Author Note: The next two chapters are very slow and dull but believe it or not they are needed for the story to continue. I promise on the highest level of honesty imaginable if you all bare with me the following chapters will be a thousand times better. So if you review just to say "This is kinda boring, but keep going" at least I'll know you want me to continue. Thanks a ton.

Chapter 7: Return to Yamanuchi

Ron arrived at his destination with about three minutes to spare; he knew that the Yamanuchi graduates were very punctual. But Kim was no where to be seen. Ron once again felt the urge to call her but knew it would be more appropriate to leave her behind.

"They may not even let her in the copter." Ron debated out loud. "Sure she helped in saving Sensei but does that give her right to actually enter the Yamanuchi grounds?"

Ron's thoughts were silenced as a car drove up the road and pulled over beside him. The passenger door opened up and Kim stepped out.

"Thanks for the lift Mr. Richards." Kim said to the driver.

"No need to thank me Kim, you've babysat for Tiffany more then enough times."

"No big."

The car u-turned and returned to Middleton as Kim walked up next to Ron.

"Ready?" Ron asked.

"Ready." Kim answered holding up her duffle bag and backpack.

"Just to let you know Kim, they may not let you get on the helicopter."

"And why not?"

"It's nothing personal it just that you only found out about Yamanuchi by getting Wade to look it up and just because you helped save Sensei doesn't mean they will let you come."

Kim couldn't argue with Ron's profound logic, she could only hope. Then directly at six p.m. they heard the approach of a helicopter. After it docked the passenger door was opened by one of the Yamanuchi graduates.

"Is he the one who went NHL on me?" Kim burned.

"I doubt it; the graduates tend to look alike."

Ron approached the helicopter and bowed to the man in black. The man returned the bow and allowed Ron passage into the chopper. Kim moved towards the man but made a movement to deny means of access.

"No, it's okay. She's with me." Ron explained.

The ninja stepped aside but not before looking closely at Kim. Kim felt affronted as she got on and sat down on the passenger seat next to Ron. The ninja closed the door and signaled the pilot. The chopper took off and they began their journey to the secret ninja school of Yamanuchi.

"They don't talk much do they?" Kim spoke softly to Ron.

"Duh, it all about mystic; think about it, what if they talked and they sounded like Elmo?"

The voyage continued for several hours before they could finally see the island of Japan. Kim looked around impatiently, not because she was bored but because she had something on her mind. She turned to Ron who had his new headband in his hands lightly rubbing it.

"Have you decided what you're gonna tell her?" Kim asked looking towards Ron.

"Tell who what?"

"Yori."

"What about Yori?"

"Don't you remember? She likes you."

Ron processed the info Kim was trying to give him, he comprehended as he stared at Joan's gift.

"Oh. Right, I guess I'm gonna have to think about that." Ron said little disheartened.

Ron change, rearranged and practice his choice of words from that point on till the helicopter landed in the familiar spot from his last visit. Ron and Kim climbed out of the chopper and into the Yamanuchi grounds. Kim looked around curiously while Ron noticed a memorable friend running towards him.

"Stoppable-san!" Yori shouted as she wrapped her arms around him. "I am overjoyed to see you again."

"Hi Yori it's been a while." Ron greeted.

Yori didn't break her hug from Ron as he spoke; Kim gave Ron a look of disagreement.

Ron pulled Yori away gently. "Uh, Yori… before anything else happens I want you to know that I've found someone."

Yori looked at Ron lacking for comprehension.

"Uh… what I mean is… that I have a girlfriend."

Upon her understanding Yori's heart sank and her cheerful expression softened ever so slightly.

"I understand Stoppable-san. I am still overjoyed to see you, you as well Kim Possible."

Kim returned the bow given to her and continued to look at the grounds.

"This is Yamanuchi?" Kim questioned.

Ron's worries of letting Kim come along instantly returned was he betraying the oath he had made?

"Ron Stoppable." An elderly voice came from the left.

The teens turned to see the grand master of the school, Sensei.

"Sensei, hello again." Ron addressed as he bowed. "Sensei, Kim has come with me; I hope I haven't broken my oath."

"Have no fear; Kim Possible has already proven herself worthy of knowing the existence of the school of Yamanuchi." Sensei insured.

"Then why did your messenger boy go all psycho on me?" Kim protested.

"My apologies, the messenger's instructions were to deliver the letter to Ron Stoppable regardless of boundaries and obstacles."

"I'm an obstacle now?" Kim glared at Ron.

Ron tried to derail the conversation topic.

"I received your letter, I still don't get why I need to be hear? What's this tournament about?"

"Have no worries young warrior, all answers will be given tomorrow but for now you should rest it has been a long journey."

Sensei bowed and walked back into the temple.

"I shall show you to your quarters." Yori said as she led the way.

The three teens walked into the building and into the halls.

"This is your room Stoppable-san." Yori slid the door open for Ron.

"Ah, the one thing I didn't miss about Japan." Ron said as he looked at his thin futon.

Yori giggled. "You still have the American style jokes."

"Good night Yori, KP."

"Good night." They both replied.

Yori continued down the hallway with Kim.

"You may sleep with me in my quarters." Yori offered.

"Okay." Kim responded a little uneasy of Yori.

The sun had gone below the mountain and enveloped the land in darkness as Yori and Kim prepared for bed. Kim was switching into her PJs while Yori organized her closet.

"You seem to be taking it well." Kim broke the silence.

"Kim Possible?" Yori didn't understand.

"The whole Ron has a girlfriend thing; you don't seem very upset by it."

Yori returned to sit beside Kim.

"I am a little disappointed but he obviously really likes you."

"What? Me?" Kim flustered. "No, it's not me, I'm not his girlfriend, it's somebody else."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Yori apologized sensing unneeded tension. "How are you taking it?"

Kim looked up unsurely. "Why do you ask?"

"It's not wise to ask a question you aren't prepared to answer."

"I'm fine with it; I'm glad Ron has someone." Kim words came unsteady. "So how do you feel about it?"

"As I said, I am little disappointed but I choose to see the good in the bad."

"Good in bad?"

"Yes, I am a little hurt but I am happy that Ron has found someone who makes him happy. I will not dishonor our friendship with such things as jealousy and resentment."

"How do you know he's happy?"

"His spiritual energy is radiant."

"His spirit is glowing?"

"Yes, control over spiritual power can hold many answers. You can learn how to harness it here."

"Thanks but I'll pass, good night Yori." Kim ended the topic she didn't want to delve into.

"Good night Kim Possible." Yori remarked before blowing out the candle.

Yori had mastered control of spiritual powers and she knew that Kim was in extreme conflict with her inner essence but she thought it best not to delve deeper into the feelings of those who do not seek help. Kim was trying to fall asleep but her thoughts repeated the conversation she just had.

"Yori seems to have gotten over Ron instantly and she has the hots for him, I'm his best friend and I am still having trouble accepting it." Kim said in her mind. "Finding good in bad makes may make sense to her but it's just a replacement problem."

The next morning Ron and Kim were awakened by the four a.m. gong.

"Okay, there are two things I didn't miss about Japan." Ron moaned as he rubbed his eyes.

"Oh god! What is that?" Kim groaned throwing her pillow over her head.

"The class reminder." Yori answered.

Kim squinted up at Yori who was already dressed and prepared for the day.

"You are up and ready at this time of day?"

Yori nodded finding no flaw.

"Well, sorry I'm human, humans sleep." Kim muttered as she face planted into her pillow.

After a painstaking rise out of bed, Ron and Kim joined Yori and Sensei in the open ground.

"Good morning Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable." Sensei welcomed with a bow.

"Like wise." Ron yawned.

"Early." Rufus joined Ron in a deep breathe.

"I'm all over that." Kim agreed.

"Sensei, can I get some answers now?"

"Of course."

"First of all what is this masurao shinsei taikai?"

"The masurao shinsei taikai is "The Tournament of the True Warrior". A competition held every one hundred years between the underground society of martial arts and ninja training."

"Okay. And they do this why?"

"To receive the honor of protecting the itonami idol for the next century."

"Itonami? Itonami…" Ron thought hard to remember the definition. "That's the life idol?"

"Correct. The life idol represents the balance of the three factors that control a person's abilities."

"Right, what does that have to do with me?"

"Unlike Yamanuchi some training grounds of lost faith in the true purpose of the idol, they wish to possess it merely to use it to grant themselves uncontrollable power. We need your skills to win the tournament to make sure the idol remains safe."

Ron and Kim stood flabbergasted.

"Me?"

"Him?"

"Sensei, I am flattered but I really don't think I can do this. I failed horribly in every class last time remember?"

"But Stoppable-san." Yori intervened. "You can control the Lotus Blade; anyone who can wield such a powerful weapon can master anything else."

"Yori is correct. The mystical monkey power flows through your veins, the power it granted you just began to emerge when first we met but now you have the maturity and ability to truly master it." Sensei instructed.

"Excuse me Sensei." Kim interrupted. "Are you sure it's a good idea to get Ron to do this? Maybe I should enter the tournament in his place."

"I'm sorry Kim Possible; you are not an official student of Yamanuchi. And I am afraid you lack the necessities to be a true warrior."

Kim looked at the elderly man feeling outrageously insulted. "Excuse me? I know sixteen styles of kung-fu and have defeated countless enemies world wide. What can I possibly lack?"

"The spirit of a warrior."

"Spirit? I've had enough of this spirit stuff." Kim ridiculed as she walked off.

"KP!" Ron called about to follow.

"Stoppable-san, you must begin your training, I will talk to Kim." Yori said holding his shoulder.

As Yori ran to catch up with Kim, Ron returned his attention to Sensei.

"I'm not sure if I can do this for you Sensei, but as always I will try."

"Your best is all we can ask for."

Kim was storming through the grounds when Yori managed to catch up.

"Kim Possible, please do not be angry."

"Don't worry I'm not angry. You all are just blind." Kim sulked not hiding her feelings well.

"Please understand, controlling the inner spirit is important in order to master combat."

"And what makes you think I don't already of control over this 'inner spirit'?"

"Because you are denying your feelings."

"What?"

"You have to accept all emotions and sensations your essence expresses if you ignore them or worse deny them you cannot help but fall victim to defeat."

Kim thought about Yori's words for a moment… could it be that it's the reason why she has been having such a hard time fighting villains lately? Is that why she was almost killed by Shego in Houston? Kim shook these preposterous thoughts from her mind and looked away.

"Just leave me alone!" Kim urged as she continued to walk.

Yori didn't follow she rested her hands in front of her. "I cannot help you if you do not wish to be helped."

"The three factors that balance life and affect combat are of the mind, body and spirit." Sensei said. "Today we shall start with the mind."

"Okay, does that mean I'm going to have to do a test? Because I am not a test person."

"Knowledge is only a part of the mind; learning to silence untamed thoughts is the key."

Ron nodded but still didn't grasp the lesson.

'I have matters to attend to but I leave you with Hirotaka to be your mentor."

As Sensei left Hirotaka approached Ron.

"Kon'nichiwa Stoppable-san, you remember me yes?"

"Yeah you were the exchange student."

"Yes, I have been instructed to assist in your training."

"Tutor away."

"We shall begin with reaching the state of whimsy."

"I'm sorry?"

"To vanish into your surroundings."

"Listen Hiro, I don't understand fortune cookie talk."

"To become invisible."

"Oh." Ron remembered the best he could do was hide behind a plant the last time.

"Observe." Hirotaka vanished before Ron.

"I know it's harder then it looks."

Hirotaka reappeared. "No argument, to master this technique you must silence the mind."

"But how do I do that?"

"What gives you meaning?"

"What?"

"Find the key to your salvation, what silences all doubt in your mentality and leaves you in bliss?"

Ron shook himself up to prepare to do the technique. Ron went into the familiar pose and concentrated on what would leave him in bliss. Nothing came to mind; every thought had a counter thought. Ron groaned as he looked at Rufus disappear.

"What's your thought?"

"Cheese!"

"Figures."

Ron returned to his stance closed his eyes and focused hard, what gave him harmony? What made all problems evaporate? Then it came to him. The one feeling he always felt that brought this to him was the feeling he got when he thought of Joan. Ron pictured this sensation and suddenly felt different. Ron opened is eyes and he couldn't see his body.

"AH!" Ron shouted instantly reappearing.

"Congratulations Ron Stoppable." Hirotaka praised. "Now you must sustain control."

"Okay." Ron said still a little shook up by his new ability.

Ron spent the greater part of the day practicing this ability over and over. Hirotaka taught him maneuvers to be maintain control in situations of stress, doubt and quick reflexes.

"Now Stoppable-san I am going to attack you, your goal is to disappear from my sight."

"But I can't fight you. I won't stand a chance."

"You goal isn't to fight me Ron, it is to avert me."

Hirotaka bowed then charged at Ron in his martial art style. Ron weaved and ducked out of way and gave full focus to his mind. Gradually Ron faded away and left Hirotaka standing.

"Well done."

"Wanna fight me know?" Ron challenged giving Hirotaka a quick punch to his shoulder.

"An important lesson to know Ron Stoppable is that you never attack your opponent in this state, it is dishonorable and cowardly to fight with an upper hand."

"Oh, yeah I guess that makes sense." Ron understood fully.

"Now I have a riddle for you." Hirotaka presented.

"A riddle? I'm not very good at riddles."

"It is vital in order to finish your lesson."

"Alright."

"What is the most intelligent creature on the planet?"

"Uh… that's humans right?"

"Correct."

"Wow that was easy."

"Now what is the most unintelligent creature on the planet?"

Ron paused. 'The stupidest? Squirrels? No what… slugs? Is it mosquitoes?"

Hirotaka shook his head no for all answers.

"I don't know."

"Humans."

"Humans? But you just said we're the smartest creatures on the planet."

"We are both, humans maybe the only creature on able to dominate the planet but we are also the only creature that allow emotions to confuse our judgment."

Ron looked confused.

"You see Stoppable-san; emotions cloud the mind and cause us to lose proper judgment. If you allow them to interfere with the mind you will lose your ability to vanish and lose your skills of deduction."

"But doesn't the spirit run on emotions?"

"Yes."

"But then how do I know when to each one?"

"That is what your training is all about. Today's training must end, I shall see you tomorrow."

The tutor and trainee exchanged bows and left the grounds. It was late and Ron was exhausted.

"I never thought using your mind all day could make you so tired." Ron yawned.

"Uh-huh." Rufus agreed.

Ron was just outside his quarter standing in the dark when Yori walked up beside him bringing light with a lantern.

"Stoppable-san how is your training going?"

"Hi Yori, okay I guess…"

"You seem troubled."

"It just that… I'm not sure I'm ready for this. There so much pressure."

"I believe in you Stoppable-san, we all do."

"But is belief enough?"

"Stoppable-san, you have mastered the technique of invisibility?"

"I think so."

"How long did it take you?"

"I don't know… almost all of today I guess."

"It took me four years to master it."

"Four years! But that's like… how's that…"

"You are more then capable to master anything you are taught. Mystic monkey powers or not you will not let us down."

"Thanks Yori, that means a lot to me."

Yori smiled back at Ron.

"Is Kim okay?"

"I'm afraid I cannot say I haven't seen her since this morning."

"I should go look for her."

"You need your rest, I will find her."

"I guess your right. Tell her that I'll talk to her tomorrow."

"I will, goodnight Stoppable-san."

"Goodnight Yori."

Before walking away Yori placed a gentle kiss on Ron's left cheek. Ron felt a sting of guilt as he watched her walk away.

"Uh… Yori. I don't think you should do that anymore."

"My apologies Stoppable-san, old habits are hard to break."

Ron was in his quarter and fast asleep within the hour. The four a.m. gong came right on schedule with Ron more prepared for the awakening. He was up and back at the grounds as quickly as he could go. Hirotaka was already awaiting his arrival.

"Good morning Stoppable-san. Please follow me."

Ron and Rufus followed Hirotaka across the grounds until they stopped at the sparring circle. Ron saw that several students were practicing their fighting techniques together. Ron looked around in misunderstanding.

"I thought I was training my mind today?"

"You are. What do you see?"

"Uh… people fighting."

"Yes but what else?"

"I see… dirt?"

Hirotaka gave Ron a look.

"I don't get it. Are you training me to be a peeping tom or something?"

"Stoppable-san, look closely at each combatant."

Ron still didn't get what the purpose was but he looked at each student as they sparred with each other.

"Okay now what?"

"Now tell me what you know about him." Hirotaka pointed to one of the students.

"I don't know anything."

"But you do. Everyone knows something about him."

Ron looked down at Rufus, Rufus just shrugged.

"What do I know?" Ron asked.

"Just by watching him, what can you tell me about him?"

Ron looked to the student and noticed that he was using a majority of low attacks.

"He tries to hit the other guy at his legs, I guess."

"And what else?"

"Uhh… he always moves in and out of reach."

"Do you understand now Stoppable-san?"

"Not quite."

"A great asset in battle is to know your opponent. It doesn't matter if you know him as a close friend or a complete stranger, just by watching their actions you can instantly find weakness, strong points, patterns and so much more."

Ron's face lit up as he comprehended the lesson.

"So you can outsmart them right?"

"Exactly. Warriors often forget that in physical combat the mind can still be more useful than sheer strength."

Ron spent a great deal of time watching the warriors in training practicing and made sure that he knew all he could from what he saw. He found himself finding even the simplest things about them. The male with the short hair blink twice before he made a false attempt at an attack. The girl with the red lace through her hair always took three steps to the side to avoid an attack.

"Come along, Stoppable-san we should join the others for lunch." Hirotaka informed.

Ron looked closely at everyone they passed by. He was interested in finding out about each person without speaking to them. As they came up to the gazebo where students ate Ron looked to the side and saw a familiar face. It was the cafeteria woman he remembered from the last time.

"Hold on a second." Ron said to Hirotaka as he went into line.

Just like before the students had to earn a piece of sushi by grabbing it with chopsticks while she tried to avert them. As Ron waited he watched her movement with each student and quickly found a pattern. Ron stepped up with chopsticks in hand.

"Remember me?"

The woman did remember him and prepared for his attempt. Ron made a quick movement and snatched a piece with little effort. The woman was surprised but had a pleasant smile on her face. Ron bowed and returned to Hirotaka.

"Man, I just remembered I hate sushi." Ron cringed.

"The best mind is an open mind." Hirotaka enlightened.

With the knowledge he had already learned Ron didn't have to think about his words. Ron put the sushi roll in his mouth and tasted it with new found positive reception.

"I guess it's not that bad."

Ron, Rufus and Hirotaka arrived at the gazebo where food was already waiting. As they ate Hirotaka continued to give Ron advice on using his intellect in combat. Shortly after, Ron saw Yori and Kim approaching the table.

"Hey KP, Yori."

"Hello Stoppable-san."

"Hi R…" Kim stopped as she saw Hirotaka.

"Kon'nichiwa Kim Possible." Hirotaka smiled.

"Oh, hi Hirotaka." Kim acknowledged.

Kim remembered Hirotaka from his visit to Middleton; her crushing affections were long since past, when she thought of him now he came off as a player.

"It is nice to see you again." Hirotaka said.

"Likewise."

"It would be nice to spare with you in the near future."

"Maybe later."

"Kim, have you learned anything yet?" Ron asked breaking the dry conversation.

"You're the one here to train not me."

"Well yeah, but that doesn't mean you can't learn anything. Maybe you could spiff up on your kung fu skills, so that the next time you see that messenger you can sock it to him."

"I don't need spiff up my kung fu. If you excuse me I've lost my appetite." Kim got up and took off.

"Kim, wait!" Ron was right behind her.

"Kim, what's the matter?" Ron asked after catching up.

"Nothing." Kim denied crossing her arms.

Ron could read her body language like a novel, he knew something was up.

"KP, if it's something I did please tell me so I can make amends. I'm your friend and I hate seeing you like this."

Kim couldn't answer.

"If this is about the competition thing, they said you can't be in it if you aren't a student. If you want it that bad maybe if you train here they'd let you in. Honestly I think you have a better chance at winning the tournament then I do."

"No Ron, it's not that." Kim responded her tone softening. "I'm just being immature, you're right I could learn something here."

"If you don't mind me saying so you seem a little stressed."

Kim's expression went sour but went open to possibility.

"Hirotaka taught me that a relaxing way to soften the nerves is by writing a haiku."

"A haiku?"

"You know Japanese poetry."

"What should I write about?"

"Anything you want, whatever you're thinking about. Listen, I've gotta get back to training but I'll catch you later."

As Ron went back to the gazebo Kim was intrigued by his suggestion. She also wondered when Ron became so mindful and confident.

Kim found a serene spot in the garden that overlook the gentle spring, it seemed like the perfect spot to relax the nerves and get the imagination flowing.

"Okay. Let's do this." Kim spoke to herself as she held a pen to paper.

Nothing came to her as she stared at the blank page.

"Thinking… thinking… thinking… nothing."

Kim tapped the paper rhythmically as she drew up a blank.

"Come on Kim." She told herself. "You can do anything, even write a simple poem."

Kim realized she was stressing again, the problem wouldn't solve itself. Kim took a deep breathe and closed her eyes. Reopening them she saw a whole new light that sparked her mind's eye.

the midday's light shines,

I think of my affection,

Love that I can't have

These words flowed from Kim's mind to the paper like a natural current. Kim was impressed by what she had done and idolized her work for a minute. She then stopped to think about what it meant. Reading the words closely and carefully over and over Kim couldn't understand what it meant. Shrugging she passed it off as writer's intuition.

The day grew on and Kim kept writing. Ron was right Kim would think, this is relaxing, I feel so much better. Eventually Yori was walking through the garden and saw the busy poet. Not saying anything Yori smiled as she felt the spiritual energy Kim was releasing, it was no longer livid or overwrought, now it was tranquil and calm.

"Hello Possible-san." Yori said lightly as she took a seat beside her.

"Oh, hi Yori." Kim responded cheerfully then turned to a solemn tone. "Listen Yori, I'm really sorry for how I've been treating you."

"No apology needed, we all get that way sometimes. You do seem to be feeling better though."

"I really am. I guess there's more to this spiritual training then I thought."

They both basked in gentle company.

"Are you writing haikus?"

"Yeah, I guess I am."

"May I read them?"

"I don't think so, they're really lame."

"Don't be modest, please."

"Promise you won't laugh."

"On my honor."

"Okay."

Kim handed Yori the notebook filled with writing. Kim waited for what she thought would be the expected laughter but didn't receive it.

"These are very well done." Yori complimented as she read each one.

"Really? You think?"

"Absolutely, I like this one most of all." Yori pointed to the first one.

"You like that one? I thought it was one of the worst."

"Could you tell me what it means?"

"Honestly… I don't know, I just kinda wrote it down."

Yori felt disheartened for a split moment as she heard Kim's words. Yori already knew the meaning but knew better then to tell Kim upfront.

"Perhaps with more understanding you'll be able to find meaning."

"I guess so."

The day passed and the next brought Ron's second form of training, the body.

"Ron Stoppable, today you will train your body." Sensei instructed the next morning.

"Yes Sensei."

Sensei bowed before leaving walking away, leaving Ron with a question.

"Sensei, who'll be my tutor?"

"I leave you in the care of one of Yamanuchi's greatest combatants." Sensei said over his shoulder.

"Who's that?"

"I will teach you, Stoppable-san."

"Yori?"

"Follow me."

Ron was unsure as he followed her to the sparing grounds.

"Uh, Yori? I don't think I can fight you."

"Why not? Is it because I'm a girl?"

"Well… it's one reason. Another is because… you're my friend."

"But Stoppable-san, the only way for either of us to improve our form is to practice."

Ron sighed knowing her to be right.

"Okay, just go easy on me."

Ron and Yori spent the next two days sparing vigorously with one another. At first Ron got quite a few bumps and bruises but he started to gain impressive control over the monkey kung fu skills that lay dormant inside him. Soon the two battlers were going head to head like few have ever seen.

"That is all you need Stoppable-san." Yori said after the two days passed.

"What? It's been only two days."

"If you remember Stoppable-san, you already had the skills from when you first visited Yamanuchi, you only needed to learn how to control it and now you have."

"You think?"

"Absolutely, I believe I need to ask you to go easy on me now."

"Okay, if you're sure. What now?"

"Tomorrow you will speak to Sensei about mastering the spirit."

The next day Ron went to the grand master to learn the final faze of his training.

"Your progress is remarkable Ron Stoppable, and now you learn the power of the spirit."

Sensei led Ron into the citadel and to a room filled with lit candles.

"Have a seat." Sensei instructed as he stood in the center of the pattern lit room.

Ron sat with his legs folded suspecting he would be in the meditation stance.

"Seeking the power of the inner spirit is the simplest of all the factors that control life, but it is also the most complicated to master."

Sensei took a similar stance just in front of Ron and closed his eyes.

"Relax, and let your mind rest."

Ron took a deep breath, closed his eyes and did as his mentor said.

"Let your thoughts wander. Embrace all emotions that lay inside. Let each build on the next; allow them to raise you to a higher plain."

Ron wasn't sure how he was doing it but as he followed Sensei's words it felt like whatever was supposed to happen was happening. His body began to get loose, almost like gravity didn't exist anymore and he was floating into space.

"Open your eyes Ron Stoppable."

Ron did as he was told and jolted in surprise as his eyes beheld not the citadel but nothingness. Ron looked all around him while he stood up, it was like he was in the clouds, there was blank whiteness everywhere with a few traces of mist gliding around.

"Welcome to the spiritual plain." Sensei said as he suddenly appeared in front of Ron.

"Spiritual plain?"

"This is where spirit leaves the physical body and exists in different realm."

"But how? I mean, I feel normal."

"It is your self image, the form you spirit takes to contact those you speak with."

"Why?"

"This is where everyone has a point of connection."

"You mean you can talk to anyone here?"

"In a sense Ron Stoppable, however not all have the open spirit to hear those who wish to speak."

Ron understood what he meant.

"This is the place everyone goes when they meditate."

"To seek advice, answers, questions, anything that a warrior cannot find on the physical plain."

"So how do I leave?"

"Let your spirit return to your body."

Ron found this answer to be somewhat repetitive but followed the words given. He got the same feeling he got before only it seemed to go in reverse. Opening his eyes Ron saw that he was hovering above the ground ever so slightly. His revelation brought him crashing to the ground.

"Cool! I can do the mystic float thing too!" Ron praised after climbing back up.

"You need to improve your control a little more but once again you show remarkable achievement." Sensei smiled, happy for Ron's success.

The rest of the day was spent achieving perfect control over the spiritual power that was easily in grasp. Ron even managed to create a psi orb around him like he had seen Sensei do countless times before. The day passed and Ron got praise from his friends before the day ended. But even with this praise Ron had a feeling that there was going to be a challenge waiting for him in his near future.

Additional Note: For all those people who really hate Joan (You know who you are) I think you need to read this message sent to me by one of my most appreciated readers; Deyinel, who gave me reasons why he/she thinks Joan is a nice character. Hopefully it will help open your hearts and see what I've been trying to show you.

Yeah, I read some reviws, not too popular is she?

OK, reasons she is so wonderful coming up:

1) She treats Ron as an equal. Even when Kim is nice to Ron you get the feeling

she sees herself as superior to him.

2) She was very nice to Kim. Some people would have gone and yelled at Kim for

acting so nasty to them. Joan, however, talked to her politely and basically

offered to be her friend. Even when Kim was horribly rude to her.

3) She follows Ron's side of their adventures more than Kim's. It just always

seems like Ron gets absolutely NO credit for all the times they save the world.

Joan comes and tells him how much she respects him for that. She also does it in

a way that dosn't make his head big.

4) She is good at quite a lot of stuff, but she is not stuck up about it. Kim,

whether she admits it or not, is stuck up. "The Ron Factor" proved that.

5) She and Ron are alike enough to go well together, but not too much to sound

creepy or, to use Ron's word, "trappish." aka. synthodrone-ish

6) She is not dominent in the relationship, the way I am afreid Kim would be,

however, she doesn't always back down either.