Welcome back to another chapter of 'Storm Chaser'. Larry and I hope you've had a very Merry Christmas and have enjoyed what we've put together and we hope we can continue to keep you entertained as we go on with this tale. But before we get started we'd like to thank the following for their Reviews, Faves, Alerts or Follows: Uberscribbler, Vondrakenhof (btw..Kim can do anything and Ron is mystically powered.. ;-) …), Sentinel103, Jimmy1201, levi2000a1, JP1124, Paradoxreader (Guest! Well Tai-shu's part of the tale ends with her recovering in China and her Uncle coming clean about his identity, nothing more…I think..right Larry?), Hopefulfan (Guest! Glad you are enjoying the tale and Real Life does dictate a few things on getting updates out there. And thanks for the kudos about OTIH, we appreciate that!), JaingSkirata, KinOnizuka, bujian, readerjunkie, SaintDM, Sword of The Azure Rain, Mahler Avatar (Bonus! Two Chapters!), Aeon master of time and space, TNI and pbow, thank you one and all!
Last time, while Ron's family considered wishful thinking about their son and his chances at romance, Kim was regaling her friends of the fruits of her 'romance' with Ron from back in Middleton, while Ron was going all 'Kill Bill' (thanks for the allusion there Mahler!) in China on the WMD thieves. Brief was Norway, yet England covered a few bases in Kim's memories, and Ron got all slashy (no same gender sex in these tales, folks, we promise…) on the minions before fading into the night with his partner.
Before we continue on, we'd like to deny the year-end running of the suits from Disney on our worldly possessions: Kim Possible and the characters from the show are Disney's to own and make a few bucks off of; we're just borrowing them, sans-cash, for our tale. All others are their own selves or our creations.
And now, on to the next chapter.
Storm Chaser
Chapter 14
China:
"Hurry.", Yori shouted as she sprinted to the two forms lying huddled together on the ground.
Upon reaching them she found the blond American with his arms around the Chinese woman as if he was trying to protect her. Both were unconscious, but it was obvious that Ron had been trying to keep her warm until reinforcements arrived.
Hirotaka was right behind his wife and while Yori checked Tai-shu's wounds he began to work on Ron's.
"Get me plasma for her, she has lost much blood.", Yori yelled, "And send armed men to check out the area. With Stop…Mankey-san here like this the threat may have been neutralized, but we need to be sure of that."
"You heard what Yori said, hurry!", Hirotaka ordered the gaggle staring at the two Agents as he stripped the light coat and top off of his friend, "How is she?"
After checking the wound and bandages, "She needs blood now." Then she turned to one of their escorts, "We need to get her to a hospital as quickly as they can." And then to Hiro, "How is Ron-san?"
"Alive.", he sighed, "But he is in shock. He's been shot in the shoulder, and from the looks of the dried blood, it's been a while…it's a wonder that he's still alive.", Hirotaka said as he pulled out a bandage similar to what Ron put on the girl a few hours earlier. After checking Ron's vitals, "I still need 'O' positive blood. His pulse is weak and racing."
X
Later:
Looking off to the two men carrying Tai-shu's stretcher to their truck, a third holding an IV pole of fluids and plasma, "Thank your friend for me.", Mein Lo said to Yori as he turned back to her. The young Chinese Agent's wounds tended to, and her condition stabilized, she was being taken to a hospital as soon as their truck would meet up with faster transportation.
Placing a hand on their host's shoulder, "It was very close, maybe it is time to let her know who you are to her.", Hiro said to the lightly trembling Uncle.
Nodding slightly, "I will consider this, but in time.", he said before gathering himself. Looking to the stretcher bearing Ron, "Your friend made a great sacrifice to secure the weapons. For this he has China's thanks. But next time tell him to wait before he goes on a killing spree. It took us well over an hour before we figured out what happened here.", he said incredulously waving an arm to the scene of battle, "There is no complete body in the cave."
As others approached to carry Ron's stretcher to the truck, Yori frowned, "You have agreed not to reveal what happened here, even to your supervisors. Make sure that you understand that if you do we will not help the next time you need our assistance.", she said while they were alone with the Chinese Official.
A short nod, "I have agreed and my men are too stupid to understand the meaning of all this. They think that one of the smuggler's own people turned on them causing the carnage we came upon."
"Good.", Yori replied, "This is how we wish it to be reported. And remember we were never here."
While the soldiers were still out of earshot Hiro told him, "Hopefully we will never meet again, but if you need our assistance you know how to reach us." Then bowing to Mein Lo, "Now we must leave, so goodbye and remember to talk to that girl…It would be best for her to know who you are, and whatever she saw here, should stay with her and you under our previous agreements."
At this point two soldiers arrived and with a nod from Yori they grabbed either end of the stretcher and picked it up and walked to the truck. Ron had been stabilized and had both IV and plasma lines inserted into his veins. Hiro followed at the side, holding the IV-Tree to be sure that both bags were elevated above the blond. After the two soldiers slid Ron into the back of the truck, he handed the pole to one of his team, and then he, Yori and the rest of their team climbed into the truck, followed by the medic.
A few hours later Yori and her group boarded their business jet and, after securing the American to his bunk, flew to a Military Airbase outside of Tokyo, Japan.
XX
'Oh man what…ok where am I?', Ron Stoppable groaned as he came to, or so he thought.
"Stoppable-san it is well that you have come to see me on this plane again.", he heard a familiar voice talking to him from out of view.
Slowly the gray, out of focus foggy scenery sharpened to colorful clarity as the Mountain scenery he awoke to came into view. Once he realized where he was, Ron began to relax from his tense awakening.
Taken aback at returning to this place at this time, Ron responded, "Toshimiru-sama…I, uh didn't mean to intrude on your meditations. I was physically spent…and I uh, accidentally came here at this time. For this I humbly apologize."
Once he regained his senses Ron could see that he was sitting in the Lotus Position at one of the reflecting ponds scattered outside the half-finished walls of Yamanouchi.
"As I told you before Ron-san, you are always welcome here to visit with me. We are linked."
"Yes Master, I remember, but I thought I was dying and was using the last of my strength to keep a young woman alive. Somehow I ended up here.", the blond American explained.
The entity thought for a moment, "You have again given all of yourself, and you came here to be healed…even if not consciously.", he said looking intently at Ron. 'Now while I can help with the wounds you sustained at the battle, I am unable to assist with what deeply hurts you Ron-san. Do you wish to discuss what troubles you any further?"
Sighing heavily, "I don't know if I can, Master. The woman that I loved…as hard as I try I can't get her out of my mind. I am afraid this will stay with me my whole life.", Ron said dejectedly, "She broke off contact with me shortly after she started at a school far away from home… she must have found another."
He smiled, "You say 'loved' Ron-san, be truthful my friend…You still love her, otherwise you would have no trouble removing her from your dreams.", Toshimuru said knowingly.
"I admit I still hold her dear in my heart although I am nothing in hers…", Ron sighed heavily, sadly.
"Why haven't you been with another?"
"I was…', Ron sighed. She is related to you Master…many years removed though. Yori, whom you have met here, and I thought we could make a go of it, but it was a lie. Not for her, but for me. I couldn't give myself to her completely, but she is now happy since she married Hirotaka and I am very happy for them. They are still my friends."
Toshimuru sat down next to Ron, "Ah yes, Yori, I remember her. My family has done well.", he said with a smile of familial pride. Then his smile fading, "You understand in your journey to become the Monkey Master you can never have true friends again.", the first Master said in sad reflection.
Sighing in resignation, "I know I am at the early stages of my journey, but I feel it has no end for me, other than my eventual passing from the mortal plane.", he 'said', shaking his head at feeling so overwhelmed. 'But someone has to look after the others of this world and make it safe.", he huffed a breath of reluctant acceptance. "Sometimes I feel unworthy of this task before me, and I do not know if I can do this alone.", Ron admitted to Toshimuru.
Nudging him gently, "Then you should go to your old woman and tell her how you feel and see if she has changed her mind towards you."
Lightly shaking his head, "I refuse to bother her Master, she has her life, and chose to live it without me in it…I have mine…And..I have vowed to live my life as you did..Maybe…in this..I will reach the final plane as you did before your time came."
The youthful appearing Japanese warrior looked to the young American, some lament in his eyes, "Life lived as a monk was not all that good Ron-san; many times I rolled over in my cold bed yearning for someone to share it with.", he said with some longing in his voice. "My Mother, especially, was unhappy with my choices, but my Brother and Sisters gave her many grandchildren to spoil."
Ron laughed lightly, "I told my adopted sister the same thing. She now has to reproduce…", he said before snorting at a memory, "But right now she thinks that boys stink."
Toshimuru laughed at a condition that seemed to transcend the ages between siblings, "They do, but the girls do seem to get used to it." Then waving a hand before them, "Now, would you care for tea? I had some prepared."
"Thank you Master.", Ron replied as a cup appeared before him in midair. "illusion?", he asked as he reached for it.
"What is illusion and what is real Ron-san?", Toshimuru said as he began his lesson to the American who eagerly paid attention.
X
After some 'time' had passed the Teacher said to his Student, "There, I think you have had enough instruction for now. Besides it is time for you to return to your waking world and assure the friends gathered around you concerned for your welfare that you are ok.", the founder of Yamanouchi suggested as his 'presence faded' from Ron's view.
Bowing, "Thank you Master for taking time for my instruction, I hope to see you in the future.", Ron replied as his Ethereal Sensei faded away and whispered voices were registered to his increased hearing.
(Ugh did someone get the license plate from that truck.), the blond croaked, his hearing getting better, but his vision still a little blurry and dark.
Hirotaka laughed, (Well at least you won't haunt us for a while yet Stoppable-san.)
(Ssshhh, he has been shot. Do not make him feel any worse than he does already.), Yori admonished her husband as things started to come into focus with Ron.
Ron frowned as he covered his eyes with a hand, (Where are we?)
(Yamanouchi Stoppable-sama, recovering from your latest mission. Rufus-san is nearby and is worried about you.), Sensei informed the American as the grays in the room began to come into more colorful detail.
(Yeah I bet, and since you're with me and I'm not freezing to death that would mean that none of those goons punched my ticket and I am not in the afterworld, so I must be getting treated somewhere.)
(As we have already told you Stopp..)
Yori elbowed her husband in the ribs, (Never mind that.), was asked. (Now what happened back there?)
(Remember that girl?)
(Yes, go on.)
(She leads with her chin. She wanted to get closer, but I wanted to call for assistance. She got closer than we should have before we called for help…after we got hit.), Ron explained, (Before I could get her away I had to 'thin the herd' a little so we could have enough time to retreat and assess our wounds.)
(Why?)
(Our cover had been blown and I attacked hoping Tai-shu had the smarts to get under cover. But the fool girl stood up and tried to get a shot off, she was hit…so was I. After I dispatched the guards I took Tai-shu to safety and tended her wound and covered her then I called for support.), Ron explained, but didn't tell them everything.
(Why did you confront them and just go off and hide and wait for us to arrive to…?)
(It was too late..we were found by a patrol. When they hesitated I attacked trying to get the girl to run another way and be safe…I am sorry, but the weapons we were looking for were the most important thing. I couldn't let them get away. If I did they might have gone off with them and set one of them off somewhere else before you could have arrived...), Ron's agitation of the event coming back to him as he recounted certain parts of it.
A serene voice interrupted his rant, and calmed the American, "Stoppable-sama, you have done well. The weapons were recovered and neither you nor your partner was killed in the encounter. You have performed your mission admirably. Rest, you have earned it."
"Thank you Master, I didn't know for sure if the girl still lived. I…I didn't have much left to give."
"You were ready to give up Stoppable-sama?", Sensei raised one eyebrow.
Shaking his head, "No…I just couldn't go anymore. I think I had lost too much blood and I remember being very cold as I tried to keep the girl warm until help arrived…..I knew I was slipping away."
Hiro interrupted, "What was it like?"
Looking haunted, "Like a deep sadness overtaking me. I knew that I'd never see Mom and Dad or Hanna again. Then after a while, I felt a sense of calm come over me."
Yori looked down, fearful of just how close she had been close to losing her friend, "When did you know you survived Ron-sama?"
Looking off distantly, "I don't know, except I was talking with the founder again.", Ron said before looking a bit ticked off, "He is very interested in me taking a mate.", as he crossed his arms. "I wish he'd quit nagging me about that. He's worse than Mom.", Ron grunted as he noticed the three staring at him intently now.
Intent on changing the subject, "Uh…where did you say Rufus was?", he asked his audience.
"He is asleep Ron-sama. In a while we will bring him to you when he is awake."
"Thanks, uh do you guys think I can get a little water here? I'm sorta parched.", Ron asked.
"Stoppable-sama of course you may get some water.", Sensei told his protégée.
"Great hey I'd love to talk, but I'm a little beat here. Can you wake me up when Rufus is ready to see me?"
"That we will do.", Sensei held an iced container with a straw up to his mouth so that he could take a sip.
"Thanks again. At least I came out of this one better than when I got sliced up in Laos last year.", the blond said in relief.
"Maybe, but it was the closest thing that you've had in a real fencing match since you returned.", Hiro teased his friend.
"I thought I was dead in that one.", the blond tried to laugh it off, "Ah yes, 'Only the good die young.'" Ron recited from an old song. And as he thought about the lyric, he smiled remembering the times he'd heard it in better times in a place that was once a home to him.
Interrupting Ron's musings of days gone by, "If I remember rightly, his technique was good for only one slice; your movement had his blocked. When you reversed the movement he was done and doomed.", Hirotaka reminded him, "But yeah, it seems like it was longer than a year doesn't it?"
Sighing wearily, "A long time ago.", Ron responded sleepily as his eyes drooped.
Patting him on an uninjured shoulder, (Rest well Chosen One your actions again have saved the lives of many people.), Sensei told the young man as he motioned for the other two to follow him out, allowing Ron to rest from his ordeal.
Once in the hallway, Yori muttered in frustration, (It is too bad we cannot do something for the Chosen One. Time and time again he has placed himself in danger for those who would just toss him into the garbage.), her anger rising, previous memories of Ron's treatment before coming to Yamanouchi blending in with what she saw for herself since. Then despondently, (It is truly sad, but he refuses any support in his private life. I wish we could do something to keep him from being so lonely.)
After thinking for a moment, Hirotaka responded, (You know it would be for naught, Yori-kun; Ron-san refuses all attempts to assist him in this way.) Then looking knowingly to her, (Do you remember just how many women here were enamored with him and yet he turned them all away? Even with us reminding him of his Mother wishes him to have female companionship, he spurned them all.), he snorted as he ran a hand through his spiky hair. (I am at wits end on how to help him with this, or if he will ever come back to the concept of female companionship.)
Before Yori could respond, (Children, my heart tells me that he is not yet ready to give his heart to anyone.), Sensei said, looking to both of his former students. Shrugging, (True this condition is a sad one, but we must respect Stoppable-sama's wishes in this matter.) Then looking wearily to them, (It is unfortunate that Miss Possible treated him the way she did when she cast him aide. If she had done it another way then maybe we could repair the damage.), he sighed. (But hopefully he will meet someone in school who may attract his attention and help him heal his broken heart.)
Yori insisted, (We could try Sensei….)
(If he is not receptive, it will be to no avail child. We must wait until the time is right.)
Hiro glanced sheepishly at his wife and the Master, (Someone should get him to talk to Possible-san when she is at school. Maybe then he will at least get some closure from hearing her side of the story.)
Sensei thought for a moment, (No, no as much as I would like to fix this situation…..sigh…I will not interfere with Ron-sama's life any more than we already have. He has made it clear that he wants no help in this.)
(It is not right, Ron-sama has much love in him…), Yori replied sharply.
(While that is true, Yori, I fear he is moving away from us.), Sensei said to their shock. (It is becoming clearer that he is distancing his private life from Yamanouchi and when he is finished with what he is doing in Sapporo there may be none who will be able to reach into his soul and help him find his 'true' self.)
X
Several hours later the blond awoke to find a small pink rodent curled up on his chest, away from the bandage on his left shoulder, "It's good to have you back with me old buddy.", Ron softly told his friend, "But this time ya almost got lucky and a new cheese provider."
Uncurling and standing up, "Hnk, no way.", Rufus looked to Ron, his demeanor that of outrage at what Ron suggested.
Taken aback at Rufus' reaction, yet continuing, "Yeah way, if I couldn't have stopped them by disabling the trucks I would have set one of those things off…..and nobody would have been able to make use of them after that.", he looked directly to his rodent friend, "Everything close would have been just gone…"
Shaking his head in denial, "Hnk, no die Ron.", Rufus said and then patted Ron's chest.
Then after thinking for a moment, and peering to his friend, "You know Rufus, a mole rat is supposed to be part of a group larger than with just one other guy.", Ron said as he gently stroked Rufus' head. "Maybe you need to find yourself some people who would be more available to look after you than I have been able to do…And Hanna, now, is in need of a friend, like I did when I was growing up."
Realizing what Ron was suggesting, "Hnk no.", the mole rat shook his head.
Shaking his head also, "Not right now buddy, but I want you to think about it.", Ron said, and shrugged, "Anyway, as it is now I can hardly take you out in public. People would see you and think 'Kim Possible', and before long I can see one of her old fans taking a picture and sending it in to the website….", he trailed off, now curling his hands around his friend in comfort.
Then looking to Rufus, cupped in his hands, "At this point in my life I just don't need her or Monique coming after me with the life I'm living now.", he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
Brightening up, "Hnk 'Nique.", Rufus chirped.
Chuckling, "Yeah you forgot about her didn't you?", Ron said.
Shaking his head in the negative, "Naut nah, 'Nique friend.", Rufus protested.
Looking past his buddy, "Yeah Rufus, she was a friend, but even she didn't seem to know why Kim wasn't talking to me…but ya know, as girls go they tell each other stuff they don't tell guys, sometimes even their guy…", he shrugged. "Maybe she lied about not hearing from Kim..", he sighed, "I mean the first thing she asked me was if I had done anything to her..", Ron shook his head, "Well maybe not, but it sure looked like Monique took sides there."
"Heck, I don't know, but if I was her I would have sided with Kim too." Then he shrugged weakly, "I just hope she wasn't angry with me…that it was another guy, someone more deserving of her, ya know?"
"Hnk…Ron, no.", Rufus said sadly, but not sure his pal wasn't wrong as he patted him on his chest.
Looking just as sadly, "Hey it didn't work out buddy; you should have stuck with her. She's a hero and so are you, so it would have been smarter than staying with her than with a broken down old sidekick.", Ron said with a sigh. With a sad smile, "You guys would have made a great team, and I wouldn't have been there getting in the way ya know?", he said as he struggled to keep his composure.
Then after taking a few moments to gather himself, "Anyway I want you to think about going to stay with Hanna, you could show her how to marinate and develop her own style. I mean I can't really help her now, she's too far away, but you could stay with Mom and Dad.", as a tear rolled down a cheek.
Shaking his head roughly, "Hnk no way.", Rufus replied, not liking this development in the least.
Touched by his friend's devotion, "I'll take that as a maybe Rufus, but I want you to think about it, we're going to visit for a couple of weeks right after school gets out.", he said as that topic seemed to have a possible resolution.
"Now this summer, after I return from Norway I want to try for a summer intern position here.", Ron said to questioning eyes. "You see, with Japan as dependent as it is on the sea, I learned about something here that comes with a little excitement in its undertaking…that is, if I can get in.", Ron vaguely said to his friend.
To Rufus' look of puzzlement, "But one downside is that I won't be around much to keep you company while I'm in that internship, so to keep you from being bored out of your mind I thought you could spend the summer with Hanna and show her the ropes on how to be a Stoppable in my absence.", Ron said, his excitement growing as he explained more.
"But I promise to fly back and get you before school starts up again. So you can spend the time with Hanna on that farm outside of Oslo..and since they have a barn, I bet there are a lot of mice there you can talk to."
With a derisive tone to it, "Hnk…", Rufus snorted, "'ice'', as he crossed his arms.
Chuckling, "Well, think about it, ok? Anyway if I get that internship I'll be living on a military base and would be gone for long periods of time, leaving you with not much to do there. And there aren't many comforts of home at these places, so you'd be bored out of your mind while I'm away.", Ron said to Rufus' fading resistance to the summer plans laid out before him. "For me, it'll be mostly work and training, so I won't be much help with your plans to marinate this summer anyway..."
There was a knock on the hospital room door. (Come in.)
Yori peeked her head in, (How are you feeling Stoppable-sama?)
(Old but better, but I'm still tired Yori.), he said sighing mock-dramatically. (But can you do me a favor and get Rufus some cheese? He's hungry.)
Grinning at his levity, (It would be my honor.)
Bowing slightly to her, (Thanks.) Then to his friend as he switched to English, "Rufus do you wanna stay or go with Yori? She's gonna get you some cheese."
Excitedly jumping up and down, "Hnk sure Ron cheeeese.", the mole rat said before he leapt off the bed and ran to Yori, who scooped him up.
In faux sorrow, (See Yori he prefers you…), Ron lamented to her.
Huffing in fake indignation, "Rufus-san prefers cheese to me Ron-sama.", she giggled. "Now do you wish for me to get you anything?"
Shaking his head, "Thanks but no Yori. But when he's done can you plop him back in my bed? I'm going to have to get up early in the morning and head back out to Sapporo for school.", Ron reminded her. "But if you must know, Rufus prefers cheese over me too. And there is only one person he holds above cheese in his mind.", he said as she placed Rufus on her shoulder.
"Oh, and who is that?", Yori asked while glancing at the hairless rodent.
"G'night Yori.", Ron replied as he closed his eyes.
"Ron-sama?"
As she waited for an answer the young Shinobi realized the only sounds she could hear from the blond American was of him snoring.
"Funny how that always works out, he falls asleep when I ask 'hard' questions.", Yori frowned to the mole rat, "That's an interesting thing that happens isn't it Rufus-san?"
The pink rodent almost double palmed his face when he saw what his master had done, again, "Hnk…don't know Yori."
Shrugging in resignation, "Oh well let him rest, he has been a hero again.", Yori said before closing the door and going off to meet with Hiro and Sensei.
XXX
Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan:
The slight Japanese girl again glanced at the empty desk the blond American usually sat in for class, 'I wonder if the instructor knows where Kaminsky-san is. He has been gone for five days.'
Breaking her out of her musings, (Miss Sekari, would you please show me how problem eighteen 'B' is solved?), Professor Angugi asked her. His intentions on having her go to the dry erase board were twofold: One, to get her to work past her extreme shyness and Two, to get her to believe she can do the work on her own.
Rising hesitantly from her desk, the pretty Japanese girl bit her bottom lip, 'Now what did Kaminsky-san say about a problem like this one?'
Noting her reluctance at approaching the board and the problem, (Is there a problem Miss?), Professor Angugi asked.
Her eyes a mix of confusion and mild panic, (I am not sure….), the girl stuttered.
From behind her voice croaked, (Sekari-san, it is easy, just like you have worked out in our study sessions in the library.)
Startled, the Japanese girl spun around, (Kaminsky-san?)
Nodding and gesturing to the board, (Go on and show them.), the blond responded from the doorway, (Don't be afraid, you know this material as well as anyone.)
A genuine smile on her face, (H…hai.), she said as she turned back to the board and began to diagram the problem.
X
(Where were you?), her voice heavy with concern.
(My Father was ill and I had to leave the country to make sure that he is cared for.), Ron told her as he attempted to mask his post-mission condition.
Pointing sharply to him, (Why are you moving so slowly?..And you look sick too.), she said, obviously making out his less than normal condition in her presence.
Airily waving the 'condition' off, (An old injury, it will be better in no time. I just strained something in my shoulder while carrying my bag from the plane.), he said with a grin while rubbing that shoulder.
Her eyebrows sharply rising in surprise, (Oh is that all? Well you must be getting old before your time, Kaminsky-san.), she tittered. Then with a warm smile, (But It is good that you are home now, I have missed you.), she said as she placed a hand on his arm. Brightening, (I know, we should celebrate,), she said, (You can pick me up at seven tonight.)
Caught off guard, Ron's ninja training was really put to the test, his smile masked his true feelings of the dread he suddenly felt at the continuing advances of this girl and her ever growing crush on him. And the lengths she seemed to go to create a relationship with the heart-burned American blond.
Stretching and covering a small yawn, (It was a long flight Ukuma-san, and with the injury I think it is best that I just head home and go to bed.), Ron said to discourage her from her quest to get a date out of him that night.
But still the Japanese girl persisted, (I could come over to your place and cook you dinner. That might be better than going out.), she said before she perked up, (And if we keep doing this then there would be no reason to tutor me at the Math Library.), she said in realization of what this could lead to.
Ron could see there was no way he was going to get out of this 'date' she seemed to be planning and, under no circumstances did he want the girl to find a way to get into his apartment. He knew that he might not ever be able to keep her from coming over for anything her heart desired after that. It would be difficult for his 'Mission' issues, and then there was the fact that he was just not interested in getting involved in a relationship of this kind.
Sighing lightly, (I will pick you up at seven is that acceptable?), Ron said, hoping he had deflected her from again trying to locate his apartment. He figured if she ever found it he'd never be able to keep her from showing up, night or day he feared.
Her smile faltering slightly, but coming back full force, (Yes, that is very acceptable Dean-kun. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go to another class.), Ukuma said, taking what she could after trying to slip one by on her crush.
Nodding in small satisfaction, which he did not let her see, (Alright, and now I must go to another class too, but I will be at your place at seven.), Ron replied, not missing the change in honorifics she used, 'Crud, "kun", now she's getting too close and personal.'
Happily smiling at the events to come, (Don't be late, I'll be hungry by then.), Ukuma said before she turned to walk away. And for a moment she added a little sway to her hips as she went off.
The blond American serenely watched the pretty girl as she walked away and shook his head. 'Yeah well she's not gonna draw me into her web that easily.', he frowned. 'I gotta find her some guy who's good at math so I can wean myself from her; I just hope Hirotaka has a sense of humor and can help me out with that.', Ron thought as he walked to his next class; foremost on his mind of how he was going to continue to handle the obvious 'crush' this girl had on him.
Looking at his watch, Ron moaned, "Well moron, I don't have time to worry about it now.", as he hurried his pace down the sidewalk.
Three hours later the college student/covert monkey master/ninja unlocked the door to his apartment and called out, "Rufus I'm back."
Hearing nothing anything in reply, Ron went to look for his little buddy. After a quick search he found the pink rodent Rufus curled up next to that old picture again. With a sad smile the former hero left the room, deciding to fix his little friend a snack to try to take his mind off the red head who had broken his heart years before.
'I guess I'd better keep that picture, Rufus would bite me to see if I was a syntho if I tossed Kim's photo out. Anyway, he feels better cuddling up next to her. I should get just a pic of just her in it and get rid of the other one.', Ron mused as he pulled some food items out of his refrigerator. He then placed a cutting board and a large knife on the counter before he put a Wok on the stove. After pouring enough oil in it for what he was about to cook, he turned on the gas burner under the cooking utensil.
While preparing something for his mole rat buddy, Ron moved wrong and almost lost control of the knife he was using to flash while cutting the food on the board. 'I'm not quite healed yet, maybe I should have stayed a couple more days at Yamanouchi.', he ruefully thought.
Then his mind wandered, 'Hmph, we still have to find that stolen experimental aircraft that. Maybe it will show up somewhere where GJ or one of the other intelligence services will pick it up and return it to its owner.'
After considering what he just thought, "Nah, that ain't gonna happen.", as he shook his head at the irony of the entire situation.
With the wok ready Ron added the shrimp he had bought as a treat for Rufus when they got in that morning. The smoke and the aroma that came off it got a response from the bedroom. "Hnk 'imp!", a tiny voice squeaked.
"Yeah Rufus I'll have it ready in a couple of minutes; everything is gonna be done. And I have some water heating up for me.", Ron called out to his hairless friend.
A few minutes later a plate full shrimp and vegetables was place in front of the mole rat. "You want chopsticks buddy?", Ron asked as he swiped a shrimp from his friend so that he could sample his work to see if his skills had begun to deteriorate.
"Hey!", Rufus jumped up to defend his dinner.
"Sorry buddy, but I have to know if it's any good. All the famous emperors had their food tasters. I get to check out what I cook. You remember rule number three oh three."
"Hnk…Oh kay.", he begrudgingly said.
"Thanks buddy, I knew you'd be nice enough to share. Uh how did your stay at Yamanouchi go while I was gone?"
"Hnk Nooni….Kim-Kim."
"Huh, you contacted Kim?"
"Hnk no.", the black eyes seemed to shine.
"Oh, Nooni wanted to talk about Kim?"
Since Rufus had his mouth full all he could do was nod his head yes.
"Why?"
Somehow the mole rat was able to shrug his shoulders as he kept munching away, taking out the shrimp at a quick rate that surprised Ron.
Suddenly coming to an abrupt stop, in disgust the mole rat picked up a piece of cabbage and after he sniffed it he placed it on an empty spot on the plate he had already cleaned off.
With a tone both were familiar with from days and vegetables gone by in Middleton, Ron said, "Rufus you're older now, so you have to take care of yourself and that means you need to eat vegetables. Even the ones that don't have cheese in them." , he chided Rufus before he poured himself some tea and then asked, "Do you want tea too?"
"Hnk nah."
Ron smiled then took a sip from his cup, "Ok suit yourself, but Sensei gave it to me right before we left. I think it was a thank you gift for keeping those warheads from being moved in China."
"Hnk plane?"
"No info on that thing yet, somehow I think the two heists are related. What do you think?"
"Hnk…old villain.", Rufus suggested as he shrugged his shoulders again, and then resumed his attack on the meal Ron prepared for him.
Shrugging, "Yeah maybe, investigation was never my strong suit if you remember…I was more of the sideshow to get the bad guys' minds off what they were doing so you and Kim could save the day.", Ron said a bit wistfully. "And get media time for your efforts, too."
Looking to his mole rat friend, "If you remember Wade listed my job as designated distraction…And if I remember, I did it pretty well too.", Ron chuckled remembering the 'old' days when he was just the best friend to Kim Possible.
"Hnk yeah, loser Ron.", Rufus seemed to snort as he stopped inhaling his shrimp for a moment (He had to since it was hard to suck in food and breathe at the same time.)
"Bet you wonder why you're eating so early?"
"Hungry?"
"Yeah, but you're always hungry.", he said, pointing out the obvious to Rufus.
"Don know.", the pink guy replied.
Ron continued as he wondered how his buddy was going to take the next piece of information, "I have to meet this girl for dinner….I'm buying."
"Hnk date?", his eyebrows shot up.
"Yeah Rufus, a date.", Ron huffed.
His excitement rising, "Kim-Kim?", the mole rat squeaked, hopeful that somehow Ron was able to contact his 'Mom' and was able to make things right.
Grinning sadly, "Sorry buddy.", Ron shook his head slightly.
"Yori?", he said, quickly running out of suggestions.
"Strike two."
"Hnk who?", Rufus gave up guessing.
"Remember that girl that was bothering me?"
"Crush?", he tilted his head as he thought about it.
"Yeah she's crushing on me…and..I uh, you do realize I never really had that much experience with girls…well, except for Kim and Yori.", Ron said his voice trailing off. "Well, I have to let her down easy.", Ron explained.
Pointing at him, "Hnk hoh boy…trouble! Kim-Kim find out.", Rufus all but shouted.
Nodding grimly, "Yeah Rufus trouble, I have to play this right 'cause I don't want to hurt her and I don't want to encourage her either.", Ron told his buddy. Then hmphing, "And there is no way that Kim should even care about what I am up to anyway."
Waving him off, "Hnk, good luck.", the rodent snorted before he turned his attention back to his food, and burrowed his way into the 'mountain' on his plate.
"Yeah I know, Sensei would be laughing his butt off if he knew.", he said. Then looking to the quivering pile of shelled pink crustaceans with a mole rat tunnel engineer, "Anyway you could show a little more concern.", Ron replied, the irony of the situation of him trying to keep a low profile and so quickly acquiring the attention of a female he had no interest in reciprocating.
X
Finally gorged and covered in the coatings of his meal, Rufus sighed, plopped on his back and promptly fell asleep. His light snores immediately sounding out from the dinner plate.
Not buying the charade for a moment, "Rufus, there is no way you're going to go to sleep like that. You need a bath and you either take one or I'll give you one myself.", Ron called the mole rat who gave no indication he had heard his human buddy. "Hmmmm, maybe instead of a bath, you'd like some of that cologne Yori got for me and tried to get me to use?"
Like a shot, Rufus was back on his feet, paws on his hips and giving Ron 'the eye' before he realized that he had been had.
In triumph, "Yeah you were all worn out by that dinner weren't ya?", he crowed. Then holding out a hand, "Come on, I'll make it quick and easy.", Ron said as he chuckled at his friend's antics.
X
Shortly the mole rat was cleaned, towel dried and back in his nest with his 'favorite' picture.
With a sigh, "Now behave yourself, I should be back in a few hours.", Ron told him as Rufus settled in.
XXX
China:
Looking to the sedated girl, just out of intensive surgery for her wounds, 'I suppose I should tell her.', he decided. 'When she wakes up and is doing better I will do it. It is time and she has the right to know.'
Then, with a sigh he sat back in the chair hospital staff had provided for him as he thought about his sister and the rest of his family.
XXX
Sapporo, Japan:
(Well you look quite nice tonight Ukuma.), Ron bowed slightly as she opened the door to her apartment.
(Where are we going tonight?), she inquired.
(Oh a little place I know. It's about thirty minutes away, so we have to take the train.), Ron replied as Ukuma locked her door.
After making their way to the station in silence, Ukuma looked to Dean, who seemed to be somewhat distant to her. But before she could ask him about his distracted mood, the train arrived and its accompanying racket prevented her from talking to him.
Once on the train, though, she asked, (How is your Father Dean-kun?), in the belief his recent family health emergency was the cause of his current emotions.
Broken from his musings, (Huh?...Oh Dad? He is better..Mom sorta panicked at what happened that's why I got called to go to Norway.), Ron scrambled to remember his cover story for this latest absence from his life at college.
In concern, Ukuma grasped his arm, (Oh! I hope he is ok, and he will have no further problems.), she said.
Smiling a small smile to her, (Not to worry Ukuma-san, he will be fine. But there is an underlying cause to what happened and at a moment's notice; I might have to leave again for a short amount of time.)
(I am so sorry your Father has this problem Kaminsky-san, and that it would cause you to leave in this way. It must weigh on you not knowing if this could happen again, or that it could come so suddenly at any time.), Ukuma said with worry in her eyes. (And it must be very hard when you have to travel to another country so far away.)
Nodding in agreement, (Thank you for your concern and yes, traveling to Norway is a bit of a long journey. It and the worries of my Dad's health do take a toll.), Ron said as he sighed.
Deciding to change the subject to something less gloomy, (So what is Norway like?)
Shivering at the memories of winters there, (Colder than here, that's for sure…lots of snow, and I can tell you for sure that I don't care for lamb and cabbage stew or meat cakes.), Ron mock shuddered.
Catching the change in demeanor, (That bad?), she asked, her concern lightening up at his display of humor.
(No, that good.), he shuddered for real this time. (In my opinion there is no way that food is fit for human consumption. I don't know how they eat it all the time. Mom seems to like it enough, so does my sister.), Ron ranted.
(You have a sister?), her question stopped him from rambling on about the food in Norway.
(Yes, and she is about five now. Mom and Dad adopted her four years ago, but it seems like she's been around a lot longer.), Ron told her with a smile that spoke of his fondness for the little intruder.
(You never told me….), Ukuma gasped at this tidbit of Dean-kun's life she knew nothing about.
Looking down, (There are many things about myself which I do not reveal. I didn't even tell my old girlfriend about them and I knew her for many years.), Dean informed her of something he crafted for his background while in Japan.
Her face darkening slightly at the mention of another girl in the blond American's love life, even if she was from his past, Ukuma, her voice even, asked, (What is this girl's name Dean-kun?)
Picking up the change in voice inflection, Ron glanced up to notice the hardened eyes of the Japanese girl before she quickly softened them.
Realizing he may have given away too much of his previous life, albeit a variation on it, he told a half-lie to cover his 'secrets', (Her name was Anne and we were friends most of our lives. We only lived a short distance from each other and grew up playing together nearly every day when we were children.)
Her demeanor neutral, (Why did you break up with her?), she asked, her face a mask; something Ron easily picked up on.
Looking slightly past her, (She went to college in another place, I was traveling.), he said, not focusing on anything. (A long distance relationship…), he sighed, (It just didn't work out…She finally found a guy who made her happy at last.), his lips thinned out. (I guess I am happy for her, but as for relationships), he sagged a little as he exhaled, (I am damaged goods.)
(She was from Chicago then?), she cautiously asked.
(Yes that is where I am from, remember?), at this point not really sure if he told her or if it was only Tai-shu he mentioned this to.
Innocently and sincerely she asked, (Do you still love her?), her senses now on full alert here as her face said nothing to him, but said everything he needed to know.
Taking this in, he paused for a few seconds, and knowing he'd better not lie, (Yes, of course. I still love her, but that love was not to be returned. She has her life and I have mine.), he said as he knew there was no ninja training that could ever hide what he still felt inside to this day.
After a few moments, he pointed to the front of their train, (Anyway this is our stop.), his face taking on a more relieved expression, subtly changing from the vulnerability he was showing her for the first time since they met.
Turning she was surprised at their stop. Dean had taken her to a more remote location than she was accustomed to when dining out with him.
With a knowing look, (And here we are. I hope you enjoy beef.), he hopefully said.
Her eyes lighting up, (I have never had it before, is it good?)
Nodding, (Yes, this is the best place of its kind nearest to the college, and I hope you have an appetite, they serve some very tasty meals here.), the chef in him related to her.
XXXX
Ron seems to be on the mend here, but only the physical kind, while he gets back in the saddle at school. His issues with Ukuma are moving along, and the more he tries to not get involved, the more he gets involved. Oy. A mystical visit with Yamanouchi's founder leaves Ron to wonder if everybody's going to pester him about his lack of a love life in this life before he goes to the afterlife some time down the road.
Not much of Kim here, but Ron seems to be setting the stage with Rufus for a part of his school life later in the following year as he prepares to leave again to recover item number two from the yet-to-be-named bad guys. ;-)
But soon, they shall be and the near-misses between our heroes will begin shortly.