Hi there and welcome back to the next installment of 'Storm Chaser'. Again life intrudes but I think I've beaten the monthly gap in postings…

Before we get rolling, we'd like to thank the following for their Reviews, Faves, Alerts and Follows: Uberscribbler, Randamwriter, Jimmy1201, ajw1970, Sword of The Azure Rain, Robot Wolf 26Z, Sentilel103, levi2000a1, Beckman, pbow, and etse. gee, thank you one and all for chiming in.

Previously things are ramping up in Japan as dishonorable moves made by the mobsters under a flag of parley with Yamanouchi are being countered by the Ninja Academy calling out their heavy artillery in retaliation: Ron Stoppable. Meanwhile Kim's garnering assistance from one of the most powerful men on the planet, Senor Senior, Senior in her search for her missing boyfriend. Talk about both sitches coming complete with back-loaded explosive ordinance…

But while the mobsters believe they hold all the cards to this game of dirty poker with Yori in their clutches, they unwittingly add a Joker to the deck as they believe that a hostage from a country with splash and dash for media coverage will keep the Ninja 'honest' at the table rather than risk other outside prying eyes in Japan. Those mob guys just don't know how badly they rigged the House against itself…

Kim, on the other hand is wrapping things up at the Senior, Junior-Rockwaller wedding before returning home for a summer of rest, relaxation and returning to her hunt for her Ron.

Now before we get started, we need to starve the well-fed sharks: Kim and the gang are the property of Disney and we get no money from their inclusion in our tale of fiction. All others are our own creations or their own selves.

Storm Chaser

Chapter 24

Tokyo, Japan:

Standing before the seated and bound American, his outrage shaking windows and rattling doors, "You punk! I skinned my knuckles on you. I oughta give you a Colombian necktie for that!", Percy Metz yelled as he rubbed his hand, then backhanded the blond American with a resounding 'Smack'.

A knock on the door stayed the fist cocked in follow up, "Yeah, come in.", Metz called at the annoyance.

Shoving them in before following, "Here's the old man and the girl Mister Metz….", one of the goons announced.

Then after taking in a familiar scene, "Ah it looks like you decided to start without us. Havin' fun yet?", he cheerily asked as others entered behind him.

Stepping back from the bleeding man seated before him, "Just softening him up some Witsome.", he said. Shaking his hand out, "You wanna take over? This one's got a hard head.", he lamented.

Looking up through bloodshot eyes, his nose bloodied, Ron noticed the new figures entering the room.

Hoarsely the blond American quipped, "So you brought the girl back, huh?", as he painfully smirked. 'Your problem…but something tells me she's tougher than any of you.", he sneered. Then he nodded towards the man, "And you brought along an old geezer too, huh?"

Shaking his head in wonder, "Dunno why ya did, but I wouldn't underestimate him if I was you. They look harmless enough at first look, but given the opportunity they might slap your ass around in a heartbeat if they get the chance.", Ron rambled on like he did while being pummeled. Gauging his success based upon each wisecrack he made to get under the gangster's skin.

Moving to grab Yori, "Girl do you want to trade places with the wimp? It looks like the boss hit him one too many times.", one of the goons asked with a sick grin, having no idea just how much trouble he was getting into the further he goaded her.

Snorting, "Sure you clown let the girl have some of the fun; some gentleman you are!", Ron quipped before another fist crashed into his face and snapped his head to the side. A small smile flittered on his face at his ability to keep their attention on him.

Slowly turning back, the blond smiled and spit blood onto the floor in front of his assailant.

Sensei, interrupting Ron's apparent retaliation, said, "I do not think that hurting the girl or the boy further will cause me to bargain with you Metz."

A gangster menacingly stepped toward Sensei, "Do you want to try this out ya geezer?"

Pivoting his head slowly, "Young man do not enter where you fear to tread, for one may come who will fill your heart and mind with dread.", his eyes stilling the advancing thug.

Cutting in before anyone else started something, "Alright, break it up!", Metz shouted. Pointing to them, "I'll give you three a few minutes to talk this out.", Metz said before he and his three goons exited the room. After the door locks were set they heard the sound of footsteps fading down the hall.

A few more seconds passed before Yori quietly walked over to Ron and untied him. After he sagged against her in feigned collapse, they hugged briefly. Then Ron stretched and rubbed his wrists before discretely motioning Sensei to follow him to the camera's blind spot.

Pointing out the 'bug', Sensei smiled, nodded and both walked back in range, "So young man I see you have not been treated well. I am very sorry about getting you involved in this matter, but there wasn't much I was able to do at the moment.", he said, placing a hand on Ron's shoulder.

Continuing the charade, "No big Sir,", Ron shrugged, "the 'D' Hall bullies in high school where rougher than that fat ugly guy who was working me over.", he replied with a smile and a small wink, his tone of voice giving nothing away to the listening devices in the room, "What's his problem?"

Sagely, "He is a lost soul my young friend and his actions show he should not be worthy of your concerns for his well-being,", Sensei replied, "but the fact remains that you have been put in danger through no fault of your own. I humbly apologize for these animals and their tactics.", Sensei smiled, playing for the camera and microphones that Metz and his goons had put with them.

Ron snorted, "I think the big fat one is a girly boy….", he said while rubbing his chin. "Well he hits like one anyway….ya know, I think he likes me…so what do you think?"

Doing her best to not break out in laughter and blow their sham over Metz and his crew, "I was not aware of this, how do you know?"

Continuing to ham it up, "Earlier he grabbed my thing and winked at me.", Ron said to sow a little discomfort amongst his captors. Striking a thoughtful pose, "Hmm, I wonder if he does it with his buddies?" , he pondered, fully aware if the mobsters were listening in he'd be set for more abuse when they returned. And he wanted them to be more focused on smacking him around than Yori, something he definitely was worried about.

Struggling to keep a straight face himself, "I do not know young man. Have you had much experience with people like these?", Sensei replied, and was also beside himself with mirth for the moment, helping buy time for Team Orange to infiltrate the warehouse.

As all straight men do when their sexuality is challenged, "Not me, I like girls like this cutie here…", he blurted while pointing to Yori. Then self-consciously backing down, "Uh you're not her Dad are ya?", Ron said apprehensively, "I mean if we get out of this I might wanna ask her for a little romp in the hay….."

At her limit of this nonsense, Yori spoke up, "Never mind fool.", she twitched an eyebrow at Ron, before looking to, "Sensei what have you decided to do in this matter?", she calmly asked him.

Waving dismissively at Ron, "This buffoonish American has no clue of the danger that we are in. These…these animals could kill all of us.", she reminded them.

Nodding, "I agree young one, we are in great danger, but this group of mobsters does not understand what they have caused.", Sensei frowned. "If your Father calls our office they may not know enough to tell him anything else but what has happened with you." Then grimacing convincingly, "I shudder to think what his men are capable of if something happens to you Yori-kun.", he said as she rolled her eyes out of camera view.

Lightly gripping his arm in urgency, "Has my Father called asking about me?", Yori plead.

A short shake of the head, "As of when I was captured, no, but if I remember correctly he does have reason to call today…you have a birthday party to attend for one of your nephews….am I correct?", Sensei strung out more yarn to this tale for the gangsters.

Yori sighed loud enough to be heard and nodded, "I am afraid it is so, Mother wanted to make sure that we all attended the function.", she said. "Of course if they beat me and I was to appear afterward my Father would ask some very harsh questions and I cannot lie to him. And he will call if I am late."

With a small wink to the pair, "True and as he controls a battalion of commandos I fear none of us would survive if we get caught in the crossfire.", Sensei sighed. "Should he learn of such a calamity heads would be sure to roll.", he added before giving off a 'Humph'. "Though it would not be possible, I would have liked to have seen the look on Mr. Metz's face when he realized he had bitten off more than he could chew."

Playing his nervous stranger in a strange land he had yet to comprehend, "Uh, Mister old guy…", Ron awkwardly butted in, "I don't know about you, but I want to live a little longer. I mean I have babes to see and you know…well get to know better.", he said with the bravado of the young, not-so-bright and male of the species. "That's why I came to Japan, ya know? To spread the love around!", he finished grandly to the 'are you kidding me?' looks Sensei and Yori struggled to conceal from prying lenses.

Composing himself before replying, "I understand my young friend, but you should be aware that there are two sides involved in this that would have no problem with seeing your demise."

Nodding, "Yes Sir, I came to that conclusion after about five minutes in that chair. So as far as I am concerned I highly suggest that you tell them what they need to know.", Ron urged.

Then holding a hand to his bloodied head in thought, "You know it's a wonder..with all the questioning they did with me in here, that they didn't think to ask if I had ever heard the name Tom Franks.", Ron paused. Then narrowing his eyes in concentration, as if to conjure a memory, "The last time…I heard of him…he lost most of an arm.…", he stopped suddenly. "Hmmm, I wonder what happened to him?", Ron directed to the surveillance equipment's microphones.

Scratching his head further, "His buddy didn't make much noise after he was cut in half.", Ron smirked. "In fact I heard it was sorta gross in a cool kind of way from what I was told."

XXX

GJ HQ, Middleton, Colorado:

Staring open-mouthed at the data on display before him, 'I gotta inform Doctor Director of this!', the African-American teen genius sat incredulous. A few seconds later, he pushed 'her' button on his control panel, a heavy sigh emanating from him.

"Yes Doctor Load, what do you have?", crisply from his intercom.

Sweat beginning to bead on his forehead, "Ma'am…..we finally got that data package back from the NSA on the XP-76 that we got back last Christmas.", Wade finally got out.

Impatience dripping from the Director with, "Andddddd?", which came back after a few seconds of silence from his end.

Sputtering while trying to come up with the words, "Well I don't know how to say this, but…well…"

Her patience at an end, "Please come to my office and bring the information with you Wade.", her was ordered.

Gulping, "Yes Ma'am, I'll be there in five minutes.", was the reply.

X

Betty's door was already open in anticipation of his arrival. A soft knock brought her focus up from paperwork on her desk, "Come in Wade.", the eye-patched woman said.

Hesitantly approaching her desk, his documents, laptop and other information in hand, "Ma'am I have that data from the security system of the XP-76. There are some interesting things shown.", Wade offered timidly.

"Please Wade, have a seat.", Betty said warmly. Then her eyebrows furrowing, "I thought the NSA said there was nothing they could find from that data.", she said matter-of-factly, "So what did you come up with?"

Nervously, "Well I have a few friends..who worked on that project,", Wade began, "and I guess the NSA and the CIA weren't really as forthcoming..with us as they said they were…and, they didn't pass along the gag order to some of the technicians on the project.", Wade said after thinking on what he wanted to say. "And they knew that we wanted anything that they had…"

Growing weary of his tap dance around Extra-Agency toes, "So how did you get it?"

Shrugging, "I guess by accident Ma'am.", Wade said as he plugged his computer laptop into the system in Betty's office, "Here is what I got."

Viewing the split screen on her whiteboard, one view of the cockpit, the other of the cargo bay, they noted only the cockpit showing any activity. Gauges and dials in motion the only indication of flight taking place; the cargo bay dimly lit up but empty.

Some time had passed before a man appeared in the cargo bay, the gauges and dials were now motionless in the other screen-half. The flight had ended.

Narrating, "I guess the plane got where it was going and that guy…and here comes a couple more.", Wade said as two more men appeared. The first one in the cargo bay had already moved into the cockpit as his appearance changed from one view to the other.

Still looking to the whiteboard Doctor Director asked, "Wade have you run any facial recognition software on them yet?"

Also looking to the board, "No Ma'am when I realized that we might have something here I decided to talk to you first to let you know that we at least have something.", he replied.

"Good.", she said. "Now go over that data and if you need more resources contact Agent Du. When Kim gets back from her trip I will have her assigned to the project with you, but for right now view the data and see what you need to get started because we both know that jet didn't just happen to fly itself to Japan."

"Yes Ma'am and I talked to Kim right after the wedding; she should be on the plane over the Atlantic by now."

XXX

Fight BA237 over the Atlantic:

Settling in comfortably for the long trip home, "Well guys it looks like Bonnie can rest for a while now.", Kim said from across the aisle of the large passenger jet.

Smiling back, "She has her guy Kim, and Junior is everything she's ever wanted…", Tara replied before giggling, "Well she had to work on him for a while, but he's come along quite nicely." After a few moments Kim joined in.

Wiping tears of mirth from her eyes, "I agree Tara, we both know Junior's a work in progress, and I think Bonnie's more than up for the task.", she giggled again, and then her eyes wistful, she looked to Tara's left hand and then hers, "But the way it's going Monique and I are gonna be the last ones standing. " With a sigh, "Neither of us will have Maids of Honor standing in our weddings, just Matrons."

Tara snorted, "Maybe so Kim, but you know, based on past history with you two I thought that Ron would have come back by now."

"I don't know Tara, if all between us was still as it was up through graduation from Middleton, I'd say you were right.", Kim's eyes clouded. Sniffling, "With things as they are now, I'd say I just don't know if I'll ever see him again.", tears forming.

Wiping her eyes, "And if the information I got from that lawyer is right Ron has more than enough money to start over somewhere else, to maybe buy an island if he wants and stock it with a harem of super models….", her smile bittersweet at a memory, "Why would he have anything to do with a broken down old girlfriend?", her lip trembled.

Deciding to enter the conversation and possibly keep Kim from breaking down, "Kim I don't think that Ron could ever stop loving you.", he said firmly. "He was so in love with you it was sickening.", he smirked. Then after a few moments passed, "After what happened in Middleton that fall, I think, maybe he went off thinking he had to make himself better for you…and he might be just waiting for you to find him, wherever he may be.", grasping at straws at this point.

A pained look on her face, "Then why didn't he even tell Wade?", Kim lightly wailed. "He could have told someone."

Quietly, "He probably did Kim.", Tara replied. Looking to Josh then back to her, "We know he at least tried to talk with your parents.", she said to Kim's flinch, "We just have to figure out who Ron told before he left."

Nodding sadly, "Well I know he didn't tell Nana, she wouldn't have held that back. He must have told…", Kim drifted off for a second, "…Renton.", in a drawn out realization. "Felix is the only guy besides Wade, Ron talked to all the time.", she said in a rush, as she started to unfasten her seat belt, "I hafta see Felix."

Reaching a hand across to the red head, "Kim you can't walk off the plane while it's still flying; we're going to be in the air for another six hours, for Pete's sake!", she admonished, her hands making a settling motion, "Just relax for now. When we get in to Middleton we'll call Felix and meet with him, ok?", Tara said.

Her cheeks tinged, "I used to be able to do that…..", when she realized what she was about to do.

"Yeah, like four or five years ago you mean.", Tara drawled in jest. Then sympathetically, "Kim you gotta relax….."

Now headlong in hope, "Yeah, but after meeting with that lawyer and now figuring out that Felix might have an idea of where Ron is…well maybe the wait will be over for me. Then Ronnie and I can get our lives back on track."

Trying to speak realistically to her friend's expectations, "Kim…", Tara tried, but...

"Tara…", Kim lowered her voice because she also had Josh's attention, "I need to find him and make it better between us.", she said contritely. Then pouting, "And I miss my little sister, too."

Not familiar with a 'sister' in Kim's or anyone else's proximity to her, the platinum blonde frowned, "Ron's adopted sister, Tara.", Kim filled her in, "We always talked about her being our Flower Girl."

"Flower…Girl?", Tara grasped, until realization, "You mean…used at weddings?…", the pieces to that puzzle started to fall into place, "What are you…", the light came on overhead, "Kim, did Ron ask you to marry him?"

Nodding sheepishly, "Uh yeah, well sort of.", Kim timidly said. "We had talked about it before high school graduation, and in retrospect that was one of the things really freaking me out. Until he actually asked me, I had thought that he was going to ask me sometime in college…", she said in a rush.

After taking a breath, "And then months later, here I was nuttier than a fruitcake.", she said while rotating a finger in a circle at the side of her head, "My innate Kimness, as Ron used to call it…the idea that I could handle anything, especially away from home for an extended period of time, for the first time in my life…I freaked and just wanted to keep him from seeing me this way…", she said as she held her head in her hands.

Tara almost snorted about the 'Kimness' comment, but reached across the aisle to grasp Kim's hand, "Kim…", she said seriously, "Think for a moment…right before you graduate from high school, Ron proposes to you and within weeks of your starting school in England he hears absolutely nothing from you or your family…to the point of intentional avoidance, both in Middleton and from England.", she said to Kim's dawning horror. "What do you believe Ron thought about during all of this?"

Even though it had been rehashed in so many ways to her over the last few years, this simplistic description by a distant observer brought home to her just what she had done and what this probably looked like to the boy who gave his heart to her, a heart he pledged to her to the point of throwing all that he was away to protect her at her most vulnerable, and if memory served, more than once, too.

Hell, he had killed for her, to save her from a horrifying death at the hands of psychopathic aliens, and his soul and mind probably paid a price that she never had to consider. Kim had heard of such things from listening to stories her Nana told her in her late teens of Combat Veterans, Police Officers, and Firefighters she knew who had been involved in life-and-death events that haunted them for years, finally ending with their leaving this mortal plane.

Though in all the years they talked of such, Kim knew Nana had her own stories to tell, yet never did with her; something Kim now felt she understood why. She realized that of all they had in common in their lives, years removed from each other, the one shared experience she did not have with her Nana was what her, and she could not bring herself to include 'ex' in describing him, boyfriend did.

To her further dismay she now knew what Ron's summer had probably been like while she was preparing to go off to school. His night terrors reliving what could have been, or what he had actually done over and over again each time he closed his eyes to sleep, while she obliviously strove on in her preparations for college, never noticing or realizing the Hell he was going through. All this suffering Ron lived through unnoticed by his busy girlfriend and her driven personality, moving to the next phase of her life while he remained in Middleton…alone.

As she observed the red head's slow motion reaction following her shorthand summary of that summer and the subsequent months of personal hell, known to one but not of the other, and though she didn't know all the details of Kim's current internal torment, she knew she'd have to intervene, soon and quite directly, or all the work done to pull her friend out of the psychological abyss her first years away from Middleton had been would come undone.

Squeezing her hand firmly, but gently, "Kim…Kim! You've always had too much on your plate. I remember your whole life during high school was about being the best person you could be while helping out all kinds of people.", Tara said quietly.

Gently shaking her head, "Kim honey, you did the best you could do and a heck of a lot more than ten other girls combined.", she said as she tried to get through to the red head who seemed about to emotionally crash all over again.

Her eyes shining, "I know Tara, but I failed Ron when he needed me most…and as a result I,", she sighed, "cost us our happiness.", Kim trembled.

Firmly grasping her arm again and shaking it slightly, "Kim you have to cut the pity fest before it drives you nuts again. What's past is past; you know what happened and what to look for now…you're a smart girl just don't make the same mistakes again."

Nodding shakily, "T…thanks Tara, I won't.", Kim sniffled, and then wiped her eyes with a napkin.

Patting her gently on the arm, "So what are you going to do when you get back to Middleton?", Tara asked to move the topic away from such a sore subject.

"Besides finding Renton?", Kim raised an eyebrow, "I have more training to do, and I asked Doctor Director to send me to Japan for a few weeks…And I think Wade wants to come along."

Surprised at this, "Japan? Why are you going there, Kim?", Tara asked.

Sniffling, "Well we went over there right for a mission after your wedding last Christmas and met this Japanese couple who offered to show me around when I returned. They could help us with local sitches and such, and Wade believes he's reacquired the right coordinates to that school Ron went to for that Exchange back in high school.", she said as she wiped her eyes. "And I want to see if the Headmaster of that school knows where Ron might be if he's not there."

Nodding tongue-in-cheek, "So GJ is going to basically send you to Japan to find Ron?", Tara replied with a gleam in her eye, "I mean that's awfully nice of them, but wouldn't this fall under the category of using Agency resources for a personal matter?"

Blushing at the implied conflict of interests, "Well they want to find him too, so it does tie-in with this being a business trip for GJ, also.", Kim replied at being caught out a little. "But they also hope my visit to Japan can help open lines of communication between them and us that we don't have right now with the Japanese Authorities, and eventually other countries in the Orient."

Confused at the implication, "Why is there a problem like that with them, Kim?", Tara asked.

Furrowing her eyes, "For some reason most of the Asian countries don't want a standing Global Justice presence of any kind there and we're curious as to why.", Kim frowned at the thought of being involved in international politics like this.

Tapping her chin thoughtfully, "Well they are their own sovereign nations so they should allow outside agencies operate within their borders at their discretion.", Tara opined on the matter.

Shrugging, "I suppose, but we don't try to run their countries, we just want to be close by in that part of the world so we can be better able to help them out should they ask for our assistance.", Kim supplied in rebuttal.

Still not assured, "I don't understand it either Kim, but maybe they want no outside interference for matters of their own lives over there."

Sighing in resignation, "Yeah I guess you're right.", Kim replied. "But anyway GJ has officially asked Japan if we would be allowed to make the visit, but we haven't gotten any word back yet. I sure hope they let us.", she said in worry.

Curious, "Why were you in Japan right after the wedding?", Tara asked. "We sorta were a little distracted right about then and missed you heading over there."

Responding without giving away National Secrets, "Well the Japanese found…something they thought was United States property and they invited some engineers from here in to inspect it.", Kim said cautiously. "They also invited some GJ people too as impartial observers."

"And were you impartial Kim?", interested in the intrigue her friend had been involved in.

"Yeah…", she shrugged, "Well as far as our involvement in this went, we didn't have to decide anything, the engineers from the company that made the item were able to prove ownership through part serial numbers and individual stamps placed on several parts within the item.", Kim summarized. "The Japanese officials overseeing the event agreed so we didn't even have to say anything.", Kim explained, "But we had an interesting dinner there afterward."

"Oh, what did you have?"

"Uh I don't remember, but Wade, Dad and I met this interesting Japanese couple. They offered to show me around a little the next time I was in Japan."

"Whoa that's pretty nice of them Kim.", Tara said before she stifled a yawn. "Well I don't know about you, but Josh and I were busy last night so we're going to take a nap.", Tara informed Kim with a wink.

Smirking, "Sooo, what were you doing Tara?", Kim teased, "And was it fun?"

Blushing as she nodded, "Yup it was, and it was something that you'd like to be doing with Ron when you catch him.", she smirked back. Yawning again, "Listen, I'll talk to you in a couple of hours, ok?"

Laughing lightly, "Alright, but don't try any of that stuff on the plane, you might find yourself in handcuffs.", Kim teased.

Crossing her heart with her hand, "Don't worry, we won't.", Tara said, before both women giggled.

XXX

On the road, somewhere:

Monique glanced over at the blonde haired young woman sitting next to her in the car, "So did you have fun with Mike last night Justine?", she coyly quizzed her friend.

A beaming smile in reply, "Yeah I did, and it was a good thing we were able to meet this time 'cause he's shipping right back out in a couple of days.", Justine replied before frowning, "But tonight he has to stay on the ship. They're preparing to get underway again somewhere else.", she groused.

"So I take it you did enjoy your time with your handsome fiancée?", Monique smirked.

Looking gratefully to her friend, "Yes! And I can't believe that you worked that out for us Monique, I am forever grateful for this little getaway."

"Your Mom helped set this up so you should be giving her a big hug too.", Monique added.

"I will, don't you worry.", Justine nodded. Then sighing, "Yeah, it's going to make getting through his last year in a lot easier to deal with."

Smiling warmly in reply, "Well get some sleep.", Monique said. Then with a wicked grin, "From what I gather you didn't get much of that last night. Then you can take over in about four or five hours so that I can rack out for a while too.", Monique laughed lightly, "You know that guy had better go on a diet or he might roll over in bed some night and crush you….."

Smirking, "Not a chance Moni, I lay my head right on Mikie's shoulder. I think even if he was in a coma he would know where I was."

"You'd better hope so; I think he's bigger now than he was in high school."

Grinning dreamily, "He's so gentle around me, Mo, and just think, in less than a year he's going to be out…", she said as the wheels turned in her mind, "Now that I think of it we're going to be married in a year…MIKIE"S getting out in six months.", Justine squealed, almost causing Monique to run off the highway.

Tossing a glare at the blonde after regaining control over the car, "Calm down girlfriend, that ear is sensitive,", Monique said as she cleared it with a finger, "Possible use to yell in it."

Sheepishly grinning, "Sorry Moni, but I just got to thinking about it…", Justine apologized. "And besides, I'm only going to be away from Middleton for one more year before I move back home."

Looking sidelong to her, "Why are you coming back girlfriend?"

Looking off through the windshield, "Well after I complete my PhD at MIST, I have a tentative job offer from the Space Center that hinges on my transferring there and they're actually going to pay me a living wage this summer during my internship."

"That's going to be great Justine.", she said. "And I'm moving back to Middleton too at Christmas time. Coco Banana offered me a position at corporate and headquarters is in Middleton.", Monique gushed in excitement. "This is going to be great. Oh and I got an email from Tara saying she got a job offer from the school district so she and Josh are going to be back full-time.", she filled in for her friend.

"About the time Mike gets out, you move back?", Justine asked for clarification.

"Yeah…."

"So Monique, what are you going to be doing until Christmas?"

"In July I have to go to Paris and spend two months there. After that I am going to spend two months in London and finally Italy.", her eyes lit up, "And the best part is that I am going over there as Coco's representative.", the African-American fashion diva said happily as she laid out the itinerary for the next seven months of her life.

"So what are you going to do for a place to live after you finally settle down?"

Tilting her head in thought, "I'm thinking about buying a condo that's not too far from headquarters."

"I can talk to Mom about storing your stuff in the basement until you find a place."

"I can't do that Justine, you guys took me in when I was in a tight spot, it'd be like I was taking advantage of you.", Monique protested. "And besides, Coco's paying me well so I'll be able to afford a nice place."

Snorting, "And you put up with my smart-mouthiness too when things were rough.", Justine reminded her.

Raising an elegant eyebrow, "Is that even a word?", Monique snarked not taking her eyes off the road.

"Not really.", Justine shrugged, "But I mean it, when you come back from Europe you can stay with my 'rents until you find a place of your own. And then when you get it we'll move you into it if you wait till I return."

Smiling in gratitude to her friend, "Thanks Justine, but you and Mike will be able to stay with me if things work out like I intend.", she said to her suddenly yawning passenger.

Taking note of her relief's disposition, "Justine get some sleep,", Monique ordered, "or we'll have to stay the night somewhere. Then it would take us about eight hours longer to get back in and I want to meet up with Kim before she takes off again."

Nodding through another yawn, "What about Possible, where's she going now?"

"I don't know when, but she's hoping to go to Japan.", Monique replied. Looking to her car clock, then thinking a few more moments further, "Right now she should be headed back from Bonnie's wedding.", she perked up suddenly. "You remember about that, you sent her a gag gift.", the fashion diva reminded her blonde friend with a sly grin.

Smirking, "Oh that thing?", Justine snorted. "I sent them a real gift after that in another package. Bonnie did send me a response to both.", she started giggling. "She said Junior liked the gag one the best.", Justine said as she coughed and turned a little pink.

Turning slightly to her, "Just what did you send her?", Monique asked in mystification.

Waving away further inquiries, "Never mind, but I'll do the same for you when you get married…just remember the guy who you get hitched to is gonna love it!", Justine snorted a laugh.

Looking to her friend in amusement, Monique shook her head at the irony of how she was one of the few people on the planet who knew of the pale blonde's wild streak. While most of the people thought the brainy genius to be completely straight-laced, which she was most of the time, the Fashion Diva was part of a very small crowd who had an inkling of just what was bubbling below the surface of her friend, waiting to erupt into the unsuspecting world.

Justine Flanner was the model of intelligence, proper comportment and precision, but there were those rare occasions…and Monique had seen some of the pictures of Justine and Mike together that made her eyes bug out…where…Well?

XXX

Drakken's Caribbean Lair/Lab:

Looking on proudly, "Now Drewbie, aren't you proud of our little Sam?", the mint hued woman crowed to her husband.

Nodding eagerly, "I told you she is advanced, Shego.", Drakken gushed. "I mean how many children use spoons at her age?"

An eyebrow rose in misgiving, "At eight months you told me she could read 'War and Peace', so why would I believe you now?", Shego scoffed.

Looking such the wounded puppy, "Shego, what have I told you about hurting words?", he whined.

She would have busted his chops further but noises from their daughter told both that little Sam had taken their momentarily lack of focus on her to her best advantage while 'learning' the finer points of eating while using a spoon.

Giggling at the sight, the former villainess picked the dinner-smeared child out of her highchair and then reached for a much-needed washcloth from her husband before she wiped the wiggling child clean of the mashed main course.

Looking on in parental concern, "Shego?", the former Doctor Drakken asked, his mood not matching the scene before him.

"Yeah Blue Boy…", she replied, more focused on cleaning their daughter than on picking up on his mood.

"Do you think Sam is ever going to turn to one of our colors?", worry in his voice.

Looking to Sam's face, "I hope not but something tells me she might end up teal.", Shego replied matter-of-factly. "Anyway we're going to homeschool her; there are no other kids around on this island anyway so it would be best."

Reaching to stroke her hair, "She might grow up to be anti-social.", Drakken offered timidly.

Snorting, "You mean more anti-social than we are?", Shego retorted. "I highly doubt that is possible, but you know what Betty said.", she cautioned while turning Sam towards her Daddy.

Sighing, "Yes I know, she wants the world to forget about Doctor Drakken and Shego.", Drakken said heavily. "It's just that someday I hope we can live closer to normal people so that Sam doesn't become a recluse and turn into someone who would start to plot to take over the world."

"Look Drew.", the mint hued woman shifted the child to her other arm, "Kids are cruel, if she does turn into one of our colors or a combination thereof, she is going to be taunted.", Shego gruffly said. Looking unhappily to Sam, "Her life will be miserable, and there is no way I want my child subjected to that.", she said as she hugged her.

Relaxing her hold on the now squirming child, "Anyway I think she is going to be smart, so smart in fact that she might not get much out of any school we could send her to. We can develop a program for her; I am a teacher you know.", she reminded him.

Nodding in agreement, "Yes I remember, but with our genes and from what I have observed I think that Sam is going to be a lot to handle, more so than any regular school could handle, so maybe you're right. We are better prepared to educate her."

Satisfied, "Well give her some time and don't just push everything on her right away…", Shego admonished the most personally intrusive man she ever met.

XXX

The Bermuda Triangle:

Trailing behind his host's faithful companion and servant, the stranger approached the immense man sitting comfortably on the cushions arrayed on a raised dais behind a table in a well-appointed and secluded room in the club.

Pointing to a chair across from him, with an amused grin on his face, "A little game my friend?", Big Daddy Brotherson queried as he cracked his knuckles in anticipation.

Smiling slightly, the small Asian man took a seat, "If you insist.", he said. His eyes now giving away nothing, "What game would you like to play? And what are the stakes you wish to lose?", he challenged the information monger.

Pouting as he sighed, "You are too eager to play, you have something up your sleeve, don't you?", Big Daddy said as he assessed the lack of playfulness in his guest for his favorite pastime at the club.

Nodding calmly, his demeanor cool, of one confident, yet not foolish, "I suppose you could say that.", he said as he leaned back slightly in the chair, "In fact you could say I have all the time in the world.", the Asian visitor replied to Brotherson's raised eyebrow.

At Brotherson's apparent question, "But before we begin, I suppose I should introduce myself. My name…well the one which you will know me by is Antari Sanoko. And before you ask, I am Japanese."

Taking in the brashness of his visitor, "Mister Sanoko, huh?", Brotherson said in quiet reflection to see if he had ever heard of such a name, "How may I be of service to you?"

Calmly, "My country's government is highly interested in your activities Mister Brotherson.", Sanoko went right to the point of his visit.

An air of boredom in his reply, "I assure you Mister Sanoko that my business is entirely legal…in this part of the world.", Brotherson turned slightly away from his visitor in a sign of dismissiveness.

Again calmly replying, "Mister Brotherson you deal in information…hard to find information, actually. We have heard…rumors that you have knowingly given out what are state secrets to members of a criminal organization.", he admonished his host, who stared at what he considered audacious behavior from a first-time guest to his place of business.

Continuing in the dead air that followed his pronouncement, "My associates and I take exception to the disclosure of such sensitive information and it is our wish that you discontinue this practice from this point forward.", the guest said to his host's slowly raising eyebrow.

His demeanor returning to casually bored from slightly annoyed, Big Daddy's chuckle rumbled lightly, "Sir I take offense to your accusations.", he said with practiced aloofness. "Not that I believe you could backup what you say, but what proof do you have?"

Slowly the Japanese man reached into his coat pocket and removed a packet which he presented to his host.

After removing papers from the large envelope, then indifferently leafing through them, he huffed in tedium as he let them fall to the tabletop, "Very interesting, but this proves nothing."

Sharply, "Then you are as stupid as you are morbidly obese Brotherson.", Sanoko's tone hardened, "You need to mind your own business when it concerns Asia.", his eyes narrowed.

The overly large man was not to be cowed so easily, "Mister Sanoko, I believe you have made at least one mistake, besides coming here to charge me of things I say you cannot prove…", Brotherson growled menacingly. "For starters you are in my house and are outnumbered so I would advise you to be careful of what you accuse me of.", he grinned dangerously.

Casually waving behind Sanoko, "My man is very protective of me…all I have to do is snap my fingers and your life is over.", he said and snapped his fingers.

Before the echo died Big Daddy's enforcer, a very large and tall man, moved on the small Japanese man with practiced, blinding speed. As the giant's fist was about to make vicious contact with the back of their visitor's head, the Asian smirked…and vanished.

Momentarily gaping after his bodyguard's fist ripped through empty air, Big Daddy quickly gathered his wits, "Quickly! Secure the doors, he must not escape!", he shouted in a panic while his man's momentum carried him off balance from his fist's lack of contact with a solid object.

As the minion staggered to regain his footing, a quiet voice sounded from beside the information broker's left ear, "Do not concern yourselves Brotherson, I have no intention of leaving until we come to an agreement.", the smirk evident in the disembodied voice as Brotherson jerked his head around to see…nothing.

A few seconds later, from another spot across the room, "As for your attendant, he is too clumsy and loud, a second year student would have easily avoided his advances.", sounded, leading the overweight man and his giant to spin to again see empty air.

"Wh…why..", Brotherson gulped nervously, "are you here?", the smug broker was now frightened at how a situation he had total control over, on his own turf mind you, had deteriorated so quickly and potentially so badly.

From another location in the room, "It is very simple.", the voice drifted to him, "We wish for you to no longer disseminate any information regarding Asian interests or assets to, shall we say, unsavory individuals or entities."

Paling as his head swiveled to the next patch of 'air', "I'm a man who brokers hard to acquire information,", Brotherson began to regain his voice and color as he considered the 'request', "from anywhere in the world to anyone who will pay for it.", and stalled for time to deal with this interloper. "Why should I cease such a lucrative endeavor for someone who offers nothing in return should I do so?", he said as he slowly turned his head to catch a glimpse of the latest threat to his livelihood, and life.

From nearby to his right, "If you decide not to comply we will simply eliminate the temptation for others who wish to do business with you.", was heard as both men struggled to focus on the slightly shimmering air the voice emanated from.

Playing for more time, "And how do you expect to do this?", Big Daddy said as he thought he figured out his guest's movement patterns about the room.

From a seemingly different place in the room, "It is not difficult to discern this answer Mr. Brotherson.", this time no shimmer was determined. "The common denominator to this equation is you and your helper.", the voice faded as the giant was ready to pounce.

Now behind both men, "If someone could eliminate the two of you those unsavory outside elements would have no further incentive to intrude upon our affairs, or any others elsewhere in the world.", the voice calmly stated to his audience, as both men turned suddenly to the sound, and again found nothing tangible.

Taunting Sanoko into giving away his position, ""So, little man, you think that you are up to the task?", Brotherson nodded to a spot he determined would be the next location their intruder would 'speak' from.

While waiting to spring to the location to the side of Brotherson's dais, from behind the giant one of the rare shimmers appeared before both men heard a soft whisper, "I suppose it is time to pit my humble skills against you.", before the shape of their visitor came into view. "I hope I am worthy.", Sanoko said, now fully in view.

Swiftly going into action the man whose day job was as a 'Mechanic' for the Japanese Government's Secret Services tapped the center of the giant's chest with two fingers. Without preamble the man who had faithfully kept Brotherson alive all these years suddenly collapsed to his knees, clutching his chest and gasping for air he could no longer seem to breathe.

Thunderstruck, Brotherson's jaw dropped at the handiwork on display of one of the most promising graduates from a Secret Japanese Ninja Academy in the last twenty-five years. Though Big Daddy would never know it, his 'guest' was a former instructor at that Academy before going on to various roles for the Japanese Government in the intervening years. Though never far from his Alma Mater's roots he found himself constantly performing covert services for his Nation or his former school.

Though he enjoyed coordinating services requested or rendered between the Academy and his Government, he still relished going into the field as he was at this time. Though known to Big Daddy Brotherson as Antari Sanoko, he had many names, only one which was his, which very few knew of, and even fewer had any idea of where his real talents lay.

A master at his craft, his current mission was to determine the volume and type of information Brotherson had given to various entities or individuals over the last few years…and to put a stop to the flow of said information…Permanently.

Sadly turning from the gasping and shuddering man who was turning a deepening shade of blue, "It seems that your servant has had an accident Mr. Brotherson. We will know in the next few seconds if it is fatal."

Shocked, the obese information broker crawfished backwards from the horrifying scene as well as his swollen appendages could on his lounging pillows . Trembling to the point of vibrating, Brotherson reached into a coat pocket and removed a small revolver, "Get…b..back.", he stammered as he struggled to aim at his would-be assassin.

With a nostalgic smile Sanoko tilted his head briefly, "Ahhh, a gun. How quaint.", before he quickly moved on the man whose livelihood had led to so much grief, pain and death for so many over the years.

Shaken at how swiftly his attacker had crossed the space to another part of the room, "Wh..who…sent you?", Brotherson could barely speak, much less draw a bead on Sanoko.

Answering him, "You gave out information about The Mountain…..who did you give it to?", with a question.

Desperation in his voice, "I don't know, I…..I just pass along what I hear…..I swear that's all I do.", he now began to plead.

Looking on disapprovingly, "That is all you claim to do?", he shook his head in skepticism. "The stories are countless of your involvement in transporting illegal weapons, human trafficking and much worse over the course of your misery inflicting life, Brotherson."

Fixing him with a tight glare, "I want to know who you sold this information to, Brotherson.", Sanoko demanded. "If you speak quickly I might let you live to see another day…", then paused to point, "Unlike your friend."

As Brotherson glanced to his burly bodyguard, the man fell to his side and his face began to turn purple as he foamed at the mouth.

Desperation driving his 'defense', "I have to protect my clients…"

Cutting him off, "And I have to protect those who cannot protect themselves.", Sanoko retorted before he advanced on him with a speed that Big Daddy had never imagined a human being capable of moving as the former Yamanouchi Instructor produced a short dagger from behind his back and reached forward with it.

So focused was Brotherson on keeping his revolver trained on his Asian assassin he didn't feel the slice across his oversized stomach until a few seconds after the action was complete.

Suddenly feeling the pain Big Daddy dropped the gun and grabbed at the wound. It was then that Antari took to a macabre dance of death as he spun and hamstrung Brotherson at the knee, and rewound his motion to strike at a carotid artery upon his 'reset. Avoiding Brotherson's collapse to the floor and the misty spray emanating from his throat, Antari stood to the side to observe his victim.

Only three seconds elapsed from the moment of the bodyguard's demise to Brotherson's encounter with the short blade. As the dying obese broker bled out Antari quietly wiped the weapon with a towel he found on the desk.

As he wiped the last traces of blood from his dagger he noted Brotherson wasn't quite dead, so the Ninja gave him one last thought as he was about to meet his maker, "Mr. Brotherson, this assassination, a service of 'The Mountain' and Japan for your crimes against us, could have been avoided if you had complied with our wishes.", he said quietly as he squatted to the eye-level of the painfully gasping man.

Noting the slowing breathing and blood spurts from between his fingers, "You could have been enjoying another of your favorite chocolate bars now instead of ruining these glorious Ancient Oriental rugs.", he said as breathing and spurting slowed even further.

Shaking his head in pity, "And once you are with the Kami, you will be forgotten.", he said as an epitaph for Brotherson's mark in the world.

As the blood flow slowed to a trickle Antari stood and made his way to the bodyguard. Squatting again he reached out, grabbed the stout neck and with a grunt, twisted the head to an unnatural angle, making certain the former employee of Big Daddy Brotherson was in the afterlife.

With a sigh, he returned to Brotherson and applied the same coup de grâce before rising and to wipe his hands on another towel Brotherson was wont to have for guests.

After tossing the towel on the desk and picking up and pocketing his folder, the Ninja Master took one more look around the room. Then nodding in grim satisfaction he started down the hallway and out the building.

These two would never trouble The Orient, in general, and The Mountain, in particular, ever again.

XXX

Japan:

The door to the room nearly flew off its hinges as it banged into a wall, "What do you know about Tom Franks?", Percy Metz demanded as he leveled a semi-automatic handgun at Ron. Three other men fanned out behind the Gang Leader, with Metz the only one brandishing a gun.

Expecting the 'intrusion' and playing confused and goofy to the hilt, "Huh? What are you talking about fat dude?". Ron asked in mock-confusion as he moved away from Sensei and Yori.

Waving his gun at Ron and a chair, "Sit down.", Metz ordered.

Sensei made to move forward but he caught Ron's glare and kept his distance. With a nod Ron moved towards the chair he had earlier been beaten in.

Sneering, "What are you going to do fat guy?", Ron goaded Metz as he settled lightly in the chair.

Sticking the gun in Ron's face, "We are going to find out what you know, smart guy.", Metz pushed the barrel into his forehead. "My boss might want to talk to you himself.", and pushed Ron's head back.

Grinning as his head returned upright, "Oh?", Ron asked, "So…who's your boss.", he smirked, "I know it isn't one of your goons…they're too stupid.", he said to set the thugs off and buy more time for the infiltration and assault teams. He just hoped they were be in place soon, as he feared his legendary dumb-luck was about to run out.

As expected Metz's pistol crashed into Ron's face above the eye, snapping his head around and leaving a deep gash there. Blood began to pour from the wound as a now quite pissed off Ron Stoppable hit his limit, and buying time or not, struck out with a blinding push-kick into the unsuspecting Metz's left knee, hyper-extending the appendage and sending the mobster into a shrieking fit.

After his howls of pain ended, "I'm going to kill you boy.", Metz snarled from the wall he leaned on to support his weight. His left leg convulsing and useless to him now, he struggled to aim his pistol at Ron, and send him some payback for an injury the Mobster knew would never be repaired to one-hundred percent, when…

Crash!

XXXX

Packed chapter for sure, Ron and Company stirring things up with the Mobsters, Kim getting schooled by a friend on her Kimness taking the red head to the extreme, Mo and Justine passing the time on a road trip among the topics of discussion today.

Now as to what that 'Crash!' was all about?…That's for another day...Mwhahahahahahaha!