Hi and here's another chapter of our Tale, 'Storm Chaser'. We hope you are enjoying it and appreciate the Reviews, Faves and Alerts we've received so far, especially from Sentinel103, EnterpriseCV-6, Jimmy1201, pbow, readerjunkie, eckles and Mahler Avatar. Thanks to you one and all.
Last chapter Kim got her personal base back together so she can continue to heal and move forward with her life. But there's one piece to that puzzle missing and has made it her mission to find what she stonewalled when she began her freak-out. Some have wondered about how she can get off 'so easy' for how she treated her friends, especially Ron. Realizing how fragile Kim still was, her friends cut her slack if only because it helped her in her healing. But you have to remember of the two Kim was more in the forefront of those she encountered that summer. Ron, on the other hand, had done his job very well there and was relegated to the background as he always was. But as of yet, Kim has only met up with Kim-centric friends, she hasn't met up with the few who were Ron's friends first…
Meanwhile Ron still hurts, but he's taken on a more benign indifference stance towards Kim in particular and romance in general. If, in his mind, what he and Kim 'had' over the 14 years they knew each other, romance notwithstanding, was ended as he believed it was, he couldn't trust his heart to anyone under any circumstances. Something that definitely intruded with Yori, too. Now ensconced at his school, his new adventures are underway as well. But anyway, Kim's becoming a GJ Agent while Ron will begin his studies in Sapporo while maintaining his cover with a dojo's duty-uki, and running the odd mission or two now and then for Yamanouchi.
Now before the lawyers get twitchy…The characters and locations of Kim Possible belong to Disney and are only being borrowed here to tell a tale in which no money is made from their involvement. If you recognize anyone else, they belong to themselves, or are our OC's.
Storm Chaser
8
Yamanouchi, Japan:
Two stood before an old man dressed in a simple black Kimono. Her Kimono was white, his black. The young man took a sip from the cup he held and passed it to the young woman standing beside him. She then took a sip and passed it back after answering the question directed to them both.
'It is almost done my friends. Yori, Hiro you have done well for yourselves. You are now one.', the taller blue robed man thought as the old man bowed to the two and turned away at the completion of the service which was sparsely attended because it was the way of that religion.
The new couple turned and walked up to the blond young man in his special blue robe standing beside an elderly, short white haired man. They bowed to the old man first who returned the bow and put a hand on each of their heads, (You have made me proud children, now it is time to begin this new part of your lives. Go and may the Kami bless and look after you.)
Next, Ron bowed to them before laying his hands the same way as Sensei had, (My very good friends, the time has come for your great adventure to begin. May you be fruitful and have enduring happiness. My heart soars at knowing what you have found.) Again he bowed.
Hirotaka replied as he bowed, (It is our high honor to have met you Chosen One. May the Kami protect you always.)
Yori, instead of bowing reached out and hugged her friend and onetime lover, and then she hesitated and scratched the head of the kimono clad mole rat perched on Ron's shoulder. Smiling she took her Groom's arm and walked past their witnesses.
With Rufus, Ron waited for Sensei as he turned, (Master, they look good together don't they?)
(Yes my friend, they have sealed their choice and now they must begin the next steps in the path of life together. You had a hand in this did you not?), Sensei questioned him serenely.
Ron nodded, (But not as much as you think, they are compatible and in love. I am happy for them.)
(And what of you, since you removed yourself from her heart?)
Sigh, (Yes, I am still a little down, but that is in the past; my path will be that of the Founder. There is no place in this life for such considerations.), Ron replied softly as he walked out of the temple, side-by-side with the Master of Yamanouchi. (You know Sensei you keep asking the same question. By now you should know the answer.)
(Where there is life there is hope….)
Ron sadly smiled as they followed the Bride and Groom. (It is how it is, Sensei; we have to live with our choices.), he said calmly. Then holding a door open respectfully, (Now come, there is a party for us to attend, and I for one want to enjoy it before I have to head back.)
The ninja master mused with a low voice as he entered the room, (And much will come to pass my young friend. The adventure continues.)
After some time the Bride and Groom returned having changed into party attire as was tradition. Already Sensei and Ron were telling stories to others about Yori and Hiro causing the other guests to laugh. Both had consumed several cups of Sake [Larry! By now you should know how to spell that Rice Wine drink!] with some of the older instructors. Once Yori and Hirotaka stood before them Sensei began with his cup upraised and toasted them suggestively, (To my prized students and to their honeymoon, may it have the desired effect.)
Yori blushed deeply at the idea the old man was talking about.
Ron held his glass up to them silently giving them his salute with a smile, 'Well they should be out of my hair for a while.'
After another hour at the party the blond teen excused himself and his traveling buddy then went to his room. Once there Ron quickly packed his bag and tidied up after himself before he walked out the gates of the school. By sunup he was on the train to Sapporo to continue the new life he had recently begun.
XXX
Global Justice:
"Well Kim today is your last here. What do you think of the place now that you've spent the summer with us?", Wade asked.
The red head smiled, "I thought it over, talked it over with my family and some close friends and I've decided if GJ wants me, I'd like to be here with you guys…but I still have a lot of school to go through yet so it's gonna take a while. I still have to finish my sophomore year and then get half of my junior year out of the way before I get back, but Dr. Director offered me the chance to take some training on the weekends over there and I've decided to take her up on the offer."
"What are you doing tonight?"
"Some of the guys from high school are meeting at Bueno Nacho for a goodbye party. This time I promise I won't disappear.", she said with mock sarcasm, "And all of you have my phone numbers and email address, too.", Kim told him.
"That's good, 'cause I really missed you…."
"Well remember I'm gonna be back at Christmas for Tara's wedding, and that's only going to be four months from now, so I'll be back before you know it.", Kim assured him.
Then thinking on the topic of friends and weddings, "And Felix and Zita are engaged now too as are Big Mike and Justine." Sighing heavily, "Then Bonnie announced hers with Junior…so some of the guys from school are settling down.", the former teen heroine reflected sadly as she again wished for a certain blond to reappear in her life.
Not quite catching the sentiment from Kim's musings, "Yeah but I really missed you when you shut everything off."
Kim chuckled as she came out of her self-induced near-funk, "It's not gonna happen again, Wade…ever. I have GJ's help now and they can have an agent to me in less than an hour. You guys will hear from me every day, so you'll probably get sick of me."
"That's not going to happen….", Wade said with certainty.
Then with a glimmer of desperation and resolution in her eyes, "Wade promise….."
"Promise what Kim?"
"Promise you'll keep looking for him…please?"
"I…..yeah I will. We gotta make this right.", the genius replied, "Kim Possible without Ron Stoppable just seems wrong sick."
"Yeah, but I'm telling you I'm gonna wait for him…I have his necklace and the rings …I mean our class rings and I want him to wear his necklace with my ring again.", she said with a sniffle. "If nothing else I'd like to give them back to him and at least be friends again even if we don't marry…But there is always hope."
"What are you gonna do if he's moved on and found someone else Kim?"
"Become an old maid, I guess.", she said despondently. "This wouldn't have happened if I'd just talked to him in the beginning and told him how afraid I was Wade.", Kim said with a sad sigh.
"Are you sure you want to do that, Kim? Be an old maid I mean, if he has moved on?"
Sighing forlornly, "Yeah Wade, I do…I don't think I'll ever get over him, I don't want to either."
XXX
Drakken's Lair:
Gasps were heard from the former villains in attendance at the sight of the woman who entered one end of the 'chapel', which until a few weeks ago had been a lab before its conversion for today's ceremony. The pure white dress complimented the mint-hued skin of the former villainess to everyone's delight and surprise.
At the other end of the 'chapel', a blue skinned man, with a scar under one eye, and dressed in 'white tie and tails' patiently waited for the vision in white to reach him at his spot on a raised dais setup for the occasion.
After extending a hand to help her up the steps, she stood facing him, hand in hand, when a man in a white alb and green stole stepped up to them from his place just off the platform.
While they gazed lovingly into each others eyes, "Dearly beloved we have gathered here today to witness the union of Shelia Dante Gogh and Andrew Wayne Lipsky in Holy matrimony. If there is anyone who contests these proceedings let them speak now or forever hold their peace.", the Minister announced to them all.
As there were no challenges, the Minister continued…
X
"Congratulations Drew and Shelia.", the cultured Spaniard raised his glass to salute them, "You have a new life ahead of you and let me be the first to wish you well on your journey together.", he said to their pleasure. "But as one old comrade in villainy to another, I have to ask, are you content with your decision to give up villainy?"
"I am…we are.", Andrew Lipsky glanced to the nod from the mint skinned woman next to him, "I'm respected now as are most of the others and I'm almost rolling in money." Then looking to her again, "And with the little one on the way we felt it was best to be on the good side of the law.", the former Dr. Drakken told Senor Senior, Sr. His realization of giving out a secret Shego didn't want known just yet came with the light, but sharp, elbow to his ribs from his new Bride.
Senior raised one of his famous bushy eyebrows at the news and the reaction before chuckling lightly, "It would seem that Mrs. Lipsky would rather that information be kept out of the public domain for a while yet and I concur with her wishes. So let me amend my congratulations to you on both fronts."
"Thanks Senior, you have a lot more class than some of the guys.", Shelia, aka Shego, responded.
"Shelia I pride myself on that.", the old Spaniard replied as he raised his glass again in tribute, "May you be blessed and safe my friends. And may you continue to stay out of trouble."
XX
The teal-eyed brunette looked over the gathering with Junior on one arm and a glass of bubbly in her free hand, "So Kim's old nemesis is finally settling down. I can't wait to tell her.", she said, expelling a relaxed breath. "But you could have given me more of a warning; I was expected in Middleton by now and never got a chance to tell anyone about the delay."
"Yes Bonita, I am sorry about springing this on you on such a short notice, but Papi forgot to inform me until a few days ago while I had those contracts to go over. It has been a very hectic time.", Junior said as he cringed slightly. Then changing the subject, "How is the news of our upcoming nuptials being received by my 'Blue Fox' and the rest of the ladies from your school?", Junior asked softly. He didn't want to make a scene if Bonnie and Kim still didn't get along.
With a wry smile, "Kim is actually happy for us Junior.", she said as she looked up to him. "I'm just glad she's doing better since she's gotten help for her issues over in England." Shaking her head lightly, "She traveled a pretty hard road then, but she's doing a lot better now.", Bonnie Rockwaller (for now) replied sadly, then brightened as Senor Senior, Sr. approached with a smile he always had reserved for her.
With an equally bright smile, "Sir how are you feeling tonight?", Bonnie asked, sincerely concerned over her future Father-in-law's health.
"Miss Rockwaller I am old, only time can fix what ails me, though your acceptance of my Son has lifted a great weight from my heart." At her blush he continued, "I know we haven't discussed the matter yet, but when are you and Junior planning on becoming one?"
Bonnie looked at her fiancée and then to the older man, "I was thinking of right after school lets out in the spring, I would have selected Christmas, but my best friend, Tara, already has her wedding planned for then and I am going to be Maid of Honor. So I felt it would be best to plan for a later date for us."
"So we have about nine months to plan?"
"Yes Papi.", the brunette replied, using his favored nickname of affection, rather than 'Senior' or 'Father'.
"Good that will be enough time. Now, do you wish to use my Priest or do you have a Minister in mind?"
"I'm not sure yet and Junior and I have a lot to talk about before I have head back to Middleton to start college…we only have a couple of days.", the brunette informed the Billionaire.
"Well begin to make your arrangements, you already have the number and the email address of my assistant and she will be able to help you with your plans.", Senior informed her as he handed her a card with the information on it, "I expect to pay for the service…as you know I have considerable funds and this would give me great pleasure."
Speechless, "I…I don't know what to say…", Bonnie could only stutter at the news and his gift for her and Junior.
"A simple 'thank you Papi' is all that I ask…and a grandchild to hold in my arms before I go to meet my dear departed wife.", his smile faded for a moment before it returned in all its splendor.
Beaming to Junior and then back to Senior, "Papi you drive a hard bargain, we will do our best to give you one to enjoy."
XX
Zoe Edvard have vou thought about partnering up veth me for meh next project?", the height-challenged mad scientist cautiously asked the mulleted mechanical genius.
The forever-mulleted gear head replied, "Well Pygmy Dude, since Cousin Drew is gonna take some time off…they have to do some remodeling, ya know…I've got nothing else better to do anyway, so yeah, I'll take you up on your offer."
"Goot, I vill call vou to set up appointment to tour my labs no?"
"Sure little Dude, but do you have a place where I can take my ride for some nice relaxing drives…at about the speed of sound?"
"Vell ve have zhe Autobaun, so vou can drive as fast az vou vish."
His eyes lighting up before performing his familiar air guitar solo, "Yeeeaaahhh BABY! That's what I'm talking about! It's the perks that make a job worthwhile.", Ed told the diminutive German, "You know, I never got a speeding ticket on a road with no speed limit.", he crowed. Then shrugging, "'Course they'd have to pull me over with a jet fighter. Seriously!"
"Vell der ez a virst time vor everding.", the former villain known as Professor Dementor said to the socket-head or two short of a full set that was Motor Ed, who wondered if the German Authorities had jet fighters at their disposal for the really excessive speeders on the Autobahn.
XXX
Middleton Bueno Nacho:
The blonde genius griped, "You guys are going to make me fat."
"For some reason Flanner, I don't think you'll ever be fat.", Kim chided her former lab partner.
Justine snarked back, "I haven't gained a pound since high school, but you Kim, you have lost weight…how much and why? What's the story about that?"
"Well I don't want everybody in the whole wide world to know, but I stopped eating for a while and I got sick. As a result I lost about forty pounds.", Kim explained.
Incredulous, "How can you forget to eat? You'd have to be out of your mind or something…"
"Justine, if you just calm down maybe Kim will tell ya.", Monique cut in on her friend's tirade, fully aware of the story, but was sworn to secrecy on some details by Kim.
The MIT student glanced at the fashion diva who nodded, "OK spill."
Glancing around, Kim drew them close and kept her voice low so no one but those with her could hear, "I had a nervous breakdown right after I left home. I couldn't eat…every time I tried to sleep the nightmares would come, I lost all semblance of mental stability and just couldn't take care of myself.", she announced to her small audience.
"After time I was finally admitted into a clinic where I was able to get nourishment in me and actual rest. Until I was stable I ate damn little for over a year before they force fed me until I got the will to do it myself." Kim once again got the monkey off her back while Justine was completely taken aback at the deterioration of one of the strongest people she had ever met.
"When you screw up you don't do it half way do ya Possible? And why wasn't Stoppable there to help you, he always was helping you one way or another…."
Her eyes haunted and shining, "Because I broke off all contact with him and his family…I even stopped talking to all my friends 'cause I was afraid of Ron finding out…I didn't want my boyfriend to know I was weak.", Kim paused as a tear trickled down a cheek, "I am not proud of that and it haunts me just about every day. Now that I'm better I need to find him and make things right between us again."
"So how's that going?"
After wiping her nose with a napkin, "It'd be easier performing dentistry on a live and unrestrained alligator.", Kim deadpanned.
"But you like to wrestle with them…"
"I don't like to wrestle with things that can eat me, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.", the red head explained, "And the next one that tries to add me to his menu is going to end up on my feet as boots."
"Sure.", Tara began, "You'll have all those animal rights people after you pouring paint on your boots."
The red head exploded into a rant, "And after I kick their butts I will take all the paint that's left and pour it all over them. That may tell them that I'm tired of playing Little Miss Nice Girl!" Her outburst faded into her sobbing quietly, "I just want my man back and I want to go about my life. All those media types can just kiss my butt."
"COGF.", Monique cut in to calm Kim down a little.
Startled, "Huh?"
Monique spelled it out for the red head since she pretty much had been out of the loop for a while, "Chill Out Girl Friend. Those nut cases are just looking for publicity. You don't have to prove anything."
Wiping her eyes, "Thanks Moni.", Kim told her, "I mean for a while it was me against the monsters under my bed, now with the help of Oxford, my therapists and you guys I can stand on my own again."
"And that's just about the size of what happened to Kim, Justine.", Monique said as she looked directly to her friend. "Anyway what did Mike say in his last letter?", Moni asked in order to redirect Kim's mind away from certain young man her thoughts always gravitated to.
"Well he's heading over...Somewhere…and he's on this ship that has helicopters on it. And they have these amphibious boat-like things in it to take them ashore. I got to ride in one once…..I got seasick.", the genius blushed, "Mike cleaned it and me up.", Justine paused seeing she had the other girl's attention, "Mike is in an MEU."
"A what?", Hope asked not sure of the answer she was going to get.
"He's in a Marine Expeditionary Unit."
"And what is that exactly?"
"Well it's a Battalion of Marines on a big ship, and it has its own air unit…they fly helicopters and they have a bunch of Marines for on the ground. Mike is one of those guys.", Justine explained.
"And he's been wounded?", Hope asked, "Is he going to be alright?"
"Yeah he's gotten two Purple Hearts now. I worry about him, but I'm proud of him too."
"It's good to really know another real hero Justine, I'm proud of Mike too…", Kim said to her.
Interrupting Kim, "You should be proud of Stoppable; he saved your bacon personally. Maybe he saved all our asses that day."
"I know he saved mine, they were going to kill me and make me into a trophy.", Kim's eyes started to tear up as she thought about that day again.
"I know. I thought it was somebody's wicked idea of a prank."
"Yeah a prank with nine foot aliens in on it."
"Kim, it was a long time ago."
"And some days it's like it just happened to me…If Ron hadn't been there my life would have been cut so ferociously short.", she shuddered. "I owe him so much, not just for that day, but for all those days when he had my back even though he was scared out of his mind just being there.", Kim said with admiration.
Then with guilt, "I also owe him for all the times he put up with me crushing on guys," She took a breath before continuing, "I owe him for confessing his feelings for me and opening my eyes…and last but not least I owe him for my happiness and my love for him. I just now wish that I could repay each one of those 'owes'."
"We'll find that skinny blond someday…"
"With everyone looking for him? Yeah I hope so…", Kim said listlessly.
Hope looked at her former fellow cheerleaders, the fashion diva at Middleton High, picked up her soda cup and raised it to get everyone's attention, "I propose a toast to the girls who have a man and a date on which they will walk down the aisle to him."
"Here, here.", Monique and Kim chorused as they raised their cups and took a sip. Monique added, "And someday I hope to be one of you."
XXX
Sapporo, Japan:
(Kaminsky-san, you are early, class does not begin for another hour.), Master Hakkuri admonished the blond student as he had for the last several weeks.
Ron, now known as Dean Kaminsky, replied, (Forgive me Master Hakkuri-Sensei, but I wish to practice on my own the things you have been so good to show me. I will be quiet and not disturb you and the harmony in the dojo.)
(Then go about it quietly, I have meditation to attend to.)
(Yes Master.)
Ron, smart enough to only do what the instructors at this school had taught him, walked into the dressing room and quickly changed into his white gi with its white belt signifying that he was a novice. This also meant he was subject to hazing on school premises. The blond took the abuse stoically, using his own understanding of the need for some people to have someone to beat on.
There were repercussions resulting from this decision of his, as Dean found out…
XX
Four days previous:
Upon his arrival at Yamanouchi, Master Sensei chastised the American for allowing the students of this Karate School to treat the Chosen one in this way. Ron, in his defense, replied, (Master they do not know who I am, nor do I believe any of them, including the Master at the school has ever heard of Yamanouchi or the secrets and artifacts we protect here. There I am but a minor student, a gaijin from America and not really worth their time except as a kicking target.)
Upset, Sensei replied, (Make sure that they do not hurt you Stoppable-sama, it irks me that students and their instructor disrespect the Master of the Blade, even under these circumstances. If the government were to find this out there will be hell to pay for all involved.)
Sighing in resignation, (Very well Sensei, those who callously mistreat 'lesser students' I will arrange for 'accidents' to happen to dissuade their behavior. But in their defense, for the most part, their behavior is due to youthful indiscretions…)
(And those who disrespect have no honor…)
(Master I am undercover, do we wish for others to comprehend our secrets? Remember when Hiro-san faked an injury so that the others in that tournament had no idea of his skills?), Ron inquired.
(They were too close to the 'truth' Stoppable-sama.)
(The secrets are more important than the life of one student…even mine.), Ron reminded Sensei. (But don't worry about me with this dojo; things will get better in time. Remember I haven't created a meal for them yet; they will be eating out of the palm of my hand by the end of the semester.)
Sternly he reminded Ron, (Do not be surprised if a friend or two pays a visit once in a while. All schools have to teach a code of conduct, and it seems that they do not preach Rei and Meyio from the Bushido Code. Maybe this will have to be rectified.), Sensei frowned.
(And you know this how, Master?)
(As you know the reach of Yamanouchi is long and deep.), Sensei said knowingly. (Remember, you are a respected asset. We will keep watch.)
(Sensei I can protect myself…)
(And you have a connection with the founder. For the honor of Yamanouchi and Lord Toshimuru I will not let you and he be disgraced by some ignorant thugs.) At Ron's dithering, (I see you are in a quandary regarding resisting this bullying, so you should remember, neither I nor the lead instructors here are restrained in this manner.), Sensei said with a look that spoke volumes to Ron of their determination to protect him from the dojo's bullies and their inadvertent dishonoring of the Chosen One.
Sternly, (Now, as of this moment, you are given the option and the time to set them straight or I will enlighten them as I see fit, when I choose to do so.)
Ron looked down chastised, (Yes Master Sensei, I will seek to enlighten them, but let me do this in my own way in my own time.)
Well aware of Ron's legendary ability to use whatever wiggle-room he could find to delay the inevitable, (Stoppable-sama, you have until winter break to educate them or I will visit this dojo and take matters into my own hands.), Sensei decreed before he turned and stiffly walked away.
XX
Back to present:
Silently the blond went through the exercises that he had been taught, refraining from making the 'spirit yell' or 'ki-yap' as it was known.
'Silence is the way of the Ninja, not of Karate. But here tranquility is what the Sensei demands.', Ron stressed as his eyes closed, his focus spent separating the differences between the Mystical Mountain's brutal sessions from those less so in this Karate Dojo.
Quietly Ron slipped into a slight meditation routine as he went over basic hand techniques 'taught' to him in previous sessions and kept the physical actions from becoming too boring. His muscle memory quite strong from the previous three years studying Tae Shing Pek Qwar, other arts and running missions for Yamanouchi and Japan, he had no problems executing those techniques flawlessly.
'Ah, the peace of the mind…Master, the 'way' is perfection.' Faster and with more efficiency he worked. Fluidity and function blended and blurred; a sheen of sweat covered his face, arms and feet as he slipped into the art of the ninja school. An azure glow in his eyes growing brighter with each second practicing his techniques.
XX
His body feeling every year of his seven-plus decade life as he rose from his meditations, 'Finally it is over.', the Karate School Master mused as he grunted from the jabs of aches and pains that seemed to grow in number these days. Again his focus in his daily meditations escaped him; they grew more diffuse with each day he awoke to, his center less and less something he attained as a result. He sighed as he rose and bowed to the small statue in his modest shrine to the Dojo.
Glancing to the clock on the wall he saw the time for the next class was close at hand, he needed to change into the attire befitting the great and mighty Master of Karate those who didn't know any better proclaimed him to be.
Initu Hakkuri frowned at the thought that so many people thought of him as being so great. 'I am good yes, but not the Kami that some of the less than ignorant claim I am.) After another sigh, 'Oh well, I'd better look in on that new student to make sure he hasn't destroyed the studio or hurt himself.', as he made his way forward to his Dojo.
The fluidity of motion Ron exhibited in his Katas and varied Martial Art Techniques 'paused' as his senses felt a presence approaching the dojo he had to himself for the last forty-five minutes. With practiced precision, at just the right moment, he shifted from deadly-grace-in-motion to comical-calamity-in-free-fall as his feet 'tangled' while committing to a spinning back crescent kick-to-sidekick combination.
The shift from Master to Buffoon was so quick, Master Hakkuri wasn't sure if he sensed the change or imagined it when he crossed the threshold in time to see Kaminsky-san face-plant on the wooden floor.
Shaking off his first impression after his 'student' made the second one, all the way to his floor, (I see you are still a clumsy fool. I fear you will never learn anything.), Master Hakkuri muttered as he stepped further into the training hall and reached to help Ron from the unpadded surface.
Holding his nose as he stood, (I apologize for being so inept Master. I will try to do better.), Ron told him as he wondered if he shifted into his ruse in time.
(Maybe I should refund your money now Kaminsky-san, I would feel bad taking money from a fool.)
(There is no need Sensei, I will simply try harder.), Ron bowed as he hid the look of relief on his face that he had successfully made the transition in time.
(I hope you do more than try.), Master Hakkuri admonished condescendingly. Then looking his gaijin charge over, (I see you have sweated through your gi; go get water for yourself before class begins. I don't want you to pass out on me, I would have to take you into the hospital.), he snorted.
(Thank you for reminding me Master, I had forgotten. Excuse me while I get some water.), Ron replied as he bowed then tripped himself up as he walked off to the cooler. After Master Hakkuri helped Ron to his feet again, they could hear the front door of the dojo opening.
Fifteen white clad students filed into the dojo and lined up in columns and rows for exercises. The most experienced with their black belts in the front, and descending in expertise and lightening belt colors from dark gray to white to the least at the rear of the formation. As he was officially the least experienced, as far as these participants knew, Ron brought up the rear.
At the head of the first row, three of the older wore frayed belts that, over time in the dojo, had turned to black. True to tradition their issued white belts had never been washed, as it acquired the dirt that blacked it as they acquired the experience and knowledge that came to match the color it now represented in the Martial Art.
To begin the class, the formation stood at attention when Master Hakkuri stood facing them. At his direction they bowed low to him in respect as he returned their bow, barking the order to begin class. Once done he turned the class over to his Senior Students, as he walked to the rear of his Dojo, off the floor to his office, where he continued to observe his charges in the course of their three hour workout session.
In the first hour, after the warm ups, all practiced and reviewed the basic hand and foot techniques they were required to know and exhibit. In the next hour Katas, or Forms, were reviewed; those who displayed the proficiency demanded in their current Form were instructed in the complexities of the next one they were to learn.
In the last hour ground fighting, pressure points and joint locks were covered, before stretching limbs and torsos as the session drew to a close. Once assured no one would seize up, the students settled down into meditation to allow them to relax and reflect on their day in the Dojo.
Reappearing at back entrance, Hakkuri reentered the Dojo to once again stand before the formation of his students. When all had risen from meditation they bowed to him in respect. He returned the bow and after gazing over them one last time, (Dismissed.)
The students all bowed again and filed out of the Dojo.
X
After the dressing rooms had emptied the blond American dawdled until all students had left the Dojo. Once assured that he was finally alone, Ron went to knock on the door of the Master's office.
XXX
Middleton, Colorado:
Kim's sendoff at Middleton Airport was vastly different from her arrival some three months earlier. The difference being her family quietly greeting her when she returned home compared to the raucous sendoff she received with all the friends she reconnected with during the summer in attendance, joining her family as she awaited her airline's last call to board her flight back to England.
To her it was the difference between sneaking and hiding from those she feared hated her because of the way she cut all ties with home versus receiving a joyous parade to wish her well as she made her way back to school after explanations had been made to all of them.
The red headed young woman found out just how many friends she really had when they reached out to her, and deep inside Kim was touched in a way that she never could have imagined.
"Tara and Josh, you guys behave yourselves while I'm gone.", Kim kissed each on the cheek before she turned to Monique; with Justine standing next to her. "Guys…I…I just wanna say thanks for not being mad at me…"
"GF it's going to be just fine, now study hard and make sure you keep in touch.", the African-American beauty told her as she tightly hugged the red head.
"I will I promise.", Kim replied as she held on just as tightly to her longtime friend.
After releasing Monique, then Justine after getting her to promise to keep up her own independent for Ron, she turned to Wade. His agoraphobia was starting to show as sweat began to appear on his face while he tamped down the fears Kim learned more of during their summer of working together.
"Kim it was great to see you again, remember to keep in touch.", he said as Kim reached over to give him a gentle hug.
"I will Wade, promise you'll be my partner next summer?", she asked expectantly as she pulled back and let go.
Wade's voice hitched just a little, "Yeah Betty asked me if I wanted to and I do. Now if you have any problems with any schoolwork just let me know…I think I can help you out. If I can't I know guys who can and they owe me favors for helping them with things…", he promised. "And Kim I owe you too, you and Ron, for so much…If I had been backing you guys up properly…well…maybe none of this would have happened."
"Thanks Wade…but you didn't know…I was there, I knew I wasn't right and I should have contacted my lover and my tech guy. You and Ronnie never let me down, that's why we were so damned good.", Kim said as she started to sniffle, then she buried her face in his chest remembering all the good times with Team Possible.
"We were the best Kim. No one was better than us…"
Sigh, "I just want to get it back together Wade. With Ron and you with me, there's nothing that we can't do." Kim held Wade for a few more moments before she moved to her Mom and Dad.
She just grabbed her 'rents and held them for the longest time until her boarding call sounded overhead, "Boarding flight UA 4581, nonstop to Gatwick international. Those with first class boarding passes and families with small children please begin boarding." Global Justice had upgraded her Coach Ticket to First Class which floored Kim when Dr. Director informed her.
Tearfully breaking the clinch, she turned to her friends, "Well everybody, its time.", as she wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. "It was great to see you again and I'm glad we were able to reconnect after my self-induced pause..", some warmhearted chuckles sounding around her. After blushing, "I have your email addresses so we can keep in touch better…and I'll be back at Christmas, you can count on it.", Kim said, barely holding it together, before she waved one last time, and walked towards her flight.
Out of sight of those at the gate, Kim released a torrent of bittersweet tears; joy mixed with sorrow as she walked up the airline tunnel. Joy for the respect and love she still found back home after the horrible time she spent in her self-imposed exile while battling her emotional and mental nightmares in England. Sorrow from the price Ron paid, resulting in his absence because she didn't reach out to him when, of all times, she absolutely should have.
After settling into her seat, Kim opened her carry-on bag and looked in amazement at all the DVDs her friends and family had created for her.
'I guess I'm gonna have to get a player', the petite red head thought as she pulled her hankie out again to wipe eyes while she reflected on all her friends and how worried they had been for years.
'I promise you guys I will find Ronnie and somehow make it right between us…If he still wants me I'll offer myself to him right out in front of everybody.'
XXXX
A tale of two friends/lovers making their own way, huh? While one rebuilds and searches for another, the other's tracks are well hidden and tread his path in plain sight. Ah, communication, or lack thereof, what a concept.
The search continues.