Storm Chaser Chapter 7, a kim possible fanfic

Hi and welcome back to the next chapter of our little tale. We hope you are enjoying it so far and continue to follow along as we trace the trials and tribulations of our intrepid heroes as love and psychoanalysis meets hardheadedness. Last time we learned someone's been playing below the table with the world's law enforcement agencies while misrepresenting themselves in their deception. Kim has caught up with the one person from home you don't mess with like she did while making amends with others. And she's preparing herself to be a bridesmaid, not the bride, for the first of several weddings (oops, did I give something away?). Meanwhile Ron's setting himself up to become the world's only celibate mystical hermit who gets the crime-channel whenever he goes off into the supernatural cable channels like he does.

Before we start this puppy we'd like to thank the following for their Review, Faves or Alerts: Sentinel103, Jimmy1201, readerjunkie, Mahler Avatar and Albert Scoot. Thanks to you all for taking the time to tell us you like what you've read.

Now to keep the sharks in pricey suits from Disney from chomping on our bank accounts: Kim, Ron and the gang from the Kim Possible show are the property of the Mouse Ears Dynasty. We receive no money from their inclusion in our tale, just a free ride for the entertainment of others.

Now onto the show.

Storm Chaser

Global Justice:

With her voice laced with desperation, "Wade, I know this would be considered a personal request, but I've got these programs that Justine wrote for me and I know that GJ's got only one Cray with enough power to sift through all the information it gathers…I really need you to do this, so could you do this for me, pleassse?" Kim blasted out before she took another breath. She also seemed about to launch something she hadn't gone 'weapons free' with in over three years: the Puppy Dog Pout.

Mystified at the request, what was called for to accomplish it and that she was about to unleash the Pout on him to do whatever this was, "Kim, why do you need that much power for data mining? Whatever you want it for has to be overkill.", Wade said in confusion. "Now I have the authority to spend time on them, but I have to have a good enough reason for doing it.", the super genius related to his red headed partner.

Rolling her eyes at him, "Waaaade, this is so we can try to find Ron. If Doctor Director had an interest in finding him, we have an out for running this program. And since you were busy I got Justine Flanner to write about fifty miles of code that I have ready to enter, but the thing is, we've got to have enough processing power to sift through all the data it mines after turning it loose.", Kim replied.

Sighing in resignation, "Ok Kim, get the program to me and I'll look it over, but I have to tell ya I gotta at least run this by Du…", Wade informed her.

An incredulous red head interrupted, "Why do you have to run it past Du? Betty already gave her tentative nod to find Ron."

"Well Kim, using agency assets for personal business is sorta frowned upon.", Wade said to her grimace, "But if we can make a good enough case for it, namely to find someone they are interested in as a potential agent, say Ron for instance, then it will be a lot easier to get the necessary authorization to do this.", he played along to Kim's growing smile.

Then with a knowing smirk, "And between the two of us I know that it has nothing to do with finding Ron so you can jump in the sack with him again….", he deadpanned.

Blushing furiously at the insinuation, "Alright…I'll admit I have ulterior motives for finding my long lost BF...", Kim sheepishly looked to her partner and friend. Then shifting gears back towards a more official line of thought, "But with him beating aliens that no one else on the planet could, seems like the perfect reason to me, Wade."

"Yeah it would, but the downside to this is that there are some scientists that might want to 'study' him to see what makes him tick, in that regard. And I'm just not sure I want one of my friends to be a part of that."

Mystified, "Huh, why would they do that Wade?", Kim asked.

"Remember all the hysteria back then?", Wade said and waited until Kim nodded after thinking back to what followed after that blitzkrieg of an alien invasion had ended as quickly as it did. "If you were in charge of the defense of a country wouldn't you want to know how Ron was able to kill a couple of aliens and destroy their equipment when neither you nor Shego nor the armies of the world could even slow them down? Do you remember that he stayed under the radar except for me for knowing about it for three years.", he pointed out, then waited again as she took all this in, "When you think of it there might be a real good reason why he disappeared…his own self-preservation."

As this dawned on her, "Then you have to take into account that as far as we could tell, Ron had never exhibited that kind of whatever he did before. So somebody's going to want to keep him in their grasp and find out what it is and how he did it."

Kim suddenly paled as she stared at the African-American genius, "They wouldn't try to hurt him would they?", she gulped in rising fear.

Wade shrugged, "Who knows Kim…..when people are scared they do funny things. It's sorta the same thing about a cattle stampede, once they get going they're hard to stop or control.", he said to her as the realization stated to sink in.

"I mean look at lemmings, we all think they occasionally commit mass suicide when actually they're just searching for food and have to move, but when their mindset is firmly set to one thing, the same thing, they just go with it until they are dissuaded somehow or they roll on to wherever it takes them…And sometimes it's over a cliff, and nothing can stop them."

Her panic rising, "We can't let that happen, Wade! I don't want that to happen with Ron…So maybe we'd better just drop it.", the red head suggested; the color still vacant from her cheeks as an image of Ron strapped in a chair with wires and IV's in him for some scientist's lab tests.

Then, unbidden, her mind flashed to Ron strapped down on a table, surrounded by surgically masked individuals, one of them holding a scalpel, about to dissect him. From there her imagination ran away from her as her mind took that scenario to its graphically horrid conclusion. Kim's face went white as her breathing started to shallow, and her knees began to tremble. The red head lurched over to a chair and sat down as quickly as she could.

She was well on her way to a massive panic attack when Wade's frantic voice brought her back, "Kim! Kim, are you alright?"

Shaking her head while Wade rushed to help keep her upright, "Yeah Wade, I just thought of something unpleasant..I'm fine now but could we just drop what I said? I can, you know try to find him my own way."

"You know I can't just drop it now KP, but I can make the request if we do it in a smart way."

"Ok but we have to think about this before we make the request; I don't want anyone experimenting on my BF.", she said nervously. Then narrowing her eyes, "And remember Wade you are my friend, but only Ron gets to call me KP. Otherwise it's another two hours of medium contact sparring in the gym."

Gulping heavily, "I'll do what I can Kim…anyway it's sorta a good thing this came up, we can use it as a training session to file reports and requests for using assets for when we do future investigations.", Wade replied, his intentions purely for self-preservation when he acquiesced to her search request for Ron and to avoid getting his butt handed to him for ticking her off by using Ron's favorite moniker for Kim.

He especially remembered reviewing footage from earlier that summer of one smug low level agent who made that mistake and compounded his misfortune by calling Ron something that couldn't even be said in front of drunken sailors on shore leave without getting a reaction.

Kim's smack down of the agent was so fast and harsh the poor agent didn't know what hit him. Deputy Director Du actually cracked an almost detectable smile when he saw the incident take place.

But back in the here and now, Wade understood the situation, his partner's frustration was compounded by the complete lack of information regarding Ron and he and he could tell she was getting edgy. "I'll remember Kim.", he replied nervously.

The red head frowned then smiled, "I'm sorry Wade, but KP is reserved only for Ronnie."

"Ok, Kim, I'll remember that from now on.", he said in relief. "But don't worry Kim, Doctor Director just bought another Cray for the sole reason to try and find Ron. We'll find him somehow."

Panicking again, "Unless someone took him and killed him you mean.", as another image came unbidden to her.

"Kim don't freak out, if someone had done that don't you think they would be bragging about taking out Kim Possible's Sidekick?", the African-American genius pointed out, "So I still think he's gone off somewhere and covered his tracks really well. But I'm sure that we'll eventually find him."

"If they didn't know that Ron and I worked together…"

"He had his badge didn't he?"

"Yeah, both his GJ and Team Possible ID's, Wade; but he left and I don't even know if he had them on him."

XXX

Hokkaido University. Sapporo, Japan:

(Well Dean-san you are moved in and your secret closet installed, now what do you plan to do before classes begin?), Hirotaka inquired of his friend.

(Dean-san huh…oh still getting used to the name and the new IDs), Ron said sheepishly. Then shrugging, (Now, maybe I can find a dojo that offers martial arts classes for beginners. I've always wanted to try them you know.), Ron laughed which set Yori to giggling.

(Remember Ron-san you must return for our nuptials in three weeks.)

(I will be there Yorishi-kun. Someone has to make sure Hiro doesn't run off. If I didn't you and your fiancée would track me down later and thump me for breaking a promise.), he grimaced, and then snickered. (But it is finally time for you two to settle down and make little ones.)

Hiro turned serious, (You must keep up your training Dean-san, we do not know when the threat will materialize.)

His musings then turning a little blasé, (I wonder if they have any dojos in the area that specialize in beginning techniques.), Ron snorted.

With a gleam in her eyes, (Like the one you just graduated from? I think we have one or two places around where you might get some exercise.), Yori suggested, just as nonchalantly.

(Good Yori thanks, I appreciate it.), he said to her. Then pondering his immediate future, (Now I have to get my computer set up and buy my books for the first year. It promises to keep me busy studying, but I think I'll be able to fit something in.), Ron smiled.

(Oh what are you taking?), Hiro asked Ron of his first semester class load.

Thinking a bit to remember his upcoming classes, (Well I have Calculus two, Statistics, Geology, Physics and Beginning Weather. I already passed Calc one and Chemistry along with some basics, so as a result I will be a second year student.), Ron explained.

(Indeed it sounds like you will be busy but remember to fade into the background as you have been taught, Dean-san. This will serve you well in your endeavors to remain off the social radar, and Yamanouchi too, for obvious reasons.), Yori cautioned somberly.

Then smiling brightly, (Now let us walk the city to find a store for you to purchase your food and a place to train.)

Hirotaka nodded, also in agreement with his fiancée that Ron needed to start blending in with the populace so his face would become commonplace around the University sooner rather than later, and speed up his inclusion with the locals as a background figure without question.

The blond American grabbed a shoulder bag and told them, (I might as well at least shop for something to fix for dinner my friends. Would you please dine with me tonight and stay in my extra room?)

Hiro, anxious to get back to the sacred mountain, was about to politely decline, but a touch on his arm from Yori had him change his mind. It would be the last time they would see each other before the wedding so he said, (It will be our honor to dine with the Chosen One of Destiny this evening Master.)

Ron smiled that his invitation was accepted by his two closest remaining friends.

While walking around Sapporo Ron entered several shops he had not visited during the time his family spent with him a few weeks earlier.

Finally they stopped in front of an older building. After reading the sign Ron spoke, (A dojo…should we go in?)

XXX

Cambridge, Mass:

"Here ya go honey, that's the last of our stuff. Now where do you want to go for the weekend?", Felix paused in his placement of his and Zita's packs and sleeping bags into his custom van; his wheelchair's mechanical arms weaving carefully around his girlfriend's body as she packed what he placed in the storage bed of the van.

Turning to him and playfully swatting at his chair's arms, "Well I'd like to get away from all the technology for a while this time, so let's just go camping.", the young Latin-American woman replied with a mischievous grin.

Then smiling brightly as she affectionately ruffled his brown hair, "And that's something we haven't done much of this summer; it'd be nice just to get away." Felix nodded to Zita before she brought up what was also on her mind, "But what did you think of that email from Justine last night?"

Shrugging, "I was surprised to learn that Kim was back. I guess she could only think so little of for just so long….", he said a bit sourly, looking away.

Zita cut in, "You didn't hear it all Felix. I know this because you got distant when the details were covered. But Justine said Kim had a breakdown and that's what led her to shut off all communication with everyone back home.", she informed her boyfriend.

Looking back up to her, "Too bad it went down that way. But Ron sure didn't know!", he all but shouted as he threw his arms up in frustration, "Heck no one had any idea. We could have helped her, gotten her home…"

"That was the problem mijo; Kim has always been the hard driven one. She didn't want any of her friends to see her like that.", she shook her head sadly, "That chica was messed up in the head."

Hearing Zita talk that way always drew an affectionate snort out of her boyfriend. "Well a lot of stuff went down that spring honey.", he said, then to her look of 'go on', "Well, from Kim finding herself in a sitch she had no control over, something that she had little or no familiarity with, to nearly being killed by some viscous interstellar predators she couldn't beat, to the reality that the person who did beat them and save her was the guy she, and we, never expected to be capable of doing…..I guess that could screw up her concept of reality."

Thinking back to Kim as she had been back then, "I'd have thought that her self-confidence took a big hit there, at the very least, with some uncertainty creeping in about someone she knew almost her entire life.", Felix said as he pondered what he knew of his friends. Then with a frown, "But she could have been more appreciative about it than it seems she was…cutting him off like she did shortly after she got to school."

She could see this was bringing him down, "So what do you want in the cooler boyfriend?", Zita asked to deflect him from getting into a funk before they were about to take off for one of their few and far-between weekends together.

"Just the food in the blue bags; you load the van, I'll take care of it.", he said a little too quickly for Zita's weirdar as he went off in search of said bags.

Calling out to make sure he knew she said it, "But make sure you don't put any of those bags of that Mexi-fake stuff you like to feed your face with.", she playfully admonished him. "You know that ain't real Mexican food, mijo.", Zita teased, knowing full well that was exactly what he was going to try to do.

"Aww maaannn!", Felix whined.

After they had been on the road for an hour, "Well Wheels, what are you going to do about it?"

"Do about what honey?", he said while driving down the highway.

"Finding Ron for Kim,", Zita clarified.

Sighing heavily, "Alright I'll help Justine and Kim.", he acquiesced lightly. Then with a promise in his voice, "But she isn't gonna treat him like that again or I'm gonna make her life miserable…Wade's not the only guy who can manipulate a computer."

"Lover boy, I think Kim has learned her lesson…didn't you even read Justine's and Monique's email about her mental condition? That girl was broken, I don't think she was thinking right back then and made some bad decisions.", she assured him.

Before he could speak up in rebuttal, "And when Kim and Ron meet again I'm confident that she will show him the respect he deserves and beg his forgiveness and pledge her undying love before she drags him off to a Church somewhere so they can get married and have a bunch of kids together.", she said airily to him with a twinkle in her eye, thus ending the discussion.

Then pointing in the direction they were driving, "Now which campground are we going to?"

"Remember that one in New Hampshire?"

"Yeah I do, it was pretty.", Zita said wistfully.

"And if you remember, not bad for seclusion either.", he said waggling his eyebrows, while exiting the highway.

"I remember…that was when we made the agreement…."

"So that's what you call it.", Felix snorted as they drove onto a two lane road.

With a look in her eye and a tone in her voice that brooked no argument, "Boyfriend it was an agreement and you have until the beginning of next summer to make a decision.", Zita reminded her genius boyfriend, well genius in all things but women, of what he asked her a little more than two years previously.

"I know, I know but I wanted to talk to Ron first. You know he was my best friend…."

"And what am I boyfriend?", Zita's voice turned icy.

"Ahhhh,", he panicked, stalling to come up with a plausible answer, "you are my woman, the lady who owns my heart, the love of my life…stop me when you think I've covered it enough.", he sheepishly grinned to her.

Zita Flores thought for a moment, "You're getting better.", she grinned Cheshire-like at her prey of a boyfriend.

"Thanks babe…oops I didn't mean to say that.", Felix recoiled in horror at using a pet name Zita didn't like to be called by.

"Deduct two points from Felix's account.", Zita snorted before snickering at his discomfort.

XXX

Global Justice:

"Alright Wade now come at me with all you got. Don't worry about hurting me, 'cause there's no way you can.", Kim taunted her partner while standing in a relaxed stance on the training mat.

"Oh I'm pretty sure I can get through your defenses this time, Kim.", Wade said with some false bravado.

Snarking lightly, "Only if I trip and fall on my face Wade, you're gonna have to try harder than last time unless you want me to buy lunch, again.", she teased back.

"Well the cafeteria's got Ron's Seven Layers of Heaven cake for dessert today Kim, so we'll need to get there extra early to be sure to even get a piece.", he smirked at her look of surprise. "Not only that, but they have a couple of Ron's Tex-Mex dinners on the menu, too.", he said, his eyes glazing over. "We are gonna eat good today.", Wade laughed trying to sidetrack the red head.

Scowling at his attempts to distract her, "You temping bastard Wade, you know I can't resist that cake!", Kim hissed as she retreated at an angle after she switched her feet to a different stance.

Wade decided to taunt his partner a little more to see if he could throw her off her game and to see just how well she could function at this time. "No Kim, you couldn't resist the cake's creator.", he teased further.

At her slight loss of focus, then her widening eyes, Wade moved in, but just as he arrived to exploit his opening he saw her refocus at the last moment, "Not this time Wade, it's time for a Kim Possible smack down."

At a muttered "Oh crap!", the African-American found he was barely able to track the red blur as Kim zipped in on him. In desperation he threw a roundhouse kick at the white clad woman which she was prepared to counter. Too late for him to do anything about it, Kim slipped inside his foot-strike range and planted a short palm strike to his chest followed by a light elbow strike to his chin that stunned him before quickly and gracefully slipping out of range again. Knowing he was overmatched, Wade took off his sparring gloves and bowed to his tormentor, signaling his defeat.

"You win Kim. Now let's get changed and head to the cafeteria."

"And you're buying?", she asked brightly with a smirk.

"Yeah I'm buying.", Wade groaned.

"I think you just wanted to get in line early for a slice of that cake.", Kim teased as Wade blushed before he nodded.

Kim, with Wade in tow, knocked on the heavy wooden door. "Come in.", came the response from within the office.

After striding to a desk, "Yes Ma'am, reporting as ordered.", the two called out in stereo.

"Please sit.", Dr. Director directed them to the chairs across from her desk.

Doing as ordered, Betty continued typing on her computer for another minute before she sat back with a smile.

"Kim, Wade I'm sorry for not meeting with you as much as I'd have liked to, but this is right before a training cycle starts up and GJ has to be prepared for the new trainees before their arrival. But I hope you haven't had too much trouble keeping busy with the assignments given to you this summer, either.", Dr. Director said with a gleam in her eye as her visitors nodded in agreement.

"But we've reached a point when we're caught up and can allow for some downtime for our Agents and their families. And in the current restructuring of GJ, except for emergencies the Agency is going to be less hectic in its daily activities than it normally was in the past."

Kim cleared her throat, "Ma'am what does that have to do with me…uh us?"

Gazing to him, "Well Wade has been here for two years now…well a little more than that and he's entitled to some well deserved downtime, so for him and his Mother we've got some oceanfront properties where they can get away and relax.", Dr. Director said to a very surprised young genius. "The arrangements have already been made with your staff and you Mother, so all you have to do is pack."

Raising a hand to his obvious question, "Yes Wade, we've got top of the line computers and connectivity in place for you so you won't go through withdrawal while away.", she smirked to his dark blush. "The aircraft you and your Mother will be traveling will be at the GJ hangar on Friday at zero eight hundred. You are hereby ordered to be on it to start your time off, but before you go home to pack, check your email for instructions on when to return back to Middleton."

Speechless, "T…thank you Ma'am.", Wade stammered to his Commanding Officer.

"No thanks are necessary Wade, you have served this organization well and I am proud to count you as my friend. So please enjoy this little time off, you deserve it from the tireless work you've done with the upgrades to the GJ Systems and for accepting Miss Possible as a partner and going through her 'training' with her."

Then turning to Kim Betty asked, "So Kim, how do you like it here at GJ?"

"I really do like it Ma'am someday I would like to work with an organization like GJ."

At getting the opening she had been waiting for, she cut to the chase, "Miss Possible would you consider becoming an official member of Global Justice?", Betty asked, laying it all out, finally getting the chance to officially make the offer to Kim.

At the surprised look on the younger woman's face, she continued, "GJ has been very interested in you since you first appeared on our radar years ago and we want you in with us, and I think you would fit in well. Dr. Load will continue to be your partner since Mr. Stoppable is unavailable right now.", Betty paused as she saw Kim's eyes start to tear up.

After Betty handed her a tissue, "However what happened between you and your 'friend' is not an issue here. If he were to return to Middleton and was as capable as he seemed to be, he would be offered a similar position with us. Even a working partnership with you two, if you all wish, but for now that is a moot point until we locate him."

"I…I don't know what to say…", Kim wiped her eyes then sat erect as one of her dreams came true, but not her biggest one.

"Say yes, at least for now, that way we can pay for your college education, even at Oxford.", Betty smiled in anticipation, hoping the young woman seated before her would take the offer.

Gathering her wits about her before speaking, "Well, first of all, thank you for the offer to join GJ; it's been a dream of mine ever since I learned about the agency.", Kim said as a small smile appeared on her face. Then thoughtfully, "And I hope you don't mind but I'll have to discuss this with my family before giving you an official answer." Betty nodded at this.

"But as for your offer to pay for my education, if I take up your offer to join up, I'll have to decline.", Kim said with mixed emotions.

"Alright Kim, first off, thank you for seriously considering our offer to join, but why would you decline our tuition offer, if you don't mind my asking?", Betty said in surprise, while she internally sighed in relief that Kim was taking this offer seriously.

"Well, earlier this summer I learned from my parents that everything involving the last three years at Oxford, from school expenses to what came from my care and therapy was paid for by some mysterious and unknown group, and not my parents.", Kim said to Betty's further shock and surprise.

"So you have no idea who's been paying your bills or what their intentions were in doing so?", Betty asked, quite suspicious of this arrangement with Kim.

"No ma'am, I don't and they must have access to some incredible amount of money, what with the cost of being enrolled at Oxford, much less what my treatment and care costs were over there in England's private healthcare system.", Kim explained to her small audience.

Betty, very concerned, was already planning defenses against her all-but-sworn-in new agent-trainee's potential exploitation, while the wheels in Wade's mind were already turning towards figuring out ways to ferret out this mysterious 'benefactor' of his friend and former team leader. Topmost on both of their minds was learning what intentions said mysterious benefactor had towards her.

Kim, noticing her friends and future boss lost in thought, brought them back, "I can see your concerns over this and one of my side-goals is to find out who they are and who they are doing this for." Then fixing Betty with a steely gaze, "I hope this sitch at Oxford doesn't interfere with my offer to join GJ, Dr. Director, but I so do want to be a member of your Agency so I can hopefully make a career out of helping people.", Kim said with conviction.

Nodding, "Ok Kim, the offer still stands, but if you are Wade or anyone else discovers who your benefactor is, we'll need to investigate this more fully so neither you nor GJ can be exploited if this isn't on the up-and-up.", Betty said with furrowed brow.

"You've got it ma'am, in fact I planned on getting some help that we can discuss later. But for now, what do you need of me should I start the enrollment process into GJ?", Kim asked, relieved at the decisions made for her.

"Alright then, should you enroll as an Agent, you would be given a permanent badge and we'd issue you a training schedule for you to follow when you return to England in the fall. You would have access to our facilities after classes, on weekends and during school breaks when you stay overseas.", Betty informed her almost-future Agent.

At the red head's apparent question, "Yes Kim, we do have assets and facilities nearby so you could train and learn while onsite with our tutors and trainers; we even offer assistance for schoolwork too.", she said to Kim's relief.

"And by being a member of GJ you would be included in our support network. This means that if anything like what happened in the previous three years reoccurs, we would be there for assistance. You wouldn't be alone anymore and we'd make sure you'd get through whatever issues you faced, and your family and those friends you designate to us would be in the loop as well.", Betty assured her.

Sighing in relief, "Thank you Dr. Director; the prospect of having GJ's support as well as my family's and my friends',", Kim said quietly and with slight shame, "is very important to me…now. If I realized before that I had it we might not have had all this drama.", Kim replied with this weight off her shoulders.

"Good, glad to hear it Kim, and thank you for considering taking our offer as you have.", Betty beamed to Kim. Then less formally, "Now Intern Possible, as of Friday you are also on vacation. I have arranged for your Nana to fly here and for your entire family, yes Kim, even your brothers, to fly to your Uncle's ranch for a couple of weeks to relax and reconnect as a family."

Overwhelmed at this surprise, Kim sniffled, "Thank you Ma'am…."

"No Kim…thank you for my and so many of my agents' lives. And please accept my tentative 'Welcome' to GJ and what we hope will be another home to you.", Betty stood and offered her hand, "I can't thank your old partner, but I think that thanking you would be just as appropriate."

"You're welcome…and thank you Ma'am, it's been a long road back, and I hope that in the end, I can do a good enough job for you."

Betty smiled, "I know you will." Then she directed her guests to a covered dinner cart to the side of her desk, "Now I heard that someone got the last three slices of that chocolate cake. I have that and some coffee, please join me. I think that would be as good of way of remembering Ronald Stoppable as anything."

Wade smiled, "I knew the cooks baked some more Ma'am, so maybe I can take some home to Mom?"

"I hate to break this to you Wade but I did just get the last three slices.", Betty said as she rose and went to the cart, then rolled it over to them.

Kim sat quietly as Doctor Director set a small plate and a fork in front of her. A few moments later the steaming coffee enticed her nose. "Thank you Ma'am.", she murmured, inhaling the aroma.

Then the young red head silently offered, 'Thank you too Ronnie, for all those years of friendship and that whole year of love, Maybe we can make it right in time.'

"Let's dig in.", Wade announced with a laugh.

With a nod Kim lifted her fork. 'I'll never forget you Ronnie. Please don't forget me.'

A small tear ran down her cheek which neither dinner guest missed, 'I am so sorry Ron.'

XXX

The one-eyed villain rubbed his eye patch in annoyance as he sat back in frustration from yet another fruitless excursion to find allies for his plans, this time deep into Africa. He had one or two hits from dictators he thought he could use at a later date, but nothing substantial for the time being.

'That sister of mine has really made things hard for someone to build a criminal empire these days.', he groused. 'Could she be keeping me under surveillance somehow so no one will want to join up with me?',he pondered. 'Or is it possible she could she have cowed so many potential allies into cowardice?' Then sitting back in aggravation, 'No, she and her agency can't be that good.'

Finally giving up trying to figure out the causes of his latest dry spell he considered other things closer to home, 'And it irritates me to no end that I have to attend dinner with her tonight.', he thought while flexing his bionic hand. 'But I wonder…just how intense is her surveillance of me?'

XXX

Tara and Josh lay on the beach at Lake Middleton. "Honey, I'm really sorry it didn't work out with asking Ron to be your Best Man…."

"Tara, he was just one choice, I have a backup guy from college…you know Mark Kabosh", she nodded, remembering him from the classmates Josh hung with in and out of class, "offered to do it…so I'm covered there. But if Stoppable ever returns for a class reunion I'll chew him out for not telling anyone where he went." Getting a bit aggravated, "I mean he could have at least told you or Monique even if he couldn't get through to Kim or her family."

"I suppose honey, but who knew he would vanish so quickly after Kim closed things off with him, and that just a couple months later his family would go down the same rabbit hole and disappear, too. I mean nothing's been heard of any of them since.", Tara said as Josh nodded on her observation.

"Anyway now that Justine is helping search for him and she said that Renton is onboard too…it's just a matter of time until we find out where Ron has been all this time. Still it would have been nice to see Kim on his arm at the wedding.", she said as Josh nodded in agreement. Sighing sadly, "Yeah I guess it didn't turn out very good for them, and all I can hope for Kim is that she finds him, and soon."

"Yeah, me too; they should have their happy ending too, just like we will.", Josh agreed before kissing Tara.

Coming out of the kiss, "Well if nothing else, Kim can take notes and see just how well Monique helped us out with the bridesmaids' dresses. Her suggestions and ideas made for a potentially great assembly in December. All we have to do is make sure that everything is ok at the Thanksgiving fitting, and if so, we are set for our Christmas Wedding.", Tara explained.

"I know honey; the groomsmen went there with you and coordinated too, if you remember.", Josh reminded her. Then smiling mischievously, "You know, we're going to have one heck of a party when we get married.", he said as he tickled Tara.

Squealing In mock indignation, "Stop that Josh, we're not married yet.", Tara smirked. "But yeah, we'll have that party to celebrate our marriage and to partially thank Monique and our Mothers who are almost done with the Wedding preparations.", she smiled in relief. "I was worried before, but now I'm pretty happy with the way everything is working out."

Changing the subject, "When's Bonnie going to get back from that island?", Josh asked.

"She was supposed to be back already but she hasn't called me or anything and I'm starting to worry about her.", Tara frowned in concern. "I mean Junior used to be one of those villains that Kim fought all the time, now he's just trying to help struggling acts get it together and that's really good…but you know I can't get it out of my mind that he might go back to being a bad guy.", she said as she looked to her fiancée nervously.

XXX

Sapporo, Japan:

The three young adults cautiously entered the dim building. (Is anyone here?), Hirotaka called out.

From the rear of the building they heard, (One moment please.)

Soon an older thin Japanese man appeared, (How may I help you? Are you lost?)

Yori bowed and took over in order to get to the point, (Our friend has just entered College here and he wishes to participate in your Karate Dojo. Could you make room for him in your classes?)

(Does he have any training?)

Hiro answered for Ron, (Some, but it was a long time ago.)

Looking scornfully at Hiro and Yori, then Ron, (Can he answer for himself? We only teach in Japanese and we have never learned any other language.), the small man snapped in annoyance, not happy about the prospect of a Gaijin in his training hall.

(I can speak for myself Sensei.), Ron bowed to the Dojo Master, (I have lived in Japan for three years and will go to college here for three more.), he explained.

Looking to Ron in disdain, (This is not one of those 'belt' academies.), he snorted. (You are either a White Belt or a Black Belt.), he said, now sizing him up, (Normally it takes six or seven years to be granted the rank of Black Belt. Our school's lineage comes from Shu Do Kan Ryu Karate by Tanken Toyama.), the old Karate Master said in solemn pride.

Fully aware he was being judged for worthiness by the old Master, Ron plead his case carefully, (Sensei, I have no ego to satisfy, I only wish to study here to further enrich my life. And due to my obligations to school in Sapporo I will only be able to study here for three short years, so a Black Belt is not something I can hope to attain. But the lessons learned of the belt will be more than enough for this lowly student.)

After spending more time sizing Ron up, looking him over from top to bottom as he circled the blond, (Fine I will train you, but you must make class sessions.)

(I will unless I am suddenly called away by obligations I am responsible for, which sometimes happens, or I am in a college class.), Ron explained further since he knew he could be absent for extended periods of time with little notice beforehand.

(Agreed; you may begin on Saturday, your uniform will be given to you then. Plan to stay three hours, and remember we do not pull our punches here so I hope you are able to keep up.)

Ron bowed low, (I agree to be here and I will do my best, Sensei. My name is Dean Kaminsky.)

(I am Master Initu Hukkuri.), the small man uttered as he bowed, his not quite as low as Dean's.

After they exited Ron chuckled, "Well that went well."

"We should have checked him out before you rushed in there.", Hiro admonished Ron.

Agitated, "We will investigate this school upon our return to Yamanouchi, but as of this moment he is now under the watch of Sensei Toshimuru and Yamanouchi.", Yori muttered quietly, "Now lead us to that market so you can prepare that feast you promised us."

"That was my intention Yorishi-kun.", Ron replied before turning to Hirotaka, "She's torqued at me for doing this so fast isn't she?", Ron whispered.

"Better you than me brother.", Hiro whispered back.

"Fools.", Yori snapped shutting them up.

Two hours later:

From the chair in his new apartment, (Everything has been put away and it will not take long to prepare for tonight's dinner, so let's go take a walk in the park.), Ron suggested as a diversion from earlier events which antagonized Yori.

Looking for a way to diffuse the tension from the Dojo, Ron knew this would fit well in the timetable to prepare the dinner and dessert he planned as a peace offering to Yori.

Much calmer than when they entered Ron's apartment, Yori nodded, (That is a good idea Dean-san. It will allow us to develop an appetite, and it is a nice day outside; we should go out and enjoy it.)

(Very good, let's go.), Hiro stood up and offered his hand to his fiancée.

As Ron walked with his two friends, he thinly smiled as he glanced over at them, (A lot has changed since I first came to Japan as the Chosen One, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate what you have done for me…I also want to thank both of you for watching after my family and friends when I went to Tibet; it meant so much to me. You have meant so much to me after what my life had become.)

Yori turned to look at Ron, (It was our honor Kaminsky-san. To your honor you have taken up the mantle of Toshimiru and have dispensed justice and good will in the name of Yamanouchi while protecting Japan, her interests and her citizens.), she said in genuine sincerity.

Then softening, (And somehow in this, you even served as a matchmaker for Hiro-chun and me.)

Ron rubbed the back of his neck nervously, (Yeah well about that…), before he handed Hiro a card and a slip of paper with numbers on it, (Good for one honeymoon guys, I think Hawaii is nice this time of year, as a matter of fact…And I believe someone made some reservations for you, maybe you can go and see some nice places and not have worry about destroying them.)

Yori pulled Hiro to a stop, halting Ron with them, (You have done this for us Ron-sama? Why?)

Sigh, (It is the only thing I could think of that would be appropriate for my best friends who have helped me so much since my return to Yamanouchi. In this small way I hope this says how much you mean to me.), Ron said with a slight bow to them.

(I wanted to present this to you away from the school so this would be more of a personal gift to you. But don't worry, I have spoken to Sensei and he agreed to release you from your duties for three weeks. In this way you will be able to have the time start your lives as husband and wife without the interruptions that can come from honeymooning at a Ninja Academy.), he dryly said to them.

Hiro frowned, (But what if we are needed?)

Again Ron rubbed the back of his neck, one of the few habits he still had from his days in Middleton, (Well, I suppose I could lend assistance in your absence if needed, but this will let some of the less experienced students develop their skills in the field. They have earned it have they not?)

Both of the young Japanese adults nodded, (True Ron-sama. And we will be honored to accept this wonderful gift.) Yori bowed; saddened at Ron's lack of emotion throughout this exchange, a trait he had acquired almost two years earlier.

While the group slowly walked around the small lake, (You know Ron-sama, you should really make contact with your old friends, even if it's to let them know that you are at least alive and healthy.), Hiro said, broaching a subject he and Yori decided to try one more time.

Calmly Ron responded, (Why should I venture where by now I'm sure they don't even remember my name...Except for maybe Felix and by now he should have his hands full with college and Zita…if they are still together.), he shrugged indifferently, then looked off to the side, (Though if they are still together, I predict that they will tie the knot within two years.)

Seeing this wasn't going the way she wanted Yori stepped in and suggested, (Even if Kim-san has someone else now, you should at least let her know you are alive and well.)

Looking casually up to her, (Ah Yori, do you remember why I came here? And later why I had to go to Tibet?), he said as his eyes clouded at the memory.

Then with eyes clear, seemingly devoid of emotion, (After Kim settled into school, she made a decision to end our relationship. If you can convince me that her and her family's actions meant otherwise, I'd like to hear what you think it was.), he paused to let this sink in. (It is now my guess that she may have wanted to end our relationship all along, but was afraid to tell me while in Middleton. I would have understood if she wanted to make that change. After all, we were best friends long before we became lovers…..for my part I still would have been her friend if she wanted me in that role in her life.)

Ron paused to take a calming breath to center him and restrain the emotions which would rise up and shatter his heart again if he let them. Once again he struggled to mute the memory of her bright green eyes returning to haunt his thoughts and broken dreams.

After he exhaled and was re-centered, (It is over. She has what she wanted…freedom from my insignificant self and all she wanted to leave behind in Middleton…So I will not do anything to invade her privacy, or her family's.), he said with finality and a slight shake of his head.

(Remember, we are shadow people and I have reconciled myself to remain that way to the very end.) He paused to take in and release another cleansing breath, (It is still too hurtful to consider just to even watch her from a distance. It must suffice that she will still have my undying love and devotion even if she can't return it.)

(Then why don't you at least send a note to Felix explaining where you are, that you are well and why you have cutoff all contact with everyone.), Yori pleaded as a way of getting him to at least let one or two of his old friends know of his whereabouts.

Ron reverted to English, "Like I have stated, Felix is in a course of study that will keep him very busy at his college…please understand that MIT is a very difficult school, so I don't want to trouble him with this. Besides he would inform those few who may care about my existence of where I was and then the next thing you know it would give Kim an excuse to find her way to my door to demand an explanation for me keeping secrets from her, even if we were no more.", he said with some heat. "It's just the way she is, or was as far as I remember her."

"She hates secrets and this one's pretty big to risk having her charging over here looking for me as things are now.", he said while shaking his head again. "No my friends, this is too much to risk to let anyone find out about us, or me as I am now. It is better that I keep my distance…"

Yori countered, "Then you could look in on your friends…."

"And tear myself apart again, Yori?" Turning to Hiro, "Tell me, just how long did it take for me to be able to function after my return to Yamanouchi?", Ron said.

(Too long.), Hiro admitted to him as they spoke in Japanese again.

(Correct, my effectiveness would be diminished and I'd be distracted if I was aware of what they were doing. That is why my family and I made a clean break with everyone in Middleton, so nothing from our old life can reach out and interfere with the way we will live our lives, or how I have chosen to live mine.)

Yori cut in, (I never liked this Ron-sama…I still think it is the act of a fool.)

(I am the buffoon am I not?), the blond snorted, (Old Monty is a baboon and I am his cousin the buffoon.), Ron said in a lame attempt at self deprecating humor.

(Ron-sama, speak not his name and do not refer to you in that manner! You have honors which no one else of this world can achieve. Through your actions, you and Lord Toshimiru are two of a kind.), Yori snapped, quite unhappy at Ron's description of himself.

(Ah finally you have made my point, Yori. And remember, being the buffoon sometimes gives me the edge I need.), Ron laughed now.

Yori looked at him in surprise, (What point is that?)

(That, just like the founder who had no one in his life to share his bed, neither have I. And you have just admitted that Lord Toshimiru and I are alike, so I don't see the point of trying to contact Kim, even after all these years. If Toshimiru and I are destined to walk the same path…a very lonely path, we would be unencumbered as we dedicate ourselves to serving the innocent with our gifts, regardless of the consequences.), Ron said, trying to drive home the futility of what he sadly considered folly.

(That is not what I had in mind.)

(But you know it is what will happen. Sensei understands, I understand and now so should you.), Ron said to an exasperated Yori.

Hiro looked at the stalemate and decided this conversation had gone far enough, (Kaminsky-san, maybe we should return to your apartment, it is getting late and I for one am famished.)

Sigh (Yes my friend, we should be going.)

Ron's Sapporo apartment:

The three sat in the western style living room.

(Now why didn't you opt for a Japanese apartment?), Hiro asked as he sipped a cup of after dinner tea Ron had brewed.

(Trying to get back to familiar surroundings.), Ron explained, (I intend to live here in Japan only until I finish the first part of my studies, then I'll go back home and see about getting the rest of my schooling there.)

(Why is that?), Yori asked.

(As much as I love being here in Japan, my home is in the States, and I know Mom and Dad want to return and put Hanna in school there. Maybe by then I will wish to be close to them…)

(I knew you would be lonely for your home and friends…)

(For my home and family guys, as far as friends go none of them outside of you and Rufus even know I exist anymore.), Ron said, shaking his head sadly.

(Besides by the time I return the person who I was to them will be a distant, faded memory. Whatever I was remembered for, what I appeared to be, even my appearance, to them will be no more, allowing me to blend into the background as I always have. It will allow us to perform our duties without hindrance.), Ron smiled as he took a sip of his tea.

(But because of your chosen career, you will undoubtedly find yourself on Television, exposing you to the possibility of an old friend noticing and recognizing you.), Hiro put to words what Yori was also thinking.

Ron laughed, (Not all who have been trained to do what I am pursuing find themselves in front of a camera. Those are the pretty people. As you remember, I am not one who could be classified as such.) Knowingly looking to his guests, (I assure you, there are many more behind the scenes who do most of the work, than there are in front of the camera.)

(So you won't be where you may be seen?)

(No I won't be seen..well maybe I will, but by the time I am gainfully employed everyone should have forgotten my face entirely), Ron shrugged. (I'll have six or seven years of intensive schooling before I can even find a descent place of employment, and the chances of anyone recognizing my face as that of the 'buffoon' will be in the negative numbers.), Ron stopped at Yori's frown, he knew she hated him thinking so little of himself.

Looking reflectively to his friends, 'Yori-kun, it didn't work out for us but you have found a truly tremendous guy in Hiro. I am happy for you two.', Ron mused.

(Ron-sama…), Yori's eyes were a little red.

(It is what it is and I am what it makes me. Karma, neh?), Ron replied not wanting this to spiral down again.

(It is getting late Dean-san, maybe we should retire.), Hiro told them knowing that his fiancée still carried a small torch for the American.

Ron rose and picked up the empty cups as he bowed to honor his friends, (I will meditate for a while before I turn in. Goodnight, my friends.)

Rufus was asleep, happily snoring on the table next to Ron's sleeping mat, his mutterings sprinkled with intermittent mentions of cheeses and 'Mom'.

XXXX

Kim's calling in all her guns to help find Ron and we'll see how this goes while she rebuilds at GJ… Meanwhile Ron's setting up the next phase of his life and ticking off close friends while doing so. He'd better watch Yori, she holds a grudge.