Storm Chaser

Hi all, it's been a while, and between real life, in the form of pc issues, work and all in between, and more, here is the next chapter of 'Storm Chaser'.

But before we start this one, we'd like to thank those who've Review, Faved or Alerted us so far: MichaelCross, ajw1970, Jimmy1201, merceralex117, Mahler Avatar and dapmitidp, thank you all for your support.

Last time, Kim and company were making their way across Japan in search of Yamanouchi. Their 'escorts' were helping them along in the wild-goose chase Yamanouchi let her go on, until Sensei showed the way. Meanwhile, Sheldon Director and Betty had their usual restaurant meeting to see how the other is doing, with his ego leading the way in the plans he did reveal to his sister. Sensei's preparing Yamanouchi for the arrival of members of GJ while Ron's getting more practice in his chosen profession over the Pacific. A moment to reminisce brings out more of what he misses and decided not to return to after that fateful summer in Middleton as he plans his immediate future via a 'chat' with Sensei.

Before we go on, we'd like to affirm to Disney that we are not doing this for any portion of their vast empire's coin of the realm, it's gratis and we're just borrowing some of their folks for our tale. Those you don't recognize are Larry's…So there.

Chapter 29

Near Yamanouchi:

On a remote and sometimes steep trail since an hour before sunrise, the red head stopped and pointed upwards with barely subdued excitement, "There! I remember that image in my mind…it's not that far to Yamanouchi now."

A 'vague hint' of such a path by the Japanese family they stayed with the night before, Hirotaka, in the guise of JDF Lt. Natora Kasumi, queried her declaration for accuracy.

Keeping a straight face, "How do you know Kim-san?"

"Ron and I walked past this very point in our junior year after we parted ways with Yori and Sensei.", she replied, "I turned around to look at the view and,", pointing up the path, "this is something I'll never forget."

Pausing in awe, "It's beautiful…I just didn't think that I would ever see it again.", her voice trailed off.

Wade came up beside her, "Calm down Kim we'll be there in a while, and if Ron is there, then we can finally talk to him."

Chagrined, "Yeah I know, no groveling…at least, not right off the bat."

Chuckling, "That's our deal Kim.", Wade said. Then frowning, "And anyway I need to talk to him too."

Eyebrows raised, "Why Wade?"

Shaking his head, "Never mind Kim, but before you lock him up for the night I want to speak to him about vanishing like he did with no way of getting a hold of him…he's my friend too.", he sighed. "He just didn't push me hard enough asking for help."

Sadly, "Wade I understand why he came here…he felt wanted here in Japan.", Kim sighed. "From what I remember the people here treated him nice and they respected him…I wish I could take all that hurt away from him and now maybe I'll have the chance…" Looking hopeful, "Maybe even the chance to rekindle our love." And with that the former heroine started off with a pace that was better handled when she was younger and in better condition.

Wade, recognizing her urgency at bringing this part of her search for her 'Ronnie' to a rapid conclusion overriding her common sense, and the endurance of those with her, called out, "Kim we'll get there, don't worry.", he gasped. "And if Ron's there too, remember we're gonna be at this Yamanouchi place for a few days anyway. So we can relax a little."

Slowing down, "Yeah Wade, sorry.", sheepishly. "But this must be getting old for you. I promise to make it up when we get back home.", Kim replied understanding how most must have felt being around her ranting about finding her ex-boyfriend and repairing the damage she did to their relationship.

Yori/Lieutenant Megana Tustoma, stepping in to get them moving again, "Kim-san if we are making for that cut in the ridge we must go quickly, it is still quite a long way to travel. And if there is no village there, we have a long return trip before we get back down to the road before nightfall."

Puzzled, "Why is that?", Wade inquired.

"This area is supposed to be haunted and is considered unsafe for visitors after nightfall.", Hirotaka/Lieutenant Natora Kasumi informed them.

Kim frowned, "Then why did we come up here? Ron would never be caught in a place like that."

"Are you sure of this, Kim-san.", the Japanese woman said, "You wish to find your long lost boyfriend and make things right between you. We are trying to find a village that is in a remote area."

Looking meaningfully to the red head, "I ask you what better place would it be to situate a school that doesn't want visitors but where there are legends of ghosts and hauntings that would scare away unwanted visitors."

As Kim considered her words, "There is a very good possibility that the destination in question is indeed here."

Wade's eyes furrowed; a man of science, he was not superstitious and believed there was a logical reason for everything, "We've seen a lot of weird things over the years, from alien invasions to monkey demons. But it does make sense for someone who doesn't want the neighbors sticking their noses into your business if you had something to hide."

Kim stopped again and turned to face her friend, "Why would they have something to hide?"

Wiping his brow, "I don't know for sure Kim, but I do know we'll never find out if we don't get there before I turn seventy.", as Wade motioned for his friend of many years to get moving.

Throwing her hands up in mock surrender, "Ok, ok I'm moving,", a gleam in her eye before she turned to the panorama, "but you have to admit the view is beautiful. I don't know if the locals think of it that way but to me, it is."

X

Two hours later:

Pointing, "See? There's the bridge I was telling you about.", Kim said excitedly.

Deadpan, "And a gorge too.", Wade frowned. "I wonder how deep it is?", and paled.

Hiro Natora distracted the suddenly relapsing agoraphobic, "Having an insurmountable obstacle in front of them was a common form of defense years ago Wade-san. I am very sure this was for protection."

Looking around at the lack of approaches to this mountain redoubt, the African-American wondered, "How did they get food up here?"

A knowing smile from Megana, "Wade-san have you ever been to the Inca ruins in the Andes?"

"Machu Picchu? No, but."

"They are at a very high altitude and they grew their own food using irrigation techniques and terraces. I think that if people live up here all year around a similar scheme of growing their own supplies may have been developed over the years.", Megana informed the genius as they kept walking. Her descriptions of living on a mountain gave them an idea of how the school survived during the obviously harsh winter conditions.

After they took in this information, she continued, "There are hot springs all through these mountains. If they piped some of that water it would keep those fields warm enough to extend their growing seasons to where it may be self-sustaining so that would enable them to live up here in relative comfort. Therefore they would not be dependent on the weather."

Kim frowned, "I wish I had learned more about Yamanouchi when I was here."

"Were you offered that knowledge Kim-san?", Megana inquired.

"No but…"

"Then how are you to know about this? We have grown up in Japan and so we know a little about such places as these…but please be aware that the people up here are, as you say, clannish. They enjoy simple freedoms and have done so for centuries. Even when the warlords came to subjugate them they were able to remain somewhat free because of their remoteness."

Drawing on experiences of her own, "There are always those who want to make others' lives miserable Megana, that's why Ron and I ended up fighting those bad guys.", Kim informed her hostess.

As their walk progressed to almost cloud level, "To your credit you did so with your sidekick Kim-san, and between the two of you and your technical assistant much good was done. You should be proud of what you have accomplished at such a young age."

"The four of us.", Kim corrected, "Ron's pet, Rufus, helped more than you know…In fact, sometimes he's the one who saved our bacon."

Megana chuckled, "The tiny one is of whom I am speaking.", with a gleam in her eye, "But you are quite correct, the boy you turned your affections to, from what I am told, gained some amount of fame following you around and assisting you in your endeavors."

"Well…", the heroine paused to gather her thoughts, "at the beginning Ron mostly lent moral support…and maybe some comedy relief,", a wistful smile faded, "although there was one time he saved my life at the risk of his own…We were so young. Then", she shook her head at the memories.

Drawing a breath, "Later there were other times when he was quite capable, but the confusing thing is that it was sporadic. I mean sometimes he was clumsier than a newborn giraffe and then other times he looked like he could just take over and run the whole hero show, all on his own…and he mentioned something about some power, but I dismissed it since he was prone to occasional exaggeration."

Taking it all in, "I wonder about the difference Kim-san.", Megana spoke and gave more for her client to ponder, "It seems as if your friend was hiding something.", she threw out at the red head. Continuing before she could answer, "Yes at a younger age he had been more inept…and maybe something made him better…but why would he hide his abilities if he had them?"

Natora glanced up at his spouse with a wondering look, "But dear, we do not know all of the facts."

Turning to him, "Nonetheless my husband, there are mysteries that would make for very good reading if they were included in a novel. But I feel that to get to the bottom of this may take some digging on our part."

An eyebrow quirked, "And someone went to great lengths to make this so, we may make some enemies if we try.", she warned him.

Kim watched the back and forth, "It would be our honor to find the truth behind this, no matter what, so we have to know what is going on even if I don't find Ron."

X

An hour later they reached the bridge and the gorge that it spanned.

Her excitement rising, "I'm sure this is the place.", Kim pointed to the side, "I remember that boulder over there."

Pausing to take in the view, they noticed an old woman walking to them, using a cane for support. About to greet her, she beat them to it, (It is high time you two reached the sacred mountain granddaughter,), she smiled at Yori, (and grandson.), to Hirotaka.

Smiling brightly, (Grandmother, is Grandfather at Yamanouchi?), Yori asked, thankful she didn't address them by their names. Even in Japanese, 'Yori' and 'Hirotaka' could have been understood by their friends, and blown their cover. (We feel we have tested them enough now).

(Yes, he is waiting. Bring your friends, Sensei will have tea and something for you to eat.), Nooni told her granddaughter.

Surprised at having no luck with his translator program, Wade asked Kim while she fiddled with hers, "You catch what they're saying?"

After a few seconds more, she gave up in exasperation, "I don't know Wade,", she said lowly, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see what she said."

The two Americans didn't have to wait long however when Lieutenant Tustoma turned towards Wade and Kim, "It seems there is a village right across the bridge. Even if it is not the place we are looking for they have accommodations for us to stay overnight."

Smiling at the news, "So we don't have to make it all the way back tonight?", Wade said in relief. "That's great!" Now feeling the toll their trek took on him, "I don't know if my feet can take it if we had to go back down and try again tomorrow."

Natora replied, "Then I suggest that we cross this footbridge and see what is on the other side."

With that he walked over to the bridge to begin to cross the ravine.

"Be careful husband, grasp the ropes on the side, or it is a long way down.", Megana cautioned, more for Kim's and Wade's benefit than a man who had grown up within a half mile of the bridge.

Turning to their guests, "I suggest we make sure we have space between us as we cross. Miss Possible you should go next after my husband and I will go last."

"Why?", from Kim

"That way when he gets to the end my husband will be able to make sure you, Kim-san, are safe while I make sure that Load-san is safe."

"I can take care of…", Kim began to protest.

"Kim Possible-san, you are a guest in my country and we are responsible for your safety. Please let us do what we must.", Megana lightly scolded her.

The red head again tried to protest, but Yori cut her off, "You honor us by coming to our home, let us keep our own honor in making sure that you are safe."

Kim looked into her hostess' eyes then nodded, "Maybe you're right.", she relented. "Wade, remember to do what Megana says, I'll see on the other side."

As Natora began his cross, "Sure Kim, no problem; after all this should be old hat for you, you and Ron must have done this more than a few times back in the day.", the genius nervously replied as Kim half smiled, then waited for another minute before stepping out on the footbridge. Secretly she hoped she was as good now as she had been in her high school years.

XXX

Dean Kaminsky bowed to the red-faced American Officer, "Agreed, three out of five it is.", he said stoically to someone who was surprised at how this spar was turning out with the young man.

The Light-Colonel from northwest Illinois frowned, completely at a loss in trying to figure out how outclassed he had been with a young man who claimed to only have taken Karate instructions over the last few years, to his decades of practicing the art while in uniform.

Deciding to try another tactic, he moved to a modified horse stance. "Ready.", he replied.

Ron/Dean nodded, "Begin."

The flat-topped officer feinted and came right in with a roundhouse kick followed by a spin back-kick aimed at Dean's torso. The blond slid to his left, away from the expected kick, mentally 'tsk tsking' the Colonel for going to the well too many times with that technique, and then landed a palm strike just above the kidney for the point. He then flicked the officer's ear to let him know that he could have done much more damage.

Colonel Warmarster stopped cold after feeling the tap at his kidney; he knew that a blow there it would have brought him to his knees in moments. He stopped and bowed to the younger American.

Tired of point sparring, "Why don't we do some free sparring, Kaminsky?", the Colonel asked, trying to hide his frustration with the so-called 'noob'.

Shrugging, "Sure sir, you want to add some throws to it?", Dean asked as the Colonel quickly darted in and proceeded to launch him over his shoulder and to the mat. Surprised didn't even describe the Colonel when he saw Dean tuck his shoulder into a roll and bounce up on his feet before the Officer could rush in and continue the assault.

Stunned, "You know some ground work?"

Shrugging, "Some.", Dean replied.

Evilly grinning, the older man thought the younger American had finally fallen into his trap, "I guess that's one way to see what your total combat capability is Kaminsky."

Nodding, "I suppose.", Dean said as he changed his stance. "Yes sir, rough and tumble coming up.", he replied as others who had been working out paused to watch the one-sided sparring match. One which wasn't going the way the flat-topped Officer thought it would when he originally challenged the young man.

XX

One Japanese observer whispered to his colleague, (The blond American is very accomplished with his techniques.)

Focusing on the blond, the second nodded, (He's had serious training at some school or with a private Sensei for individual tutoring.) He cocked an eyebrow in amusement, (He could be fun to spar when we have the time.), he told his friend, a teacher in the dojo on base.

The first noted, (See where he is very smooth and subtle one moment and then awkward the next?)

Watching more closely now, (Yes…)

(That cannot be, it is unnatural; he is either one or the other.)

(Huh?)

(Advice from my old instructor; one cannot be both good and bad at the same time.)

At a loss, (So which is it?), the second whispered.

Smugly, (I won't know until I get to play with him a little.)

Equally smug, (Try not to be too rough on him, Caucasians for the most part are just not as good for some reason.), was his reply before both chuckled.

XX

Warmarster grimaced as he said, "Go.", before he tried to slide forward with a three-kick combination followed by an inverted knife strike. His hope was to once again surprise the young man.

The former, and usually overlooked, member of Team Possible moved on Warmarster's first kick, a left-legged roundhouse, as he moved with the kick's inbound direction. Fully aware of just how hard it is to change direction once in motion, he prepared for either a spin side or back kick and was ready to counter either with a palm strike/hip toss combination.

Deciding in mid-palm strike to wait and see the next move from the older man before executing the takedown, his patience was rewarded when Warmarster attempted a spin hook kick aimed at Dean's temple, just forward of the ear.

Noting the attempt, the blond simply dropped to the floor, spinning as he went down, his heel connecting with the back of the Colonel's support leg at the knee.

Suddenly deprived of his plant/pivot-foot, the flat-topped man found himself on his ass before his kick was anywhere near execution, shocking not only the recipient of the move, but everyone else present.

Pouncing quicker on his downed adversary than anyone believed possible, Dean grasped the closest arm and leveraged it into a lock until Warmarster gasped out, "I give…", before the arm was released. Rubbing his shoulder, "Damn Kaminsky! Where did that come from?"

Regaining his feet, "Sensei Initu Hakkuri.", the American replied. "He teaches all forms of Karate specializing immobilizing techniques."

Shaking his head, "Nice trick, I never saw that coming.", Warmarster grinned. "Can you teach it to me?"

Shrugging, "Sure sir," Then looking to a clock, "But we're just about done for the day. Maybe tomorrow or the next day?", he suggested.

Also spying the clock, "Quite right son. We'd better get showered and dressed, preflight's in two hours and we need to get some chow first."

On their way to the showers a Japanese spectator stepped to Dean, "If I may ask, when will you return? You showed some interesting techniques and I would like to see if I am up to countering them."

Bowing respectfully, "It would be my honor to test my humble abilities against what you've studied, but some other time perhaps? I have to be somewhere shortly.", Dean replied evenly.

A little put out at the confidence an Occidental displayed to a native of an art founded in their land, (Then we will meet again to your detriment.), his tone haughty and clipped.

Dean bowed again, (That has yet to be determined. Now if you will excuse me, I must leave for a previous engagement.), not rising to the challenge.

After meeting up with the Air Force Colonel in the locker room, "I caught some of that out there Kaminsky. Just what was that all about?"

Shrugging with a small grin, "The Japanese version of 'High Noon', I guess.", he replied.

Cocking an eyebrow, "What do you mean by that?"

As he disrobed to shower, "He called me out…", Dean replied, "But the way the Japanese use their manners in all aspects of their lives you'd never know the gravity of something like this unless they're really pissed."

As he started to put his clothes on again, "I can put a stop to that…"

A hand up to stop the Officer, "Don't bother sir, I can take care of myself.", Dean said, "It's no big deal, I've been through this before."

Crossing his arms, "And how have you done."

A calculating look, "Hmmm, better than fifty-fifty."

Disbelief, "So you are not worried?"

Fixing him with a knowing look, "I'm always worried sir, but the dojo I train at can be very brutal at times and when I began they didn't take it easy on me…"

"So then, you're a black belt?"

A very good look of surprise, "Me? I'm not sure of that, we don't use the grading system.", Dean shook his head. "You become a black belt when your uniform gets dirty enough from landing on the floor a couple hundred…thousand times.", he chuckled.

"You wash the Gi but not the belt. It's a rank of honor, so otherwise I don't know how far along I am in comparison to others except by taking them on.", Ron explained the basic difference from Eastern and Western methods of ranking martial arts students, while making no mention of his 'extracurricular activities' at a certain ninja school.

A look of familiarity, "I heard that some styles do that over here, so how did you end up in one like this?"

"I got lucky, my Sensei is a traditionalist and I have to say there is something to be said about that. I mean even a 'low' belt like me can do well in a tournament. and while that's not a focus at the school, a few of us will get together every now and then and go to some and maybe learn something and have a little fun doing so.", Dean explained as he grabbed his towel and headed to the showers.

"I uh see.", the Colonel replied as he caught a glimpse of an unusual scar on the younger American's chest.

After joining Kaminsky in the shower Warmarster nodded to it, "Uh that's an interesting…uh…"

"Huh?", the younger man asked while he was lathering up with soap.

The Colonel tried again, "On your chest? How did you get that?"

"Huh, what?", the younger American asked the older man.

Finally the officer pointed, "That."

"Oh…well just because I didn't live in Chicago didn't mean I never went there. A group of us got mugged downtown one night and I got unlucky when one of the muggers decided to make an example out of one of the muggies, me, to hurry up with the robbery.", Ron/Dean paused for effect hoping the older man was going to buy into this lie before he continued.

"So here I was bleeding like a stuck pig while the dork-assed cops questioned me.", Dean snorted. "Damn, I spent some time in the ER getting stitched up and they called my folks…Mom and Dad were not happy and that sorta was the last straw for Mom, so she got a job with this Japanese Company and moved us here. She didn't want to accept the fact that the guy just slashed me…I mean he could have really done some damage if I had been any slower."

"So that's how you ended up in Japan and now you have to spar against a guy who might be real good…"

"Still better than ending up in Norway or somewhere trying to do a biathlon and having the stinkn' bolt freeze on your rifle cause it had been hot from firing with it while the temperature is ten below. I mean I don't mind running or skiing in 'kick my stinkin' ass it's cold' weather,", he mocked himself, "but it's enough fun for me.", Ron/Dean shuddered.

"Don't like cold to much heh?"

The younger American frowned still lathering up, "I like to ski both downhill and Nordic, but carrying a rifle seems to add just a little too much fun for me."

The Colonel didn't know much about a sport that combined infantry combat and skiing so he didn't know what to say and just nodded, "You've done more things in your short time on Earth than most."

"Nah sir, it just seems that way…"

Pointing to the other marks on Dean's upper body, "So that scar and those other ones, wanna tell me about them?"

"Sure.", Ron said with a smirk, "See, I was the sidekick to this pretty girl heroine and we set about saving the world a few times from all these crazy guys like you see in the comic books. Anyway I know you've seen me, the big tough martial artist, like the Green Hornet's sidekick, fighting his way through the bad guys and the humongous aliens…to save the damsel in distress right? I ranked right up there with super-duper man and all the rest of them leotard wearing ding dongs." The blond smiled taking a muscleman stance ensuring the Officer wasn't going to buy into it.

Warmarster laughed at the description and the show, "Ok, ok if you're not going to tell me that's fine…but I have to say it must really be interesting if you're going to make something up like that."

"Not as much as you think sir. Say where are we flying today?"

"I've got a flight plan in for Guam where we'll refuel, so don't plan on being back till oh dark thirty."

"Groan, me and my big mouth. Good thing I don't have a hot date with a cute chick at a drive-in.", Ron laughed knowing he had laid it on just thick enough.

"Do they even have drive-ins here?"

"I haven't seen one yet Sir. You'd think someone would have done it by now at least where US forces had been stationed."

"Maybe years ago, but even in the States there's not many of them around nowadays."

"Yeah I guess you're right.", Ron shrugged as he began to rinse off after shampooing his hair.

"Let's grab some chow at the 'O' Club, I know they're going to have box lunches on the plane…but I don't like to live off them if I don't have to.", Warmarster suggested.

X

Fully loaded with fuel, the C-130 Hercules sat at the end of the runway. Sitting in the left seat, Colonel Warmarster deferred to his Co-pilot, Captain Chuck Hainey to get the aircraft in the air and into the mission.

"Release brakes.", Hainey intoned.

"Check.", Warmarster replied.

"All throttles to the stops.", the Captain said, going through the checklist all in the cockpit knew forward and backward.

"Check."

Rolling forward, the bird began gaining speed, and in an amazingly short distance of runway, the large, ungainly craft began to feel 'light'.

Watching a gauge, "V-one", the Colonel called out.

"Acknowledge V-one.", came the Captain's reply.

With a smile Warmarster said, "V-two…rotate."

Replying, "Rotate." he pulled back on the yoke, and the Lockheed transport/cargo plane easily took to the air.

Smiling, "Another day, another dollar.", Hainey replied.

Snorting, "Yeah the story of my life Chuck.", Warmarster retorted. "Heading is zero eight-seven degrees and make the altitude twenty-one.", he declared.

Smirking, "Yes Sir.", the Captain complied as he pulled the lever to cycle the landing gear.

XXX

Pausing in the realization of what she took for granted at the age of seventeen, Ok only fifty more feet.', Kim mused as shock set in with the exhaustion she was fighting from her climb up the mountain. If nothing else, this dealt a blow to the confidence she had been rebuilding for over the last year.

Noting her wavering in the face of activities she hadn't faced for several years, "You can do it Kim-san.", Hirotaka/Lt. Kasumi encouraged as he saw Kim's gaze fade as she focused on him and not the bridge or the gorge it spanned.

As this played out on one end of the bridge, at the other end Wade had begun his trek across the now-swaying footbridge. Talking softly and encouraging the young African-American genius as she followed ten feet behind, Yori/Lt. Tustoma's urgings kept his mind from straying from this task or losing focus while on the ropes.

Something that a young Ron Stoppable had learned some six years before.

Twelve minutes, or eternities in Wade's case, later all four were on the opposite side of the gorge. Kim grasped a support pole and let out a breath she seemed to have held all the way across.

"Whew! Heart calm down, we're safe now.", the red head said to defuse her emotions. Then putting a hand on Wade's shoulder, "How are you doing?"

"H…how many times did Ron cross that bridge?"

Shrugging, "Maybe three or four times Wade.", Kim responded.

Wiping his brow, "He has more guts than I do…"

Furrowing her eyebrows, "Yeah it's more rickety than I remember.", as she thought back. "But I wonder if there is another way back down?"

Incredulous, "You mean you don't know?"

Meekly, "Welll, no, I don't. I was walking with Ron at the time and we never saw any other way…but something tells me that if there was an easier way we would have used it.", Kim suggested, unaware that there was a tunnel through the center of the mountain which came out near the road.

Hiro interjected, "I suppose we should continue following this path."

Yori pointed, "That would be wise my husband, the path seems to lead to that cliff."

"The path must get through somehow…"

"It's an optical illusion.", Kim cut in as she remembered more, "It's either built that way or it's an illusion we can see from here with the cliff but if I remember the path goes between two walls…so I think the one on the left doesn't come out as far out as it does from looking at it from the front…and if so we are going to have to turn to the left after clearing them."

Yori/ Lt. Tustoma smiled inwardly at her recall, "You might be correct Kim-san, and hopefully we will learn the answers to your questions soon."

With a smile growing brighter, "Maybe, so follow me.", Kim replied as she turned to walk along the trail while trying to keep a lid on her growing excitement.

Wade turned to follow his partner with a half-smile on his face, but before he took a step he said quietly to the Japanese couple, "Kim has really been looking forward to finding Ron. Now that she's sure she is on the right track it might finally heal her the rest of the way.", and then strode off to follow Kim.

Hirotaka, quietly to Yori, (I hope Sensei tells her much to keep her spirits up.)

Snorting in amusement, (Lead on husband, at least Kim-san will get information she seeks. Now let us get this over with.) And with that both covert Shinobis took off after the now swiftly moving pair of Americans.

X

An hour later they came to a rightward bend in the trail, and then two massive doors some fifty, or so, feet further on.

Still in awe of them, Kim rushed over and whispered while looking them over, "This is Yamanouchi guys…" Looking over her shoulder, "We made it.", she said in excited relief.

Fiddling with his communications device, Wade's frustration grew as he tried to get a GPS reading, "I can't get a GPS lock, something's interfering with the satellite signal."

Patting him on the back, "Don't worry Wade, we'll remember how to get up here…that is as long as we don't allll end up with amnesia.", Kim kidded her partner as the Japanese couple caught up with them.

Unbeknownst to Kim and Wade, the cliff where the door met was actually a wall camouflaged to appear to others as a rocky surface.

Musing at how well the deception at the door still worked, Tustoma suggested, "I suppose we should use the rings to knock and announce our presence, Kim-san. Would you do the honors?"

With a large smile the red head pulled the ring back and slammed it against the door with a loud 'Clang'. A few moments later she repeated the action. [Man I am so flashing on 'What knockers!' from Young Frankenstein here…]

Shortly thereafter, to her and Wade's surprise, a door 'opened' from the apparent rock face. A young woman in peasant clothes stepped out and asked in Japanese, (May I help you?)

Stepping in, Hiro knew this was going to happen, (Not all of us speak Japanese, please use English.)

"Very well sir, how may I assist you?"

"Yes.", Kim said, "We are looking for Yamanouchi. Is this it?", a hand waved towards the cliff.

Nodding, "That is one name for this school.", she replied. "What is it you seek?"

Kim replied before anyone else could, "Ron Stoppable…Is he here?…I uh wish to speak with him."

Nodding again, "The name is known within these walls." Kim's smile brightened. "However he is not present at the moment.", Kim's face fell.

Hiro decided to take over, (Let us in to speak with the Headmaster of the school Akahana, this cat and mouse game has gone on long enough. Kim Possible-san is at the end of her patience. We have already seen Nooni-kun.)

Smirking, (You are cute when you get like that young man,), she looked to Yori, (I'll bet your bride just loves it.), she teased her former students before turning towards the door. But before she entered, (One moment while we open the gate; that way you get the full effect.), and closed the 'rock face'.

Confused at an exchange between them she didn't understand regarding a simple question, "What did she say?", Kim asked.

Deadpan, "She will have the main gate opened.", was the quick answer.

Extending a hand to the wall, "We could have just followed her through…"

"She wanted to do it this way Kim-san, please be patient.", Lt. Kasumi advised, "We are their guests here."

Nodding sheepishly, she jumped back as the large gates opened soundlessly; the woman who greeted them stepped through and greeted them in perfect English, "Welcome to the Yamanouchi School. I am Akahana, please follow me. The Headmaster is waiting in one of the gardens."

Walking into a schoolyard which had been in existence for over fifteen hundred years, the two Americans noted young people grouped by ages doing exercises while dressed in what was recognized as white martial arts Gi's.

Noting the group slowing down to watch the regimented activities, "It is time for the students' physical activities. This way our students gain knowledge of how to defend themselves through the various martial arts we instruct them in.", the young woman explained to the group, with a subtle wink to Hiro and Yori.

Waving them along, they followed her to a statue where she bowed low, a motioned for the others to do the same.

After returning upright, Kim realized, "I've seen this statue before! Ron said there was something significant about him and it was tied to Yamanouchi.", she whispered to Wade.

Hearing her whisper, "Miss Possible this is the statue of Lord Toshimiru, our founder.", Akahana replied. "He built Yamanouchi over fifteen centuries ago."

"So this is the guy that Ron was talking about?", Wade asked.

"Yes, he was a great man who protected many peasants from the Warlords of his time.", Akahana answered, before gesturing further into the courtyard, "Now please, Sensei is waiting.", she said before leading them away from the students who had started drawing to them.

Once they got further away, "If we stayed longer,", she gestured behind them, "they would have become curious and strayed from the structure of their classes.", Akahana said. At Kim's and Wade's confused looks, "There are no women here with red hair, and before long their curiosity of one such as you would have distracted them."

Blushing, "I'm sorry…"

Smiling warmly, "There is nothing to be sorry about, it is no trouble. Your hair is a rarity, is all.", she replied. Then lowering her voice as they approached students meditating, "But from here on please be as quiet as possible, there are advanced students performing their daily meditation and we do not wish to disturb them."

Wade gazed in wonder as he took all of the things he only knew of from what Ron had told him years earlier.

Stopping some distance from a white haired man in red robes; his eyes closed and seated with crossed legs and his hands in his lap, "Ah here we are. Please wait until I introduce you before you speak, there are traditions we try to uphold."

As they waited, she approached the robed man, (Sensei we have visitors.)

No movement to acknowledge her announcement, the older man nodded, his eyes closed, (What is it child.)

Switching to English, "Master we have visitors and some of them may not speak our language."

Opening his eyes, the old man rose from the ground unaided, "Thank you Akahana-kun.", he looked to her. "Please return to your duties and have refreshments sent so that I may greet our guests properly."

Bowing deeply, "As you wish Master.", the young woman replied.

Returning her bow, but not as deeply, she left. Turning to the four, "Welcome to Yamanouchi, Kim Possible-san and Doctor Load-san, and their escorts.", he bowed.

They all bowed in return, but Kim gasped, "You remember me?"

A corner of his mouth ticked up slightly, "Of course Miss Possible, I do, and again thank you for aiding in my rescue from Gorilla Fist.", Sensei bowed slightly to her. "I remain grateful to you for that." Kim, still a little shocked, bowed back.

Turning to the rest and gesturing to a nearby covered table with low seating, "Now please sit with me. I understand something is bothering you", a look to Kim, "and that you have traveled far to visit us."

"Uh yes Sensei, we have.", Kim as they all took their seats. Nervously, "I guess I should get right to the point…Several years ago…I…uh made a very bad mistake…and through my arrogance, caused harm to my loved ones.", she stuttered and faltered in her recall of that period in her life.

An eyebrow arched, "What was the cause of your mistake Kim-san?"

Nervously, "I had a nervous breakdown and I tried to fix it on my own…", Kim fidgeted. "I couldn't let Ron see me that way…", looking down. "I mean he tried so very hard to be better for me…and I was…shattered.", the red head's voice trailed off.

Looking neutrally to her, "Go on…"

"I, I want to find Ron…and apologize to him."

"Stoppable-san?", Sensei's voice flat, "Why do you feel the need to do that?"

Now very self-conscious, "Through my actions…and intentions,", she gulped, seeming to look through Sensei, "I know now that I drove him away.", a tear fell. "After what he did that day all those years ago...what he became, I couldn't let him…see me that…way.", a whisper trailed off as another tear fell.

Wiping it away, "The world's greatest guy,", she sniffled, "deserved a girlfriend…who wasn't half insane…who didn't freak out at all hours of the night…or…day, but I didn't know what to do, I was in a horrible panic…and all alone.", Kim wailed quietly. "I was wrong…and I know it now.", she wiped her nose with a handkerchief she pulled out of a pocket. "I, at least want to rekindle our friendship…even if…he has found someone else.", her voice haunted at the end.

Pausing as he took all she said, and how she explained it, Sensei looked to her, "I see.", and nothing more as he let the pause sink in with her, allowing him to consider all he knew of this unfortunate chapter in the lives of Ron Stoppable, and Kim Possible.

Though he had a general idea, a feeling, of what had happened back then, more based upon Ron's side of the affair, in just this short description from Kim, he surmised this was more of human failings and emotional miscalculations than designed or deliberate events executed to divide these two individuals.

After releasing a slow breath, "There is much we need to discuss, much to explore, but before this can begin,", he nodded to students at a door who entered, carrying trays of food and drink, "we have provided tea and rice cakes for you after your travels to Yamanouchi."

As they served all present, "The tea is very good, as are the rice cakes. We will continue this after a brief pause.", he said to the assembled. "And then you must rest after your travels."

X

A few minutes later, after the edge was taken off the visitors' appetites and thirst, "So Miss Possible, it is your wish to find Ron Stoppable?"

Sighing, "Yes Sensei, I do, and I want to beg his forgiveness for what I had done, and to ask him to be my friend again.", Kim replied. "I remembered he had friends here and I've been trying to get here for a few months so I could find him again."

"Stoppable-san did come here years ago, and for reasons I was aware of only from his perspective.", Sensei said. "But to learn of things from your viewpoint…", he continued.

Cutting him off, "Then Ron's here?", Kim asked hopefully.

An imperceptible twitch ticked up behind his mustache, "Unfortunately, no.", he said as Kim deflated. "If you had traveled here two or even a year and a half ago, you would have found him hard at work improving himself for the trials he began to undertake.", Sensei explained to Kim's pained look.

To her look of askance, "When Stoppable-san returned to Yamanouchi four years ago he was broken,", Kim winced, "and he made it his personal mission to become the warrior he was destined to be."

Her jaw dropped. The implication of what Sensei said was only too clear to her in that instant, and it shocked her. She had once called Ron 'Potential Boy', but all the glimpses she'd had of that potential from over the years she knew him seemed to coalesce into what he became at graduation when he saved her life, and the world from the Lowardian invasion. And, since then, if Ron traveled here to attain what Sensei said he became…this rewrote everything she ever thought she knew about him, and thus, overwhelmed her. And it humbled her.

But before she could ask anything else, "I can, however, reveal to you that after he completed his training with us, he enrolled in a university in Japan." Now was not the time to allow further discussion of any and all questions Kim obviously had about Ron's time in Japan after he left Middleton.

Putting this together, Kim lowered her head in shame, "I'm the one that broke him, Sensei. I drove him away from home and to something he didn't need to do by himself.", she said. Her head rising, eyes shining with unshed tears, "I didn't know…but the nightmares…I had after what happened at graduation,", she gulped, "I kept having these visions…and just recently I had another one, but it was during the day." Her face now white, "And it wasn't from events at graduation…It was men being murdered.", Kim shivered. "I could see it as plainly as if I was in the room while it was happening.", she shuddered.

His focus split between Kim and Wade, his eyes suddenly locked on the red head in barely concealed shock at what she said at the last.

"What…you saw, Kim-san, we must study in the time you are with us.", Sensei regrouped. "We will help you to…cope with these visions, and maybe help you learn to deflect or…block them from you." His surprise at her definitive summary of something he saw with his own eyes almost led to an outburst to those present. Needless to say, the good Lieutenants also did their best to suppress their familiarity with something they took part in with Ron.

Shaking her head, "Well if Ron is sending those visions to me, I'm not sure if I want to lose the only connection I may have left with him.", Kim said. "Since I've realized who they may be from, I'll take those nightmares over nothing at all.", she said resolutely.

In the silence that followed, "So what kind of training did he do here?", she asked. "After he left Middleton, that is."

His eyes saddened, "I am not sure you want to hear this, Kim-san,", Sensei sighed, "but he was emotionally distraught when he arrived at the Sacred Mountain." At this, she froze.

Continuing, "At first we thought we could help him; one of our students offered to make his nights more comfortable during his time here…"

Kim bowed her head; what she feared most may have already come to pass: she had lost him to another woman before she even had a chance to find him and offer her heart to him after apologizing for her behavior.

"But,", Sensei intruded on her self-induced pity fest, "he realized so soon after your silence, it would be a lie, for him and the young woman to accept such an offer of the other." Dazed, Kim's head came up quickly. "Ron-san felt that if who and what he was had led to you eventually pushing him away, he didn't want to risk his heart so soon with anyone else."

Kim's face became a grimace of pain at hearing Ron's decision regarding matters of the heart.

"Shortly afterward, he left.", Sensei's narration paused.

Trying not to cry, "He…he didn't go to college right then, did he?", Kim's voice choked up.

Grunting, "No, he went to Tibet for six months of solitude to regain his balance.", Sensei recalled. "When he returned he confessed to the young woman that his relationship with her would be a lie; someone else owned his heart." Kim felt a pang of relief, but little else.

"She later married another young man at the school, which Ron-san attended their service.", he explained, to Kim's inner joy.

"It was there he announced that he would have no other, and for the rest of his days he would study, train and meditate to become better in his duties as the Chosen One.", he said to Kim's crestfallen look. "He has said he has no further interest in finding someone to share his life with, even with the constant badgering of his Mother to the contrary."

Kim cringed as she could imagine his Mother, an 'Irresistible Force' in her own right, going against the 'Immovable Rock' that Ron could be when he set his mind to something.

Grasping at this, "So Ron stays in contact with his family?"

Nodding, "Of course."

Kim sighed, "My sister…"

Confused, "Sister? I am unaware that you had a sister, Kim-san."

A tiny smile, "Hanna.", Kim clarified, "I miss her, I miss them all."

"Ah I understand. Now this is out in the open, what is it that you would like Yamanouchi to do?"

Looking to Sensei, and then around the room, "Well, if he's not here I would like to know where he is so that I can at least speak with him."

Shaking his head sadly, "Unfortunately Stoppable-san is neither here at Yamanouchi nor do I know where he is at the moment, so I cannot help you with this request."

A tear slid down her cheek. Looking self-consciously to those seated at the table, she started to rise from her seat, "Oh, then I guess we've taken up enough of your time, Sensei. Thank you for your hospitality, for listening to my story and filling in some blanks I've had. I'm sorry to have taken up your time; we'll stay the night and leave in the morning.", she sadly said.

Raising his hand, "Do not be so disheartened Kim-san, there is much for us to discuss.", he halted Kim's exit. "But indulge an old man. Are you still in love with Stoppable-san?"

Nodding, her eyes clear, "What we had Sensei, was something out of a fairy tale.", Kim looked directly into his eyes. "If I can have nothing else in my life, I'd like to have that again, and spend the rest of my life with him, at his side.", she said clearly and firmly.

Faltering, "That is if I still have a chance with him.", she qualified. "After I put my issues behind me and get healed, I'd, at least, like to reconnect with him. It's more than I deserve, but I have to try."

Looking firmly to her, "I am aware of his love for you, but the problem of his vow to live in solitude will make it difficult to bring you two together any time soon.", Sensei said to her. "Though it would make this old man's heart soar to reunite you two, I believe we must do this slowly and prepare him for such a day, or we could lose him to further indifference or worse."

Grimacing, "So you're saying that I should leave him be?", Kim asked, her eyes still a bit teary.

"For the short-term, yes, and though we do not know where he is at the moment nor do we know when he will next visit us, upon that day we will work to change his attitude about the breakup and try to influence him into seeking you out for friendship, or more.", Sensei proposed.

After wiping her eyes, it was the Kim Possible of old who looked back to Sensei, "What do you need me to do?"

XXXX

And another one in the can, hope you enjoyed it. It took a while, but perseverance pays off.

While Ron seems to be showing a bit more talent for a 'newbie' in Martial Arts to his CO and interested bystanders, he baffles the CO and gets called out by the Locals. Wonder what will come of a gaijin who hands them their keisters in something they hold as their own…

And Kim's started the process of getting it all out in the open with the people who can give her the most help in preparing her for her hoped for reunion with Ron Stoppable, and strengthening her for her life as it unfolds.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make 'em drink.

Remember that little axiom…in time…