Storm Chaser

Chapter 37

Hi all, and we're back with another installment of 'Storm Chaser'.

Last chapter, as Yori and Hirotaka were flying to Middleton in their undercover personas to meet with family and friends of Kim and Ron, Ron was running a little personal reconnaissance on Kim in her current habitat in an English pub…Though each gave and heard only part of the full disclosure regarding Kim's 'boyfriend', Rufus had his own agenda and started a minor ruckus when he blew Ron's 'cover' during the exodus from the pub.

Before we start up, we'd like to thank those who've given us their two cents up to now: Jimmy1201, Sentinel103, Ken 106348, merceralex117 and DarkFeras, thank you all for your support.

And if it was on KP, Disney owns, anything else, Larry does, or it's someone else…

Oxford, England:

Spying her over the crowd in the pub, Stacey waved to the red head who held a table for their friends' usual lunch gatherings. Weaving her way through the crowd, she made her way to the table.

Looking to her in concern as she took her seat, "How are you feeling now Kim?", Stacey asked her friend. "It's been two months…"

A weak smile, "I'm over it, though it was rough for a while.", Kim replied, in a tone that said she was still not quite over the event.

Cocking an eyebrow, "Now…Are you still sure that guy was your long lost boyfriend?"

"Yeah, I'm sure.", Kim said. "You were with me when we asked the waitress who served him at the pub.", she reminded her. "And how many guys in the world are named Ron Stoppable and are from Colorado?", her voice rose.

Settling down, Kim huffed, "From comparing notes on him, he had blond hair and freckles…It sort of narrows that down a lot.", Kim ran a hand through her hair. "And to top it off, he had a mole rat with him…not to mention the other girls saw Rufus as Ron hoofed it out of there."

"Since then, I put out the word to a lot of my friends to be on the lookout for him.", Stacey offered helpfully. Then a little downcast, "But they don't think he's a student here, like he told that waitress…Heck, as far as I know, no one remembers what he looked like, except for the waitress and us.", she ranted in frustration.

Looking a bit distant, "I should have been able to feel his presence, Stacey…I…"

Interrupting her, "Don't go down that path Kim.", Stacey shook her head, "The last time was bad…", her eyes said it all.

Her eyes clear, "I'm not, Stacey…but unless he was here by coincidence, that means that Ron and Rufus know where I am.", Kim suggested. Tapping her chin while pondering, "But whether he does or not, I don't know why he didn't stop to say 'Hi'…I mean even if he hates me he could have at least done that."

Cautiously, "If it was deliberate, his not bothering to say hi…or anything to you…", Stacey drew out, "maybe your shutting him out like you did hurt him really bad.", she flinched as Kim's eyes misted. Then changing the subject, "And from what Beth said, he seemed nothing like the clumsy boy you've described him as." Her eyes sly, "And you know her track record for boys who come across as he did…", waggling her eyebrows, "She's quite particular about who she wants to sleep with, and believe me she was ready to jump in the sack with this one.", she giggled as Kim joined in.

Picking up a book and yellow highlighter, "I know she always picks out the 'hot' guys to party with.", Kim reflected on her friend, "And since I'm sure that the guy who was here was my Ron…I have to face the fact that he's grown up and that I might have competition to get his attention.", Kim smirked as she outlined a passage in her textbook.

Laughing at Kim's dig on the situation, "At least you're not losing your head about this…", and both giggled. Then seriously, "Look, I'm going to head home for a few days,", she looked meaningfully to her friend, "so you make sure you get to class…"

Kim rolled her eyes, "I am not falling into a pit of despair here Stacey.", she assured her friend. "You just head home, I have a lot of studying to do so I can keep busy…But I might head down to London over the holiday to work on some of my internship stuff."

Perking up, "So…what is that place?", her curiosity piqued.

Waving her off, "Oh it's a Police Organization and they have an office in London where I can get some hours in since I have to brush up on some rules and regulations.", Kim played down her 'organization'.

An eyebrow rose, "Are they paying you for this Kim?"

Fixing her with a look, "Stacey, it's an internship, so pay is not part of my participation with them.", Kim explained. "Anyway, I'm a newbie there and I have to really learn their ways before I can expect anything remotely like pay. So for right now I'm in it for the experience.", Kim shrugged.

Huffing in frustration, "I understand that Kim,", Stacy said, "but you could have picked something else to get involved in where you were at least paid something…"

Kim had discussions like this with Stacey and her other friends, their differences with the American-born red head 'colored' by the culture and politics each grew up in. So for reasons such as that, the red head made no mention to her friends regarding the means by which her schooling was paid for. Stacey, her roommate was one of the few here in the know of the arrangement Kim had with Ron's trust fund.

Shrugging, "At this point I don't need the money for school and before I am completely out I think I'll be paid…at least something.", she conceded to Stacey.

Grasping this 'handhold' in the discussion, "As long as it's a living wage they're paying you.", Stacey's liberal slant on the topic came out, "But mark my words, they'll still try to cheapskate us women.", she fired back with talking points she was well versed in. Then after calming down, "Anyway, you're just plain lucky, you are, being taken care of like that.", grinning with just a little envy. (Oh, and just for the record BS believes in equal work, equal pay…AN)

Sighing, "Yes and the guy we thought we saw walk out of the pub was the same guy whose parents set it up.", Kim replied before taking a deep breath. After a few moments passed, "I think I really need to relax about that, that first part.", she said to Stacey's raised eyebrow.

Her hands clasped as she thought it out, "Ron was here, so that means it was either a coincidence, or…that maybe…he's still interested in me…even though I hurt him a lot…", she raised a hand to rub her forehead, "At least he could be interested a little...", she said more in hope than anything else.

Cutting her off before she started down the road of 'what if', "Well if he is still interested in you…and after what you've told me about him up to now, he'd have to.", Stacey let hang. Then with a smirk, "Which means, Beth is going to be broken up by that…", she snorted, "But she'll get over it."

A corner of her mouth ticking up, "One can only hope.", Kim replied before she giggled. "But she keeps them hanging around like bees to honey, that's for sure.", she shook her head while she looked over the menu, pausing over a dark ale he had yet to try, when she noticed two more of their friends entering the pub.

After waving them over, she looked to Stacey, a glint in her eye, "And that part of her personality is almost like that of the Bonnie Rockwaller of old, from my hometown.", Kim said to Stacey's slight shock. "I'm telling you, before she cleaned up her act, Bonnie could have four or five guys in line or on a string to date her, all at once."

Gathering her wits at the comparison, "Eventually that will come back to haunt her too.", Stacey replied, quite familiar of Kim's expounding of her old classmate's exploits. "You know how she is about guys."

Her face neutral, "As long as she stays away from the guy with the mole rat in his pocket she can have the rest of them for all I care…", Kim said, a gleam now appearing in her eyes, "And if she's open to the suggestion, I can make her a great deal on two young geniuses.", the sister to those two pains in the prodigy giggled as a waiter arrived to take their drink orders.

After the waiter left with their order, "Kim! Good to see you again. May we join you and your friend for lunch?", from one of the two smiling Asian women the red head waved over earlier.

Smiling brightly, "It's nice to see you again, Sue and Wanda.", Kim said. Motioning with a hand, "This is Stacey, now pull up a seat."

"Thank you Kim-sa…..", Wanda replied as Suzie put her hand on the taller woman's arm, before each exchanged full names between the foursome. Those of the newcomers were different, though they related to each other as 'sister'.

Leaning in, "So, where are you two from?", Stacey asked over the room's din.

Smiling, Suzie gave out their cover story, "We are from Hong Kong. Our grandparents left funds for us to attend a prestigious university if we made the Dean's list in our first year…"

"So we did, they are very proud of us.", Wanda followed up.

Curious, Kim inquired, "Where did you go to school before you came here?"

Without missing a beat, "The University of Hong Kong.", Wanda replied. A hand to herself, "I was studying for a degree in Language Arts.", then nudging her compatriot, "Sue here was studying for her degree in International Relations."

Eyebrows knitted in thought, "If you're sisters then why different last names?", Stacey asked.

Suzie clarified the confusion, "We are cousins, our Mothers are sisters, and we grew up together, so we have been as close as sisters."

The English girl nodded in understanding, "That explains my confusion." Then moving along, "So how are you liking your schooling here, and did they give you a break on the room?"

Wanda laughed, "We like it just fine." Then peering in, "Did they give you one?"

Stacey replied, "Uh no, they didn't."

"Same here.", Wanda rolled her eyes.

Sitting there, listening, Kim realized she was the only one at the table who basically got a free education. Of course no one had a clue that the Chinese cousins were Yamanouchi Alums who already had college degrees from universities in Japan.

Wanda, in order to deflect further scrutiny of her and Suzie's backgrounds, changed the subject to something more common between active students and newcomers, "Since we are fairly new here and have not tried much from the menu, so what do you recommend?"

Not realizing she had been steered away from a 'sensitive subject', Stacey took up answering, "Well…it depends on what you like.", before she looked over the menu for them. "I usually go for some kind of salad, with a soup and an ale. Though your preferences on the subject may differ. Or if you even imbibe."

Smiling as she lied through her teeth, "We have been known to consume alcohol, though lightly…", Suzie's ninja-trained ability to do so being tested mightily, "At times under special circumstances.", while Wanda surreptitiously glanced to the roof to see if, by chance, it would fall in on them.

Satisfied they would not be struck down…yet, "Occasionally, you understand.", Wanda did her best to not roll her eyes.

Nodding to the two Asian women, she turned to Kim, who had finished highlighting her book. After glancing to the menu, the red head said, "I think I'm going to have a medium ale and fish and chips."

After checking the menu, "I have not had this fish and chips before,", Suzie replied, "but I do like fish, so I think I shall have that as well…"

XXX

GJ:

Leaning back in her chair, while her guest setup for his presentation, "So what do you think of what turned up from the surveillance videos you accessed from that bar, Dr. Load?", Dr. Director asked. She had been curious about this after he informed her of the call he received from Kim the day after Ron's 'visit' happened.

Sheepishly, to her understanding smile, "Ma'am, first of all, I apologize for taking so long to break all of this down, but,", as Wade pulled up one snippet of footage, "that could be Ron Stoppable." As each watched the video. "Though it's been three years, when you compare this against previous 'Ron Factor' footage,", he brought up some archived video in split screen, "it appears that his gait has changed." After comparing the two feeds for a few seconds, "And notice how he carries himself.", he pointed to the striking differences. "Also, before you ask, we never got enough facial time or enough angles to update any facial recognition software as to how he looks now."

Frowning, she nodded for him to go on after a few seconds, "He doesn't slouch now…", Wade froze the video before he removed the old footage and advanced a few frames of the most recent footage, then pointed to a spot in the shot, "Now…see what appears from his coat pocket?"

Leaning in, "Can you zoom in on that?", Dr. Director asked him.

"Yes ma'am…it's not too clear, but the color gives a clue…", he said and went to a slightly out of focus close-up of the looped footage, "It's pink and it appears to be alive."

Blinking, "Rufus?...Stoppable's mole rat?" Betty looked to Wade, "Are you sure?"

Shrugging, "It might be, Director.", Wade suggested. "I know of one personable mole rat,", a hand to the video, "and I'm pretty sure this is a mole rat, and it seems to be waving at the women sitting at Kim's table." Turning to his boss, "I'm not sure why he would do that…maybe drawing attention to him, or Ron." Before she could question his supposition, "And, according to witnesses at the table, the mole rat spoke."

Nodding, "Yes, according to Miss Possible's report,", Betty brought up her copy, "it uttered 'Hnk, bye' to the women at the table and 'Hi Mom!' as he and Stoppable motor biked past them on the street." Looking to him, "Does that mean anything?"

"Ma'am Rufus is pretty smart, but you have to remember he is an animal, so his vocal skills are going to be pretty limited compared to a human, but he was with the man in the video, and from all indications, we have to assume it was Ron."

After a few moments of consideration, "Ok, we may come back to this later Wade, but for now, continue with your report.", Dr. Director said.

"Yes Ma'am. Now when our agents spoke with the staff working at the pub that day, one of them admits to not only serving, but sharing a table while on her break with, one Ronald Stoppable…" Betty perked up, before Wade continued, "Yes, the blond in this video did use his name, and from her description, except for the passage of time, he fits the description of our long lost companion. So unless he was being deceptive, it most likely he was in close proximity to Kim for reasons we have no clue of."

"If he got this close to her, after three years of no contact with Miss Possible, why didn't he just go to her and introduce himself?", Dr. Director pondered.

A weary grin, "I don't know, Ma'am…maybe he didn't want to show himself in a crowd, or something we have no knowledge of.", Wade replied. "But, he was slick enough to get that close to Kim without her noticing, so he could have been able to slip her a note, or something.", he spitballed.

Sitting quietly for a few moments, "Or it could be he's stalking her…", Betty threw out for consideration.

"Now why would he be doing that Ma'am?", came Wade's incredulous question. "According to eyewitness accounts, he made no overt aggressive actions toward her. And from all the video we have on this event, this seems to bear out. If nothing else, all he did was observe from a nearby table and leave while Kim went to the other end of the pub."

Exhaling deeply, "I don't know, but until we learn more about this," she pointed to the image onscreen, "Ron Stoppable, we'd better have some extra security close by in case he has an agenda we do not know of that doesn't bode well for Miss Possible.", Betty decided before she jotted something on a notepad. "From what we can tell, or rather cannot tell, this may have been going on for a while, and until now we had no inkling of.", in a tone that Wade knew annoyed the head of a spy agency to no end. Then peering at him with narrowed eye, "And need I remind you of his post-high school exploits, and that he's tied to that Ninja Academy?"

Wade shook his head dismissively, "Dr. Director, I don't think Ron was trying to do anything…"

Continuing her train of thought, "Wade, Stoppable's funds paid for Miss Possible's college expenses…and nearly everything else related to her tenure there…Somehow I get a queasy feeling in my gut that something just doesn't feel right.", Betty sat back in contemplation, her fingers steepled at her chin. "But there may have been someone following him, and he might have caught wind of it…and if so, I'd bet that he had to abort that attempt to meet up with her with all the potential collateral damage present.", she sat forward again.

When Wade paused to consider this, "And in considering their former line of work in high school, not to mention we have no idea what Stoppable's really been up to since high school, either of them may have been a target for one of their old enemies, or someone we have yet to ID.", Dr. Director's 'wilderness of mirrors' spy senses kicked in.

Cutting her off before she took this somewhere that might have driven Wade back to his room, for quite a while, "OK, Dr. Director, that might be so, so I suggest we put a covert security team in place to watch over her, and since Kim is going in for some training in London, we might need to take a flight over and speak with her about all of this."

Fixing him with a look, "When is she going in for training?"

"Next weekend.", Wade replied. "Kim has an easy week of studies and got ahead like she used to in high school, so she should be available."

A curt nod, "Good.", Betty replied. Then with a sly grin, "And don't forget to bring your workout clothes."

Groaning internally, "Yes Ma'am.", Wade replied. Though he had gotten better, still not good enough to take on either woman in a spar, he knew this trip wasn't going to be a lot of fun, "I'll be sure to pack my gear."

Smiling, "Buck up Wade, I'll make sure you don't starve over there. The food's not bad…when you get fish and chips in the evening for dinner…it was usually swimming in the morning."

Trying to not make a face, "Ma'am, I don't really care for fish…"

Having read his dossier, "It's one thing the Brits do real well, Wade.", Betty smiled sympathetically before stacking the papers on her desk, "Now, why don't you take the rest of the day off and head home to pack your bag. We'll leave a couple days early.", she smiled mischievously, "I think a surprise inspection of the London Headquarters is in order, don't you?"

His smile at the thought of seeing Kim again, tempered by his waning agoraphobia. Though he had made great strides from his time in Japan, he still had minor 'flashbacks' every now and then. "Yes Ma'am, but I'd like the chance to look over their security protocols before we go. It seems there's a glitch in their system and I'd like to look over their mainframe to see if they are having a problem I corrected in ours.", he replied.

Now back on the clock, "Is there anything you need me to do Wade?", Dr. Director's voice showing professional concern.

Shaking his head, "I don't think so, Dr. Director. But for some reason we have fewer files…"

Cutting him off, "Fewer files?", she peered at him, her demeanor now more businesslike.

Nodding, "Yes Ma'am, but what I've been able to determine is that while I can't identify the exact missing files, I have learned that they are from some of the older files archived and kept in redundant file storage locations.", Wade informed his boss. "I didn't execute a file shredding order so our file retention volumes should be a bit larger than they currently are.", Wade explained.

Slowly, "That is strange.", Dr. Director said while considering his information. "So, are you running it down?"

"In the process of doing that now Ma'am.", Wade nodded to her. "But it doesn't appear to be from any cluster of important files, though. From what I can tell so far, they were all old files that I haven't inventoried yet.", he assured her. "I can tell you it wasn't an automated disposal of files from the system volumes, and unless I learn otherwise, it may have been nothing more than defragged file clusters that were removed from the servers much like taking out the garbage."

Waving her hands to stop him before her Tech Expert went off into Tech-Nirvana, "I think I understand, Wade.", she smiled to his sheepish grin, "Carry on then.", she told him as he rose from his chair.

Catching herself before they went their separate ways, "Oh, Dr. Load, before you go and pack your bag, bring an extra day of clothes with you…a nice suit would be appropriate."

Raising an eyebrow, "Ma'am?", at her request.

An eyebrow raised in reply, "Have you ever met my brother, the former head of the WWEE?", Betty asked him cautiously.

Slightly nervous and rubbing a hand behind his head, "I…uh have seen his image and have read of the organization he ran a few years ago. Kim and Ron tangled with it a few times."

"Good, then there's not much more to say, but you and I will meet Sheldon for dinner for one of GJ's randomly scheduled appointments to check on former villains.", she said to Wade's slightly widening eyes. "In his case, since I'm his sister, I usually do it over dinner."

A fish out of water look, "Yes Ma'am,", Wade asked her, "but what has that got to do with…"

Smirking, "With you?", she finished his question.

At his sheepish nod she continued, "I have not revealed this to Kimberly yet…", and fixed him with a look, "and neither should you, but when she comes on full time she will have the honor of making sure all of her former enemies are keeping their end of the bargain we made with them after the invasion attempt."

A curious look, "So we are going to eat with your brother Ma'am?"

One of her lips curling in a smirk, "Yes, I love to keep him off balance, and I use these dinner meetings to scrutinize him in a neutral setting.", Betty informed him. Huffing, "However, I am not convinced that he is completely legit."

Now quite curious, "Ma'am?", Wade peered intently to her.

"My brother, for lack of better words, is a conniving type 'A' personality…", Dr. Director brought herself up short, "but then so am I,", she smiled. "That's why we are always in conflict with each other."

"Well, I have studied the mission logs from Kim and Ron, Doctor Director, so I do know a little about him.", Wade assured her. Then a little skittishly, "And does he still shoot little missiles out of his fingers?"

Cocking an eyebrow, "Not that I know of Wade…He's supposed to have reformed…but I still don't trust him."

"I understand Ma'am."

"Remember to be very careful of him.", she warned Wade, "He doesn't deserve our trust yet." Then pausing in thought, "I mean that, Wade.", her eye bore into his, "In my opinion he may still be capable of starting a devastating war between the super powers just to take advantage of the ensuing confusion and make a play for world dominance."

"Ma'am if that's the case incarcerating him might be the best course of action…"

Looking frustrated, "I do not have proof of him doing that…yet,", she told Wade, "but recently there have been events in the Far East that, according to my past history with Sheldon's tactics, seem to have his fingerprints on them."

"Such as?"

"Something happened in China…we heard rumors,", Wade's eyebrows rose…this was something that didn't cross his view on his computers, "that some atomic weapons had been stolen. But were recovered shortly afterward."

"Whoever tried to pull this off, should be punished Ma'am…severely, too.", Wade offered.

"That's something I believe too, Wade, and evidently so did the People's Republic of China…After a short trial, they executed the perpetrators by firing squad.", she informed the computer genius.

Tilting his head to her, "And you think your brother somehow had his fingers in this?", Wade asked as his brain started to calculate what might happen with nukes on the loose.

Betty nodded, "But I can't prove it."

"Shouldn't we bring him in for questioning?"

"Not at this point, but I am keeping close track on Sheldon's travels…", she assured him, "And if I catch him doing anything illegal they will have to pipe daylight into his cell." Hands flat on her table, leaning towards him, "That is why I want you up to date with what he is doing, and since I plan on bringing Kimberly into the fold in the future, having you aware of what is going on will make that transition go easier."

A confident look, "I will pay attention and take notes Ma'am.", Wade assured her.

Smiling warmly, "Good. Now start preparing for your trip and have a nice day, Wade."

XXX

Yamanouchi, Japan:

The wizened ninja master smiled as his protégée approached him. Bowing, "Young Master! It is good of you to return to us during your school holiday.", Sensei greeted Ron. Well aware of just how busy the summer, and early fall, had been for him, "I had missed you when you dropped Rufus off on your way back to school, so I didn't learn of your summer travels…and Rufus was not forthcoming in description."

Bowing in return, "It was an interesting internship.", Ron replied with a shrug. "And I have let it be known that I'd like to do it again.", he smiled. Then frowning, "And Rufus is a bit grumpy about the end of the summer."

Because of a phone call from Kim, Sensei knew of Ron's altered travel plans from Norway to Yamanouchi, via England, so he waited to see what the blond would say, if anything. He wasn't disappointed about this, rather, Ron mentioning anything…that is.

"After the internship ended for the summer I decided to fly to England after I picked up Rufus in Norway for a day or two stopover.", he casually said.

Perking slightly, "Oh, was it your wish to have tea and crumpets, Chosen One?", Sensei said in jest. "Otherwise I do not understand why you traveled to England."

Sighing, "No Sensei.", Ron huffed, before glaring toward the school where his buddy was ensconced, "Rufus was worried about Kim and I wanted to prove to him that she was happy with her life.", he replied, "So to ease his mind we looked in on her."

Feeling it was time to begin to enlighten Ron of all that came before, and since, his exodus from Middleton, Sensei was about to broach the subject when Ron continued with the discourse of his side trip to England, "Rufus, especially, wanted to hear Kim's voice…", he sighed, "She sounded happy…", wistful. "She spoke about her boyfriend to her friends while sitting with them…", his face briefly melancholy.

A raised eyebrow, "Are you sure she sounded happy my friend?", the ninja master asked him, still looking for a way to work bits of the plan he and others came up with over the summer to reunite these two.

His eyes calm, but not completely tranquil. "Yes Master, she felt at peace.", Ron said with a serenity that Sensei sensed wasn't fully so. Then grimacing in small annoyance, "So I found my stressing little friend had nothing to worry about after all.", before looking to Sensei. "And since she is happy, I am happy and I know now that I made the correct decision about Kim when I returned here.", he said as convincingly as he could, but Sensei could tell this was not completely the truth. Shrugging in what could be interpreted as defeat by those in attendance, "So, I feel I do not need to look in on her again any longer."

At this point Sensei almost broke his own rule regarding telling Ron what Kim's life had really been like since she left Middleton, and all that followed. However…he felt that if he revealed all that Kim endured in her self-imposed exile, Ron might do something drastic like go completely offline from his hardheaded sense of responsibility for what happened to her and go on his own self-imposed exile as atonement for his transgressions against her; regardless of the causes of Kim's months-long pain.

So after a quick assessment of Ron, his demeanor and his 'report' on his side-adventure in England, Sensei decided for now that he could only nudge his friend a little in the proper direction. "You do realize, do you not Chosen One, that there may be a time when you will cross Miss Possible's path again?"

Looking off to the side briefly, Ron nodded and looked back to Sensei, "Probably…Considering the line of work we used to be in together,", he said wistfully, "it could happen." Then shaking his head slightly, "But it's not something I feel with happen for a long time to come, since I have no reason to be anywhere in close proximity to her, ever again.", he said in a calm that Sensei could tell wasn't completely so.

After pondering all he had heard, "Time will tell, Stoppable-sama.", he said sagely. Furrowing his eyes, "But are you sure Miss Possible was aware of your presence?"

Frowning, "Yes Sensei, of that I am sure.", Ron said, frowning. "Our little pink friend took it upon himself, twice, to draw attention to us while we were leaving the establishment. If he hadn't done so then I highly doubt Kim would have even known we were in the same country, much less in the same pub.", he grumped. "It was supposed to be a benign observation at a particular point in her life to see if I should finally close the door on her from my life…or not.", his voice faded slightly.

Tilting his head, "I must say, Chosen One, it was a perfect opportunity to speak with Miss Possible.", Sensei said with a raised eyebrow. "Since you did not, I would say you missed an excellent opportunity to do so...One that may not happen for a long time.", keeping disappointment from his voice.

One side of his mouth curled in a tight grin, "You would think so Sensei, but when I heard her gushing", Sensei could detect a very slight wince from Ron, "about her boyfriend, and her plans for him when she returned to Middleton, I knew there was nothing left between us.", his eyes faded. "She made her choice during that summer and fall, and has moved on from me, so I will too, and see no reason to go out of my way to reconnect with her for any reason from here on out.", he said with a cleansing breath as he worked to calm himself in the proclamation.

Peering intently, "So without visual confirmation of Miss Possible's boyfriend, you have made the decision to sever all contact with her?", Sensei said in order to keep this 'door' between Ron and Kim open, even for the tiniest bit.

Not taking the hint, "Yes Sensei, he wasn't there and if I'd stayed any longer I ran the risk having to explain how I suddenly appeared in a place no one really saw me enter…protecting Yamanouchi secrets, you know. And,", shaking his head, "I didn't want to have a scene there with Kim about poking my nose in her business after she dismissed me from her life…No matter how the message was delivered.", he sighed.

Sensei, sensing there was more Ron was hiding, "Was there no other reason than this, my friend?"

His eyes weary, "Yes Sensei, there was…Although it has been a long time since that summer, I am still attracted to her…", he paused as he drew in a deep breath, "and being so close to her after all this time…well it still hurts, deep down inside."

Nodding sympathetically, "I suppose it would my friend.", Sensei's eyes held compassion in them. "Is this something you wish to meditate with me on this?", he offered as a way to reduce the stress of the event with Ron, and to maybe start what he, Kim and Toshimiru planned for Ron.

Shaking his head wearily, "Not at the present time Master.", Ron said. "We are way past that point, now."

Nodding, "I understand how you feel my friend.", Sensei hid a frown in his beard and moustache, and decided to tackle this another day.

This discussion at an end, he moved to another topic, "So, onto other matters, how are your classes?"

Glad to move on to a subject he was more comfortable with, "They are coming along very nicely, Sensei, but I'm going to have to really buckle down this year. The courses are tough and the load is bigger, but I really like where this is taking me…", Ron's animation was better than previously, and a sort of gleam came to his eyes. "Where this will lead reminds me some of what it was like when I worked with Kimberly back in the day."

Nodding, Sensei was quite familiar of Ron's chosen professional path, "Yes you two did help to make a difference Ron-sama. I truly think that she has grown as have you, and there may be a time when you will be able to speak with her without having your feelings hurt or embarrassing her.", the old man tried one more time with his protégée.

"Who knows Master.", he sighed, "At some point when we are both older we may be able to speak to each other in a civilized manner, but I cannot see this happening other than years down the road, considering the circumstances.", he said in resignation. "Heh, I suppose our twenty-fifth…anniversary", searching for a word, "might be an appropriate time to do so…She should be well involved with a family of her own by then.", Ron quipped, still clueless of all that happened to Kim since high school.

The wizened ninja master leaned forward, "Anniversary? You mean from your high school?"

Smirking sadly, "Yeah maybe.", Ron shrugged. "But who knows what the life expectancy of a shinobi is, even one who has been gifted with my abilities?"

Frowning, "Yamanouchi ninja never make long term plans my friend.", Sensei said, quite familiar with where Ron was taking this. "Each of us knows that he or she may be called on to do what he must to finish a mission. Our country and clan comes before all else."

A serious look on his face, "Something I have come to agree with, Master.", Ron said, his voice so emotionless it seemed to bother Sensei.

Continuing before anything else could be discussed on the topic, "But it is getting late, I have to pick up Rufus from Nooni and then hurry to catch my bus. Even going downhill it will take me several hours because of the darkness.", he explained.

Nodding, "Then you must be going.", Sensei replied, feeling there was nothing more he could do today for Ron. Then, "We could give you a ride to the train station, if you so wish."

A grateful smile, "I don't feel the need for special treatment Sensei.", Ron replied. "I have enough time to make my connections, so that won't be necessary. But to make up for today, I will meditate with you next week and we can converse more then."

"I will look forward to our conversations on the higher planes.", he said. Leaning forward slightly, "I also know your 'other' sensei needs some of your guidance with his mediations as well. But do what you can, it seems with your schedule, you will have your hands full until semester break."

Contemplative, "I may return for some sparring sessions as well, I feel I am losing my touch a little."

A raised eyebrow, "That will happen when your schedule does not allow for enough training Stoppable-sama.", Sensei said sagely. Then bowing, "Peace be with you my friend."

"Peace out Sensei.", Ron bowed and thumped his chest with his right hand, continuing the inside joke he and Sensei made a habit out of doing since his first visits to Yamanouchi.

After another thirty minutes of meet-and-greets, Ron Stoppable/Dean Kaminsky with Rufus in his pocket, strode out the Yamanouchi gate to the footbridge and began his descent to catch his bus to Tokyo. After calculating his ETA, he figured he'd be cutting it close to catch the last bus down the mountain for the night.

He made good time, and three hours later he waved down his bus to the large metropolis. (Qui Street Station, if you would.), Ron said to the driver, holding his fare out.

Looking to the money in hand, (Your fare covers the cost.), the driver assured him. Nodding rearward, (Now please take a seat, it is a long drive yet.)

Bowing, (Thank you.), Ron made his way to a seat on the nearly empty bus.

Sitting quietly in the darkened bus, Ron did little more than watch the nighttime scenery during the three hour trip.

Once at the station, the blond American was able to quickly wave down a cab for the ride to the train station.

Quite late, the normal crowds at the station was down by three quarters, so Ron took the time to finally speak with Rufus; something he hadn't done since leaving the school, "Rufus your little stunt in England is still haunting me.", he said in low tones. "Sensei is going to kick my ass if this opens Yamanouchi to prying eyes."

"Hnk, loser.", Rufus snorted. "Kim-Kim…", he began.

Riding over the mole rat, "I'd leave you on her doorstep if you didn't know where Yamanouchi is and where I go to school.", his tone angry. "If you ever pull a stunt like that again I'll ship you off to Mom and Dad, permanently, until I'm done with school.", Ron warned.

From a pocket came, "Do, an' I call Kim-Kim."

"You don't even know her number, rat."

"Wade do."

XXX

Picking up the device Wade created for her so many years ago, Kim punched in the number she used to contact a certain older gentleman. A few moments later an Asian accented voice, not the one she expected, sounded from it, "Yes Kim-san, what may we do for you?"

Quite surprised, Kim asked, "How did you know it was me?"

"Yamanouchi has its ways Kim-san.", came back to her. "Do you wish to speak with Sensei?"

Still taken aback, "Uh yeah I do, is he available?", Kim quickly regrouped.

"He just left for his quarters, I will send a runner for him. Will you be able to wait?"

"Sure…"

"Very well, we will hurry then."

X

Five minutes later, Sensei's voice sounded from the device, "Kim-san, good to hear from you. Now how may I assist you?"

"Thank you Sensei, good to hear from you too.", Kim greeted him. "But do you remember from earlier when I called about Ron being here in England?"

"Yes I remember, Kim-san. Is he there now?"

"Uh no, actually he's not.", she sighed. "But in thinking back on the whole event, I'm pretty sure it wasn't a coincidence…so he knows where I am."

"I see.", Sensei replied, noncommittally, "So, what are your feelings about your friend being so close to you without him taking the time to speak to you?"

Frowning, "I'm not sure Sensei.", Kim sat back in thought. "If he just hated me he wouldn't have bothered." Her hand holding her chin, "I think he was going to make contact and then stopped because someone might have been following him."

"Now why would you think of that, Kim-san?", Sensei posed to her.

"Well…both he and I made some enemies during our teen years…and…he might have caught the scent of someone following him…", Kim pondered. "So…he might have abandoned meeting up with me…because someone might have been following him?", she offered in explanation, to at least soothe her conscience, if the reasons were otherwise.

Then after a few seconds of silence, "Sensei, do you know if he does anything dangerous like what he and I did when we were together?", worry in her voice.

Glad she was not able to see him, "I do not know Kim-san.", Sensei gave a half-truth, "It is possible, but I am sure he would have spoken with me before he attempted something dangerous." For now, Sensei's half-truth regarded anything Ron had done since his last assignments for Yamanouchi, sometime earlier in the year. Otherwise, whatever else Ron had done since was not known to him as of yet.

Relief in her voice, "Oh that's good.", Kim said as tension eased from her. "I just want Ron to be safe.", she said. "With all we did from back in the day and without me to look after him, I wouldn't feel very good about him taking chances like he did when we were younger."

Doing his best to keep 'smug' from his voice, "If I see him I shall remind him to try and be safe, Kim-san.", Sensei ensured the red haired woman.

A grateful smile coming through in her voice, "Thank you Sensei…Oh and I am looking forward to more training next summer. I should have the dates to you sometime next month."

"That is very good Kim-san, we can plan your training accordingly."

"And I have been trying to meditate as well. A mixed bag on the results, but I haven't had any nightmares since school resumed…I don't know right now if that's good or bad…"

The ninja master smiled, "I would hope it is a good sign."

"Why is that Sensei?"

"We determined that at least some of the experiences were coming from Stoppable-san. If you are not getting them then that may mean they have lessened on him as well.", he explained.

"I hadn't thought of that…Maybe in time, in this way, Ron will want to speak with me even if he doesn't want to get together…", her voice starting to falter.

Sensei quickly interjected, "Kim-san, I am sure that Stoppable-san is still in love with you as we have discussed before, but for the time being I feel he is very focused on his studies.", he cautioned her against exceedingly high hopes, or equally deep despair, "As of late, I have not felt him mediating on the higher planes so I feel his free time is very critical like it is for all serious college students. Is that not the case with you?"

Sighing, "Yes Sir, it is. It's just that I'm a 'Type A' personality.", she paused to take a breath. "The good thing is that I realize that and I know I have to compensate for that trait. I will try to keep calm and collected about this, but promise me that when you see him again to at least nudge him back towards me.", her voice a little desperate.

His voice calm, "Kim-san I promise that I will give Stoppable-san that nudge even if it is a gentle one.", Sensei assured the frantic red head. "If he inquires as to what I know, I will reveal all to him even if he sticks his fingers in his ears.", he said to a snort from the other end. "But again I remind you that if we try that before his mind and heart are ready, then all may be lost before the reunion you wish for comes to pass…and neither of us wants that to happen. We agreed that the main purpose is to reunite the two of you in a manner where the blossoms of your love will again grow strong."

Kim's giggles at the image of Ron blocking out hearing things he did not like fading, "I remember Ron sticking his fingers in his ears when he didn't want to know something Sensei, so I believe you." Then she sighed as she took in the rest of Sensei's advice.

A few moments later, "Why are you sighing Kim-san?"

Holding a hand to her forehead, "All I would have had to do was speak with Ronnie when this all began,", she lamented, "and then we wouldn't have to go through all this hardship…", Kim started to rant.

Cutting in, "Kim-san! Please listen…Have you thought that maybe your relationship with Ron-sama was not supposed to be easy?"

Her ranting paused, "Why do you say that, Sensei?", Kim's confusion in her voice.

Stopping for a moment to 'put on his therapist cap', something harkening back to prior to his return to the ninja academy, "Kim-san, look at this way, a boy and a girl meet when they are very young and become best friends. Doesn't it seem just a little too easy for them to become romantically involved and spend the rest of their lives together without some of finding who they are compatible to…", he started off. "Remember, there are many fish in the sea and I have learned in my time that all men and all women have thousands of potential mates they would be perfectly happy with.", Sensei let sink in for a moment. "Maybe each are supposed to sample the talent in this ocean a little before settling down."

After pondering this for a few seconds, "I hadn't thought of it that way Sensei, and I suppose you could be right…", her voice quiet. "However, now I don't think I can be content with another guy.", anxiety creeping into her voice.

"Then maybe things are as they should be for you and who you wish to love.", Sensei quickly replied. "You have been tempered by a fire which most would avoid at all costs…and you have thought out what you want to do with your life and who you wish to share in it.", he said and let sink in.

Continuing, "Now Kim-san, after all this, you have made your decision, and we must now move the thought process of your once best friend to become that yet again and to move him into believing that you are his future. If we are patient in this endeavor, then one day I expect to hear more small Stoppables running around underfoot."

Taking it all in, "Me too Sensei, thank you for the pep talk, I appreciate it more than you could ever know. Now I have some studying to do…I like to stay ahead. But I will call later, I promise.", her smile matching her gratitude.

"Very well Kim-san, it has been my pleasure in speaking again with you again and I look forward to your next call."

XXX

Sunday night/Monday morning Sapporo:

Dean Kaminsky struggled into his apartment, still spent from the weekend's activities at Yamanouchi. Looking to his clock, he groaned realizing he had two early classes this Monday morning instead of the usual afternoon classes he was accustomed to in the past.

Setting the pink rodent down on the kitchen table, "Rufus, I'll get you some cheese and then I have to get some shuteye before class today, which is not long from now, so keep it down, OK?"

Cheering and pumping a fist, "Hnk, cheese an' TV!", Rufus set his terms for the remainder of the night.

Glaring, "OK, but keep it low, I need my beauty rest.", Ron shot back in annoyance.

Though ticked off at the possibility of an all-night cheese and Trash TV festival going down in the den while he tried to get some needed sleep, Ron was as good as his word when he placed a plate with a half-pound of sliced, imported cheddar on a table beside the gloating mole rat.

Handing Rufus the remote, he warned him, "No pranks on me about Kim. I mean it.", and glared as he turned to leave.

After Ron cleared the room, Rufus blew a raspberry, "Hnk, loser."

XXXX

Quite a few opinions, suggestions or other speculations about Ron's intentions from that 'visit' in England. Some time had ticked off the clock/calendar since then, as all sides of the 'discussion' put their two cents in…regarding motivation, or lack thereof, and what comes next.

Well, except for Ron, he's got it in his thick skull that that door's closed, and he should move on to other venues available for those committed to life as a ninja…

Makes it hard to bring someone back to the highway when all he thinks he can do is travel down a dirt road into the wilderness.