Hi there and welcome back to our monthly…addition to our tale of 'Storm Chaser'. Life and other things do keep a person busy and so does taking care of this tale.
Before we get going we'd like to thank the following for their Reviews, Faves, Alerts and Follows: sperosvengence, Sword of the Azure Rain, ajwl1970, Granholm, Jimmy1201, Uberscribbler, Beckman, Randamwriter, the ever present Guest, Sentinel103, cruel vamp, Adv Auramaster, Neff98, DaFuzzz, levi2000a1, UtCyborg, Rye-bread and Mahler Avatar, thank you one and all.
Last time we found Kim at the wedding of Bonnie and Junior, mingling with friends and former foes, and taking that ever dangerous step of dancing with Papa Senior and Junior, Junior…Well at least one of them is more practiced at the Tango than the other. But while dancing, Senior took advantage of a long-practiced tactic used by cloak-and-dagger types to impart Intel to their partner, and in this case bring Kim up to speed about so much of her previous life with Ron. Some of the information was enlightening, some frightening…But secrets were learned and promise of an ally in Kim's search for Ron came from this event.
Meanwhile Ron continued his assistance of the Karate Master's retraining before his parting for the summer, but not before taking his friends, one old, one new, to dinner. And true to the legacy of our friends in KP, Ron had to break off to help with a continuing problem Yamanouchi has had since his arrival to Japan. A meeting of the minds, one wise, one calculating, were at an impasse in negotiations and the calculating 'mind' decided to make a Command Decision to sway the situation in his favor.
He knows not what he's about to bring upon his group. But shortly, they will…
Before continuing we have to deny the Sharks at Disney their chomp on our livelihoods: Kim Possible and the characters of the program are from Disney, we make no cash from their inclusion in our tale. All others mentioned are our creations or their own entities.
Storm Chaser
Chapter 23
Sapporo, Japan:
Assured of his isolation, the blond American spoke into a phone which had no number in its lit display. (Yes.), he said grimly.
A woman's voice, just as grim, in reply, (We have a situation Chosen One, one in which your special abilities may be required to diffuse.)
Grunting his reply, (What do I need?)
(The blade and your gear.), came back. (There will be a car at your apartment in twenty minutes. All members of Team Orange are activated.)
Nodding at the implication, (I will be ready.)
An ominous tone, (Be ready…you may have to harvest lives.), sounded in his ear.
His face set, (I understand.), he ended the call.
After a pause Ron turned and ran towards his apartment building, time being of the essence, as he started down a mental list of what he was to do to prepare for this sudden mission. Though lacking in mission Intel, all the unknowns of what he was being called upon to do pushed from his mind all thoughts of the dinner conversation he was going to have with his two friends that night.
XXX
Tokyo, Japan:
Percy Metz smirked from his seat in the rear of the large car across the way at the pretty young Japanese woman in his 'company'.
Though not afraid, she did want to project an air of vulnerability, "What are you going to do with me?", Yori asked as she feigned a tremor in her voice.
His smile widening, "My Corporation has a warehouse a few miles from here and my friend here,", waving to the driver, "will take us there. From there we will contact your mountain people and I'm sure we can make them listen to reason.", he sneered.
Another puff of his cigar, "The situation that my people face has been complicated by you people long enough.", he exhaled and pointed to her condescendingly.
Yori frowned, "The Mountain does not take threats well…"
"If they care about how they get you back they will.", his grin very sinister.
Tilting her head, "So you are desperate?", Yori asked to gauge his take on just how much Yamanouchi had bothered these foreign criminals who had invaded the Orient.
A grimace before he covered it up, "Not as desperate as you will be if they don't agree to our terms little girl!", he snapped before recovering his self-superiority over the situation.
A tiny smile, "Japan has laws against people like you…"
"And we will get off scot free anyhow.", Metz crowed. "You see, we have connections of our own within your government.", he gloated. Shrugging, "Anyway we'll be long gone before anyone can do anything to us.", he arrogantly puffed his cigar again.
Her face neutral, "Your arrogance will be your downfall…"
Leaning into her face, "And you had better hope that your faith in your friends isn't yours, little girl.", he smugly exhaled another drag from his cigar.
Yori's coughing and gagging was her reply.
XX
From her seat in the black helicopter distantly trailing the car, (Well what do you want to do?), Wanda asked Sensei as she lowered her binoculars.
His face grim, (Let us see where they take Yori-kun. It will do us no good to act before all of our assets are in place.), from his seat in the cabin.
Sitting across from Sensei, a stone-faced Hirotaka bit out, (If they harm a hair on Yori-chun's head I will kill them all and send the body parts back to their employer.)
Calmly looking to him, but his serenity barely hiding his own simmering anger, Sensei replied, (We will send their body parts back to their employer, Hiro-kun.), he reminded his young Shinobi. (This is an insult which Yamanouchi will not let go unchallenged.), he said with an edge in his voice.
Turning back to Wanda, (Is The Chosen One enroute?)
Nodding, (Yes Sensei, but he has no idea of the situation…)
A sharp grunt cut her off, (Good it is better that he doesn't, his head comes to us clearer if he doesn't brood much on this.), Sensei said. (He cares almost as much for her as Hirotaka does, but isn't as close to her.), he stated while looking to Yori's husband, (He will react as he has trained…willed himself to be.)
Then to Suzy, (Now do we have any idea of their destination?)
A knowing smile belying her own anger, (Yes Sensei, they are on a one-way to a warehouse district I am familiar with from a previous mission to watch over some gangs in this part of the city.)
(Good.), he grunted to Suzy. To Wanda, (Update the pilot of The Chosen One's aircraft. I want it to land at the closest airfield. Have a helicopter ready to transfer him as soon as we have our final coordinates!), he ordered.
Nodding as she made the call to make his orders so, Wanda marveled that while Yamanouchi's Headmaster was angry, his head was quite clear as he moved his assets as quickly and precisely as he could under the circumstances presented to them.
(There is a small municipal airport three miles away, shall we use that?)
(If it is the closest one to where they take Yori-kun…yes, but keep them apprised of our final location.)
(I will also have ground transportation waiting for him.)
XXX
Senior Island:
The red head strolled barefoot on the exquisite beach's powdery soft white sand, her heels slung over her shoulder as she enjoyed the 'massage' she received from the shifting surface.
Beside her, her host smiled as she reveled in the experience, "Miss Possible I am quite serious about helping you find young Mister Stoppable.", he said sincerely. Waving a hand to her, "To me it seemed like the two of you belonged together.", his smile forlorn.
A heavy sigh, "I thought so too, Senior, but if I hadn't tried to fix my breakdown by myself I think he'd still be by my side.", Kim said equally forlorn. Shrugging, "Who knows where we'd be…or what we'd be up to right now.", she said as she looked down the beach, "But truthfully maybe in the end…maybe, it was that I wasn't good enough for him.", her voice drifted off.
Scoffing, "Miss Possible, that is nonsense for you to even consider that of yourself.", Senior admonished her. "As an impartial observer of your relationship with Mr. Stoppable, it was nothing of the sort with either of you.", he said firmly. "Life, in its own unpredictable way, has intruded on your relationship with young Ronald, and now you must make the most of regaining what was lost or interrupted by your circumstances."
Before she could reply, "Now I have taken it upon myself to pry into your and Mister Stoppable's private lives.", he reminded her. "I can tell you that over the last seven years in the known world, no Ronald Stoppable has married.", he said to her rising hope, "At least under his true name.", he informed the now deflating red head.
Continuing with his findings, "Also I am quite aware that he has some assets, some of which you have probably learned of by now. However there is no one by that name on the lists of any of the exclusive clubs anywhere in the world."
Surprised, "I never thought about looking there."
The smug grin of a man quite experienced in ventures such as these, "Miss Possible I have paid staff in many countries across the world, and they keep me informed of what my allies and my foes are up to.", he said to Kim's chagrin. "It pays for a man of my means to keep track of them, don't you think?", to her nod of realization.
Taking a card from his coat, "All of the resources I have at my disposal I offer to you in your search for your Ronald Stoppable.", he said to her shock and surprise. "This card lists a phone number an email address and a website address which only you will have access to."
Her breath caught as she hesitantly reached for it. "Any pertinent information regarding Ronald Stoppable that has been discovered by my sources,", with a warm smile, "will be there. All I ask is that you provide my staff with a password which only you or a confidant will know so that you can download this information for you to study at your leisure.", he finished to a teary-eyed red head.
Looking to the card, then to him, "I just hope that no one has hurt Ronnie or that he hasn't been the victim of foul play…"
Waving off her fears, "I am certain that none of your former foes have done anything with young Mister Stoppable. All of them have sworn to me that they know nothing of his whereabouts. And if they hear anything they also promised me that they would notify me or my staff."
Still stunned, "I…I don't know what to say Senior…"
A gleam in his eye, "A simple thank you Papi will suffice Miss Possible.", Senior playfully smirked. "It is my wish for you and Ronald to find each other and be content as you were in the last part of your senior year."
Sighing wistfully, "I hope so too."
"Maybe this is the Lord's way of making you two sure that you are ready for each other."
Frowning lightly, "I hadn't thought of it that way, but I wish someone would tell me what the rules are so that I can play the game right.", Kim harrumphed.
"I suppose it isn't supposed to be so easy Miss Possible, but if you stay true to your mission I believe you will be successful in your quest.", Senior replied.
Then looking to the west and smiling softly, "Isn't the sunset beautiful today?"
Turning and taking it in, "It's lovely, I can see why Bonnie loves it here."
Senior chuckled lightly, "I think she originally came here because she could get a good tan.", he said to Kim's amused snort. "Now I think she will stay here because she is family now."
"I'm sure she'll think so, Senior, her family life back in Middleton wasn't the best for her, so I think she'll become the person she was meant to be.", Kim agreed. "Now as to visiting Middleton, you and Junior should have no problems after the blanket pardons given after the invasion to those who wanted them.", she reminded him with a warm smile.
After a few moments of pleasant silence, as each were looking to the deepening colors of the sky from the setting sun, "Life sure is funny.", Kim said in reflection. "I accidentally got into the hero business…I didn't plan on beating up goons through my high school years.", she said quietly before shaking her head with a small grin. "I just wanted to be a cheerleader. Now look at where I am today...what came of it all and the path I took so far."
Looking to her in a way that spoke volumes to her of his long life of many experiences, of his years of living a life that was so rich in the varied events he experienced, "Lives change, Miss Possible, and we adapt to those changes, or we may not persevere to become the person we were meant to be.", Senior sagely said to the young red head, taking the long view of things with one who at times doesn't realize such options.
After a few more moments of reflection, Kim nodded and took the arm offered to her, "Now let us return to the reception. I wish to see if there is any more cake remaining,", he said with a mischievous gleam in his eye, "I too wish to savor this day as long as possible, Miss Possible."
Laughing lightheartedly, "Oh you said that on purpose Senior, but it was a good one."
XXX
Tokyo:
Pointing to a row of large buildings, (The car is pulling into that line of warehouses.), Suzie Chin called out. (I think that we need to send our location to Stoppable-sama's plane and have a car meet it.)
Sensei nodded, (Make it so Wang-san.)
Wanda made the call again as Suzie, switching from infrared, thermal, to normal lighting, relayed as much information as she could to her.
Placing a steady hand on Hiro's arm, (Be calm my Son, we will save Yori-chun.), Sensei lowly said. (All of your team is activated and standing by.), he said in assurance. (Remember, she has faced many dangers, so she knows the dangers. But these people want to hurt the innocent, this we must not allow.)
Calmly the young man sat as the helicopter drew closer to their destination. His outward quiet, however, deceived no one, as all were sure of the raging volcano the young man hid from view was just waiting for the moment when it would erupt on those who had taken Yori as their bargaining chip with Yamanouchi.
Given the reasons for his turmoil, it was an unspoken agreement that none of Percy Metz's entourage was expected to survive this indignity.
XX
(Sir, make sure you are buckled in tightly. The airport is in view and we are landing on a short runway.), the co-pilot shouted back to the blond American.
A sharp nod, (Let's get down there.), Ron said curtly. (Do you know where to let me off?)
(Yes, there is a car waiting just off the tarmac for you. We will stop and let you off there.)
X
Swiftly Ron exited the airplane, and nodded to the older Japanese man in dark slacks and white shirt who held the rear car door of the idling car open for him as the plane closed its hatch and pulled away. Rather than enter the car, Ron tossed his equipment bag into the back seat and gestured for the man to continue to the driver's side of the car while he went to the front passenger's seat.
As they drove away, (Do you know where to take me?), the blond American inquired, the tension thick.
A curt nod, (Yes I have been contacted through the Headmaster.), was the reply.
Eyes narrowing, (Do you know who I am?)
(Yes Sir, but I have this.), he replied and rolled a sleeve up to reveal the small tattoo on the inside of his forearm, a twin to the one Ron also had.
Relaxing somewhat, (I see honored brother. It is good to meet you.)
(The honor is mine alone.), the older man said as he dipped his head respectfully to Ron.
Ron, in turn did likewise as they sped closer to their mission.
XXX
Gloating to his 'guest' as his ten hired men guarded her, "Alright little girl, sit yourself down in that chair and stay quiet, you're going to be here for a while.", Percy Metz said to Yori after they entered on office in the warehouse-hideout.
After complying, "So, do you know how to get a hold of these 'Mountain' people?", he asked as several drew closer to her for intimidation purposes, while he sat in a chair directly in front of her.
Looking neutrally to him, "The Mountain will find you…"
A hand quickly appeared and slapped the Shinobi, leaving a red handprint on her cheek.
Her eyes cold, (You will die before the sun rises, fool.), Yori said when she faced him again.
Murmurs from the group, "What did she say?", one of the others finally asked.
Raising his hand again, "I don't know.", he growled. "Listen bitch I asked a question. I expect an answer.", Percy said, apparently intending to 'convince' her to tell him what he wanted.
Her eyes betraying no emotion, "Yes I know how to contact them."
Reaching into his suit jacket he removed a cell phone, "Call them up, if you mean anything to them they will want to speak to me.", Percy bit out, "And I want that old man too!", he roared.
Yori frowned and held out her hand. She quickly punched in the numbers, waited a moment and spoke, (The fools wish to speak to Sensei.), then held the phone out so Metz could hear the reply.
A woman's voice was heard on the other end, (Sensei will be here in a moment Sister.)
Percy reached out and snatched the phone from her, "If you people value the girl, put the old man on, now!"
"Is the female unharmed?"
Eyeing Yori as one would prey, "For now yes, but don't test my patience."
"Very well, the old man whom you wish to speak to will be here momentarily."
"I want him on the phone now or I will begin removing pieces of the girl…"
A sharp voice replied, "The old man does not move so fast, he uses a cane. You must give him some time, we did not expect your call so soon."
"He's got two minutes or I start cutting off parts.", the gangster shouted into the phone.
Over the phone a male speaking in Japanese was heard in the background; then the woman was heard to say, "I do not think he can be here that quickly. Now if you begin to harm the girl chances of peacefully resolving the issues between our groups will be seriously hampered.", she stalled for time. "The girl's family has government ties and if she is injured there is not much we can do to keep the military from getting involved in this matter."
"What do you mean?"
An edge in her voice, "The military will seal the borders; the resulting trial you receive will only be to carry out seppuku. There will be no publicity, there will be no jail cell, no prison sentence.", she explained over the phone, "Only a very slow and painful death."
"What is this sapecute?"
"It is what you Americans refer to as Hari Kari or belly slicing…..it is quite agonizing and if done correctly should take over a day for you to perish…which you give you ample time to contemplate your failures.", she said then went silent for a few seconds.
Before he could speak, "However you won't have to worry about doing it correctly, there will be plenty of volunteers to perform this for you and your men.", her voice ominous with promise. "If you hurt the girl enough they will storm your building. That will be the last anyone from the outside world will see of you.", the woman said darkly.
Sputtering, "We will take hostages…I'm warning you!", Metz shouted back at the threats he'd heard.
Her voice tight, "You have one Sir…we will have all of you…well the ones that survive that is.", Wanda said matter-of-factly.
Then before anything could be said in rebuttal, "Here is the old man."
An old gentleman's voice came on, "Mister Metz what have you done and what do you want?"
"You old fool; my organization wants access to Asia without your interference! I told you this a few hours ago!", he shouted into the phone.
XX
A few minutes earlier:
Standing across from each other in a room of a nearby warehouse, (Stoppable-sama you made excellent time.), the white haired ninja master bowed to his protégée.
The blond American also bowed lowly, (Master I am always at your call. What is the situation?)
(American gangsters have kidnapped Yori-kun and are holding her hostage.)
Tensing, (That is dishonorable Sensei.), Ron replied as a door opened and Suzie Chin entered.
(Sensei…Master Stoppable, the kidnappers are on the phone they demand to speak with the old man.)
Turning to her, (Very well, I will be there in a moment, but tell them I am a frail old man. That will buy me time to speak with Ron-sama.)
The petite Japanese Shinobi bowed and grinned, (It will be my honor.), before she exited the room.
Ron again asked, (What do you require of me Master?), his demeanor grim.
Looking pensive, (I do not know as yet my friend, but please keep your station here until I have finished with the gangsters.)
Nodding, (I will stay with Hiro while we await you decisions, Master.), Ron bowed. (Where is he?)
(He is meditating behind the door on the left; I think right now he could use some company.)
(Yes Master, I understand.), and both made their way out.
XX
Back to the present:
Eyes narrowing, "Yes you did Mister Metz and I told you the reasons that we could not accommodate that request.", Sensei replied evenly to the gangster.
His tone light, almost mocking, belying his intent, "I have this girl…and she is very pretty.", he sneered at Yori, "I also understand that she has family who are in your government, old man."
No emotion in his voice, "That is so, Mr. Metz. The young lady you took with you is the daughter of a very close and powerful friend..", he let linger. "I highly suggest that you release her before this gets out of hand."
Snarling back, "No old man! You listen to me! She is my bargaining chip in this discussion of our differences between us, and if you don't want to receive parts of her body in the very near future I suggest that you send over a companion for her to converse with."
Puzzled, "Why should we give you another hostage Mister Metz?", Sensei asked.
"Because of this…", came the response followed by the sound of two distinct slaps.
"Until you agree old man, my men will have some fun with her. Maybe a lot of fun if you catch my drift.", he let linger.
Sighing while pinching the bridge of his nose, "What are your terms Mister Metz?"
"Old man, I am so not naïve as to believe that we can reach agreement so easily or so quickly…so like I said I want someone to come here to stay with us as our guest."
"I am sure that…", Sensei began to reply.
"No!", he cut Sensei off, "Something tells me that you might try to slip some agent in on me and you know that we just can't have that.", Metz spat.
Eyes narrowed, Sensei muttered in reply, "What do you want then?"
After a pause of a few seconds, "Hummm let me see…Yeah, I know, I want you to bring an American in here.", the gangster replied.
Surprised, "An American?", Sensei nearly blurted humorously, "Where am I going to find one of those?", as years of training and discipline kept him from all but announcing to the gangster Yamanouchi's good fortune of eliminating the necessity to insert Ron covertly into the scene.
Gruffly, "I don't know and I don't care, but you have thirty minutes or the girl starts losing body parts.", Metz shot back.
"I will try, but this might be difficult…"
Metz snarled back, "I don't really care, that's your problem.", he warned. "Now I will have the girl call up after the allotted time, so make sure you have one! Goodbye for now.", and the call ended.
Wanda Wang frowned after listening in on both sides of the conversation, (Master where are…)
Sensei smiled grimly, (Do we not have a resident American among us, young one?)
Not making the connection just yet, (Yes we have Stoppable-sama, he is here…)
(And they expect that in our haste to grab a random Occidental, we hand them an incapable individual of no concern to us.), Sensei smirked to Wanda, who nodded in realization. (Now if you will excuse me young one, I have to speak to him one more time.)
Smirking in return, (Yes Sensei.), she bowed low.
XX
Sitting on the floor, across each other, in a Lotus Position with eyes closed, (How are you holding up my friend?), Ron asked his old friend.
His breathing controlled, but labored, (I am attempting to remain calm Ron-sama. I fear what they may be doing to Yori-chun and those thoughts burn my soul.), Hiro said after a cleansing breath. A slight tremor running through his body, (If they do anything to her I will kill them all and hunt down their families and murder them in cold blood as a warning to everyone who wishes to injure my family.), the young man growled.
Ron's voice calm, (Fear for loved ones is a great pressure on us who try to do good for others. You will not be alone.), he said soothingly. Then harsh, (People will die today, Hirotaka, this I swear. She is special to me as well.)
A resigned sigh, (I know Master, you gave her up so that she could be with me…)
Cutting him off, (No you were right for her…you always have been…), Ron assured Hiro. (You are the only one who would make her totally happy.), he said in full sincerity.
Sighing after several moments passed, (It took me many long months meditating in my place in the cosmos as well as several of my friends before I came to understand this. Her happiness has been foremost in my thoughts.)
Grunting, (I suspected…)
(And you were accepting of what Yori and I had,), Ron said, then sighed in sorrow, (but it was a lie on my part and in time it would come to hurt her…I would never want to hurt her or you.), Ron quietly said, and then leaned over to put a hand on Hirotaka's shoulder, a small smile on his face, (I could never come between you and Yorishi-kun, she is Yamanouchi's greatest treasure,) then a scowl, (and I swear she will get out of this alive and unharmed.)
Stunned, (Thank…you Master.), Hirotaka stammered.
Gently gripping his shoulder, (Not Master…friend, we are brothers.), Ron clarified.
Both young men rose to their feet as the door quietly opened.
(I have spoken with the kidnappers; they have threatened Yori-kun with bodily harm unless we accede to their demands of opening Asia up to their operations.)
Ron and Hirotaka looked to each other; each knew that there was no way that could happen. Hiro asked, (Then we attack?)
(Not at this time.), Sensei said to both. Then looking to Ron, (They also want an American hostage to ensure that we will not do something foolish.)
(An American?), Ron inquired with an expanding smile, (A sniveling coward of an American?)
(Do you know any Americans who can be used today?…I think they made such a demand because they were certain that if they asked for a Japanese they might have gotten an Agent instead.), Sensei explained.
Ron stuck a thoughtful pose, (Ya know, I think we might be able to find one on the streets of Tokyo; there are a few in walking around here right now, you know?)
(Very well Ron-sama, this is what I had in mind. For now the purpose is to make sure Yori-kun stays unharmed. Her and your safety is the utmost priority at the moment.), Sensei said. (Wanda is sure they have roughed her up a little.)
(I will do the best I can Sensei. When do we want to try this?)
(We are awaiting their call. I think they want someone who speaks English and can be cowed easily.)
Hiro smirked, (Boy are they in for a surprise.)
Sensei's eyes narrowed, (Indeed, but before you act you need to conduct intelligence on their organization and any pertinent members…we would like to have the name of the head men in this organization we are facing so that we know who to instruct on the finer points of being nice.)
His head cocked in calculation, (I may act when I feel the time is right?), from Ron.
Cautiously, (I wish you would wait until the rest of Team Orange is present however Ron-sama.)
(Their actions will dictate my actions then, thank you for clearing that up for me.), gleaning an answer he could work with.
Sighing heavily, (If things go downhill you may act as your conscience dictates.), Sensei said as he felt the coming of a headache.
(Master this is not to sound disrespectful, but I will ensure that these hoodlums will kidnap any more of my friends.), Ron said in complete seriousness.
(I know you will do what you must Stoppable-sama…but please remember that in order to succeed we must know who we are fighting.)
(I promise I will get the information that you require Master,), Ron said with a hard gleam in his eye, (but I also promise they will have a body count too.)
XXX
Senior Island:
"Hey guys.", Kim called as she waved.
Standing on the beach and watching the moonrise with his wife, "It's a beautiful evening isn't it?", Josh waved back as the red head approached them.
Looking to the scene before them and back to the pair, "Yeah…and that was a heck of wedding too.", Kim said, then sighed wistfully, "And it's a lot different from the first time Ron and I were here."
Josh looked to her in mixed emotions, "Yeah, uh, Mister Senior mentioned something about that."
Her eyes a little distant, "It was back when..I guess we were freshmen or sophomores, and we had a mission to find out what was causing power blackouts in Europe.", she said, her voice soft in the memories. "We finally narrowed it down to this island and all the power Senior was using for Junior's humongous sunlamp.", Kim rolled her eyes at the absurdity. "We were doing pretty good at that point with my explaining other less intrusive means of maintaining the power needs of his island, until Ron,", she mirthfully sighed, "mentioned that this place would be an ideal lair, complete with lasers, moats and spinning tops of doom.", Kim giggled.
Jaw-dropped, "You're kidding?", Tara gasped.
"As if.", Kim smirked. "Well Ron's ideas were listened to by that old man,", she rolled her eyes, "and he had more than enough money to make those ideas work,", she shook her head at the memory, "and the next thing you know he and Junior are among the top five villains in the world.", she rubbed the bridge of her nose.
Then looking off, "Ahhhh, sometimes I wish it was still that way though.", Kim sighed, "I'd still have my little blond love machine and we'd be making plans of our own.", she frowned sadly. After musing a few seconds more, "So are you guys planning on heading back to Middleton in the morning?", she looked back to her friends.
Tara piped up, "Yeah since Bonnie and Junior are going on their honeymoon, we had better head back home...Josh has his things to get in place and I have to make sure my supplies are in for my classroom.", she explained. Then rolling her eyes, "If they're not Mister Barkin is gonna skin me alive.", Tara shook her head, then took a faux thoughtful pose, "He hasn't changed all that much, has he?"
Kim snorted, "At least we're not there anymore Tara, well as inmates."
Josh smiled as he wrapped an arm around Tara, "From what I've seen of him since we're no longer under his 'care', I'd say no to that, Kim.", he chimed in.
Then squeezing Tara around the waist with Kim looking on, "Senior asked if I was interested in doing some portraits for him and his family…I think I'll say yes, so next summer we can make it a working vacation of sorts where you would be off from school and visit with Bonnie while I get Senior's requests made."
Her eyes bright, "That would be nice Josh, Bonnie and I could have some time together then.", Tara squealed happily.
Nodding pleasantly, "Good I'll tell Mister Senior before we leave in the morning.", Josh replied.
XXX
Tokyo, Japan:
Answering on the first ring, "Yes.", Wanda said crisply.
"Have you found an American?", Percy Metz growled back to her. Though he demanded a random hostage of a non-local, he really hoped they couldn't fill his 'request' so he could play with the one he had.
Though he knew hurting his Japanese hostage would lead to serious repercussions, he was willing to do so to show this group that he was serious about his other demands of this obstacle to his outfit's overall plans in the Orient.
Looking sidelong to her companions, "We…uh had to kidnap one from one of the college campuses, but yes we have a young American like you requested."
"How did you get him?"
"We dragged him off the street.", she snapped as she rolled her eyes, 'How do you think we would have taken him', she barely was able to keep from sarcastically replying, "Now where are we to deliver this gaijin to you?"
After several seconds of dead air, "A what?", came the confused reply.
"What do you mean?"
"Jegun?"
"It means outsider, someone who is not of Japanese blood…therefore , in our eyes, he is less than human.", Wanda explained in the hope said American wouldn't kick her tail the next time they met in the dojo to spar, but she had to say something which would add credibility to her claim about the hostage provided to Metz.
Snarling, "You people aren't racist are you?", Percy snorted.
"No more than some of the people in your country.", Wanda shot back. "Now this person will be wearing dark blue pants and a light blue shirt.", before he could retort further.
"Make sure he doesn't have any tracking devices or radios and you know that I don't even need to mention anything about weapons do I?", he growled back.
"He will not have a wire or any type of weapon, you may frisk him when he gets there.", Wanda replied.
"Good! Now write this address down girl.", Metz ordered.
X
Wanda read the message back three times until it was memorized. The last, that the auto containing Ron would be met by another car for the final leg to his destination.
"It will be a few minutes to get the American to you Mister Metz.", she advised him, her voice neutral before she growled, "But I warn you not to harm the girl…"
"You are not worried about the American?", his voice incredulous at her shifting of tone.
Equally as incredulously, "Why would I be, he is not Japanese." , the tall Shinobi snapped her phone and the call shut.
Turning to him contritely, (Stoppable-sama I apologize…)
A gentle hand on her shoulder, (Think nothing of it Wanda-kun,), Ron's smile said it all to her. Then his face hardening, (The first priority is to make sure that Yori-kun is safe. But don't worry, I'll try to leave you and Suzie someone to play with.), his grin equally feral to her own.
XXX
According to the very recently prearranged plan the dark panel van flashed its lights and received the same from the navy blue car. After a few seconds each group exited their respective vehicles and cautiously walked to the other before stopping several paces distant.
Peering at the mostly Japanese group, "Is that guy the one?", an American across from them quizzed.
Barely keeping his rage in check, "Yes.", Hirotaka hissed back; so close yet so distant from his desire to exact revenge upon them.
Nonchalantly, "Who's he?", another pointed to Ron.
Producing Ron's wallet, "Here are his IDs, you may ask him yourself. We have no need of him.", Hiro said before he roughly pushed Ron towards the American thugs.
Stumbling to a halt before them, "Who are you kid?", one of them asked Ron as one would talk when they held the winning cards in a poker game.
Befuddled, "Uh, Dean…", Ron said as he began to play his part.
"Dean what?", was the harsh reply.
Eyes wide in fear, "K…..kaminksy, uh Dean Kaminsky.", he stuttered. Looking to both sides in anxiety and confusion, "What do you guys want with me? I haven't done anything.", the blond American nervously asked.
Gruffly, "What are you doing in Japan kid?", from one of the group across from him.
"I…I'm a student here.", Ron stammered.
Getting in his face, "What are you studying kid?", he asked, backing Ron up into one of his 'captors'.
Cringing, "H…history and language.", Ron replied. "Why?", his inquisitor shot back. Sputtering "I...wa..wanna get a job in a big company.", Ron stuttered.
Pulling back slightly, "So you can speak the lingo?"
Breathing a little easier, "Y…yes, I live here you know.", Ron relaxed a bit. Looking to those across from, "How would I be able to function if I couldn't communicate with the Japanese?", he said a little incredulously.
Looking smugly to his group, then to the others and then Ron, "Look kid, here's a tip; the Japanese are not your friends.", he sneered as his group laughed at Ron.
Wide-eyed, Ron looked to the rough looking man, "W…what do you mean?"
Grinning maliciously, "They just put you in a very bad position at your expense. How's that sound to you about the folks you want to live amongst and work with?"
Paling, "They wouldn't…"
Sneering, "They just did kid…", letting his 'revelation' sink in with his new hostage, "And the only way you are going to survive with all your body parts is for them to negotiate with us about some..trading rights.", the hardened goon laughed hoarsely.
His eyes now glinting, "You see, you're added insurance that our 'talks' go the way we'd like them to.", the goon snarked to Ron. "And if we run out of the girl's parts before they see the light, we start sending parts of you to your family.", he growled menacingly, then waved Ron forward to them.
After Ron took a few steps to them, he growled, "Stop right there with your arms out and palms up.", and approached their hostage.
Confused at being summoned, then stopped, "Why..?"
'Swack!' A goon who had circled him hit Ron on the back of the head.
Another who came in from the other side, "Shuddap kid, we're gonna frisk ya…so don't get lippy.", as they roughly 'checked' Ron for any surprises he might have on him.
Ron paled as he glanced back at his friends as they returned to their van, and moments later they were gone.
"Yeah go ahead, it's not like I can stop you.", Ron forlornly said.
As the two of them thoroughly checked for hidden surprises, weapons or wires, one of them popped the blond in the 'nads to send the message that he was in a very bad situation.
Though he expected the shot, Ron still dropped to his knees in a cold sweat, so two of the other gangsters picked him up to continue their 'pat-down'.
Satisfied they had found nothing to be concerned of and smug that their message had been delivered to their hapless hostage, the one who took the cheap shot snarled, "Alright, get in before we have start carving on you before the girl."
His demeanor radiating worry, but not for himself, 'I hope Yori is alright and these guys don't kill us before I can find out what is going on.', passed through Ron's mind as he got into the back of the car with three of the men prodding him along.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm going, I'm going so don't push so hard.", Ron chided his hosts.
Once in and the doors locked, one on his right placed a hood over Ron's head, "We really don't want you to figure out where we're going…"
The now sightless blond asked, his voice muffled in the hood, "Whatever for? I mean here I was walking along a street getting ready to go to class and these two dudes grab me and now you say something about losing body parts…what the hell is going on?"
"We want something and to ensure that we get it we're taking hostages. The people who grabbed you are local gangsters and we are gonna play a game seeing who's tougher.", another said.
Stiffening in his seat, "They're Yakuza? Oh man you gotta stay away from those dudes…I've heard that they can be brutal!", Ron blurted out as the car drove through the warehouse district.
"Trust me kid we are just as brutal as they are.", one of them warned with a jab of a knife in Ron's ribs, "Want a taste?"
Flinching, "Uh, no not really.", to their sarcastic laughter.
After a few minutes the car stopped and Ron was roughly pulled from his seat. From inside his hood he heard a door open and the sounds and echoes of others walking around inside what he could tell was a large room.
A few seconds later he was slammed into a wall and then pushed up against it.
Growling, "Come on, I'm moving. I can't see ya know, this isn't helping you any.", Ron said when he heard another voice he had hoped to hear, "What did you do, kidnap a gaijin?"
Ron then heard the voice of one of the men who had roughed him up, "Shuddap girl, just more body parts to remove.", he said as he shoved Ron further into the room and forced him into a chair. "We'll just let you two get acquainted and we'll be back in a few minutes." Then the door was closed.
Unsure that the room was not bugged, "W…what's your name?"
From beside him, "My name is Yori, what is yours?"
Turning slightly to her, "Dean.", he said. "Now that that's out of the way, do you know what they want with us?"
"We are as you Americans call it, a bargaining chip."
"Yeah I gathered that from what they said. I don't understand why but I guess we'll find out soon enough.", Ron said as he pulled his hood off and winked at Yori.
Sitting quietly Ron scanned the room as he continued to ramble, "So you are with the Yakuza?"
Feigning indignation, "I most certainly am not! My group fights them.", Yori replied as Ron motioned for her to talk.
"Oh I just wondered what I had gotten involved in. What are you guys?"
"We are called The Mountain and I am loosely affiliated with them.", she said, eyeing him curiously. "What are you gaijin?"
Smirking, "Foreigner huh.", he winked to her, a gleam in his eye. "Well can I see that you're not one of those racist Japanese.", he snarked. Shrugging, "As for me, I am just a simple student going to school abroad, but Mom and Dad aren't gonna be too happy with their only son being carved up.", he sighed. "I can't say I'm too thrilled about it either. I guess I was in the wrong place at the right time."
Cocking her head towards him, "So you are not going to cry?", Yori asked in surprise.
Shrugging, "What's the purpose of that? I think it will just make guys like this enjoy what they do to us even more."
Apologetically, "Sorry about the gaijin thing but I simply call them as I see them, and when you arrived I took you for someone who would whine or cry.", she replied with a gleam in her eye, that he slightly nodded to.
"Oh, and where would you get an idea like that?", Ron egged her on.
Airily, "Oh just from what we learned about your people in our history classes and how we should have beaten you in the War!", she snarled at the end.
Continuing in his covert surveillance of their surroundings, "Oh I don't know how you could figure that, especially the way you started our involvement in the war.", he snarked back. "I mean, c'mon! You had to, without honor, sneak attack us at Pearl Harbor like you did?"
"What?!", she shrieked back. "What do you base such a foul claim on our country's honor like that?", Yori spat, while also clandestinely assisting Ron in scrutinizing the room.
Shrugging while continuing his scan the room, "Hey, take it any way you want to, but if you'd picked a fight with us honorably…we probably would have sunk your whole fleet…in two weeks!", he said sarcastically.
Hissing, "It was a mistiming issue if you remember…"
Snorting, "Yeah attacking our Military and our Citizens on our soil without provocation was mistimed?", Ron said, then with a hand he covertly motioned for Yori to look to a small device secured in a corner near the ceiling.
Defensively, "That was just the final act of stating our claims against your country,", Yori stated as Ron pointed out the wires, "which tried to withhold from us the oil and materials we needed as a country to survive…"
Waving her off, "Sure girl, I've heard it before…all they are…are excuses."
Snorting back, "That is something coming from a person whose ancestors stole their country from the peoples who had lived there for thousands of years…"
Smirking, "Oh yeah?", he winked to her, "I have just three words to say about that: 'Comfort Girls'…'Nanking'."
Yori's shriek could be heard throughout the warehouse.
XX
Laughing at the scene on the closed-circuit display on the desk, "Well Mister Metz, those two seem to be hitting it off quite well. Do you think we should interrupt them and get the girl to make contact with that old man again?", the underling suggested.
Shaking his head, the underboss replied, "No let's give them a few more minutes to warm up to each other and then we slap the American around a little. After that we'll have her call them.", he smirked, "I want the old guy to know we're roughing them up."
Leaning back in his chair, "You know we ought to just kill the old guy. We all know he's in charge and if we eliminate him we should be able to push these guys around.", the underling said, pointing to the girl onscreen.
Percy frowned, "No, we have to wait on that. You know Mister One Eye has to make that decision…you don't know if that action would start a war and we really don't know yet what they have in terms of soldiers."
Disdainfully, "Oh come on they're just a bunch of slant eyes…"
Pointing onscreen to 'Dean', "You forgot one of them; he could be European or even American."
"Like that kid?"
"I'm pretty sure he's not like that kid, I mean he showed some balls there, but it takes a real tough guy to kill like that one guy did…this kid isn't even on the same planet as that guy."
X
After a few minutes more passed, Metz looked at his watch, "They should be getting nervous by now, go get the girl, it's time for her to make another call.", he pointed two men out to retrieve Yori.
They reappeared a minute later doing their best to hold on to the thrashing young woman as they entered the room. Struggling mightily, "Here you are boss...Jeeeze, she's full of fight again.", one of them growled to Metz.
Reaching into his coat Metz pulled out his semi-auto, and casually pointing it at Yori, "Are you ready to call them again? I want to talk to that old man again."
"Call them yourself!", she hissed, a bit more aggravated then they thought she should be under the circumstances.
Eyebrows up, "What's wrong with you?", Metz asked, surprised at the venom in her voice.
"That American is despicable, I hate him!", the raven haired undercover Shinobi spat.
A snicker, "You just met him…what's wrong with him girl?", he leaned back in his chair enjoying the show.
In complete outrage, "He thinks that he has the answer to all questions. His ego is larger than he is.", Yori ranted.
"Well if you want to get away from him,", he said holding the phone to her, "then call the old man. The sooner we have the agreement the sooner you can go back to your friends.", Metz told her.
Her eyes eager to the point of desperation, "And the sooner I can get away from that brash American?", Yori blurted out.
Looking sidelong to her, "Ah..yeah, sure…now if you would make the call.", Metz sidestepped and offered her the phone.
Quickly placing the call, she switched to Japanese, (The hoodlum wishes to speak with Master Sensei.)
(One moment Sister.), Wanda replied and held the phone out to Sensei.
Sensei, waiting for the call, motioned for the phone. Placing it to his ear, (Yori how are you?)
Having taken the phone from Yori, "Old man if you want to see the girl again, and in one piece, you will go to where you dropped the American kid off at.", Metz demanded. "I want to speak with you about your group staying out of our business."
"So you want to get me into a place where you have the advantage Mister Metz.", Sensei asked, his voice one of quiet simplification, "Do you think I am a fool? One simple bullet to the back of my head then your troubles are seemingly over.", the white haired ninja master shot back.
"We just want a deal…"
"Forgive me if I do not believe you, Mr. Metz.", Sensei interjected, "Our recovery of the weapons and aircraft and the killing of your men in the process gives me doubt that you just want to cut a deal with us.", Sensei sagely shot back. "If nothing else the truth of your actions lead me to believe you wish to disable my organization to further your organization's plans in the Orient…Am I correct in this presumption, Mr. Metz?"
"That was just the cost of doing business,", Metz replied offhandedly, "I'm sure that my employer would overlook those setbacks if we come to an agreement."
"I highly doubt if you can trust me or that I can trust you.", Sensei let hang for a few seconds. "Yes you have the girl, but she may just end up being a casualty of this endeavor of yours."
"I do not want to harm the girl…"
"Then release her!", Sensei shouted.
"Then how will we negotiate with you?"
"Take me as your hostage then. You will still have two. The girl will go free and the government will stay uninvolved."
"What if we decide to kill you?"
"Then what I mentioned to you before will take place. My associates know the location of the warehouse and where you are within it.", Sensei intoned ominously. "I can promise you that if I meet my end there so will you and the men who work for you.", Sensei promised. "Then there will be a reprisal on the rest of your organization.", he said harshly. "My associates have promised me that your employer will be one of the first casualties."
"You don't even know who he is.", Metz laughed.
"But you do and you can be made to talk.", Sensei retorted.
The gangster laughed nervously and changed the subject, "Not very worried about the kid are you?"
"Why should we be? He is nothing to us!"
"Then we should let him go?", Metz asked trying to gauge the old man's interest in the American.
"Do with him as you please.", Sensei replied in a dismissive tone.
"Good! I think I'll keep him since he doesn't mean anything to you; we can have fun with him that we won't put the girl through, then.", Metz snarked ominously. "Have your people drive you to the place where we got the American earlier."
"So that we can make the exchange?"
"Yes the exchange."
"Be there in fifteen minutes old man!", Metz growled and snapped the phone shut.
After he closed the phone Wanda hissed, (Do you trust him?)
His eyes dark, (No, but at least we have a chance of freeing Yori this way.), Sensei replied.
Fear in her eyes, (But he wants to kill you…)
Looking evenly to her, (People have wanted to kill me before, Wanda-san, but I'm sure that we have the resources to thwart this from happening.)
Angrily shaking her head, (Stoppable-sama is going to be pissed you know…)
Cocking his head matter-of-factly, (He gets upset once in a while.), Sensei shrugged before going off to begin the endgame with these particular gangsters.
X
The members of Yamanouchi waited in the van as the other car approached and flashed its lights. Four very large men exited the dark sedan, the last one pulling a hooded female from within the car. One of the men motioned for Sensei to begin walking towards them, then whispered something in Yori's ear.
Another one of the men pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and aimed it at her back as she walked forward.
When Sensei reached Yori the man who spoke to her yelled, "That's far enough girl, stop right there." Then all four aimed their pistols at them, "Old man we have guns trained on both of you. I don't trust you and until we can work something out about this, you're both going to be staying with us."
XXXX
Things are primed for events to come. And I think the resulting events…will be far-reaching.
Oh yeah.