AN: It seems that I might have confused some people about the time frame of my story. Its AU and takes place sometime after So The Drama. Ron and Kim are together till the last week or so of school. Kim breaks if off with Ron. The reason why will be explained later in the story, but Kim wasn't really herself at the time. A few days after the break on Ron's mystical monkey power starts to come to the forefront at odd times. Ron with no real ties left in Middleton decides to go to Japan. The first chapter was his first night back in Middleton after leaving for the summer. The reason Monty was after that little girl will be explained later. If your wondering what happened to Rufus then you will find out this chapter. Its slightly longer than the first two so I hope you enjoy.
Ron walked home silently his feet never making a sound as they connected with the sidewalk, three months of nonstop training had helped to instill in him an instinctual habit of stealth. Under the tutelage of Master Sensei he had become a fine ninja. The time away had helped his heart mend, it was still shattered, but just not in as many pieces as before. His friendship with Yori had deepened, and he was going to miss seeing her everyday as he had grown accustomed while at Yamanouchi.
It was Yori that had helped Ron the most emotionally. He had always liked her and was glad that he could count her as a friend albeit one he didn't know to well. Soon he had started opening up to her slowly. He told her about his reasons for coming back to Japan, about his mystical monkey power starting to manifest at random times. He left out his break up with Kim at first. Slowly though as he become more comfortable around her he eventually opened up and told her everything. He had been quite surprised at how angry she looked when he told her what had happened.
Shaking the thoughts aside he focused on his newly completed first mission. It hadn't been very hard 5 monkey's patrolling ahead of the 5 who had Chloe. (the little girl) Monkey's still gave him the willies but he no longer felt the urge to run away screaming. All in all it was no sweat, but once Monty found out his minions failed attempt he would send more skilled monkeys and in more numbers. Tonight he was able to return the girl to her bed without her parents knowing anything had even happened. Tomorrow he would have to talk to her parents. Her mother hopefully would explain the more sensitive parts to her husband. It was a conversation Ron really wished he could avoid
Master Sensei asked him to personally oversee this mission, even though he knew it would be hard to go back and why Ron was hesitant to return. In the end after explaining why Monty wanted the girl, Ron was forced to accept. He could put aside his own personal demons to protect a little girl.
Taking in his surroundings he noticed that nothing had changed in Middleton. Club Banana was holding a sale, and Smarty Mart was still the greatest thing next to the naco at least in Ron's opinion. Oh how he missed the Smarty Mart the prices in Japan were outrageous a 1,000 yen for a dozen bite sized corn dogs it was madness. Still even with out Smarty Mart, or the naco it was still better than Middleton. Here he had to face Kim again, and for all his new found strength and skills he didn't think he could.
He thought everything had been going well, the time that they were together as a couple had simply been the most memorable of Ron's entire life. They kept the same routine as they had when they were just best friends, but it now included kisses lots of kisses and hand holding and the whole staring into each others eyes with identical goofy smiles on their faces. Then one mission free night Kim showed up at his house an hour before he was suppose to pick her up at her house to go to the movies. As soon as he seen her face Ron knew something was wrong.
Knowing someone for as long as Ron had known Kim allowed him to be able to read her like an open book. It unnerved him to see that this time he could not. Her face was void of all emotion, and when she spoke it was without feeling.
"I've given it a lot of thought Ron, and I don't think were working out. I just don't feel any real sparks between us. It would be best if we just went back to being friends"
Surprised Ron could only stand that gaping with his mouth wide open, as Kim turned around and walked down his driveway and across the street. He didn't snap out of this state, until Rufus who had witnessed the entire display climbed up onto Ron's shoulder and tugged lightly on his ear.
"What just happened Rufus?" Ron turned to look at Rufus.
Shaking his head Rufus couldn't answer he was to shocked himself.
The next day at school Ron broken his traditional habit of stopping by Kim's house and going to school together. He avoided her locker at all costs and the usual places she would be at school, during class he would avoid looking at her at all costs. But when it was unavoidable running into her she acted like nothing was wrong, and that she hadn't broken his heart the night before. In fact she as acting like they hadn't dated at all.
When school finally ended for the day Ron headed to his locker to drop off his books before cheer practice and suddenly like the flipping of a switch to turn on the lights it hit him. He could almost have slapped himself for not figuring it out sooner. Kim was being controlled somehow! It was the only possible reason that made sense. The way she acted yesterday and how she was acting like nothing had ever happened. Clenching his fists he swore whoever was trying to mess with Kim and his relationship was in for a world of hurt. Digging through his pocket he pulled out his Ronmunicator.
"Wade, Wade! Come on Wade its important." Ron Yelled into the communicator "WADE!" Ron began shaking the devices until he noticed that everyone in the hallway was staring at him.
"Nothing to see here folks move along" He gestured for the crowd to keep moving.
"Ron, this better be important" Wade said while trying to rub the sleepiness out of his eyes. "I was trying to get some sleep."
"It's the middle of the day Wade"Ron responded.
Rolling his eyes Wade turned the conversation back to its original topic "What did you need Ron?"
"It's Kim she's been put under some wacky mind control" Ron told Wade everything that happened the night before and how Kim was acting today.
"Ron, I'm sorry about what happened between you and Kim but, just because she broke up with you doesn't mean she's being controlled in any way. Maybe she really wanted to stop dating" Wade explained as tactfully as he could. He felt bad that Ron and Kim hadn't worked out, but it wouldn't be healthy to let Ron delude himself into believe Kim was forced to break up with him. It was obvious Ron was desperate and grasping at straws.
"But Wade! She was totally not acting like herself, didn't you hear the part about her not showing any emotion? None at all!" Ron said growing frustrated at Wade for not believing him.
"Ron..."
"Fine you don't believe me then I'll figure out who is behind it myself" Ron cut the connection to communicator and tossed it angrily into his locker before slamming it closed and heading towards the gym.
When he arrived all the girls were already in formation and it appeared like they were just about ready to start. Kim was standing up front in the center her auburn hair pulled back to keep it out of her eyes during practice. Without thinking Ron ran up to Kim and the others.
"KP, I figured it all out!" Ron announced.
"Figured what out Ron? How to get to the gym?" Kim huffed "Your ten minutes late, and your not even in the mascot yet. Ron get with it."
Nonplused, Ron ignored Kim's comment and continued.
"No KP the reason you broke up with me last night! You're under some mind control device, it's the only possible reason."
Rolling her eyes Kim looked at Ron heatedly "Ron, I'm not under any mind control device, I really did break up with you under my own violation. Accept it."
"But...KP...Kim, why?" Ron stuttered, tears began to fill his eyes.
"I though I explained why last night Ron, about there being no sparkage? Or did you forget?" She sneered "Look I only went out with you because I was feeling down about Eric and I needed someone to make me feel better. Its called a rebound boyfriend. You told me your feelings and it was just what I needed. I am really grateful, but its time for me to move on."
"How could you? We been friends" Kim cut him off.
"Friends since pre-K I know, we all know and no one cares. Grow up Ron, now are you going to get changed or not?" Kim asked a cross look on her face, with her hands planted on her hips. Unable to take it Ron bolts out of the gym and heading towards home. Missing the dark look Tara was sending Kim.
Shaking his head trying to dispel the memories that had momentarily clouded his head. Using a meditation technique Master Sensei taught him Ron managed to stop the flow of thoughts and focus once again on the mission. He couldn't always be around to watch over the girl, and he needed a way to keep tabs on her. Rufus, would be perfect for the task.
Though Kim had broken Ron's heart, he still loved Kim and didn't want to leave her alone without someone watching her back for her. Rufus had reluctantly agreed to stay in Middleton with the twins and watch over Kim for him. Now that Ron was back he could keep an eye on Kim himself, and help if she needed it. From the shadows, and without her noticing if possible.
Reaching his house he walked up his porch steps and pushed open the front door and stepping into an empty house.
"What the..."