Storm Chaser
Chapter 36
Hi and welcome back to the next chapter of 'Storm Chaser'. We appreciate all who've been following along.
Last time several parties seemed to be winging their way to a common location, for differing reasons: Yamanouchi's foremost infiltration and surveillance team (when they aren't carousing), Wanda and Suzie, and their assignment to watch over the Chosen One's 'Chosen'. Kim returning to school and friends she's made there. And Ron, with Rufus, for one last peek into a life the Chosen One believes she's taken on since casting off the 'dead weight' of her childhood. How this plays out, starts shortly.
But before we start, we'd like to thank those who've chimed in as they have up to now: Delilah88, Mahler Avatar, newboy (as Guest-and no Kim's the only one for Ron…), Jimmy1201, pbow, Sentinel103, Randamwriter and BigRiver590a, thank you all for following along.
Also, to hold off the litigation species: If you saw it on Kim Possible, Disney owns it. All else, Larry owns, or they are their own.
Oxford, England:
Turning his rented motorcycle onto Rhodes Road, the blond American slowly wheeled closer to his former friend. His 'tracking senses' once again performing flawlessly, twenty minutes later, Ron finally caught a glimpse of a familiar auburn mane and rear end that had once enticed him into a torrid relationship so many years ago.
Pulling his bike to the side of the road, the engine quietly idling, 'I'd know that behind anywhere.', Ron mused before he surveilled the immediate area, 'And I'd better find a place to park this thing before I fall off it and get everyone's attention around here.' Though he could ride them alright, he still was a bit unwieldy with motorcycles when they weren't in motion or on kickstand.
Spying a parking lot in the near-distance, he quickly entered and parked the bike at a pay slot and shut the expensive two-wheeled beast down. After removing and securing his helmet in the sidesaddle hard case, Ron slipped on a pair of fashionable shades, inserted a couple of Coins of the Realm into the pay slot. Then noting the information on the receipt of location and return time, he slipped it into a pocket before walking causally in the direction Kim was traveling.
Ambling along, he hoped his inability to keep his ninja skills sharp during his summer internship wouldn't come back to haunt him while he used them to stay out on Kim's periphery.
Maintaining a distance of a couple of hundred feet behind the prominent auburn mane, Ron decided it was time to bring his buddy into this. "Rufus, Kim is not far away from us and she seems to be walking to some buildings.", he transmitted via his MMP-based link to his buddy. "I'm going to get close enough to listen in on her, so you gotta keep quiet, we don't want her to cause a scene and start yelling at us.", his frown coming through the mystical link. "We'd embarrass her, and I don't want her to add one more thing to hate me about, or you for that matter, so ya gotta zip it, ok?", Ron cautioned the mole rat through their shared link.
His frustration coming through, loud and clear, "Ho kay! But wanna hear Mom's voice 'gain.", Rufus made an absolute condition to his Kim-dodging human.
Musing on that for a few moments, "I'm gonna try, ok…But yeah I guess that would be nice too…", he sent to Rufus when, "She just stopped…uh there are some girls coming from another way and they are either waving at Kim…or at me.", Ron 'said' to Rufus as the mole rat rolled his eyes on the last consideration. "I hope they don't want to speak with us."
If a smirk could be transmitted the same as thought, Rufus was the one to do it, "Hnk, bad timing…", Ron seemed to detect a snort from the mole rat.
Getting a better look at the group, "I know what it is…Hold on, they're stopping to talk to Kim." Slowing his pace, "We'll just stay back for a while…maybe walk away so that they don't notice me…", Ron drifted off as he slowed down.
"Fade out loser…",came from the mole rat section of the peanut gallery.
Missing some of the sarcasm, "I am, I am. It's been a while since I tried this…you weren't even with me…" Ron was a little flummoxed at multi-tasking the conversation with Rufus, maintaining semi-covert surveillance of Kim, remembering his 'Fade-technique', all while putting up with Rufus' shots at him.
XX
"Hi Kim.", greeted the red head from one of the four young women waiting for her.
Brought out of her musings, Kim looked up to see the friends she didn't realize were waiting for her, "Oh hi everyone!" Waving a hand lightly before her, "I was walking in a mental fog for a moment, remembering something.", she said to their slightly anxious looks to her. "But I'm ok, nothing like before.", she assured her friends now relieved friends.
Turning to one in the group, "Hey Paula, did you go on that trip to Germany like you said you were?"
"Yeah, it was fun, I had a great time. But, how was your time away?", Paula replied.
Smiling brightly, "I enjoyed the time off, and I was able to catch up with some friends back home.", she said to their knowing looks, "Then I traveled elsewhere for a sort of working vacation.", she vaguely replied in order to not bother them with the details of her dealing with the fallout from her 'blackout period', or her position with GJ and Yamanouchi due to their secrecy issues with mainstream society.
After the buzz of conversation died down, Stacey Barons asked her, "Do you want to go out for a beer Kim? We were heading over to The Turf Tavern.", she nodded in that direction.
Pondering, "Well…I was going to the library to look up some things.", Kim nodded in another direction, then shrugged, "But sure. I guess I could go for one or two since classes don't start until next week."
"And a bit of lunch?", Beth Smiley chimed in, when she spotted a blond haired, bearded young man some distance from the group. Sorely tempted, and eyes glazing slightly, she almost made an excuse to ditch her friends to go over and speak with the handsome, yet unfamiliar, young man. But she decided he must be a new student and, as such, would have the chance to speak with him in the course of the upcoming school year.
Noting Beth's reaction, Carol followed her friend's gaze, "A hottie, huh?", she whispered to her friend.
Blushing, Beth nodded, "I'll get his number later this term at the latest.", she whispered, eyes fixed on the blond, "There's not many around that look like him and I think I'd like to get to know him better before another girl crowds in.", Beth said somewhat eagerly.
As the two women continued to stare at what they considered a yummy young man, he seemed to suddenly change direction and walk off towards another group of people away from them. Beth, deciding she'd rather bail on her friends to take a chance to meet this young man, when another friend, Stacey interrupted her thoughts, "Come on girls there is beer to drink and not enough time to do it."
Brought up short, Beth looked to her friends, "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to speak with…", and stopped after she quickly turned back to see, the young man of her inquisitive desires, had vanished.
Following her friend's openmouthed gaze, "I don't see anyone. Does anyone else?", Stacey replied, as she too, saw a now empty area. The others present from previously had also vacated the location.
Taking her friend's side, "I saw him too!", Carol Steamers cut in. "We both saw a very nice cutie over there…he was blond, with a beard…but he's gone now!", she cried in surprise.
Now scouring the area in frustration, "Dammit to hell!…Where did he go?", Beth shouted at the sudden lack of said blond cutie.
Kim snorted in amusement at her friends' lack of said object of their most recent desires. Aware of how the mind plays tricks on a person, neither the red head, nor her friends had a clue that they had just 'witnessed' the results of a very advanced Yamanouchi secret; something only the most advanced students were able to accomplish.
Chalking it up to the mind playing tricks on them, "Beth, he must have been a figure of your imagination.", she giggled lightly. "Now come on, let's go. I'm in the mood for a couple of beers now, too."
Stuttering a bit, "No, I mean he was really there!", she looked desperately to them as she pointed to the now empty area, "And he was cute, one of the cutest guys I have ever seen. He could have been a model. He was tall and had long blond hair and a short, neat blond beard.", she recited traits that had the rest listening in with rapt attention. "You could tell he was strong…not musclebound, but gymnast type strong. And he was about fifty meters away…", Beth tried to sell the image she was so sure she had seen just barely a minute ago.
Resistant to the described image of a stranger she felt couldn't stack up against her own personal experiences with another blond, Kim laughed, "Well he sounds like someone worth looking into Beth…if he was really there.", she said to her friend's exasperated blush. "Experience tells me that there aren't many like that around, but rest assured we probably will meet up with him again if he's on campus.", she humored her friend. "Heck, you can take turns dating him if he's into that.", the red head teased. To the sudden glare Beth sent her way, "But don't worry about me, I've got my own guy.", her hands up in placation.
Snorting, "You guys have all the luck,", as Beth Smiley gave up her visual search, "Even you, Kim.", she grumped.
Grinning, "I don't know about that, Beth…but mine is a real keeper.", Kim said wistfully. Then breaking out of her impromptu reverie, "Come on, let's go." Nodding to Beth, "I'm sure he'll show back up, then maybe you can get his name and phone number.", she assured her friend as she turned and lead the way to a pub she and her friends had been to many times over the last few years.
(AN…the lead author of this tale lived in England for a while and his experience with them was: If you can reach the top of the bar to give your money, you can purchase a beer. Most pubs in my experience brew their own ales and beers as well as keeping a selection of others…I have tried a great number and have even choked down some hard cider during my time there.)
XX
Though in plain sight, Ron phased into a world filled with grays, whites and blacks that could not be seen by those unknowing of, or untrained in the technique. In this 'mist' where his surroundings seemed darker, sounds were muted, and until accustomed to the event, it could quite disturbing to the lesser experienced or trained individual. Though in Ron's case, having achieved this state more than forty times to date, he had no issues as he held this 'reality' very few could attain while he searched for a more secure location to perform his 'recon' of his former…well, you know.
'I really should get closer so I can hear what they are saying.', Ron thought as Rufus brought himself 'online' within the realm his thoughts also operated in. He too, a being in possession of the power transferred from the idols in that fateful mission with Ron and Holo-Kim all those years ago, Rufus could also do some of the things the 'Chosen One of Yamanouchi' learned to do since then.
Caught off-guard, "Ron, what happened? You 'shifted'…", Rufus' tone panicked.
His tone a little 'ticked off', "One of the girls that came up to Kim noticed me.", Ron explained.
"Would it be so bad for Mom to see you?", Rufus sagely replied.
"Yes it would be so very bad Rufus…she has another that she loves…", Ron sighed, yet didn't say 'and it's not me.' A sentiment both felt was correct and incorrect, depending on who you asked.
Rallying, "It's just the way it is.", Ron 'sounded' somewhat resigned, "We should have stayed away and not taken the chance of troubling her.", he said a little irritated.
Distracting Ron from going into a rant, "What's happening now?", asked the mole rat without a periscope.
"The group is now leaving…Ya know, I think we should just get a motel room for the night and then leave in the morning and go back to Japan…", the blond fretted. "This was a stupid idea. I shouldn't have wasted our time doing this…by now we would have been over the North Pole, taking a nap or just kicking back, enjoying some cheese.", Ron ranted in aggravation.
"I at least want to smell Mom, loser.", Rufus growled back. "I miss her as much as you should."
Sighing, "Rufus you know she was my best friend…even more than you are…But she has found someone else.", Ron struggled to say. "If…we just popped into view, not only would people talk…we would give away Yamanouchi secrets.", he now grasped for obvious straws. "And we also might embarrass her if she recognizes us…you know we promised never to do that ever again. But if you want to get close we have to stay covert or we leave right now…", he bargained, "Now do you agree?"
"I agree for now.", came back from Rufus. "But either way I get to see Mom and maybe get some good cheese!"
Figuring this was as good an agreement he was going to get from Rufus, Ron started after the women as they continued their trek south of the campus. And remaining 'faded', the American ninja stayed just far enough from them so that none of them could sense someone was following them. Especially a certain red head who was in training at GJ for such a possibility.
A few minutes later the five women arrived at an old green and white building that had been in use of some kind since the 1200's. Kim looked to the place, "Ah, such a pleasant place to get something to eat and then wash it down with a couple of pints."
"It would have been better if that cute guy was with me…errr, us.", Betty Smiley groused. Folding her arms across her chest, "Well, there is a chance he'll be in one of my classes this term.", she contemplated.
Responding for the group as they entered the pub, "He must be some kind of looker, but remember, most guys we've run across lack the personality to go with the looks.", Stacey reminded Beth. "Either they have the personality of a block of wood, or they're dumber than my dog.", she said to a round of laughter from those who've met their share of either types. "And maybe he has some friends like him when he goes out…they seem to travel in packs, you know."
Now giggling, the girls spotted an open table and quickly took their seats, with Kim first to sit, she raised her hand to flag a waitress.
While the two of the girls ordered cider (hard, that is), the rest ordering ales, Ron slipped in and spied a small table behind them, in a corner of the pub quite clear of patrons. After checking that no one was looking his way, Ron phased back into view.
"Rufus I am going to order some cheese for you to munch on, but you have to stay in my jacket pocket so no one sees you.", Ron sent the warning to Rufus as he caught the attention of one of the barmaids.
After one of them came over, "Yes sir, would you like a menu?"
With as close to an English accent he could muster, "Yes, but I'd like a Boddington Ale to start and maybe some Scotch eggs to take the edge off a bit, since they are on the board.", Ron replied since he had seen both advertised upon entering the establishment. Then remembering, "Oh and a plate of assorted cheeses, if you would."
After writing on her pad, "Got it.", and she walked off to place the order.
While she was gone, the blond ninja sat quietly as he faced away from the table where his ex, plus four other girls were seated.
A few minutes later the waitress returned with the cheese and the beer. After placing them on his table, "The Scotch eggs will be a few more minutes, sir, we make ours from scratch so it takes time."
Nodding with a smile, "Thank you miss.", Ron replied. Looking around, "This is the first time I have been to this establishment and I am sort of new around here. Are there any attractions that I might want to see?"
Catching that his accent might not be authentic, "You're an American?", she quizzed him.
Smiling sheepishly, "Yes, guilty as charged.", Ron said. "Just trying to blend in as the case may be.", he covered his accent faux pas. Then changing the subject, "So were you born here?", the American inquired.
Smiling warmly, "I moved here from Leeds. I think I like it better here."
Wryly smiling, "Everyone has to be from somewhere, miss.", he shrugged to her smile. "But I guess most places are about the same once you get used to them.", he looked to her wistfully.
Interested in keeping the conversation going, "So are you going to school here?", she asked him.
Keeping his voice low, "Yes, I am, I'm a first year student majoring in Western Civilization.", Ron started on his 'tale', "It's funny but I actually know more about Asian history than Western, but I think I am going to use that as a hobby."
Her interest rising, "Usually we have students coming here in groups instead of alone. Don't you have any friends?", she fished around for some personal information.
Nodding slightly, "Oh yes, as a matter of fact, I do… Miss uh …"
Smiling brightly, "Jones, Mellissa Jones.", said to the young man.
Offering his hand to her, "Ron Stoppable, and my friends should begin arriving tonight." Looking around, "Maybe we'll come back here tomorrow to celebrate everyone getting to school before the term begins.", he said hoping that using his correct name would not come back to haunt him before he returned to Japan.
Beaming, "If you do, I'll get the first round.", Mellissa replied.
Grinning, "Sounds great Mellissa, I might take you up on that offer." Then looking around, "Is this place always this full?", before he sipped his beer.
Proudly, "Yes, it is. It's one of the better pubs in town.", she replied. "The food is good, the beer is reasonable and we have a very good selection of the latter."
With that recommendation, Ron sipped his beer, when Mellissa glanced up at the board, "Now if you will excuse me, I have other customers to see to. And your eggs should be done in a few minutes.", and rose to head back to her station.
Raising his glass in a 'salute', "Thank you.", Ron replied now glad he had some time to 'listen in' on a special someone's conversation with her friends.
When you consider the line of work he was in due to his 'day job', you would think he would have mixed feelings regarding spying on his former girlfriend like this. The Ron Stoppable of old would have never spied on Kimberly Anne Possible…However, the Chosen One of Yamanouchi didn't really give a rat's ass about it, and for the right reasons.
And to his mind, checking on her welfare was one of those 'right reasons'.
Yes people, four years of intense training had changed the former sidekick/buffoon…On many levels.
XX
"So Kim, how was your stay in the States?", came a question from one of her friends.
Taking a moment to think on the time, "It was good…I had a chance to reconnect with some friends, then took a month off for some training where I'm doing my internship.", Kim replied. "And a cheerleader friend of mine got married, so I attended that too."
Cutting in to avoid having to listen to Kim describe the wedding ceremony, something all present were ambivalent about for now, "What was that about your internship? You mentioned something about it last year.", Stacey asked the red head.
Surprised by the change of topic, "Oh!", Kim gathered her thoughts. Her mannerisms shifted into 'downplay mode', "It's a law enforcement branch of some governmental program I've learned about.", she replied since GJ was not known by many, and liked to keep it that way as much as possible.
"So are you going back to stay next year?", Stacey posed. All were well aware of Kim's now approaching graduation, though delayed by previous events with the red head.
Reflectively, "Well I think I'll up my class load, so I can finish up next year, then I plan to go back home and go for an advanced degree there…unless something alters that plan.", Kim said a little sheepishly. Clearing her throat, "But I've missed my old friends, and some of them are planning to get married.", she said. "But I've found that my schooling's paid for, so I might as well make the best of it and take all the classes I need to pursue my career."
Distracted by the shift in conversation, Beth had forgotten all about the blond 'hottie' from earlier, "You could, you know, end up here…"
Looking fondly around the table, "Yeah, I know…and,", she smiled warmly, "I have friends here that are a part of my life and always will be.", she said to warm smiles. "But I feel I have to return home, to family and friends I've known most of my life…I really miss Monique and my parents…", she smiled wistfully. Rolling her eyes, "Even my brothers.", she snorted sarcastically and stopped there, deciding to not bore the girls with more tales of them. And stopping the possibility of moving into even more tales of her and Ron in high school.
XX
'Huh?', startled, the blond American snapped upright at this news. Pangs of regret, mixed in with a little homesickness suddenly rose inside, 'I wonder if Felix and…Zita…yeah Zita, decided to tie the knot? And if anyone else…'
Recovering from nearly breaking cover, and before anyone noticed him in close proximity to someone he came to look in on, or another who had him in her sights after spotting him earlier, Ron quietly settled in his seat and continued his covert observations when he noticed someone approaching his table.
XX
Setting the plate of eggs before him, Melissa leaned back when Ron pointed to the fish and chips on the menu board, "Do you have that with malt vinegar?", he asked her; familiar with them from after a mission he and Kim had in London some years ago.
Nodding, "Of course we do.", she smiled. "And the fish is halibut, it was caught last night, so it's fresh.", Mellissa beamed, this item of their menu was once again very well received, "Everyone who has ordered it has been happy."
Smiling, "Great! Then I would like the fish and chips,", holding his empty bottle up, "and another beer to go with it."
"Another Baddington's?"
"Yes please.", Ron replied. As she went to place his order, he hoped to get more peace and quiet, something he had much of so far, so that he could hear the conversation at the women's table.
XX
Smiling wistfully, looking down at her plate, "Yeah, it was a good summer for me.", Kim softly said to her friends, thinking back on the previous three months. Turning to her friend, "So Stacey, did your BF pop the question over the summer?"
Smiling brightly, "As a matter of fact, he did!", Stacey replied. Waving her empty hand about, "Now that we are official, next month we're going ring shopping, and the following fortnight we're going to visit our families and make the official announcement!", she laughed.
Catching the hand, "Good for you.", Kim said. Clasping it tightly, "It's about time, you guys have waited long enough." Sighing, "Even some of my friends from Colorado are beginning to settle down now."
Blushing demurely, "Maybe so, but now I think it's time for him to sample the wares, if you know what I mean…", she winked at the red head.
Blushing at memories of past 'sampling of someone's wares', "If you love him, I'd say go ahead if you feel comfortable doing that.", Kim assured Stacey, to murmurs of agreement from the others.
Looking over to her, "And what of your boyfriend, Kim?", Stacey turned the tables. "Is he coming to the campus to be with you anytime soon?", she asked as all heads turned to the red head. Though not mentioned by name, everyone understood that this boyfriend she alluded to was the long-absent Ronald Stoppable.
Cringing slightly, "Uh, no…not right now guys.", Kim sheepishly replied. "But…hopefully we'll be cohabitating soon.", she said a little optimistically. "Well maybe not until I get back to the States where I'll continue my schooling." Then with a warm smile, "But when it happens, it's sure to be pure bliss for us.", Kim said with a sigh. Perking up, "I just can't wait to be in his arms again.", Kim giggled, and all joined in for a few moments.
"Sounds like you've got this all planned out, Kim.", Beth replied. "Quite a difference from that exciting life you had as a teen heroine…"
Cutting in, "It was nice at the time, but I don't really do that anymore…", Kim said as she shook her head. "After being on both sides of that 'fence,'", she air quoted to a round of giggles, "I've found it's best to leave it to the professionals who are better prepared to do this.", her smile less so now.
Her look faltering, "When I think back on some of my old missions, I shuddered to realize how easily we could have been killed.", Kim shivered. Shrugging, "So I guess that life has passed me by, and it's time for me to move onto other things.", she said as she looked to her friends, who understood.
After a few seconds passed, "Anyway, this summer my former tech guy and I spent some time overseas receiving some additional training.", Kim continued. "Wade did quite well and he's turning out to be a great partner…He's a genius, and though he's quite young, with all he's got going for him, he may end up being one of the best catches of century…", she praised her formerly agoraphobic teammate.
Remembering Kim talking about the African-American genius in the past, "And why do you say that, Kim?", Beth asked her. "And is he even eighteen, yet?"
Smiling, "Not quite, but he earns big bucks, has a nice bank account, earned two PhD's and is currently working on a third.", Kim described to them. Her eyes narrowing, "And if he's looking for something or someone on a computer or the internet and it's on a computer somewhere…anywhere, he's going to find it. (At hearing this, Ron turned white and nearly choked on one of his Scotch eggs…AN)"
XX
Trying to keep from blurting out loud, "Shit! Did you hear that Rufus?", he transmitted to his mole rat buddy.
"Hnk Wade?", his voice lightly quivering.
Ron's voice carrying some fear, "Yeah Mister 'I can hack anything' is now even better than he used to be?…I'll have to let Sensei know…"
XXX
Over the Pacific Ocean:
Cuddled up to her husband in their first class seats, the exotic shinobi heard, (What do you think of the mission Yori-kun?)
Thinking for a few moments, (What is not to like husband? We are going on vacation as a normal newlywed couple and then we shall travel to Colorado to visit Kim Possible's parents and hopefully her friends.), Yori replied. (This will give us a much better perspective of the events from four years ago. The more we understand the situation the easier it will be to repair the damage.), she explained, (Now if we meet any of your girlfriends…), she tightened her grip on his arm, (or should I say former girlfriends,), her fixed gaze caught his tense one, (it will be your honor to introduce me as your spouse.)
Visibly swallowing, (Yes dear, but should we not travel as our aliases in the Japanese Defense Forces?), Hiro tried to distract her from this particular topic.
(To Doctor Possible and all others who will have direct contact with Kim-san…yes…), she said. Then mischievously, (Now roll over and let me cuddle into your back.), Yori said to the sometimes oblivious Hirotaka.
His plan created by some of the world's best blind-date matchmakers and a certain founder of a secret ninja academy, Sensei had already put it into motion some of the actions planned to attempt to reunite the former heroine and her 'long lost' BF.
XXX
Oxford England: Wanda and Suzie's apartment:
Holding up a few pieces of her wardrobe, "We're going to have to go shopping Sue.", Wanda said after examining it with a critical eye, "Most of my things are five years out of date…", and holding them to her body, "not to mention for some reason they have seemed to have shrunk."
Snorting, "That's because most of the time we spend at Yamanouchi, we're wearing gis and not clothes we want civilized people to see us in.", the shorter shinobi replied.
Wanda frowned, "Since we are doing this for the Chosen One, he should pick up the tab."
"Wanda you are evil…"
"Don't forget cute too.", Wanda shot back. "Besides, Antubi wanted to ask me out if we had stayed in Japan."
Surprised, "You too?"
Frowning, "What do you mean, 'you too'?", Wanda's demeanor darkened slightly.
"We went out for tea last month.", Suzie filled her in. "You were with some of the other girls in Tokyo for the weekend." Then quietly, "I didn't know you had an understanding…"
A little hurt, "We didn't, but that…", Wanda's voice trailed off.
Softly, "Sister, you must tell me when you are planning something like that so that we don't get our signals crossed.", Suzie said as she placed a hand on Wanda's arm. "If I had known I would have stayed clear of him.", she assured her lifelong friend.
Frowning, "I suppose the next time we see him we shall inform him that we have compared notes.", Wanda raised an eyebrow over a glinting eye. Then shaking out of her funk, "Now getting back on topic…Do you think if we can't contact Stoppable-sama, would Sensei float us an advance on our compensation?"
Smirking, "I do not know why he should not, it was his idea after all.", Suzie reminded her.
Laughing, "Then we should not feel guilty as long as someone besides us are paying for our new clothes.", Wanda agreed with the loophole provided by her more-devious-than-her-friend.
Curtly nodding, "Well someone is going to be lighter in the pocketbook, when this is over.", Suzie suggested. "Now we need to walk the campus again Sister to see if we can spot Possible-san…", was interrupted by a growling stomach, "And I wonder where the good places to eat are located."
Shrugging matter-of-factly, "This is England, they go to bars to eat and socialize, so those are our choices.", the taller ninja said to her friend.
Peering intently at Wanda, "And just how do you know this?"
Smirking, "I can read too, you know.", Wanda teased her.
Rolling her eyes, "I didn't know you bothered.", Suzie shot back at her friend.
To this, Wanda, simply stuck out her tongue as a five year old would do.
Shaking her head, Suzie grabbed Wanda's arm and headed out the door with her friend, "Really mature of you, sister." And laughing, both left their apartment.
XXX
Casually sipping on his second beer, the blond American looked on as Mellissa brought a large order of fish and chips to his table. Saying nothing, she had customers to tend to, Mellissa smiled and went back to her orders.
After she left, using standard ninja sleight-of-hand techniques he'd been taught years ago, he slipped another piece of cheese under the table to Rufus. After a few moments, Ron realized he hadn't heard much from his friend since he arrived at this table.
Sending to Rufus after she left, "What's the matter rat, the cheese not good enough for you?", he snarked.
His 'tone' a little peeved, "Need water loser.", Rufus sent back. "Last piece,", he 'hacked, "went down wrong way."
Though he knew he ran the risk of drawing unwanted attention to himself, after looking around to see no one was looking his way, Ron faded from view.
Though still in view, held a glass to a pocket, "Here Rufus drink this, its water."
After a few seconds, "Thanks.", came back from the mole rat.
Assured his friend was ok, Ron phased back into the visible spectrum and continued to listen in on the girls. From their easy conversation, Ron reckoned that they seemed to know each other quite well as they caught up amongst themselves. Taking a moment, Ron decided to let Rufus 'listen in' on the line between them as he monitored the girls'.
'She's made some friends…and they keep talking about her boyfriend…so she obviously has someone who apparently is quite the catch.', Ron mused as he thought about what he had heard about Kim from her and the girls.
While tamping down a pang in his heart, he remembered his self-imposed mission here was to check up on the welfare of his former best friend and girlfriend…And from what he could tell of their conversation, she seemed to be happy with the way her life was turning out, so he could chalk up his mission as a success.
'Opening a line' to his friend, "Hear that Rufus? Kim seems to be quite happy…" Mentally sighing, "And that's good."
From Ron's jacket pocket, "Mom happy…but loser not happy.", Rufus sent back through their link.
Shrugging, both physically and mystically, "Happy enough little guy, you oughta know." Then reflecting on what he'd seen so far, "Ya know this is a nice place here in England. Maybe someday we could come back to visit."
Excitedly, "See Mom?", and immediately from Rufus.
His frown felt in the link, "You know we can't do that, Rufus.", Ron scolded his pal. "Maybe just see the sights…you know the tourist thingie."
"Haggis…bleah.", Rufus gagged in reply.
Chiding, "Now it's not nice to be snarky.", he shot back. "Remember, it's considered a delicacy in some parts of this country. We could try it sometime, but we'd have to travel north to get some of the good stuff."
Snorting, "They wear dresses…"
"Those dresses are called kilts.", Ron reminded his buddy. Then lightly, "I could get one for you."
Giggling at the absurdity, "Not for me.", he sent back. "Is Loser havin' fun?"
Sitting back, "Yeah little dude, the loser can have fun once in a while. You rodents aren't the only ones who can run on a wheel.", Ron played along.
Ron was brought out of his 'conversation' when, "Sir?", came from the side.
Pulled out of his 'talk' with Rufus, "Yes…uh Mellissa?", Ron smiled up to her.
A timid smile, "I'm going on a twenty minute break, would you like company?", she held a lunch tray.
Extending a hand to the seat across from him, "Sure, make yourself at home.", the American ninja replied.
Setting down with her tray, "You seem to listen to what's going on around you.", the brunette observed.
Shrugging, "It's a habit of mind. Something I do when I try to stay in the background.", he replied. "Anyway most people usually don't pay attention to me, and I kind of like it that way."
Starting the ball rolling, "So, where are you from?", Mellissa asked as she adjusted in her seat.
"A little place in Colorado that you've probably never heard of. But it's a good place to be from, if I must say so."
Thoughtfully, "Colorado…", she drifted slightly. "I've met some people from there."
Suddenly a little nervous, "Well it is a popular place.", Ron kept it from showing.
Nodding into the pub, "There was a girl in here who's from there.", Mellissa informed him.
Casually waving a hand, "That's nice, but I try to avoid those people.", Ron downplayed the degree of separation, "Some of them are stuck-up. That's why I'm here and they are there."
Slightly taken aback, "That's a funny way of putting it.", Mellissa warily replied.
With a sad smile, that he didn't completely have to fake, "You have to understand, I wasn't very popular when I lived there…But I made do, left and have done pretty well for myself in the world since.", Ron related to her.
Sympathetically, "Did you have any friends there?", she asked him.
Shrugging, "Sure one or two. But I haven't talked to them in years."
Looking more closely at him, "You know you seem a little older than a normal freshman.", she replied.
"Well I went to school in Japan for a while to prepare me for a first class school.", Ron explained as Mellissa sipped on her shanty (half ginger ale and half real ale). Then taking her knife, she cut into a massive sandwich while she held it down with a fork.
Impressed at her tenacity with the large sandwich, with a smirk he leaned in, and his voice low so she also had to lean in, "You look like you're really enjoying that."
A tired smile, "Yes I am.", she said as she picked up half of her sandwich. "The food is quite good…", then she took a big bite. After chewing and swallowing, "We only get two or three breaks…and we work very hard here."
Slightly bowing in his chair, "Then I am honored that you graced me with your presence since your time is so short.", he smiled as she giggled.
Putting her sandwich on the plate, "You certainly have a way with words Ron.", as she wiped her hands on a napkin. "You are quite the cultured one, aren't you?"
Tilting his head slightly, "A little…I did spend time at a school in Japan where manners were very important…but as a youth, not so much, maybe that's why I was shunned like I was."
Looking appreciatively at him, "Well if you are as nice of a guy as you seem you shouldn't have a problem getting a girlfriend here.", Mellissa assured him.
Dismissively, "I'm not really sure I want one.", Ron said to her raised eyebrow. "I'm going to have my nose to the grindstone to make up for lost time."
Slightly skeptical, "And no fun?", Mellissa asked him.
A lopsided grin, "Oh I'll have fun.", the blond American assured her.
Now quite curious, "So what do you do for fun?"
Leaning back, "Well…", Ron paused in thought as he tried to think of sports this country was known for. "I'm not really a fan of soccer which is called football over here, or cricket. I prefer American football and baseball, but I'm not really a sports fan.", he said. "However, I will go out to a local event if I have nothing else to pass the time or if I am with someone who enjoys those activities."
Now even more curiouser, to quote 'Alice', "Well then, what do you like to do?"
Offhandedly, "Oh things like sitting in the park, reading a book or taking a nice long walk.", he said quietly. "You know, when I think about it I guess I'm just a boring kind of guy."
Closely observing him before she took another bite of her sandwich, "It seems to me that you have a self-confidence problem."
Deciding to correct his hostess regarding something he was well versed in, "I had a confidence problem Miss Jones. It's taken me some time but I finally overcame that little problem.", he gave her a determined look. "And from there I am prepared to go on with my life's journey to wherever it leads.", Ron said with some conviction.
Slightly taken aback from his sudden shift of demeanor, "So you had problems before, did you?"
His voice low, "Yup I did.", Ron admitted with a smile. Raising a finger between them, "And the key word is 'did'." Then waving his hand lightly, "But I've learned much from that time to this, and with those experiences under my belt, I'm a much more capable person to take on the speed bumps placed in my path.", he related to her. "And someday it's all going to come together, and I'll be able to come into my own.", he finished before he took another sip of his beer.
Looking on in some respect, "You certainly seem to have gained much from your travels, Ron.", Mellissa replied. Then, "I only wish more who've come here had grown as much before they arrived, then maybe they wouldn't have some of the problems they have in their day-to-day living here.", her look of one who had seen her share examples, both from observations or those of her own experiences.
Coming out of her musings, "Oh, and would you care for another beer?", Mellissa broke from the topic.
Smiling as he put his beer on the table, "I think three is my limit Mellissa, I have to crack some books tonight."
Mystified, "But classes don't start until next week…"
Smirking, "Who said anything about this being for a class? I also read to improve myself.", Ron confided as he continued to split his focus and listen in on the conversation going on between Kim and her friends.
Eyes widening at his reply, smiled. Then due to her internal clock set to break times and waiting tables, she looked to her watch, "Oh dear, my break's about over, where did the time go?", she smiled a bit sadly. Looking to him, "And I want to thank you, Ron, for keeping me company through my lunch break…But are you sure you don't want another beer?", as she rose to gather her plates and such.
"Thank you but no. but I think I could use a water instead…and the tab.", he said as he gathered his 'debris' before him.
In surprise, "Then you are leaving?", Mellissa said, her voice a little sad.
Nodding, "For the evening yes.", he replied. "I got in today and crossing the pond without taking a nap really makes you tired."
Her smile fading a little, "I see.", Mellissa was disappointed.
At her apparent disappointment, "But I expect to be back in before you know it.", he added to placate her for the moment.
Her smile returning, he continued, "Now while you are bringing my tab, I have to gather my itinerary,", tapping the side of his head with a finger, "for a couple of minutes.", he said to her giggle. "And I do want to thank you for keeping me company today."
Smiling she rose, then checking her watch one more time, she gathered her tray, "Ok Ron, you do that, and I'll bring your bill to you shortly."
"Thanks I appreciate it.", and smiled one more time to her.
After Mellissa returned her dishes to the kitchen, Ron listened in on the girls for a few minutes before she returned with his tab. Ron looked it over and handed her fifty quid to pay for the bill, leaving her with a hefty tip.
Her smile beaming, "Maybe I will see you again Ron, thank you very much for your generosity.", Mellissa did a slight curtsy, to which both laughed lightly.
Rubbing a hand behind his neck, "Yes, well, you never know, but thanks again for the service and the company. I appreciate it more than you could ever know.", the American ninja replied.
Money in hand, Mellissa walked back to her station to get back to work, occasionally glancing in Ron's direction. It was then she noticed that he seemed to say something to himself, and then laughed as if carrying on a conversation by himself and was thoroughly enjoying it.
Ruefully she shook her head, 'Ron appears to be a bit odd…and Lord knows I don't need another one of them.', she mused to herself as she began to draw beer for a couple of patrons.
XX
Leaning in conspiratorially, "I'll be right back…the loo calls.", Beth quietly said to her 'audience'.
Pushing her chair back, "I'll go with you Beth, it's calling me too.", Kim added, likewise in tone.
Of course, this conversation was heard by Ron, so he watched as the two girls trekked to the loo, or restroom, situated across the pub from them. Once they disappeared through the doors, he rose and walked to the exit of the pub.
Slipping by her table, Carol Steamers looked up to see Beth's latest 'crush' making his way to the door. While taking in the view, what looked like a small 'pink doll' popped out of his jacket pocket and waved at her.
"Hnk bye!", was heard from 'it' before she heard the blond admonish quietly, "Quiet Rufus. We gotta go."
Two things, well three if you count the odd 'pink doll', quickly caught Carol's attention. One was the blond's style of speech, possibly American in accent, the other was hearing him reprimand 'Rufus' as he had. Many times she had heard Kim talk about the diminutive mole rat and the adventures he had accompanied her and her partner/love interest on, but due to beers she had imbibed previously, she was a little slow on the uptake of the significance of what transpired not a foot away from her, and was now moving briskly to the pub's exit.
Only catching a slight bit of the activity, Stacey's stare switched between her friend and the young man leaving the building, "What was that all about?"
Shaking herself out of her beer befogged stupor, "I don't know, but if that blond guy's name is Ron, we have to tell Kim or she'll never forgive us.", Carol told her friend, now both looking through the window at his receding back.
Rising from her chair, "I'll go after him and at least find out…", Stacey said as Carol also stood up.
Nodding, "I'll get Kim and settle the bill.", Carol replied, as she looked for her waitress, "If it's this Ron guy I want to see the fireworks.", she smirked before Stacey hurried to the door.
Noting the activity from some of her patrons, "Yes miss?", the older woman asked as she came over to her.
"We need our bill please. But don't worry, I'll be right back…", pointing to the facilities, "Going to the girls' place."
"The tab will be here when you get back.", she assured Carol. "But forgive me for being a bit forward, it must be something important by the way you and your friend are acting…"
"Maybe it is, but I won't know until my other friend can answer something for us", Carol replied as she turned towards the restroom. Halfway there Kim and Beth came out.
Carol rushed up to them, "Kim what did that boy you dated look like? Did he have blond hair?"
Nodding, "Yes, I told you that…"
Cutting her off, "While you were in the loo, this guy walked past us…", Carol paused to gather her thoughts, "And you said he had a pet that he kept in his clothes…what colour was the pet?"
Her face a mix of sadness and curiosity, "Pink, and his name was Rufus. He's a naked mole rat…"
A look of realization, "Kim we have to go.", Carol grasped Kim's hand, "I think your boyfriend was here only a couple of minutes ago.", and she started for the door.
Pulling up short, "Where?"
Pointing out the door, "Right here, Stacey went to follow him."
Moving forward again, "We have to find him…", she said with some urgency.
Playing devil's advocate, "He may not be your Ron…", Carol cautioned.
Kim's eyes hardened, "I have to know.", and rushed to their waitress as she approached with their bill.
Unsure if the guy she was crushing on earlier may be Kim's intended, "Well, if you say so."
Kim noted the total and removed some cash from her purse, "We'll divide it up later.", paid the bill, tip and all, then rushed to the door.
XX
Ticked off, Ron glared at his friend, "Rufus, that was some stunt you pulled back there! Are you happy?", he growled to the mole rat's utter delight. After a few more paces into the parking lot, "Did we give them the slip?", he asked after Rufus peeked over his human's shoulder.
Gleefully, "Girl followin' us.", the mole rat chittered.
Now slightly panicked, "Do you really think they're gonna find us?"
Smugly, "Yep."
Picking up the pace, "We are so outta town ass swipe.", he shook his head. "I am not gonna face Kim and have her slap me for showing up where I'm not wanted in front of everyone in this town…This was a lousy idea.", the blond American muttered under his breath as he ducked around a corner and began to fade from view.
Trying to reason with Ron, "Mom loves you."
Looking to the mole rat, "Mom loves herself…and some unknown guy Rufus, so give it a rest for once, ok? I lived it once before, I so don't need to hear it from the source.", Ron resolved. "Let's just get back to the bike, I have to get back to school."
Now invisible, Ron began to jog towards the parking lot and his transportation back to the airport. After a five minute jog he and Rufus arrived at the bike, and silently unlocked his helmet, mounted the bike and started it before he placed the helmet on his head. After fastening the chinstrap, "Listen Rufus, I'm sorry for harshing on you, but I just don't want to face Kim, or her friends.", he sort of apologized. "Now let's ace this place and go back where we belong."
Fixing him with a glare, "Hnk, chicken!" Rufus angrily chittered from Ron's pocket.
Shaking his head, "Not going to argue with you rat. Now hold on.", Ron ordered as he backed out of the parking space. Easing the bike into low gear, his head on a swivel so he wouldn't run into or over anything as he made his way to the first stop sign. Sadly he watched the GPS boot up and touched the icon for nearby locations and selected the airport he'd come from only five hours earlier. After a delay of twenty seconds, his route was highlighted in purple.
Picking up speed, "Hold on Rufus, we have to navigate traffic before we hit the road.", Ron instructed his old friend.
Over the noise of the wind and engine, he heard, "Shoulda waited.", from his pocket.
Glaring at his friend, "This was a bad idea, and you know it. Besides you know now she's fine, so I won't bother her ever again."
Mute in Ron's coat pocket, he sat back and dwelled on something between Kim and Ron that he could only feel. He didn't know how or why, but he had this deep-down feeling that they were supposed to be together like before, and was stubborn enough to try to do just about anything for what he thought was right.
Ron, however, heard what he believed justified the scenario he had concocted by now, and nothing more. His perceptions, tainted by preconceived notions, fit the puzzle pieces, though not all the pieces, before him so they created the conclusions he'd already arrived at over the years. After Kim's 'dismissal' of him while she was in England, he determined the reasons for this were…'so obvious', he felt he shouldn't have to even learn otherwise, even after all these years.
Not giving up, "But Kim-Kim…", Rufus argued for what he felt was his last opportunity to end this self-ostracism from her.
His rant coming through over the wind noise, "…modified her life to be with someone she sees as better than the 'buffoon', buddy.", Ron said with some heat in his voice. While maneuvering the bike down a street, "Let's just hit the road and fade back into the shadows like we were trained to do."
His visor raised, Ron kept an eye out on the nearly empty street in a very urban locale for pedestrians and other traffic. Slowing to a stop at a corner, he saw five young women step out into the street, crossing right in front of him.
Muttering lowly to the pocket the mole rat sat in, "Shit! Rufus, for once be quiet.", Ron advised him as he waited for his ex and her friends, their heads on a slow swivel, as if searching for something, to finish crossing.
However…Rufus had another agenda when he smelled someone he dearly missed.
After the girls crossed the street, Ron again let out the clutch and leisurely accelerated.
As they went by Rufus popped out of his boy's pocket, "Hi Mom!", and, with a large smile on his face, waved to Kim.
Her head turning so fast, she almost got whiplash, "Rufus?...RUFUS?", Kim gasped as her hand came up to her mouth…Looking to the motorcycle rider, "RON?"
Seemingly caught out, "Sold out.", crossed his thoughts, Ron twisted the throttle, going from twenty kilometers per hour to eighty in a matter of seconds, forcing Rufus to duck back into the safety of Ron's pocket.
Rufus, unhappy that his gambit to bring Kim and Ron together at last had failed, chittered angrily as he nestled out of the wind of the accelerating bike.
Looking one last time to the glaring eyes in his jacket pocket, "Jerk mole rat.", Ron grunted as he sped away, accelerating to nearly two hundred kilometers per hour before he reached the edge of town.
XX
Catching Kim when her knees buckled, Beth Smiley realized, after recognizing the clothes the motorcycle rider wore, that he was the guy she wanted to hit on. "The guy I was crushing on was your 'Ron'?"
Looking lost as she gazed forlornly towards where the whine of the supercharged motorcycle started to fade, "Yeah…I think so.", Kim's voice sounded hollow. "I'm pretty sure that was Rufus we heard…and where Rufus is, there's Ron." Still staring after the sound of the engine was no longer heard, "He's gone now.", her voice broke.
Stacey ran back to them, "I got the license number Kim.", waving a piece of paper. "We can have it tracked down if we hurry. Then we can meet him when he gets back to his place."
Her voice small and hurt, "H…he ran away from me…", Kim sniffled as she gazed in the direction Ron had disappeared.
Trying to reassure her friend, she wrapped the red head in a gentle hug, "Kim it might not even be him. And if it is, it's his loss." Fearful of her friend backsliding, Beth spoke in a soothing manner. She had seen for herself what the former heroine had gone through and was doing everything she could to keep her from going back there again.
Sniffling, "I…m…miss him.", Kim's voice small.
Keeping her mood genial and calm, "I know you do Kim, now come on let's go back to your apartment while we wait…"
In the quiet, as the girls slowly moved in that direction, the wheels in Kim's mind started to turn. Whether it was from her past life as a teenaged heroine, her GJ training, her recent involvement at Yamanouchi, or all three, her demeanor slowly changed from near defeat to something more substantial as a small smile took hold on her face, and a gleam appeared in her eye.
Pulling her 'cell phone' from her purse, she pushed a 'special button' on the keypad, followed by the 'Star button'.
Five seconds later, after speaking to someone on the other end of the call, she held her hand out to Stacey, "I need that plate number."
XXX
The next morning:
Bowing as he entered the cabin, "Good morning sir. I hope you enjoyed your brief stay in England.", the flight attendant greeted Dean. "Are you ready to return to Japan?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact Miss Sakanumi, I did.", Dean replied. "And did you guys have fun last night as well?"
Beaming, "Yes sir! We took in a movie and then dinner.", she replied. "And how did you do? Did you find who you were looking for?"
Scratching his chin, "Yes, as a matter of fact, I did.", Dean said as he glanced to where his pal Rufus was ensconced. "In fact, it was very educational.", he said offhandedly.
Then taking his seat, "Well we might as well get going.", he replied before he belted in.
XXXX
And there ya go. Near misses, but not for Rufus' trying.
Ron sees what he wants to see and has fit it neatly into his perceptions of the 'why' Kim 'broke things off' with him. If it was difficult for her to find him when he took himself off the radar to go his own way, letting Kim 'have her happiness without the Buffoon-Sidekick bringing her down', now imagine how much harder it will be for her to find him if he's going to be even more diligent at staying that way?
A few more miles to go.