Hello all, sorry for the delay in updates, but real life and other things intruded…But fear not, we've got another chapter for those following the adventures of Ron and Kim from that moment Ron always feared would happen, and Kim never saw coming. Too bad the event was misinterpreted by Ron and totally blown by Kim…
And we'd like to thank those who have Reviewed, Faved us or put us on Alert: levi2000a1, Beckman, the ever present 'Guest' reviewer (Sheldon has other contacts in the East, they know more about the region and pass on the warnings and speed bumps), Sword of The Azure Rain, ajw1970, Riplakish (from way back! Stay tuned!), Jimmy1201, Lioness020, pbow, another 'Guest' (don't like, see ya...), ranchboy1, Old Soldier, XerxesZ, Granholm, TexasDad and jaciel, thanks to you all for hanging in with us.
Last time we found Ron leaving Rufus with the family in Norway in preparation for his summer internship back in Japan. Assurances and promises all around before he began his multi-time zone return to the Land of the Rising Sun. Meanwhile Kim was learning all about the 'gift' she had been given from her long-lost ex-boyfriend's family. Shock and guilt are only now rising to new levels as Kim finds out just how much Ron loved her. But no new clues as to where he ended up.
On other notes, Drew and Sheila are learning how living with a potentially super powered daughter, Sam, can be interesting, especially when they are all waiting to see if any of their powers transferred to her, and when… Zita finally learns why Felix dragged his feet on proposing to her and one more has a bone to pick with Kim (Felix), while the other (Zita) wants to slug Ron for the delay. And Justine and Monique meet up and plan for a road trip later to catch up to Big Mike out east. But in the end Kim had to stand up to the scrutiny of some nosy airport security agency and ticket agents as she made her way home from Chicago. Further west Sheldon continued to play 'reformed villain' while in a dinner meeting with Betty. Wonder what she's going to think when it comes out just how badly he played everyone…
Now once again we go out of our way to starve the sharks at Empire Disney: Kim Possible and all the characters on display within our tale are involved in a non-money enterprise. We're doing this for fun, not profit so put away your briefcases. All other characters are our creations.
Storm Chaser
Chapter 22
Senior Island:
Standing amidst the pomp, elegance and splendor that was his Son's and Daughter-in-law's wedding reception, the refined and elderly Spanish gentleman smiled as he raised his glass to both Kim and Tara, who beamed brightly in return.
Standing together and conversing out the sides of their mouths so as to not give away their topic, "Are you sure he was a villain Kim?", Tara asked in disbelief as she saw her husband relieve a waiter of a tray of very expensive bubbly being served to the wedding reception guests, "He seems so nice.", she said as the body language of neither gave signals they were doing anything but enjoying the event they'd been invited to by a former supervillain.
Smirking, "One of the top ones T.", she replied. "Of course I think it was more of a hobby for him than anything else, but Senior always had very good manners when we went up against him.", the red head pointed out.
Sighing wistfully, "He was a bored old man with a lot of money on his hands till Ron started rambling to him, and not five minutes after my then best friend finished his spiel, the next thing I knew I had an old guy with tons of cash making my life miserable as a supervillain.", she grimaced, a mixture of light anguish and whimsy.
Eyebrows shooting up, "What did Ron say to him Kim?"
Snorting lightly, "Well that blond goof pointed out that his mansion was more like a lair than a rich man's palace and all he had to do was add some things to take it there."
Mystified, "Like what?"
Looking off to recollect the list, "Ok, let me see…", Kim said before ticking them off on her fingers, "Motion activated lasers, piranha filled moats, spinning tops of doom,", she said before giggling, "doors that went 'whoosh'….", she drew out the last.
Shocked at what the other blond of their group had suggested, "Whoa…Ron did that?"
Nodding wistfully, "Yeah when he was younger he would come up with all sorts of weird ideas.", Kim said turning to Tara, "You remember that." Realization and a nod, Kim chuckled, "Heck, because of his well-known 'Power of Imagination', Ron even got into trouble when Mister Barkin's door fell off his office while we were on a mission on the other side of the world.", Tara's eyes widened in mirth at the memory.
Snorting and nodding to Senor, Senior, "I mean many were great ideas…", Kim said with a sad smile, "And sometimes Ron would say stuff that had me laughing on the inside while I was admonishing him.", her smile again wistful before she waved her glass to Senior, "But yeah everyone changes.", she sighed.
Nodding knowingly, "I guess that's the difference a few years make Kim.", Tara agreed. Looking around the room to familiar faces, "Now it looks like everyone calmed down some."
Sighing, "Yeah and I think almost everyone is settling down too.", Kim said with little emotion as she looked around the room. Turning back to Tara as Josh arrived with the pilfered tray of champagne, "Sooo, how's married life?", Kim asked as she took a glass and sipped from it.
Her eyes lighting up, "Good, very good, Kim.", Tara gushed. "Josh has four showings this summer and I have a job offer from the Middleton School District…."
Smiling massively at the irony, "You're going to work for Mister Barkin?"
Nodding sheepishly, "Yeah hard to believe isn't it?"
Giggling, "It's a strange world Tara …"
Changing the topic to something she was more interested in than her immediate future, "How long are you going to be in England Kim? It's been four years now.", Tara asked, curious in that regard.
"About two more years, then I'm coming home to get my advanced degree.", Kim said to Tara's nod. "If you remember I lost over a year."
Surprised, "Wow, you're going to be in debt up to your ears when you're done…."
Cutting her off, "Not even close, Tara; in fact I don't owe anything!", Kim informed her friend.
Shaking her head in astonishment, "Must be nice Kim, my Mom and Dad didn't have that much money socked away for my schooling. They paid for the first two years and then I received a nice grant."
A small smile, "Mom and Dad didn't pay for anything.", Kim's voice now lowered to a near-whisper. She did not want this little tidbit to be known by more than a select few.
Tara's eyebrows arched at this news, "They didn't?", her voice squeaked.
Shaking her head slightly and shushing the excitable blonde, "No, they didn't." Now making sure no one could overhear her, "I didn't know it at the time but a Trust had been set up in my name for my educational and personal needs, and my family wasn't involved."
Very surprised, "Wow that was really nice of whomever….."
"Guess who did it?", Kim smirked.
Brought up short, "I have no idea."
Her smirk grew larger, "The Stoppables."
"What?", the blonde's eyes bugged out.
"Yeah, I've got a photocopy of some of the documents. Ron's parents' signatures are on them.", Kim said.
Recovering, "And your missing-in-action Ron is now a high priority for you to find and thank?", Tara's eyes narrowed, her head tilting to the side.
Shrugging nonchalantly, "You could say that.", Kim said lightly. "But while finding him was a priority before I learned of the Trust, now we're in Defcon Two."
"Defcon Two?", a blonde eyebrow quirked upward.
"Yeah I'm getting ready to have a meltdown.", Kim deadpanned. After a pause both women looked knowingly to each other and giggled.
Coming out of her titter first, Kim noticed Josh had once again swiped some delicacies from another tray.
Pointing him out and giggling, "Haven't you been feeding that boy?", Kim nudged Tara.
Glancing timidly to her husband, "Josh must be nervous Kim, and he eats a lot when he gets nervous.", Tara replied slightly anxious herself.
"Why would he be nervous, here of all places?", Kim asked incredulously.
Looking around the room, "He's seen some of the art here. And if I'm any judge of art…", Tara replied as she noticed Senior walking up to her hubby.
XX
The cultured former villain, after a break from events in his Son's Wedding Reception, made his way over to speak with the young and promising artist his new Daughter-in-law raved about.
Offering his hand, "Excuse me young man.", Bonnie's Father-in-law said, "I am Senor Senior, Senior. Would you be Mister Joshua Mankey?"
Slightly wide-eyed and trying not to choke on his canapé, he extended his hand, "Mister Senior… yes, but please call me Josh….", he replied as they shook hands.
Looking around the room in awe, "I've been admiring some of the artwork here.", he said. "It's amazing…The room here is covered in so many Masters. It's like being in the Louvre in Paris."
With an appreciative smile Senior looked around, "Yes it sometimes is a daunting task to not spend too much on one particular artist, but I believe I've kept to a proper balance.", he said before focusing on his guest, "But my sources have informed me that you are making quite a name for yourself, and at such a young age, too I might add.", he said as Josh blushed slightly at the praise. "In fact, Junior's Bonita is very thrilled with your work and has suggested that I commission you to do some paintings for me and my family."
Shocked at what he just heard, "Sir? You want some of my work to be displayed here, in the same place as some of the works you have in your possession?", Josh said in disbelief, "I don't know what to say."
Smiling warmly, "It would pleasure me greatly if you would say yes.", Senior said to the suddenly overwhelmed young artist. "And of course you would stay here on the island while doing the work….I have a first class art studio on the island, I am sure that our facilities match any thing that you are used to."
"I…I.", the tongue-tied young man stuttered.
"Please think about it and let me know what your decision is."
Finally engaging his mouth, "Could..", he gulped, "I bring my wife with me while I'm here?", Josh asked his generous new patron.
Smiling warmly, "But of course, she and my Daughter-in-law are already good friends so it will be a refreshing holiday for her.", Senior smiled to Josh. "In fact, my sources have also informed me that she is taking a job in Middleton at your old school district, so I expect that you will find an abode in the area.", he said to the young blond's surprise. "If that is the case then we may be seeing each other more often than just during visits to here on my island."
"Oh and why is that Sir?"
"I expect my Daughter-in-law will want to go home to visit friends and family occasionally.", Senior said matter-of-factly.
Nodding in realization of the obvious, "Well Tara and Bonnie have been best friends since they were about five or six years old and I'm glad that they'll be able to stay somewhat close after marrying your Son and living over here.", Josh replied in relief.
A concurring nod in return, "Oh that I expect Joshua Mankey.", Senior agreed. Then in her direction, "I see that your lovely Wife is speaking with an old friend of mine, shall we go over and say hello to them?"
Josh looked back in surprise, "Oh you know Kim?"
A knowing grin, "Most assuredly young man, most assuredly.", Senior replied to Josh's further mystification. "Miss Possible thwarted many of my and my cohorts' plans over the years.", he said to Josh's realization of who Senior actually was.
At the questioning look, "But no more, now I have retired from my second 'career', as it were.", Senior said as he turned to the women. "But for several years, let us say, she kept me very active in my pursuits after meeting her and her former paramour some years ago.", he chuckled. "In fact, it was mentally challenging.", the old Spaniard smirked as he and his guest walked to the young women.
In watching her old adversary's approach, Kim noted he was leaning on his cane more than he had in previous years.
Meeting him half-way, Kim smiled, "Senor Senior, Senior, it is good to see you again.", she greeted him warmly. "So what have you been up to?…..nothing criminal I hope." Kim teased as she lightly touched him on his shoulder.
A twinkle in his eye, "Miss Possible, Mrs. Mankey, thank you for coming to Junior's and Bonnie's reception; I am so very glad you could both attend.", he cordially greeted friends of Bonnie's. "But no, nothing of the sort, I must confess.", he said to their mutual mirth. Kim a light giggle, Senior a long-gone, but well-practiced villainous laugh.
After the insider moment passed, "Please indulge Miss Possible and me for a moment, if you will. Today is the first time we've met face to face in a non-confrontational way since her first visit some years ago to inform me of more ecological and economical methods of sustaining my island.", the Spanish billionaire smirked to the lightly blushing red head. Recalling something of that mission Tara and Josh slowly nodded in reply. "And as such, since then we've met several times in a grand game of villain versus heroine." Now both looked a little worried.
Catching the nervous looks and waving them away, "I can assure you there is no cause for alarm…As rumor has it, I am retired from the villain game now, though I did have fun with it when we were on opposite sides of the law. ", Senior chuckled to a knowing smirk of Kim's own.
Looking to the two blonds, "My daughter-in-law was adamant about both of you attending and I thank you for doing so.", Senior tipped his head to them.
Still feeling out of her depth, "Kim?", Tara asked as Josh kissed his wife on the ear.
With a reassuring look, "We have a professional relationship Tara. GJ checks on Senior once or twice a year like they do every other super villain who took the offer.", Kim said before she took a sip from her wine glass, "According to the agreements he has been clean.", she said. Turning to their host, "And if you don't mind my asking Senor, Senior, since you've retired, what is keeping you occupied these days?"
Nodding warmly, "Not at all Miss Possible, I have various economic opportunities in the works, all legal mind you, and nothing like the time I had spent, using all my money just to annoy you and Betty, which to my thinking was money well spent.", he teased to Kim's mock glare.
With a sigh, "After the Lowardian Incident I took stock of my life and my business ventures and came to the conclusion that my Son would not been able to run my empire so I had to tone down the illegal ventures.", he said to Kim's interest. "As of the moment, I do not yet have a Grandchild and I don't want to be on the run when he or she makes an appearance.", Senior stated to the trio.
It was at this point that a teal-eyed brunette, stunningly resplendent in bridal white walked up and gave her new Father-in-law a warm hug, "Are you guys behaving yourselves?", she asked, looking in mock concern between him and her former high school adversary. She was well aware of her in-laws' history with Kim.
Piping up, "We sure are Bonnie.", Tara said before she and her best friend exchanged hugs, "It was a lovely wedding and you make such a beautiful bride.", Tara smiled approvingly to her best friend.
An endearing smile between them, Bonnie broke the hug and reached for Senior's hand, "Guys I hate to take Senior away from you right now, but I have a dance scheduled with him. So if you'll excuse us, I'll talk to you later.", she said as she drew him to the dance floor.
Kim called out to them, "Senior, please save me a dance?"
He turned and handed his cane to Kim, "Please Miss Possible, hold this for me until I return. Nothing would please me more than to step out on the floor with you.", he graciously said to her. Nodding to his cane, "And since you have my cane within your grasp, I have reason enough to seek you out so I may take you up on your request.", he smiled.
X
As the music started Kim placed her left arm on the former villain's shoulder, and noted a familiar amused and quite villainous chuckle emanating from her former adversary.
She also took in a very familiar 'smirk of triumph' that Kim had seen all too often in her missions against him. Playfully she huffed, "Ok Senior, what's the sitch?", very quickly her mind less on the music and dancing and more on her dance partner.
Smiling wider, "Oh nothing villainous Miss Possible, I assure you." Nodding to his slightly despondent Son being consoled by his smirking wife, "But Junior wanted this dance with you and I defeated him in a form of a familial contest to win this honor.", he said to Kim's surprise. "It was a gentlemanly contest, and I did defeat him so now I am here to claim my spoils, if you will.", he chuckled again.
Sighing lightheartedly, "Even at your Son's wedding, there's a contest to be won, and yet again, it involves me.", Kim teased. "But Ron was right about you, you are a gentleman of honor and you took up criminal activities because you were bored.", she gently squeezed his hand.
Looking wistfully to his dance partner, "Ah yes, quite an astute observation of your Mr. Stoppable, wouldn't you say, Miss Possible?", he said taking the opening she gave him into a subject she had been closer to than all his sources put together.
"I was indeed bored as was pointed out and it was a fulfilling adventure I and your team took part in as adversaries.", as Senior did his best to pry without appearing to do so. "And I did look so forward to the arrival of you and young Mr. Stoppable to thwart my various plots.", he said as she suddenly slowed a half-step, which he made up for quite smoothly in their dance together.
Sighing wistfully, "Yes, as you described me to your friends, I was bored until your visits and Mr. Stoppable's inspirations in the course of our altercations between us, which lead to so many fond memories of your tenacity in action and his watching your back as you did so.", Senior continued on, driving closer to his quest with the red head.
Her smile twitched slightly, "Yes, it was quite the time for us too, testing ourselves against you and your plots, your defensive systems,", Kim kept up a cheerful façade, yet Senior could tell he hit a sore spot with her. "But after mission's end, Ron always looked forward to raiding your larder after you had exited the scene and abandoned your plot.", she rallied at those memories.
A look of realization, "Ah, that explains why upon our return I have to make up for the lack of certain items in our kitchen's food stocks.", Senior chuckled mirthfully as Kim's demeanor dimmed slightly more. "All this time I thought we had been visited by roaming bandits traipsing through our island in search of plunder.", he said as she suddenly smiled at the thought of Ron fulfilling that description to a 'T'.
Calculating he was at the right moment, "And speaking of young Mr. Stoppable, surprisingly I noted he wasn't present with you at Junior's and Bonnie's nuptials. I hope nothing is amiss between the two of you.", he said as Kim was distracted, yet his words brought her back to the present, "I've missed his company and the battle of wits we've engaged in over the years and I wondered if you knew his of whereabouts."
Though time had blunted the sting to her heart, the tiniest of flinches in her eyes said more than the words she spoke, "I..I wish knew, Senior.", Kim slightly faltered, "The truth of the matter is that we haven't talked to each other since a few weeks after that alien invasion.", her eyes misted.
Surprised at her words and reactions to something he had the Intel of but nothing of the human factor of it, "Really? I would have thought that you two would have been married by now."
Sighing sadly, "As far as I was concerned we would have been married by this time, but after the invasion I had a breakdown…I cut off all communication with everyone associated with Ron…. and I wasn't functioning or thinking at the time.", the look on her face nearly broke his heart.
Taking in her 'confession' and what was already known to him, "Miss Possible, if any of my actions in our previous encounters have led to or became any part of your issues through the years, in any way, I offer to you my sincerest heartfelt apologies to what came upon you since then.", Senior stilled her despondency.
Though Kim didn't want to reveal the exact nature of her PTSD-based events since the Lowardian Invasion, she was grateful all the same at his feeling he was culpable in her post-high school breakdown. "Senior", she said with absolute certainty, "I can assure you, nothing of your plots Team Possible was involved in had anything to do with happened to me that summer.", Kim said while internally sighing in relief that she also didn't have to contend with him laying traps for her anymore in the course of her future career with GJ.
Not assuaged, "Still Miss Possible, I feel somewhat responsible…"
With a look of gratitude at his mea culpa, "Senior, believe me when I say that I know that you or any of my former foes had anything to do with what happened in my life, but I sincerely thank you for your apology."
Once again surrendering to her unyielding stand against him, "Miss Possible,", Senior said with a roguish gleam in his eye to the beautiful young woman in his arms, "You gave an old man a reason to live and live well, and for that I am very grateful."
A blush in her cheeks, "Thank you, Senior…I'm so honored to have brought some joy to your life.", Kim replied to a man she felt would have given nearly any young man or boy in her life a run for their money for charming any woman if given half a chance. "And thinking back to missions with you, I could tell you never really tried to harm us."
An understanding smile, "That is so true, I assure you, but you could have easily been killed if something didn't work out quite right. So our encounters were dangerous in their own way.", he said to her acknowledgment.
Continuing, "In fact the lasers and spinning tops of doom never were designed well enough to be a real threat to you."
Grinning at the memories of dodging them, "They sure kept me on my toes….."
A nod, "Yes, but at all times I had one of my technicians overseeing out encounters standing by with his finger on the off button just in case things got out of hand…In fact I once almost had to have it used…..Safety first you know.", the former villain confessed a 'dirty little secret' of his to the former teen heroine.
Kim's eyes hardened. "You mean it was all fake?", through gritted teeth. "You mean to tell me that we worked ourselves to a tizzy trying…"
Not backing down from the sixteen-kinds-of-imminent outrage staring him in the face, "No Miss Possible, do not misunderstand what I have revealed to you as anything that detracts from the inherent danger already present in our adversarial encounters. In fact believe me when I say that it was all quite far from fake.", Senior said as he continued with damage control in this regard.
"Leave it to be said that I saw no reason to terminate you or Mister Stoppable when we clashed.", he continued as Kim took what was just learned. "You see I am quite wealthy and more than wealthy enough to hire out mercenaries specializing in lethal confrontations, if I had chosen to go down that avenue.", he said to her paling features.
"In fact I know some of the villains were considering this avenue to alleviate their teen hero 'problem'.", he revealed to her as her jaw dropped. "I, myself, simply saw no reason to pursue that course of action, especially with what was considered children, and the mental and physical exercise expended in meeting with your Team kept me in top shape for years."
The red head pulled up short, "Some villains actually were planning on killing us?"
"Yes Miss Possible, in fact two of your villains had formulated plans to eliminate the two of you.", Senior imparted the meat of his gathered surveillance to her, "One, Lord Montgomery Fiske, was planning on taking you to a temple to sacrifice you in a bloody and macabre ceremony in front of Mister Stoppable so as to defeat him psychologically.", he said to her horror.
"His man Bates would put you out of your misery and then young Mister Stoppable would be left to the disfigured nobleman as an eventual apprentice.", Kim suddenly felt ill as Senior continued with what he learned of that plot. Shaking his head at the audacity, "Somehow that crazy nobleman thought there wouldn't be ramifications for his actions in a plan that would not escape the notice of those overseeing the overall safety of those such as you…And this monkey power that Fiske craved led to his insanity and I for one, am personally grateful that it was never put into action.", Senior sighed in relief.
Mystified at hearing about this horrid plan and that it almost came about, "Oh, and why didn't it?", Kim asked, as she wondered just how close she and Ron came to Fist pulling this off on them.
Looking both relieved and grim, "The plan did not get off the ground when his manservant, Bates, was found in the Borneo jungle with his insides torn out just weeks before the plan was supposed to go into effect…..", he said to a suddenly turning green dance partner.
"And before you ask, I have no idea who or exactly what accomplished that task.", Senior said, forestalling the question. "Suffice it to say that man was as evil as anyone I have ever met…And after losing his manservant, Fiske then tried something with a being called the Yono that I am sure you are aware of, seeing how that turned out.", his eyes narrowed at the flash of recognition in Kim's eyes.
Stunned, Kim stayed quiet with this bit of news. For one thing it revealed to her just how extensive Senior, Senior's Intelligence Gathering Apparatus was and as to the other, she now knew just how horrid a fate potentially was in store for her and Ron if Bates had not been killed so gruesomely before the terror that was the Yono mission.
As her musings wound down, Senior brought her attention back to the topics he wanted to impart to her, "I had heard that things didn't go too well for the English Lord in Japan, did they?", his smirk was small to her slight head shake. "Small wonder when he got himself over his head when facing teen heroes and a tot at the behest of some clan hidden in the mountains of Japan.", he said to her further shock at his ability to learn of almost anything in the world he wanted to know about.
'So if he can find things out about us like that, I wonder…', Kim was also considering when Senior interrupted her pondering, "But I think it behooves me to warn you that I believe Sheldon Director is still a threat to the world, his 'agreement',", he snorted, "with GJ and the UN notwithstanding. In fact I believe he is more conniving than ole Monty ever was…That and he holds a grudge against certain someone's he tried and failed to recruit as something he calls his 'Agent Alpha'."
Brought up short again, "Grudge? Agent Alpha…..Ron and I were both on Gemini's short list to fill that slot.", Kim shot back. "He really did feel that one of us could be his lead Agent in his crime organization and bring the world to its knees. Neither Ron nor I had any ambitions to take him up on that position with WWEE."
Nodding, "It is good that you remember he was the leader of the World Wide Evil Empire, Miss Possible, and that he had plans for both you and Ronald.", Senior reminded her. After a few moments to let that sink in, "Now, do you really think he has given up on his dreams of world conquest, even after all this time?", Senior asked her to consider. "It would do you well to remember that both he and his Sister are quite focused and single-minded for what they want."
"I am well aware of them being siblings, Senior, and of how so much alike they are on what they focus on…he is, after all her twin brother…", Kim offered her observation of the family members and their focus on objectives of their own.
"Ah, but who continues to hold onto an insane animosity and jealousy for the other sibling, Miss Possible?", Senior quizzed her. His eyes now dark and foreboding, "Be very wary of Mister Director, Miss Possible, especially if you have the misfortune to have any more dealings with him and his organization.", he warned. "Do not be deluded into believing that he has forgotten his dreams of ruling a mostly destroyed world.", Senior offered one last bit of advice as the dance ended.
After they stopped in place, "So you don't trust Sheldon Director, Senor Senior?", a puzzled Kim asked. This seemed beyond the verification she was aware of from her infrequent encounters with her Boss regarding her brother.
With a short shake of his head, "Not nearly as far as young Mister Stoppable tossed those aliens Miss Possible.", he said to her shock, "Yes Miss Possible,", he grimly nodded, "while most of the people of the Earth were fed a fantasy video of that event, I was able to watch what really happened, shortly after the video was recorded.", to which her jaw dropped at the revelation.
While arm-in-arm and slow walking back to her table, and diverting her attention away from this surprising admission, "Anyway as a man in my position, in dealing with my former partners in crime, one should always maintain appearances,", he looked knowingly to her, "if only for the sake of staying hale and hearty with some of them." Kim nodded to this after a moment.
"So it goes without saying that I stay on a professional level with Mister Director until at some time it is to my advantage to not do so.", his eyes narrowed. "But be that as it may,", he relaxed, "for now things are at a modicum of peace between us all with the Official GJ checkups we receive and the intermittent calls Miss Director makes to her brother at odd times of the day or night in her own personal verification of his non-villainous status.", he said to Kim's reluctant nod.
"I am quite aware of her calls to Sheldon, but I'm sure that Betty is well aware of what her brother is capable of and has a plan in place to deal with him if he ventures into illegal activity.", Kim said, revealing nothing obvious Senior wasn't aware of, "But getting back to Bates..", she said still surprised at what she learned about Fist's batman, someone she never had a clue hid such a sinister personality, "I had no idea he was as you described…From what I could tell of him, he was nothing but courteous to me and Ron...", she recollected.
His step slowing, demeanor darkening, "Miss Possible, if you were to check further into Bates' record prior to your meeting him in Cambodia, you would find it quite extensive detailing his dealings before then.", Senior said as Kim matched him in step, "That you had been in his presence on a few occasions, yet Global Justice had not appraised you of his…history if you will, surprises me to no end.", he said in concern for his guest of her current employer.
Before she could protest, "Regardless this is something you may take up with Miss Director at a time of your choosing.", he said, holding a finger up. "However, should you or Ronald had found yourselves alone with him while he put his 'craft' on display to you, I think your opinion of him would have been drastically at odds with your current perceptions of him, should either of you had survived.", his face was grim.
Her face paling as she slowed, Senior gently grasped her arm in his and slowly ambled to her table, "Normally when someone such as Bates, a man of such evil in hidden our midst, has been dispatched as he was,", he whispered to the stunned red head, "those of us in the villainous community would have heard something as to who had accomplished the feat. But this wasn't the case.", he said as he turned to her.
"What I can tell you, is only that whoever took Bates out did so with some precision, using a scalpel or some such quite sharp object, and with the knowledge necessary for the results that were discovered when he was found.", Senior said with a cocked eyebrow. "And if I may be so bold, if you should happen to come across this person in your travels, please send him or her my thanks for a job well done in ridding him from our midst.", Senior said with a hard gleam to Kim's aghast reaction.
After several seconds comprehending what he said, "Senor Senior I do not condone murder, even if it is someone who has killed….."
"Tortured too Miss Possible?", he rumbled ominously.
"Tortured?", she squeaked.
"Gruesomely tortured is a better term I would say.", he replied. "If you should wish to see them, I have pictures and accounts of some of the things that Mister Bates was involved in over the years.", Senior offered as she gulped. "Considering the world you have decided to live in Miss Possible you should always keep your guard up because if you let it down you may never get to enjoy a retirement.", he said sagely. "You never know what kind of person you are going to meet up with, and given the possibility of having to fight mass murderers, you need to try to be on your toes at all times."
Grasping his arm for support until she got her wits back, "Thanks for the advice Senior, I'll take all of this under advisement.", Kim said. "Now, would you care for a drink?"
Shaking his head with a warm smile, "Not right now Miss Possible, I have other guests to attend to.", he said as he nodded to the reception. "Now please enjoy yourself and remember to come back to see me any time. You are always welcome here.", he beamed as she smiled radiantly in reply.
As they reached the table, Kim grasped for the cane she placed there before their dance.
"Even if it's an official visit from GJ?", she teased as she extended it to him.
Senior smiled as he took his cane, "Especially if it is from GJ Miss Possible. It is always nice to mix business with pleasure. Now please excuse me. And thank you very much for the dance.", he said as he dipped his head to her.
"No big Sir, I'll see you later."
"It will be my pleasure to speak with you again Miss Possible. If you need anything the gentleman in the white tuxedo coat will be able to help you.", the old Spanish villain replied.
With a smile, Kim noted both Junior and Bonnie were now going around and speaking with the guests. She worked her way over to the newlywed couple. "Bonnie you make a beautiful Bride,", she said as she hugged her former rival. Then going to hug him, "And Junior you'd better take care of her.", Kim mock threatened.
The handsome and formerly much pampered young man sighed, "Ah my blue fox we apologize for not spending time with you earlier, but we have been very busy for the last several days." He opened up his arms and gave the red head a massive hug and picked her up off the floor.
"Your Dad said he'd beaten you again in some competition so he got to dance with me before you did.", she teased.
Still miffed at Senior, "This I must remedy that at once!", Bonnie's new husband mock blustered.
Turning to her, "Bonnie do I have your permission to take Junior out on the dance floor?", Kim playfully grasped his hands.
Sighing in mock surrender, "Sure K, go ahead, he's moaned about wanting that dance with you for years, knock yourself out….", Bonnie played along. Then hands on hips, "But remember he's spoken for….."
Grinning, "Don't worry B, I'll try not to break him.", as she pulled him to the floor.
"You'd better not, I have plans for him later.", Bonnie smirked with one hand on her hip as she called out over the music.
By then Tara and Josh made their way over to Bonnie, "Well it looks like your hubby is finally going to get Kim Possible out of his system.", observed Josh.
"I don't worry about K any more, she's still stuck on Stoppable.", Bonnie chuckled lightly taking a sip of wine from Josh's glass.
Tara watched Kim lead her prey out on to the dance floor, "More than you could imagine Bonnie.", she said knowingly.
Her eyes open in askance, "What do you mean Tara?", Bonnie turned to her best friend.
Nodding to her, "I was talking to Kim a little while ago, and one of the big questions from last summer that she answered recently was who had paid for her schooling, and more, in England."
Looking back to the floor, "Yeah you told me about that mystery last fall. So what did Kim find out?"
Quietly, "Ron's 'rents did.", Tara replied as she turned to Bonnie.
Her head whipped back, "Say what?", the brunette in white almost got whiplash.
Sheepishly nodding, "Yeah, them.", Tara said to a jaw-dropped Bonnie. At her motions of 'go on', "Kim found a law firm holding the forms creating a Trust to pay for her expenses, no matter what they were, while she was in college.", the blonde said. After taking a breath, "And on the documents that created that Trust were the signatures of Ron's Mom and Dad.".
Bonnie's eyes opened wide in shock, "It had been done in advance, too, so Ron's family planned for this.", Tara continued.
Both girls looking sadly back to the dance floor where Kim was laughing at Junior's attempts to dance the Tango with her, rose in his teeth and all the exaggerated moves included, like a long-gone silent movie star did years ago, "Now that they're all gone to who knows where, I have to wonder how they pulled it off.", Tara huffed.
From off to the side where he'd been silently listening, "Actually honey, it's quite easily done.", Josh piped in after taking a sip from another glass of wine since Bonnie had commandeered his earlier.
Surprised at his statement, and that he'd been so quiet in slipping up to them as he had, "Josh?", Tara blurted. Then catching up to his statement, "What do you mean, quite easily done?", she shot back before taking in the appearance and slight wobble of her husband, "And are you getting drunk?"
Shrugging nonchalantly, "I admit to feeling a little giddy about recent events, honey,", Josh smirked, then pointed with his glass out toward Kim, "but remember when Ron had all that money?"
The two women's heads swiveled together back to the floor, "Yeah then he lost it all…", Tara said sadly while Bonnie cringed and nodded at remembering her part in that fiasco.
An eyebrow raised knowingly, "Ah but did he?", Josh asked.
"Yeah.", her voice a little empty.
Grinning mischievously, "Honey how can you be sure that Ron lost all that money?"
Annoyed at Josh's tone in talking about an embarrassing moment for her former crush, Tara replied as if it was so obvious, "That blue bad guy got it all…."
"All ninety-nine million?"
Rolling her eyes, "Well…yeah…."
Smug in coming triumph, "But how did Ron carry all ninety-nine million?", he said like someone laying his cards out one-by-one at a poker table. "He'd have to have a panel truck to carry that much money!", he tottered slightly. "Heck if he had a million stolen off him like that I'd be surprised."
Now frustrated, "Well mister smarty pants how would you know something like that?", Tara said with a look that screamed 'on the couch tonight if you aren't right'.
Obliviously taking a sip before continuing, "Ok Tara, here's how. Remember when one of my first sales was for two hundred and fifty thousand and the guy paid in cash?", Josh said and waited for her to remember. "And if you remember It took a pretty big briefcase to transport it all, right?", he said to refresh her memory further of that volume of paper money. "And Ron was supposedly carrying ninety-nine million bucks in his pants pockets?"
Tara and Bonnie stood quietly for a moment putting the pieces together before Bonnie finished first, "That rat! He scammed us. After that day I didn't think he had much money left…"
Snorting, "Nobody did as far as I know guys.", Josh said as he raised a glass to honor that moment of audacity executed in plain sight by their former classmate. "But that means from that beginning stake, Kim's education was paid for by Ron or his parents.", he said as the realization set in with the women. "And after that they all disappeared…..", Josh shook his head at the affair.
Turning to Tara and Bonnie, "But when you think about it, there's more to this than meets the eye about Ron's checks…", he said looking thoughtfully into his wine glass.
After a few moments, "And in light of what happened with those two after high school, you've just got to wonder what kind of money it would take to cover your tracks like that."
Tara frowned, "I may not know, but I'll bet there is someone right here at the wedding reception that could."
A questioning look, "Who would that be?", Bonnie asked, forgetting the background of the family she married into.
Smirking, "Your Father-in-law, Bonnie! Heck, if anyone had the connections to find them, one of the world's richest men should be able to do it.", Josh said.
A gleam in her eye, "Hummm, then maybe we'd better talk to Junior's Dad before we head home.", Tara smiled as she rubbed her chin, "A man with his connections should be able to find out something….."
Josh put his arm around his wife, "See why I married you….."
Jabbing him playfully in the ribs, "Watch it Mister Artist, I know why you married me.", Tara shot back to him. "And don't look so innocent either.", Tara laughed when she caught the pious look on her husband's face.
X
Sapporo, Japan:
(Master please close your eyes and center yourself.), the blond American instructed his Karate Master.
Pausing, (One moment Kaminsky-san.)
(Sir?)
(I wish to thank you for setting me back on the correct path, but if I may ask, when are you returning to class?)
(I will make the upcoming session and then I must leave in the morning to begin my internship where I will be all summer…..why?)
(I want to thank you for helping me with my meditations Kaminsky-san, if you need anything do not hesitate to let me know.)
(It was my honor to help you attain harmony in mind and spirit Master, think nothing more of it.)
(It was an honorable task that you performed, and I will never forget it. Now remember you must continue your practice either by yourself or with others. You have my permission to teach our style or to learn another to keep your studies up…..but when you return the work will begin again.)
(I understand Master, I had no intention of letting my immersion into our style stagnate, but thank you for allowing me to share your teachings with outsiders during my absence. I will try to honor you in what I convey to others,), Ron replied, (but right now our time is short and we need to explore another region before class. Then I have to leave in the morning.)
(Please lead me then young master.)
(When you enter region five please call me, Master, I will be waiting for you.)
X
The blond American pressed the buzzer. (Who is it?), a young woman's harried voice asked through the call box.
(Dean Kaminsky, Sekari-san. Are you and Saskua-san ready? I have dinner reservations.), Ron replied into the speaker.
After a long moment, (One moment please Dean-san.), Ukuma responded.
(I will wait out here then.)
He could hear some more random sounds and urgent whispers in the background, before, (No, no I will buzz you in. We are almost ready.), she said in a distracted tone. At hearing a somewhat peculiar rummaging sounding through the speaker, Ron smiled to himself.
Then laughing into the speaker, (Are you decent, I don't want to embarrass you.)
The buzzer sounded and Ron let himself into the apartment building and climbed the stairs to the apartment where his friend lived. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door, which opened on the first knock.
Standing in the door he found a flushed Japanese woman who seemed to be in some kind of haste, (Please come in Kaminsky-san.), she said as she let him in the apartment.
After a second Ron thought to himself, 'She's dropped the "kun" I wonder…'
(It would be my honor.), he said. (When is…oh hi Nantori, good to see you again.), as Ron greeted the sudden appearance of the young man from Ukuma's bedroom, who was hurriedly straightening out his haphazardly buttoned and tucked shirt.
XXX
Tokyo, Japan:
Pausing in the door to the room, the hard-face, stocky American man in an expensive Italian suit stared at the wizened and white-haired Japanese man in an immaculate locally made three-piece suit, seated in a very comfortable chair at the small wooden table.
Gesturing to the remaining chair, "Please Mr. Metz, have a seat.", the sitting offered the standing. Extending a hand to the tray beside him, "Before we begin to discuss our business, would you care for some tea?"
Caught off-guard by the informality, "Tea?..Uh sure…thanks..", his eyes narrowed, "But we've never met, how do you know my name? And since you are giving out information, what is the name of your organization again?", as the hood got his footing and tried to retake control of the meeting parameters.
And to see if he could get the old guy slip and give out his group's name in a game of cat-and-mouse he thought he was playing with an inferior player.
He was right on that count, but he was out of his depth as to whom the 'Cat' was and who was the 'Mouse'.
An up ticked corner of his mouth hidden within his beard, "You will soon figure out who we are Mr. Metz, but we know much about you: Mr. Percy Metz, fifty-one years of age, born in New Jersey, USA. Your parents are Joan and Herman Metz, though the Father you grew up with is not your biological Father.", Sensei said simply to the well-dressed thug.
Jaw-dropped and stunned, he offered no reply as Sensei continued, "Your Mother was a school teacher for the third grade and your Father was a bus driver…"
Angrily cutting in, "How do you know that old man? And if I wasn't in a meeting with you I'd kill you for talking about my Mother that way.", outrage rising as was he from his chair.
Waving him to sit again as Sensei placed a cup of tea on the table, "I know many things about you Mr. Metz…", he snorted, "The file I have on you details that you are the Primary Lieutenant for a certain person who remains well hidden in the shadows and also wants to destabilize this region in Asia.", he said to the flash of recognition in Metz's eyes.
Gently placing containers of honey and milk next to the tea, "Basically you are a gangster,", Sensei said, looking knowingly to eyes of narrowed anger, "who has sold his skills to someone with plans to make the world a worse place to live.", serene eyes locking with hardened ones.
Hands folded on the table before him, eyes calm yet unyielding, "Now as to insulting your Mother, Mr. Metz...all I have done is to provide facts. Do you dispute them?", Sensei said, settling comfortably in his chair.
Still off-balanced, Metz tried to regain some control over the meeting by leaning forward to his Host. But his realization that the perceived 'weakness' he first saw in his Host's eyes, held carefully masked 'steel', or a hardness he recognized in the eyes of some of his own heavy hitters.
Trying again to recoup some control over the meeting with the mystery man, Metz failed when he lightly flinched as he saw something else in his Host's eyes, something he knew to be absolute within the eyes of the innocuous appearing Japanese man. Something that he knew the old man only let him see briefly before it faded into the depths of his eyes.
A calming breath to cover his nervousness, Metz tried to appear unruffled as he leaned back into his chair, "N…no,", he stammered, then cleared his throat, "but my boss wants to know what it would take for your organization to look the other way while we do business in the Orient….."
A serene voice interrupted, "That..is an interesting way to phrase your proposition, don't you think young man?"
Angered at the interruption and the flippant question, "We are serious here!", Metz exploded. Regaining control over his inability to take charge of something he felt was supposed to be so easy with all the money and muscle he had at his disposal, "Tell me, how much would it cost for you to look the other way?"
Calm in his reply, "We will not sell our honor for a handful of rice Mister Metz.", Sensei's eyes betrayed no emotion. "The activities your group has plans for…..the killing of innocents, the survivors becoming drug addicts, and of course one of the most dishonorable acts, the sex trade which turns my and my associates' stomachs.", his eyes hardened, before he continued, "We and our friends will fight your evil deeds with all the resources that we possess.", his voice carried unspoken promise.
Seeing he was losing the negotiation, "We can turn your local gangs on you if you resist….."
No reaction from Sensei as he cut in, "You could if they were stupid enough to follow your directives.", he said in a way that spoke volumes to the crime boss. "The Mountain gives them just enough room for them to play and make a living.", he continued. Snorting lightly, "And the Yakuza gangs are smart enough to know that if they decide to play hardball with us, again,", he paused for effect, "then so shall we in return.", he said in a tone that spoke of confidence in what he said.
"And if they have forgotten the lessons learned from us in reining in their violent tendencies, they will relearn them on a broader scale.", Sensei said to his disbelieving guest.
"You must be joking…You? Cowed the Yakuza?", Metz was incredulous.
A corner of Sensei's mouth ticked up as he reached for his tea, "Once we gained their attention we did not have that much trouble convincing them of their futility in violently resisting our requests of them.", he said to his shocked guest.
After sipping his tea, "Though at first we had difficulty gaining their acceptance of our wishes, and I must admit we had doubts of peace in Japan between our group and their clans…", he said with a tone of concern, before his unsettlement passed, "But that was before one came to them to talk some sense into their leaders.", he said with eyes that bored into Metz's.
Realizing he was getting something he could use in a leverage debate he was badly losing, "Who? Who was it that talked to them?"
After placing his cup on its saucer and folding his hands in his lap, "A friend.", he simply said. Shaking his head at the sad memory, "All they had to do was to stop the ways of their violent past and they could have maintained a better form of existence than they currently are in now.", Sensei said with a look of finality.
Reverting to his own habit of solving 'crises', "A forty-five slug would shut him up…"
Stopping Metz with a piercing look, "Can you be so sure of that, Mr. Metz?", Sensei tried to disabuse him. "If you are able, see if you can bribe some of the Chinese officials to show you what the bodies of the men who were guarding those weapons looked like upon their discovery…", his eyebrow arched as Metz's face betrayed recognition. He had seen some smuggled photos from a burned source in China.
A tiny smirk, "Now realize that one man did all that." Metz did a double-take, "Yes, that is so, the same one who persuaded the Yakuza of the error of their ways.", Sensei said in assurance to Metz's disbelief.
Getting no reply, "Mr. Metz, take my advice, leave Japan and Asia as you have found it before you find your grave here.", Sensei's voice hardened. "You will have a long and prosperous life if you do so."
Struggling to reclaim his rapidly deflating bravado, "And if we don't?", he growled.
Shrugging, "Your grave, as I have already stated, Mr. Metz.", Sensei said as he reached for his tea. "But,", he said, an eyebrow rising, "you will never again visit with your Mother in the St. Petersburg, Florida Community Retirement Center."
Blustering, "How the hell do you know where my Mother lives?", Metz began to reach for his holstered pistol, stopping when he realized he was on his Host's Turf.
Taking a sip, Sensei replied, "How is it that you have no understanding of what you are up against?" Placing the cup down again, "But do not concern yourself of your Mother, I assure you we have no plans to intrude upon her."
Still burning at outrage of what his Host might have suggested, his assurances to the contrary, Metz remained quiet.
As his Guest squelched any reactions that would be costly, Sensei continued, "Asia is closed to you and your Leader, Mr. Metz. The business you and he are involved in is not welcome here.", his voice hard and flat. "We do not want you among us. GO HOME.", and with that Sensei stood from his chair and bowed to him. Then he turned and walked to a side door and out of the room.
Stunned at how this meeting went, he got nothing he came for and this meeting did not go the way he was used to them going, he jumped when a woman's voice came from behind him, "Please follow me, your transportation to take you to your hotel is waiting for you.
Nodding his head to the side door, "Who was that man?"
Looking to the door in reverence, "He is a powerful man and not someone to be trifled with Sir.", before she led him down the hall.
Not dissuaded from her description, and quite curious, "I'm sure my employer would like to talk to that old man…..", as he rose from his chair.
Frowning to him, "Sir I think that you should take his advice to go home and never return.", she said to him. Looking into his eyes, "His reach is very long."
Realizing her familiarity to the old man, "Do you belong to his group?", his eyes lit up in calculation.
Responding without giving out too much information, "I am distantly associated with his organization. Other than that I cannot say.", she shook her head as she continued on to his exit.
Smirking, Percy followed her for a few more moments. As they reached the door to outside, he slipped his hand inside his coat and pulled out a well-worn Colt Commander. Reaching forward he stuck it in her back as he grabbed an arm with his free hand.
"I think you're going with me girl.", he snarled. "I'm not done with that old man yet and you are my ticket to make him see that we mean business."
Nodding, the woman knew she was in a poor position to resist so she complied with his demands. She also knew that she would be rescued and that Percy Metz hadn't realized that when he took her as he did, he had just brought upon himself a world of pain yet to come.
At the car, "Get in.", Metz ordered, then followed her into the backseat of his chauffeured car.
Quietly seated across from the thug, "You have earned an early grave Mister Metz.", she told him as her hands were tied together by his flacks.
Smirking as he retrieved a cigar, and lit it with a flourish, "And so have you unless the old man speaks to my boss and learns to make his people leave our people and enterprises alone.", he said before took a victorious puff and exhaled a cloud of smoke.
Pointing to her with his cigar hand through the grey cloud, "And if I find out that any of your people had anything to do with what happened earlier I might have to take matters into my own hand.", he grinned evilly at her. "Too bad for you.", he smirked.
Shrugging, "That has yet to be determined.", the woman replied. To this Metz smugly chuckled, and then sat back as he gloated over his good fortune. The meeting hadn't gone the way he would have liked, but with his hostage he may have just found a way to get this 'Mountain' off their collective backs.
After they had traveled a few blocks they stopped at a light. Feeling secure in his situation, "So I take it you know my name.", he said, making small talk to pass the time.
At her nod, "Well seeing's how we're going to be spending some time together, what's yours?", he asked as the light turned green.
Her eyes betraying no emotion, "My name…is Yori."
XX
His body wound like a tightly coiled spring, anger radiating from his being, he looked on through shaking field glasses, (I will kill you.), an Asian man hissed under his breath from his rooftop vantage point across the street from the building where Sensei and Metz held their meeting.
Suzie looked to his trembling form, her eyes hardened, (Hiro, do you wish Wanda and I execute him?)
Lowering the glasses but not his blood pressure, (I wish to exact a vengeance of my own.), he said taking a calming breath. Then fixing her with a look, (But if he has accomplices you may join in…..)
From the other side, (Do you wish to bring in our Special Asset?), Wanda asked as Sensei approached.
Taking in the serious expressions of three of his former students, (What is wrong my friends?), the Ninja Master asked them.
Hirotaka growled, (It is as you have foreseen Master. The one you met with took Yori as a hostage.)
(Have you discovered what Mister Metz wants?), referring to the hidden microphone Yori wore.
(Yes he wants no interference in Asia and he is willing to sacrifice Yori as a means to that end.), Hiro growled. (Should we discourage him from this behavior?)
Sighing regretfully, (It takes more for some to learn than for others.), he said to himself. Then to the trio, (Bring in Stoppable-sama, this is more his specialty.)
Snarling, (I do not need Ron-sama to rescue Yori-chan and to kill that…..)
Cutting him off, (Yes you do, and unlike you he will be objective….your emotions have clouded your judgment which could be your undoing.), Sensei said while pointing to Hiro.
Then pointing in the direction where Metz and Yori drove off, (You wish to return Mister Metz in many boxes to his employer? You will get your chance, but we must also wait and see if he has friends here who are a part of his operation. Once we are certain of whom and how many there are, then we may act.), he said as Hirotaka deflated in response.
Holding up her cell phone, (I will notify the Chosen One immediately Sensei.), Wanda Wang told them and pressed a speed-dial button on her phone.
XXX
Sapporo, Japan:
Exiting the taxi cab, (Well it is good to see that you too have decided to become boyfriend and girlfriend.), Ron smiled at the 'new' couple as they stumbled out after him.
The Kamikaze Skier from the winter weekend-trip glanced to the recipient of his collision and blushed as she squeezed his hand, (It was a mutual decision Kaminsky-san…), he said before "Dean's" ringing cellphone cut him off.
Ron frowned and flipped his phone open to look at the displayed number. Quickly Ending the call he frowned, (Excuse me I must take this call, and I am sorry but I also must take my leave, I have unexpected business to attend to.), he apologized as his mood suddenly went somber.
Bowing to the two, (Something has come up and I must part from your company tonight.), he followed up to their mystification. (But still, good evening guys, you have fun tonight.), he smirked. (In the morning I have to leave for my internship, but I will keep in touch by email, I promise. Now good night and have a good summer.)
After hugging Ukuma and shaking Saskua's hand, Ron quickly walked to a secluded spot away from the sidewalk.
Watching his rapid exodus in concern, (What do you think happened?), Ukuma asked her new boyfriend.
Shaking his head in confusion, (I don't know, but he sure looked worried.)
XX
After securing his immediate area of eavesdroppers, Ron brought up the last number dialed to his phone and pressed 'Send'.
XXXX
Things in motion on one side of the world in the game of catch-up-if-you-can while on the other side dark events are starting. Kim's dance with Senior shed some light to each of a few things unknown that fills in some blanks, and Ron's life is moving along with the occasional encounter with the bad guys.
Hopefully the following chapter is ready sooner, but life and other things make no promises. But we will be back.