Hello again and thanks for joining Larry and me as we continue this saga of love interrupted by Kimness and things coming out of left field, mentally.. This time we catch up after Kim comes into the light back home after a three-year layout, more truth about that fateful day comes to light with some of her classmates, while Ron finishes up some family time in Japan with his 'rents and Hanna. Still some issues with both of them, and while one is making headway with hers, the other continues to keep that door closed in his life. Meanwhile GJ is baffled over a lack of, anything, in one large realm of their law enforcement coverage area. And they also don't know what they don't know, just that they aren't playing in that sandbox any longer…

But before we start, we'd like to thank the following for their Reviews, Faves and Alerts: EnterpriseCV-6, readerjunkie, Jimmy1201, Sentinel103, pbow, studyofchaos and Mahler Avatar, thanks to you all.

And the necessary disclaimers to keep the suits with briefcases off our pocketbooks: The characters and scenery from the Kim Possible show are the express possessions of the Disney Company. We're just letting them run free, pro-bono.

And here we go.

Storm Chaser

6

At an undisclosed location:

Scowling from his seat at the head of the oval-shaped conference table, "Why has our infiltration of the Asian market been moving so slowly?", the large man ominously posed to those assembled with him.

A thin, bespectacled man piped up, "Short answer Mr. X, none of the local clans want to do business with us."

At the sudden glare from his boss he shrugged, then adjusted his glasses, "For some reason they're reluctant to get involved in our enterprises there, despite what we're offering for their participation.", he replied as he called up information on his laptop.

"Then convince them that it is in their best interests that they associate themselves with us before we infiltrate their arena of operations. If they are afraid of outside interference in this endeavor, please emphasize to them that I am secure in the knowledge that there are no more 'heroes' left, only inept government agencies with little if any teeth.", he said as he clenched a fist.

Now relaxing his hand and firmly placing it on the table with a slight 'pop', "Besides, our available intel shows that local populaces may not stand for those agencies using the necessary force to put down a properly focused uprising, let alone well coordinated surgically placed major crime surges.", he added shaking that fist.

Then with an evil smile growing on his face, "In fact I have an idea which I think could be used to gain rather large profits which we can use to destabilize the region.", his voice rising at the end of his proclamation.

Clearing his throat to gain his boss's attention, "Sir, the intelligence we've gathered from this region does not support that theory."

Livid at disruption of his 'moment', he affixed the source of his interruption with a scowl, "In what way? State your case!", as he pointed his other hand at the now nervous employee.

"Well, less than a month ago we attempted a minor uprising in a small Asian country. If you remember our plans were for us to use it to gain a foothold there so we could base our operations in the region…", he began before his boss interrupted.

"Yes, I remember that one, but we didn't succeed, did we?", he scowled. At his 'employee's head shake, "So what happened?"

Looking to the screen again, "Well, we were all set to launch, but something interfered, and to this day we just don't know what…and we lost all of our assets in the endeavor. It will take time to find out exactly what caused the collapse of our little venture.", the small thin man replied nervously.

"Well then, I'd suggest that you find out what this something is that interfered with our plans and run that operation again when you have the information that we need to gather our forces and get us that foothold.", the large man snapped as he adjusted his eye patch in agitation.

"Yes Sir, we'll get right on it after the meeting. Now do you have anything else for us?"

"No but get to the operation before those clowns at GJ….", he paused to look sadly at a picture before him of a small dog, "get a chance to mess this up again."

"Yes Sir."

Then glowering at the assembled, "Now, return to your duties. Dismissed!", he said before leaving the room. Those remaining scrambled to the doors to do just as ordered.

XXX

The Middleton Mall:

"Are you sure this is the color scheme that you want to use for your bridesmaids Tara?", Bonnie asked as Kim and Hope held dresses up to their chests.

"I…I don't know."

Kim frowned, "Guys I don't know if she's around, but we have a classmate who is a designer and this is right up her alley and I suggest that we ask her for help."

"Who is that?"

"My old best girlfriend Monique.", Kim told them suddenly hoping that the upcoming bride would agree with her suggestion.

Bonnie glanced at Kim, "I thought that loser Stoppable was your best friend, K."

"He is..well was. But more importantly he was my lover.", Kim pointed out to Bonnie, deciding to set her straight once and for all about what Ron was to her, "But that's not the point here. We need some real help and maybe the local Club Banana here knows where Monique is.", she said to the open-mouthed girls, save one, surrounding her. Tara seemed not in the least surprised by this pronouncement for some reason. Evidently the others hadn't gotten the memo about Kim's romantic relationship with Ron prior to graduation from high school.

Then scowling at the brunette, "Oh and Bonnie the next time you call Ron something like that I will stomp a mud hole in your ass."

Before Bonnie could retort, Tara intervened before a funeral for one of the wedding party took place prior to the wedding. "Club Banana! What a wonderful idea! If I remember they have a tux department too, and we might be able to coordinate better if we have someone on the inside."

However, she made a mental note to talk to her later about her habit of ragging on Ron when she got a moment.

Five minutes later the budding wedding party entered what was their fashion headquarters while in high school. Kim looked around until she spied a member of the very young sales staff and pulled her aside. "Excuse me Miss, do you know Monique Jenkins? She used to work here."

"Do you mean Miss Jenkins? She's not at the store today. I think she's in a meeting right now, but I can leave a message for her to call you when she gets out.", she said to Kim.

"So Moni still works here?"

"Yes she comes in from time to time, but she's on staff with Mr. Banana and returns here for summer break.", the girl explained, "From what I hear she's redoing a line for next spring."

"Sounds like the girl I ate lunch with in high school, alright. Can you get a hold of her?", Kim asked.

"Just one moment, I'll check."

In a few moments the young woman returned, "Ma'am Miss Jenkins is a little busy right now, who should I say is asking for her?"

"Sure, just tell my old GF that it's Kim Possible.", the red head replied to the teen.

Startled at Kim's reply, she relayed the information over the phone which suddenly jumped in the girl's hand as a loud scream erupted from it.

After she shook off the audio eruption in her ear, the girl handed over the handset, "I'm sorry Ma'am I didn't know."

Kim smiled, "That's ok, I'm just happy to know that I can fade from the public eye as fast as I entered it. Thanks Miss.", she said as she accepted the phone.

"Kim, is that you?", Monique's outburst came through loud and clear over the phone as Kim winced. She had yet to place the phone to her ear.

The red head then smirked, "Sorry Monique I couldn't make out what you were saying, could you speak a little louder I still have some hearing left."

Finally the fashion diva calmed down, "Ok girl, but later we're gonna talk." Heavy breathing could be heard slowing down on the other end of the line, "So what are you doing in town Kim?"

"I'm in town on summer break Mo, and I need a favor for a classmate."

"What does that skinny boy want, a Godmother for the first one?"

"Huh, what?…..Oh never mind. We need your help with a wedding."

A joyous shriek came through the phone to Kim, "A wedding? I knew it. When did you and Stoppable decide to tie the knot? And why didn't you let me know? When's it going to be?", Monique fired off in rapid succession.

"It's not for me… It's for Tara…."

An indignant shriek this time, "Tara's marrying Ron?" Some heavy breathing coming over the line again, "Kim you are soooo stupid. What is wrong with you?", Monique ranted, "I was so sure that you loved the skinny white boy and that he loved you…So how did you screw up and let Tara cherry pick your prize? Did you forget everything I taught you?"

"Moni hold up…Tara isn't marrying Ron she's marrying Josh. I haven't…hold on why don't we meet to discuss this it would be a lot easier."

"You're at the mall right?", Monique asked.

"Yeah the Middleton Mall.", Kim confirmed.

"I'll be in the food court in thirty minutes. Meet me in the Bueno Nacho."

"OK but Tara, Bonnie and Hope are with me.", Kim warned her friend.

"Has Bonnie had all her shots?", Moni snorted loud enough for the brunette to hear.

"Relax Monique, she's calmed down a little…but she still snarks on Ron. See ya in a few minutes."

"Don't worry I'll fix that…after what, oh it'll be easier in person."

Bonnie looked nervous after Kim closed the connection down. "Bonnie you need to lighten up…"

"I know, I've been trying."

Tara added, "She has been trying Kim, she really has…you don't know how upsetting this is for her."

X

Kim stood up and waved as soon as she saw her best girlfriend enter the Tex-Mex establishment.

As Monique got to the booth she said, "I can't believe it Kim Possible and Bonnie Rockwaller sitting in the same booth without a gun to both of your heads. I can see hell is freezing over and CB worldwide stocking parkas year round."

"Hello to you too loser.", Bonnie snarked.

The African-American beauty laughed, "Nobody could impersonate that.", and shook her head. Then with an evil smirk directed at the brunette, "Four words Bonnie: You, Bobby Watkins, jello.", her voice innocently trailed off.

All heads swiveled in time to see the teal eyed woman's tanned complexion almost go completely white.

Getting down to business, and avoiding another social disaster for her best friend, Tara spoke right up, "Monique, Josh and I are getting married at Christmas and even though I have the dress picked out we need bridesmaids' dresses and we also need to coordinate with the guys for their tuxedo rentals."

"You and Josh right?"

Tara nodded, "After Miss red head over there started playing house in an adult way with Ron I decided I'd better look elsewhere for someone. When I got Josh hooked up I thought I was settling, but it's good, real good."

Monique smiled, "I'm happy for you, I really am." Then looking to the counter, "But first let's get some lunch, I'm famished."

As they walked up to place their orders, "Now there is another CB store nearby that's more of a boutique where I think you'll find what you are looking for there."

Then turning to look to the red head, "Kim after we get done with the wedding stuff I need to talk to you…if you don't mind.", Monique's eyes narrowed dangerously.

The former heroine smiled thinly knowing what was to take place, and that she couldn't get out of it, "Sure Monique, but I want you to know this is a little deeper and darker than you realize." Then looking sadly to all the girls in the party, "And I had to cut off all you guys at the time. I'm sorry, but I had to do it."

"Fair enough, we'll wait till the innocents are tucked in for the night, but I think we'll be talking for a while.", Monique replied while getting a good look at the thin frame of Kim Possible. 'What the hell happened to her?'

X

After the light meal they caravanned over to a small shop some of them had noticed but never frequented over the years.

Once inside Monique announced, "Welcome to CB's Little Lies, one of Club Banana's best stores. We can really make some progress here if we buckle down."

Waving to the employees gathered by the displays, "The staff here has been with Coco from the beginning and they don't work on commission. And they are so good people come from all over the country to work with them."

A middle aged woman approached the group, "Hi Monique, what can I help you guys with?"

Monique introduced them, "Clare this is Tara, Bonnie, Hope and my friend Kim, guys this is Clare Evans. If anyone can help you she can."

"Hi Clare, my name is Tara and I'm getting married at Christmas. I have my gown already picked out, but we are looking for bridesmaid's dresses and hopefully be able to coordinate with my Fiancée's and the groomsman's tuxedos.", the platinum blonde explained.

"Tara do you have a photo of it?"

The former cheerleader smiled and pulled out several that the staff at the other store took for the platinum blonde when she purchased the dress the winter before.

Clare took the photos and showed them to Monique who examined them with a smile and a nod, "Tara that looks good on you. So who's doing the final altering?"

"I'm not sure yet, but I have the dress with me, it's at home."

"Leave it in Middleton blondie, then you come back at Thanksgiving and we'll make sure that it's a perfect fit.", Monique told her old classmate.

"You'd do that for me?"

"As long as you're not marrying Stoppable…sure, I'd be glad to.", Monique told Tara while glaring lightly at Kim, "I still have plans for him if he's not taken."

"Monique we can talk later, I promise.", Kim told her, now fearing Monique was going to move in on Ron.

Cutting in, "Now let's hear your ideas on how you want the bridesmaids to look, remember they're going to be there as your friends, but the way everyone sees them should complement you too.", Clare informed Tara, ignoring Monique and Kim for the moment.

After they talked Clare looked to the other girls in the party and had an epiphany, "All the girls have different colored eyes don't they?"

"Yeah."

"So why don't we put them in dresses that match their eyes?"

Kim thought about it, "How about if our dresses match Tara's eyes?"

Monique smiled, "Girlfriend you are just too smart. That's a great idea."

"I like the first idea.", Tara decided, "Josh thinks I have pretty eyes, but I think it'd be a little too much for everyone to be wearing that shade of blue. Now I'd like to have everyone in the same color dress, but have each one styled a little differently to accent the girl wearing it. Then we can look at tuxes and how to make them match the girls."

Monique replied, "It's your show girl. Alright let's see what we got and how you like it. Are there going to be any more girls in the party?"

"Yeah I think two more."

"When are they going to get in?"

"I hope next week."

"Well we can go over what we have right now and see what else we can get for the others.", Clare informed them, "As long as neither of them are the size of the Queen Mary we'll be able to make it work."

X

After three hours Tara was happy with what was accomplished and the girls each paid a deposit for their dresses.

"Kim, make sure you don't leave yet, I want to talk to you."

"Yeah I know, can we get a cup of coffee and go to the park?"

"Sure, and Clare, thanks a lot. I'll be in touch with the girls and we'll go back over their fittings again in a couple of weeks."

"I'll be talking to you Monique and thanks for the business."

X

Several minutes passed for the two young women on their park bench before Monique finally calmed down and was ready to talk, "All right girlfriend, spill! Just what the hell went on with you and Ron?"

The red head sat for a moment in dread of the accusatory look she knew was coming her way. In a small voice she said, "Nothing…and that's the problem, Moni. I did nothing and sooo screwed up with Ron."

"How did you screw up Kim? The last I heard about Ron was that he was freaking out from a total communications blackout from you…what happened?"

Sigh, "I…I had a nervous breakdown about two months after I got to Oxford. About what went down with the invasion, and at first I thought I could handle it. You know 'everything is possible for a Possible', but it went out of control, and I just lost it."

Thinking back on the incident and Kim's 'code' regarding dealing with villains and not killing, "What, you were bothered by how they ended up? Granted you ran them off but you didn't kill them, that was their own fault…"Monique's rant was hitting critical mass when…

"I didn't run them off Moni…Ron killed the aliens….." Blowing a hair out of her eyes, "Shego and I had nothing to do with what happened. In fact we both got our asses handed to us by the Lowardians when we fought them.", the red head explained as she examined the inside of her coffee cup.

"Then why did you guys say that they fled? Cause that's what the video showed."

Waving her hand dismissively, "Phhhttt, forget the video, it's a fake.", Kim said before Monique's shriek echoed through the park.

"Say what, girl! You mean to tell me all this time that video was a fake?", Monique railed before Kim nodded.

"Why didn't you say anything about this before now, Kim? Or were you a part of the cover-up?", indignation rolled off the gossip maven; torn between not having known the truth and having been unable to spread it as gossip back then.

"That's because I didn't even know the truth until recently, Mo. I got knocked senseless early in the fight and was about to have my head and spine ripped out as a 'Conquest of the Earth trophy' for Warmonga, when Ron stepped up and took them out before Warhok could do the deed.", Kim said as Monique's jaw dropped at the revelation.

"When I was coherent Ron told me that they had been run off by me and Shego…and he was quite convincing in his explanation of how she and I went off on them, and how we were in the zone when he said we fought way above our previous levels against them.", Kim's breathing slowed after its rise during the recollection of that day.

Anticipating Monique's question, "Come to think of it, I never really was able to speak to Shego about this when we regrouped before Ron and I went back to graduate. And I haven't seen her since that day, so I can't compare notes with her either.", Kim reflected as Monique nodded.

Her eyes taking on a thousand yard stare, "Then at school, I started having these nightmares and they were ferociously intense. I was freaking out and mentally breaking down from constant barrage of glimpses or entire passages of what happened that day coming to me at all hours of the day and night."

"After a while, I began to doubt myself, what was real, what was a lie, what I had done being overridden by what I came to understand really happened that day. I was freaking out for a while and blamed Ron for what I was going through, because even though I couldn't really remember what happened, those intrusions into my mind fought with what I believed about myself and Ron.", her eyes now haunted and hollow.

"And then I began to really blame Ron when I realized the whole sitch was a lie." Tears falling like rain, "I blamed the guy who saved my life…", Kim trailed off into sobs. "They were gonna kill me, Mo, I was really gonna die.", her voice now a whisper of agony.

"But if Ron saved your life you should have been grateful…", Monique offered in solace.

"I am…now. I was back then but not nearly enough.", Kim sniffled as she wiped her eyes on a napkin. "But back then I became scared of Ronnie, really scared, if he did what I couldn't do, and it made me think that everything we had done together over the years had been a lie.", anxiously looking up to her friend.

"And after all that I couldn't face him, you, my family and friends. And remember the world at large, they were still calling me a hero…and I wasn't.", the red head studied her cup for answers she knew she wouldn't find. For the moment, more of her life from the last three years coalesced in her mind; pieces of a puzzle that were still falling into place from steps and missteps taken since high school.

"Why, aren't you a hero? Just because you didn't make the aliens run with their tails between their legs you think you were a failure?…..So what if baby boy had to step up once for you, maybe that was his day to shine."

Slightly shrugging her shoulders, "Yeah I guess Moni." Then with a weak smile, "You know you sound like my shrink."

Ignoring the complimentary tweak to her, "So what are you gonna do now Kim?", Monique asked.

Sighing heavily, "I just wanna find Ron, crawl on my knees to him and beg for his forgiveness. I know I hurt him Mo, and there was no way he deserved this. I wanna make love to him again. I want him to love me again."

Shuddering, "God it's so powerful to be in love.", Kim began to sob again.

Monique held her friend for a moment. "I can see you need a Ron-fix, don't you?" At Kim's nod, Monique continued, "But was that day the only time you noticed him stepping up for you?"

Wiping her eyes again, she shook her head, "I don't think this was the first time that he 'stepped up' Mo. There were other times I caught a glimpse of my 'Potential Boy', but I tended to overlook him because of what he called my Kimness…", she said, then with a gasped laugh, "But this one was way too big to miss, or overlook."

"And after you thought about all this with your freak out…what happened?"

"I…I dropped out of Oxford I couldn't handle the work, much less function as a human being…but they let me back in a year and a half later. But I should have come home, I should have told Ronnie…but I was scared. I couldn't concentrate, I lost weight, cause I couldn't eat…", Kim stood to give her friend a better look, "I stopped eating. It was tea or coffee and cigarettes, before they had to force feed me. But the fact remains I should have told Ronnie…and you."

"Yeah I can see it took a toll on you." Then Monique whistled, "Girlfriend all that has to an expensive thing to do. I mean Oxford has to be expensive, not to mention the therapy."

"I guess so."

"You guess? You mean you don't know?"

Sighing, "I don't know who, but someone paid my way, through all of it, and I wasted their money. I'm going to look into it when I get back so that I can thank them and apologize for wasting their money.", Kim continued to look down.

"Yes you should have, but you had a psychotic episode, so I think they cut you some slack here.", Monique squeezed Kim's shoulders, "And as hard as you've been known to push yourself it's a wonder that you didn't have something like this happen earlier in your life.", shaking her slightly.

Looking directly into the red head's eyes, "Now I agree that first thing on your list is that you have to get better, and then you find out who was your mystery benefactor at school and then sometime later we may get a chance to make it better between you and your man."

"We?"

"Girlfriend you and I are best friends. You've gone through enough of this on your own. Maybe if Ron and I had known about this we could have helped, but that's all spilled milk. We're gonna be better."

"Thanks Moni, I wanna be friends again…", enveloped her friend in a hug.

"No.", the fashion diva told her.

Kim froze and pulled away, despondent, "No?"

"We never stopped being friends."

Hearing this Kim stood straighter and leaned in to give her best female friend another hug, "Thanks Moni."

"Now all we have to do is track down Stoppable."

"GJ's been trying to do that for a while, they haven't had any success."

"That shouldn't keep you from trying."

"It won't and I have Wade willing to help as well as my brothers and Dad."

"Could Justine Flanner be of any help to you?"

"Yeah I guess, she's almost as smart as Wade."

"Good. Now that that's settled, guess where I'm living for the summer?"

"I have no idea."

"Justine's, we became friends after you didn't come back and Ron disappeared…Anyway she's getting married too. You know there's a nice side to her that she just didn't show to us mere mortals…" They both laughed at that description of the brainy ex-classmate.

"Justine? Really? Who's she marrying?"

"Remember Big Mike?"

Rolling her eyes, "Who could forget a 'D' Hall buddy like Mike? Now are you pulling my leg Moni?"

"Am not, Justine is wearing his engagement ring."

"That I gotta see."

"I was going out to dinner with her tonight; you want to come along?"

"Sure, Mom and Dad have been bugging me to get out of the house, like since forever, so that'll work. But are we going to see Mike too?"

"Nope not this time, the big goofball's in the Marines and deployed somewhere right now…And you should be proud of your old detention hall buddy. He's got some of those medals that they give heroes.", Monique informed Kim.

"After he impersonated Mr. Sit Down on Shego I always believed he could be a hero. I'm so proud of him. Now I can't wait to talk to Justine, maybe we can make it better all around."

"I could use a cigarette right now after hearing all that.", Monique nodded.

"Sorry I quit, and you sooo don't want to start.", Kim informed the fashion diva with a sad giggle.

XXX

The circle of Masters slowly returned to their senses after conversing with Lord Toshimuru through the link the Monkey Master provided. All were exhausted by the many hours of the introspection of Yamanouchi's meaning and their lives.

(Excuse me Sensei, but I will go stand for a while under the falls. After this session I have to regain my focus. Are there any takers who wish to come with me?), Ron asked.

Hirotaka, Yori and two others got up, stretched and smiled at him. (Uh Yori you are not coming are you?)

(But of course young Master, it would be my honor.)

(But we strip to our loincloths and you….)

(I will wear something to cover 'things' above the waist as well as my own loincloth. You have seen me in less.), Yori smirked hoping to loosen him up for once.

Ron suddenly blushed at the memory of when he and Yori had tried to make a go of a relationship, but utterly failed because he was in no way ready to make a commitment to her.

(My love you will give him a heart attack.), Hiro chided his fiancée.

(You men all you think about is the female body…)

Ron countered, (I do not anymore, I have learned self-control.)

(By practicing an art the founder created over a thousand years ago you hope to gain his mental awareness; no wonder the poor man was almost a hermit.)

(It served its purpose Yori-kun as it serves mine.)

(Doing it too much will give you ice in your veins.)

(It makes me better. At the temple we did it three times a day and once through the night.), Ron said, giving them a glimpse of what went on in Tibet.

(And you have forgotten about women completely.)

(I have not forgotten about women Yori. I know what a woman is. You and Kim showed me, it's just I have no use in my life for them except as comrades.), Ron argued knowing he was going to lose this argument…again.

(Then you will die in a cold bed…)

(I doubt if that will be my fate Yori-kun. Mine is sealed and I admit that it will be lonely, but my path is what it is. Mine will be a more grisly fate for sure, but I am comfortable with it as was the founder.)

(And you have a responsibility to pass your genes on…both to your race, religion, family and Yamanouchi.)

(I freely admit my parents want me to spread around their legacy, but I will not do so. I am final in saying that. The Stoppable line will not end with my insignificant self. Now let's go to the waterfall,), Ron suggested as he avoided the question of Yamanouchi and descendents from his genes, (or we'll be talking about this all night.)

And with that the blond American turned toward the mountain's snow-fed waterfalls.

'I hope you are wrong Ron-sama, for you have started down a lonely path.', Yori mused as she took Hiro's hand and followed.

X

Five young adults stood under the frigid waterfall with their hands extended in front of them, eyes closed as they concentrated. The stakes were that the first one to break would have to serve tea when the exercise was over, with the others chiding him or her about it.

Over an hour into the exercise Hirotaka finally succumbed as he opened his eyes to see his fiancée's scantily clad form, (I will begin to heat the water.)

(I will help you Hiro-chun.), Yori came out of her trance as well. Announcing as they departed, (We will return soon.)

Ron Stoppable did not react, but the other two had begun to shiver. The blond seemed to be made of stone as the others began to see a blue fire flicker from under his eyelids. Staring open-mouthed, a shocked Yori grabbed onto her fiancée and ran back to the walls of the ninja school.

XXX

The one eyed man glanced cautiously around as he exited his nondescript aircraft at the isolated airstrip.

A dark car drove up and three men got out. "Sir we are here to guide you to our compound. Will you please join us?"

"Of course lead on.", the one eyed man responded.

X

"Mr. X is it?", the Asian man inquired as he motioned to the one eyed man to sit in the elegantly furnished room.

"It is now. I have had various names over the years. But my twin sister has an annoying habit of calling me by my first name."

"Indeed that is so.", the host replied. "And I've gathered that most of your cohorts are out of the game now?" At Mr. X's nod, "I see. This does open the field up a bit with the lack of players while your true identity remains unknown to international authorities as their complacency about your status helps your plans."

"Yes, quite.", Mr. X replied. "The other villains didn't have the stamina to stay in the game, they were easily distracted by the offerings made to them, so they are of no consequence to the larger picture we intend to paint. However the evolution of the WWEE has continued and although we have made some changes, we are still quite active."

"I see. That may be true, but a man in my position must ask this of you: How would you deal with a potential business partner who is so close to the head of an international crime fighting organization?"

"It is prudent to be cautious, I can assure you, but in my case I would not be worried.", Mr. X replied confidently.

"Oh, and how so?", his host asked.

"Though we gave all outward appearances of acquiescing to their demands, we have instead gone under the radar and as a result she thinks we play nice now.", Sheldon Director snorted, as he explained some of what the likes of Dementor and Drakken had been up to since the invasion. His old competition was now a thing of the past.

"So Betty Director has no idea what you are doing?"

"I would hope not, I have cultivated the image of a reformed villain which is why I am not called Gemini now. We even spend holidays together, although I can't stand her mightier than thou attitude."

"Ah yes, I remember when all of you left the game. It left a vacuum which some of us tried to take advantage of."

"Yes the authorities were cracking down after the invasion. We had to lay low or we might have found ourselves on the business end of a rope."

"I see that this has worked out for you so far, as your visit here has shown.", his host said calmly. Then his demeanor became more formal, "Now if you don't mind I would like to get to the point, why have you come to Asia?"

A small smile, "Not at all, I'd like nothing more than to get down to business." Then equally as formal as his host, "What I am here to propose is for WWEE's covert expansion of operations into this region and the inclusion of you and your business associates in our expansion.", Sheldon explained.

Waving his arm in a sweeping arc, "We are poor here.", to all the riches in the room.

After taking in the wealth, Sheldon continued, "As you are aware we have tried this expansion in the recent past and our efforts have been met with dismal failure."

"Hmmm, we have noted this from a distance and observed your previous endeavors. But before we go much further, what is it you wish of our inclusion in your plans?"

"A limited partnership is all, some use of your bases and some intelligence."

"We can help out our friends if needed."

"And we will have need I can assure you. And we will reward you as we profit.", the 'former villain' offered.

"That is generous of you, but there is one thing that I must point out, if there is to be violence in any activity my organization will back out.", the man warned.

"Why would you do that? Sometimes you must show people that you are serious about what you want or they will not take you seriously."

"Regardless, this we will not take part in, because all of Asia is under the protection of the 'Mountain'.", he said in simple explanation.

"The Mountain? What are you talking about?"

"The Mountain protects the weak, those who cannot defend themselves against the likes of you or me. And you will never know they are there until they strike."

"What is the Mountain you fool.", Sheldon was getting upset with his host for being evasive.

"Sheldon, it is more like who is the Mountain."

"Alright have it your own way who is this Mountain that you speak of?"

"They are the warriors of the shadows. They have fought criminals and warlords for a thousand years and have been victorious in every battle they fought; we are only alive because we are not worth their time."

"You fool anyone can be beaten…"

"Not the Mountain, they have always been strong, but now they are doubly dangerous. They know when you become a problem…then you are not a problem to them anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"I will offer this tale as explanation. A short while ago there was a strong clan of Yakuza who were kidnapping businessmen's families for ransom to make a tidy profit."

"Go ahead."

"They kidnapped the daughter of an influential man. Suddenly their members began turning up with limbs missing."

"So?"

"So the mobsters decided to get more family members. That was the last anyone ever heard of that clan.", the Asian man explained, "Until parts of the gangsters began showing up; only the parts of them that could identify each specific former member of the now extinct Yakuza clan."

The former villain adjusted his eye patch, "So then the Mountain or whatever it is plays like the mob themselves?"

"Do not say that so loud Sheldon, even though this is a secure place it is bad luck to speak evil of the Mountain."

"You are a fool man, no one is that powerful…"

"Are you so sure?"

"Yes I am, why?"

"I have heard there is one among them who is like the Kami. You do not want to tangle with him he is very dangerous.", the Asian man warned.

"Then he must be eliminated before he can cause trouble."

"I can see that it is best to forgo this enterprise and do something more honest. That is what most of the gangs are doing now. But before you go I offer you this warning; do not tangle with the glowing one. He can kill…I have heard he has killed, more than once.", the host said nervously. "Now please, have some tea then you must go, with your mindset as it is you will bring the Mountain down on us all."

"You are a fool, to control the planet you need to get rid of any barriers in your path. Even if it is just competition or it is they who would stop you."

"Sheldon you need to read and study the 'Art of War' and 'The Book of the Five Rings', they will teach you much. We here in Asia have been in conflict for thousands of years, I highly doubt if you can teach us much."

"I have been in the villain business for twenty years, and I don't think there is much you can teach me.", the former villain known as Gemini responded harshly.

"Read the books, not much has changed in the philosophy of warfare since they were written, you might learn something."

XXX

Yori and Hiro had been disturbed at the blue haze emanating from the Chosen One's eyes so they decided to inform Master Sensei of this development.

After throwing on their clothes they raced off to get Sensei and some of the other Masters.

X

Soon Yori and Hiro led a very worried looking Sensei as an upset Rufus chittered from his roost on Hirotaka's shoulder.

(Help me get Stoppable-sama down off his perch.), Sensei asked.

(Master what is wrong with him?). Yori asked in fear of what was happening to Ron.

The Ninja Master ran his hand over Ron's chest, "Ah, see Rufus-san, he has had another 'Episode', I wonder what information he will reveal to us now?"

(Episode…..Sensei what are you talking about?), Yori asked concerned for her former boyfriend.

Sensei, with Hirotaka's assistance, helped Ron, who was still not 'awake' yet, into a sitting position. Then he sat down next to him before motioning for his two senior students to do the same while he dismissed the other two.

After they left Sensei asked his prized pupils, (Do you know how we are able to thwart the efforts of mobsters and hoodlums' my children?)

Yori and Hiro looked at each other, then at Sensei with blank stares until Yori spoke, (Master you seem to have some way of knowing when bad things will happen, but we do not know how you do it.)

Sighing, (Yes that some way…well part of that some way is sitting here with us children.), Sensei said as he gestured to Ron. (There are Masters that have this ability and not all give the same reports. But the information for the last mission and several others were given to me by Stoppable-sama.)

(What is he seeing now?), Hiro asked.

(I do not know, we will have to wait for him to awaken before he can tell us anything.), Sensei informed the pair.

(Is he able to see what is going on with his love?), Yori asked hoping the blond had that ability.

(Maybe if he focused child, but I remind you that Stoppable-sama promised never to check in on her, he had no wish to be embarrassed. I have asked several times if he would like to know what she is doing and he has refused. Miss Possible has indeed damaged his heart and it will take much longer to heal it.)

Yori countered, (Master it is not right Ron-sama deserves the right to love as he wishes…)

(I will not argue that point with you Granddaughter, but this is a hurt and stubborn young man. The most we can hope for is that he comes to his senses in time, but I fear this path has a long way to run yet. We must be patient.), Sensei informed them as Ron began to stir.

"War.", the Monkey Master rasped out as he became aware of his surroundings, reverting to English as his eyes returned to their brown color.

Sensei also reverted to English, "What did you see my friend?"

"We must make sure all students study the 'Book of Fire' as well as the 'The Book of Water'.", Ron explained, "I saw great conflict that will engulf us, we must redouble our efforts. There is an evil coming, a voice I recognized…one of several. But I could not discern their faces."

"Who's voice?", Hirotaka asked now.

"I don't know, but I've heard it somewhere before."

"When will this take place Ron-sama?", Yori asked in worry.

Ron looked down at his feet, "I am sorry, I don't know. I think we have some time, but we must take our training seriously. Someone wants to know who we are and they are going to target Yamanouchi itself, if they can."

Sensei half smiled behind his flowing mustache, (We have been targeted before, according to the scrolls even in Lord Toshimiru's time this has happened my friend. But I agree we must refresh all of our training. When you go to college you must take your equipment with you. Yamanouchi will provide an insert into one of your closets for the gear.)

(I will, but not the blade, it is in safer keeping here. I can deploy and train without it Master.), Ron replied knowing he might get an argument for making his choice.

Sensei sighed at Ron's firm conviction in leaving the Lotus Blade on the Sacred Mountain, (I reluctantly agree to do so as long as you agree to call it when you are in need.)

(I will promise Master.)

(Tell us what you have felt and observed young Master.)

(Someone is trying to organize the criminal organizations. Maybe someone should go visit a few to remind them that we exist and will work to discourage their efforts.), Ron suggested.

Sensei looked at the very serious young man, (I suppose we could send a small group to remind them we know about their operations. Very well Yori-kun, draw up plans to pay a visit to the Yahoma Group in Kyoto. If we need to do more we will, but that should send a message.)

XXX

"Well Kim it's good to see you again. Monique told me about Stoppable, I'm so sorry about him.", the thin blonde told the red head.

Sigh, "I'll patch it up with him when I get the chance…you know if I wasn't so stupid I'd be wearing Ron's ring…"

"If he could afford one Kim, he didn't have a lot of money, remember?", Justine pointed out, completely in the dark about of Ron's actual worth.

"I don't care, I'd still wear it. Now let me get a good look at yours.", Kim smirked.

X

"Well when are you and Mike gonna tie the knot?"

"After he gets out in about a year and a half Kim, I don't want him to lose focus or he could end up wounded again."

"Yeah, I guess it's better to wait a little while."

"Monique was telling me that you want to find Stoppable right?"

"Yeah I do so that I have a chance of saying 'I do' to the greatest guy in the world.", Kim replied.

"Well I can write some programs…"

XXXX

Well Sheldon's finding out that some parts of the world doesn't want to play with him on the level he desires to play. He just should leave well enough alone, but we know him better than that, don't we? Kim's still having those mea culpa moments in Middleton, with another friend coming to grips of that day and the fallout. Ron's prepping for school and gets a head's up for future action in their backyard.

More to come and we hope you've enjoyed this so far, and will continue all the way to the end.