravaged as she looked around fuming.

She back at Ron who was looking at the piece of paper just handed to him, all the noise had Rufus alive and awake on Ron's shoulder.

"What happened anyway?" Kim asked a little more relaxed.

"Kim, do you know what this is?" Ron asked already knowing the answer.

Kim walked up to see the letter but didn't have a clue to what it was.

"KP, this is the seal of the Yamanuchi School." Ron explained.

"Yamanuchi." Rufus confirmed nodding his head.

"Yamanuchi? You mean that secret ninja school?"

"Yes, and it looks important."

"Open it."

Ron stood underneath the street lamp in order to see the letter more clearly. He broke the wax fastening on the envelope and pulled out a folded piece of paper. At first Ron was concerned seeing the Japanese characters but was enlightened after seeing the English translation at the bottom, Ron could barely read Japanese.

"To Ron Stoppable, The secret training ground of the Yamanuchi School is once again in need of your superior skills. The masurao shinsei taikai is approaching and it is of the utmost importance you return to Japan. The balance of good and evil lies in your capable hands. A helicopter has been provided to bring you to Japan; it shall be waiting at six p.m. Middleton border. You are advised to pack for two weeks worth of travel. We await your arrival with anticipation. Signed, Sensei." The letter read.

"Wow, weird huh?" Ron said.

"Hey, he actually wrote 'capable hands'" Kim replied.

"Excuse me? Who saved Yori?" Ron asked self promoting.

"Me!" Rufus answered boastfully.

"Who can use the Lotus Blade?" Ron continued.

"Me!" Rufus answered again, Ron glared at Rufus.

"Who rescued Sensei?"

"We did!" Kim jumped in. "And that's why I'm coming to."

"Whoa, hold up KP. I'm not sure you can."

"Why not?"

"Because it's a secret ninja school…"

"That I already know about."

"Yes, well… it doesn't even mention you."

"Listen Ron, it talks about fighting evil. I'm Kim Possible and I fight evil, so I'm coming with you like it or not!"

Ron was already aware that he couldn't win this argument so he let out a sigh of surrender. Ron drove Kim home quickly and reminded her to be ready for tomorrow before returning home. Once in his room Ron reread the letter a dozen times and with each repeat more questions rained in his mind. It didn't seem to matter, whatever it was it had to be big; Ron hadn't spoken to Sensei since being captured by DNAmy. Ron was able to answer one question after pulling out his dictionary, this masurao shinsei taikai Sensei spoke of translated to "The Tournament of the True Warrior"; this new knowledge only raised further questions. Unfortunately Ron was exhausted, he was too tired to find answers and too tired start getting ready, it had been a busy night and he knew that he didn't have the energy to start getting ready so he retired to his bed and was asleep almost instantly.

"I'm sorry Li Mei but you've lost your head privileges." Ron announced out loud.

It was early Saturday afternoon and Ron was at Joan's house, he knew he couldn't leave for Japan without telling Joan and saying goodbye. The couple were in the basement playing Mortal Kombat Deception.

Ron made his call as he initiated Subzero's fatality, commanding the pixel character to freeze his opponent and tear their head off to throw at the remaining body to shatter them.

"Fatality!" Rufus squeaked afterwards.

Ron sat up with an overbearing smirk. "And once again you have felt the swift and painful defeat by the hands of Ron bon diggity Stoppable."

"You suck!" Joan spurt sourly.

"Then why did I win?"

Joan elbowed him with a mixture of playfulness and bad sportsmanship. Ron pushed back. Joan returned with a more forceful shove.

"Oh, it's on!" Ron blared as he smacked her with the couch pillow.

'Take this!" Joan returned flinging a spoonful of the pudding that they had been sharing at Ron.

"Uh-oh." Rufus yelped as he ran out of Ron's pocket.

After the splotch landed on Ron's cheek he tackled Joan and began a roll around. The two teens spun left and right on the floor as they battled lightheartedly. Finally after they stopped Ron was lying on top of Joan and they were in an uncontrollable fit of laughter. After chuckling subsided they looked into each other in undisturbed silence. The silence was broken when Rufus blew a raspberry at the sight of the lovey-dovey couple.

Joan wiped a bit of pudding from Ron's cheek with her finger and put it in her mouth. "Mmmmm! Ron flavored." She giggled.

Ron helped her up and sat back on the sofa.

"I need to tell you something." Ron said as he patted the sofa beside him implying her to sit down.

"What is it baby?" Joan asked as she walked over and sat down on Ron's lap, arms around his neck.

Ron was a bit surprised by her directness but continued. "I'm going to be away for a week or two."

"No you're not." Joan argued without fear.

"Uh… yes. Yes I am." Ron insisted.

"Nope, you're staying right here with me." Joan persisted while rubbing the back of Ron's neck.

"But it's important."

Joan put on a puppy dog pout. Ron knew she inherited this from Kim and it would have probably worked had the problem not been this important.

"Sorry Joan, I've grown immune to that."

Joan had an actually pout as she got serious. "Fine then, where are you going?"

"Japan."

"What for?"

Ron went silent; he knew that he couldn't tell her about Yamanuchi but he also knew that she would never accept a silent answer.

"Well… it a lot of like that." Ron pointed to the video game they had been playing just a few minutes ago.

Joan raised an eyebrow. "You're going to an anonymous island where you will fight in a tournament to protect earth realm for another ten thousand years?"

Ron got a sheepish look on his face. "Okay I guess it isn't a lot like it. But I am going to a tournament."

"Details." Joan urged.

"I can't tell you."

Joan glared at him, half hurt and half maddened.

"I know what you're thinking and if it makes any difference no one knows anything about it either…. except Kim."

Joan looked a little unsure but gradually smiled, she had full trust in Ron and knew he wouldn't lie to her.

"Okay." She agreed ruffling Ron's hair.

"I need get home so I can pack." Ron said.

"Alright." Joan replied.

They both remained silent and unmoved as Ron looked around.

"Joan, you do know that you have to get off my lap if I'm going to leave."

"Yeah. I know." Joan said sprightly.

The silence returned and Ron looked around again.

"Are you going to let me leave?"

Joan snuggled into Ron's neck and purred. "Not without a fight."

Pleasant tickles shot up and down Ron's body as she continued to cuddle beside him. But he ended the delight as he gently moved her away. Ron tried to get up but Joan clutched onto Ron refusing to budge. Joan beamed proudly while Ron developed an idea. Ron moved closer to Joan she mirrored his movement. They embraced for a long enjoyable kiss. Joan was briefly distracted as Ron moved his arm underneath her legs, then instantly he flipped her legs up forcing her to roll across the couch.

Ron jumped up and had a laugh. "You fell for it. Don't you ever watch action movies?"

"No fair." Joan whimpered.

Joan got up and walked Ron to the door while trying to get Ron to stay.

"Hungry?" Joan asked despairingly.

"No, I've eaten."

"Want to watch a movie?"

"I don't have the time."

"Have to go to the bathroom?"

Ron stopped walking and looked at Joan straightly. She blushed shamefully.

"J.C. it's okay, I am coming back."

"I know, I'm sorry, I'm just going to miss you."

"I will miss you too."

Ron opened the front door to head out when Joan's eyes light up.

"Wait Ron!"

"Joan!"

"No seriously I have something for you. Just wait right here."

Joan darted upstairs while Ron patiently at the front door. Shortly Joan returned from upstairs, her hands behind her back.

"Eyes closed." Joan commanded.

Ron did as instructed, feeling the same restlessness as Joan had felt the night before.

"You can look."

Ron was looking at Joan's outstretch hands which were holding a hand woven headband. Ron picked it up from her grasp and analyzed it closely. Ron wasn't sure what it was made out of but whatever it was it was stretchy but firm and felt amazingly comfortable. A rhythmic pattern of colors reached all around it with his initials sewn on the front in a very artistic fashion.

"Wow, how appropriate." Ron said thinking about his situation.

"I've been making this for the past week and since you gave me the necklace I finished it up last night." Joan looked modest. "Do you like it?"

Ron slipped it on his forehead. "It's perfect." He replied pulling her in for a kiss.

"I have to get home now okay?" Ron reminded arms around Joan.

"See you in a couple of weeks?"

"It's a date."

Nothing happened for half a minute.

"Ron you're going to have to let go of me if you're gonna leave."

Ron chuckled. "Yeah…I know."

Ron managed to let go of Joan and leave but not before one last kiss, one that would hopefully leave a lasting impression until he returned.

When Ron got home he commenced packing. He grabbed his toothbrush, sleepwear, only a couple changes of clothes due to his anticipation of wearing a kimono the majority of the time there, his kimmunicator and anything else he believed he would need.

"Nacos?" Rufus asked jumping up onto the suitcase.

"I don't know buddy. They didn't keep so good the last time we were there."

Rufus reminisced about the state of the nacos when they arrived at Yamanuchi School the last time they were there. They both agreed that the micro rainforest didn't look edible or sanitary.

"Ugh, okay." Rufus nodded hoping back into Ron's pocket.

Ron threw the duffle bag over his shoulder and headed for the door; it was quarter to five which gave Ron just enough time to walk to the Middleton border, taking his scooter would involve leaving it there, not a very wise choice of action. Ron didn't feel the urge to call Kim, he knew she had a good memory and even so maybe it was best that she didn't show up.