Chapter VI: The Prophecy

'What are you doing here?' Kim asked.

'Mater Sensei sent me. He feels you are in need of help'

'Sensei?' Ron mumbled 'What makes him think that we are in need of help'

'He sees signs Stoppable-Ron'

'Would you like to sit down miss', said a waiter as he handed her a chair

'Yes. Please', she said and sat down.

'Now…back to the topic', Kim said as the waiter left them. 'What signs?'

'I do not know Stoppable-Kim, Sensei did not confide me his thoughts… But I see in your eyes that your minds are troubled'

'Yes we are Yori', Kim told her 'We've been quite disturbed lately'

'Master Sensei wishes to talk this matter to the both of you. He feels a prophecy is being fulfilled'

'What prophecy?'

'I do not know Stoppable-Kim but Sensei feels something much worse…'

'Worse?! That can't be good?', Ron stated 'The last time I heard that; Yono was unearthed and if I'm not mistaken some kind of prophecy was with it too'

'Yes Stoppable-Ron but I think Sensei feels something much more…' she looked at the couple 'He feels that you are involved… he has been secretive in recent days'

'Secretive, that can't be good', Kim twitched.

'Yes, he has been out of the school so often…'

'In that case, Ron I think we better check this out with Sensei… '

'I'm gonna speak to the manager Kim, I think we can still make it there as early as 2 days. We'll go right after we get the refund of our cash'

'Do not concern yourself with that Stoppable-Ron the Yamanouchi School can take care of that'

'When do we leave then?', Ron asked.

Yori held her hand outward and a waiter placed two tickets in her palms and went on his way.

'Tomorrow, Stoppables 6:00am sharp at Italy International Airport', she said as she handed them the tickets… And do not concern yourself about your money the manager will hand them to you in check when you return to your hotel'

'That was fast', Ron commented as he received his tickets.

'Time is of the essence Stoppable-Ron… I'll better be going now Stoppables. Sensei wish me to be back to Japan as soon as I finished our talk', with those word Yori left the restaurant. She opened her umbrella and began to walk away before finally disappearing from the sight of Kim and Ron.'

'What do we do now Kim? I feel that our next visit to Japan will be so not cool'

'I don't know Ron, but we shouldn't doubt Master Sensei… after all he is wise'

The couple ate their dinner in the restaurant which momentarily distracted their minds from Sensei's big news. They left a little over 8o'clock, the rain ceased in pouring and decided to walk Italy's fine streets. They turned across the alleyway and moments later they arrived in the hotel. Ron went to the lobby, looking for the manager. The manager was quick to them and handed Ron his cash.

'Is there anything else sir?'

'Yes, where's the ATM?'

'Down the hallway'

Ron went to the hallway and accessed the ATM. Let me see, PIN. He entered his PIN and started to make a deposit.

'Ron what are you doing?'

'Just depositing the cash… I don't want to bring it around the world'

Kim and Ron then went upstairs and straight to their room.

'Ron… do you think…?'

'Think what?'

'That we're gonna survive this?'

'I don't know Kim, I just don't know'

The two of them changed into their evening dress and went to bed.

'Kim'

'Yeah…Ron'

'Whatever happens I just want you to know that I love you very much'

'Right back at' cha'

The two of them slept, their minds eased with the thought of them being together.

Early morning in Italy the couple woke up, they packed their things and headed to Italy International Airport. It was a beautiful flight they were accommodated first class. It didn't take them too long to reach Japan. The tickets that Yori gave them were direct flights.

They went down the arrival's section and weren't surprised to see Yori greeting them.

'Konnichiwa… Stoppable-sans'

'Good day to you too, Yori', Kim said still strolling down their bags.

'Same here… so where's our transportation?'

'Do not worry yourself Stoppable-Ron our ride will arrive shortly'

Minutes later a truck arrived and picked them up.

'Here it is Stoppables… Sorry if it is not roomy enough but Sensei said we should keep a low profile'

'No-big', Kim commented as she and Ron loaded the truck with their baggage.

It was four when they arrived in Yamanouchi.

'Where is Sensei?' Kim asked.

'He is on a trip Stoppable-Kim; he will arrive a little later in the evening and as I have said when we last met he has been secretive. In the moment let me show you to your room'

Kim and Ron followed Yori across the courtyard where she directed them the room.

'I hope this will be comfortable Stoppables'

'Yeah it's fine', Ron commented as Yori left.

The room was large and simple, there was only one switch for the room and it was for the lights. In the center laid a beautiful mattress and although there was no bed, the room was so clean that laying on it felt no inconvenience at all. It was very cold in the mountains peak. Kim was about to close the door when two men came up carrying their bags.

'Where do you want this?' they asked.

'Just place right there', Kim pointed on the room's side as the carriers left.

The room also hosted a beautiful cabinet. Ron opened it. The door has a big mirror; Ron can easily see himself in it. On the side was a set of clothes. Ron took out a red Kimono fashioned with gold striping. Kim had hers in green with silver striping.

'Kim we'd better change'

'Yeah, I don't think this look works well in Japan'

The changed with their own set of clothes and later Kim found herself in front of the mirror.

'Do you think I look good at this'

'Ah…Kim'

Ron smiled. Ron took a comb with a flower and went close to Kim. He touched her hair and gave it a little knot so that it had ponytail and inserted the comb in the knot.

'Now that's better', he said while looking at Kim's emerald green eyes.

'Oh…Ron'

'You look so beautiful… Kim'

Kim smiled and started to pull him for a kiss when someone knocked.

'Who is it?', Ron asked.

'It is Yori… would the two of you want some dinner?'

'Yes', Kim replied with a smile.

The three went inside the school's dining area. Yori presented them a banquet.

'Won't you join us Yori?', Kim asked.

'No. I already had my meal before you arrived and I'll be waiting for Sensei'

'Where is he anyway?'

'I have no idea Stoppable-Kim, but I predict he will be here momentarily'

Kim and Ron took some of the fine sea delicacies, shrimp, sushi, fish, mollusks, lobster accompanied with rice and vegetables. They talked less during the meal.

'Ahhh…. I feel for a walk, Kim, how about you'

'yeah me too'

A maid was already picking up their plates when they went outside the schools terrace. The terrace was peaceful. Kim and Ron saw a most beautiful sunset. It was accompanied with slightly cool blowing wind and the fresh scent of the tall pine trees near the mountain's base. 'Ain't it just beautiful Kim?'

'Uh-huh... kinda like my Ron'

'your Ron?'

'Uh-huh my Ron.'

Ron wrapped his arms around her from her back. His hands placed upon her front belly. Kim and Ron watched as the sun sets to the clouds. Moments, later Yori arrived in the scene.

'Am I interrupting something? Which I hope I'm not'

Ron let his arms go off Kim, their face went slightly red while turning their faces from the sunset and looked at Yori.

'Uhmmm... No... You're not', Ron said with a wheezy voice.

Yori giggled.

'It's nice to see you together Kim and Ron. But you don't have to pretend to me that you're having some sentimental moments together'

'Right.', both of them answered hastily.

'So what's the news, Yori?', Kim asked desperate to get-off the topic.

'Sensei has just arrived'

'Boo-yah…can we speak to him now'

'No not yet, he is very tired at the moment. He has instructed me to tell you when he is ready. He said he has much to tell you. In the mean time, you would like to return to your room. It is not good to be outside of the school at this hour, there are things we must be careful of'

Kim and Ron went to their bedroom. They pondered what could have Sensei been doing in the last few days. Ron sat on the mattress and Kim leaned on him.

'Oh…Ronnie… I fear what may happen'

'Whatever it is, I'm sure we can handle… I mean we handled Yono'

'Hmmm… could it be that he's returning back'

'I dunno… but if he is, I don't want him to turn my Kimmie into a rock'

'Your Kimmie?'

'Yup.' He hugged her. He sniffed her hair. 'Oh… Kim you smell so good'

'And it's all for my Ron'

'See… I'm your Ron and you're my Kim', he grinned.

'Uh-huh'

Ron tightened his hug and Kim held his hand.

'Kim, I just want to say that whatever happens. I will always be at your side'

'And I'll be happy to be with you'

They both smiled. Moments later they heard a knock at the door.

'That must be Yori', Ron said.

He let go off Kim as she opened the door.

'Okay, Yori what's up?'

'Sensei is ready Stoppable'

Kim and Ron followed Yori to the school's "Shrine" room. Yori opened the door exposing Sensei sitting on the floor in front of him was a wooden table. The table appeared to be very old, they surveyed the place. It was simple, just lights and some cabinets holding scrolls. The only that apperead to be unusual was a small chest that seem to periodically glow with every glance as the light hit it's golden lock.

'Good evening young Stoppables'

Kim and Ron entered the room and Yori closed it.

'Good evening too, Sensei', both of them said as they sat on the floor, opposite side the table of Sensei.

'Would you like some tea?'

'No, thanks', Kim said as Ron lightly shook his head.

'I know you have been troubled by dreams', Sensei began as he filled his cup with tea.

'How'd you know?' Kim asked.

'The signs are up young Stoppables; you where caged with three circles we're you not? And each one of you saw the consecutive dreams as predicted'

'Predicted?' Kim muttered 'Now, what is this about?'

'I will answer Stoppable-Kim, but first I must know what your dreams' are'

Kim and Ron narrated their dreams the both them said everything they can remember and as detailed as possible.

'Just as I feared….' Sensei said now with a little dread in his face.

'And what did you just feared?' she asked.

Sensei finished drinking his tea and his eyes surveyed the coupled. 'It is time', he said 'I must now tell you what I should have told you six years ago, Kim, Ron please sit down. I am going to tell you everything'

There was a pause.

'There is a prophecy, young Stoppables, concerning you. Have you ever wondered why, you, Ron of all people on earth has been chosen to hold the Mystical Monkey Power. Why you, Kim of all people has been known to save the world at a young age. Do you even know why you have met at that young age? Why have you possessed such great powers and responsibilities?'

'Well, we guess it's just us', Kim muttered in response.

'Do you even know why you don't fear life-threatening situations?'

'Kim mastered sixteen styles of kung-fu, which should be a reason', Ron finally found his voice.

'Ah… But do you know how did she learned it from a young stage'

'Cheerleading?!'

'No, Ron, then why can't the other cheerleaders do it as well?'

'Because… because…'

Ron didn't dare to finish his sentence. Sensei stood and walked to one of the dusty cabinets. He opened the lock and took out a small dusty scroll. It was old, there's no denying that. Yet, there seems to be something about it, something they both know by heart. Sensei returned to them and sat. He unfolded the scroll on the table. To their amazement the scroll began to glow in bright yellow. The scroll then began to form the words and the room suddenly became dark. There was no light except from the one emitting from the scroll. The room became filled by a sweet woman's voice.

"Bounded by the murder you committed, rejected by the brother's heart you crushed, ashamed the family you sought. A punishment worse than death you shall see. Your spirit will be bound in the temple below as our own spirit flow. A bind with the earth you will have as long as our spirit is in half."

After the last word was mentioned, the words formed a symbol resembling the Yono. Ron gleamed at the sight, slowly the color changed from yellow to deep red. The room's color also changed, then the symbol broke into words and soon they heard a deep dreadful voice, something that Ron has only heard in a dream, in a nightmare.

"A thousand years shall pass and you will unite; you will they let out the fire, death and chaos in my side, you will be free and so shall I. I will finish you as the blue month dies"

The deep red light then vanished into the scroll. The white light from the bulb returned to the room. Sensei wrapped the scroll returned it back to the cabinet.

'What was that all about?', Kim asked with dread.

'Yeah and who are the one's speaking?'

Sensei now took a small book from one of the shelves and laid it in the table. He opened it to the first page and began to read.

'A thousand years ago', Sensei began. 'There we're two great twin warriors named Yin and Yang. They we're the masters of the art of Ho Quan or the original monkey kung-fu, they once served and protected the early people in Japan they used the crafts of magic, tapping into the nature's life forces they we're able to defeat most of their enemies. The woman's voice was Jhoira, she has met Yang in their young age because Yang's mother wanted him to be placed in the best school in the land. Yin on the other hand was placed far from Yang because it was thought to be a misfortune for brothers to be in the same school. Yang grew up with Jhoira, both of them mastering the art of kung-fu. They've spent their childhood as friends and this friendship grew into love.'

Kim and Ron looked at each other. That's the same thing that happened to them too.

'However, Yin and Yang must start to know the ancient way of mustering magic. Yang and Jhoira promised to one another that they'll wed as soon as they finished their studies before they parted. Yin and Yang although greatly separated by distance became good brothers to one another. They used their skill to fend off evil; they even struck down the three great evils: fire, chaos and death. However, Yin became fond of the evil their fighting with and soon began to practice the dark aspect of magic. The next thing the family knew Yin left leaving nothing that would lead them to him. Yang became worried; he was one of the few people with the knowledge of Yin's powers. It was only he who knew how evil he was. A month later Yang found in Yin's room a dark book which showed how to unearth and revive the three great evils. There was a torn part, the most important way to finish the ritual. Yang was wise. He knew what will happen; Yin will soon start a battle that might shatter the earth. He needed an item to fight him with, he took out his sword and began to mold it into something, but the magic was still weak. It still needed another. He then sought Jhoira who after telling her what will happen agreed to his. They we're to devise a weapon that only they can handle so that no thief can use it. It would be more powerful than the great evil. This of course gave birth to the Lotus Blade and the Lotus Blossom. These are two great artifacts. The great tide of evil began to flow; Yin has indeed awoken the three great evils.

'Kim and Ron, as you can see there is a missing page; we can't tell how they beat Yin'

'But how did you know that Yin has been beat?', Ron asked.

'Here it is young Stoppable.' Sensei returned his eyes to the book. 'It was three years since that incident. Yin was banished from the home land. Jhoira and Yang was going to be married. It was a fine evening and the two of them faced the shrine about to bond their love. But, as they we're about to perform the final kiss. The ceremony was interrupted by Yin. Yin was now a master at the dark arts. Yang held the Lotus Blade and charged Yin. But, Yin was more prepared this time. He drew out a sword. It was pitch black. The sword is known as the Black Lotus. Yin then summoned powers that buried the temple down. He charged at Yang and struck him down with the Black Lotus. Jhoira was now weeping at the sight of her love's death. But she has gathered the courage to bound Yin to the temple that was going to be buried in the earth. That will serve as his punishment.'

Sensei closed the book.

'Young Stoppables the prophecy mentioned earlier was the last things that Jhoira did to Yin. Yin clearly said that a thousand years Jhoira's spell will fade and that time is close'

'So you're trying to say that I'm Jhoira and he's Yang?'

'Correct or should I say is close to correct'

'We can't be you said they were never married. We can't be their descendants?'

'You do not need to be their descendants Stoppable-Ron'

'But then how are we'

'I believe they chose your spirit to be reincarnated upon'

'What?!', Kim exclaimed.

'You and Ron have met because Jhoira and Yang did so before…They want to relive their lives, do you know what Ron's father answered when I asked him why did you choose to put Ron in that school? He replied "He was about to enter a school other than that, but my wife insisted that she wants Ron in that school. I'm a peaceful man and I really don't see a big difference about a dollar a day. My wife kept on insisting not to put him in a catholic school so we decided to enroll him at that school instead".'

'But it can be a coincidence', he muttered hoping that Sensei missed that point.

'Alas, it is not. The blade has been foreshadowing something.'

Sensei took the blade from its shrine and placed it in the table. It was glowing.

'It is not normal for the blade to glow like this Ron'

Sensei then took something from his pocket and placed it in the table together with the Lotus Blade; it was Jhoira's bracelet. The bracelet did something spectacular it changed into a small sword.

'Take them' he said.

Kim took the small sword and Ron took the blade, and suddenly transformed into necklaces with their glow starting to fade.

'The blade and the blossom are now together again', he said with a sigh. 'The signs are clear young Stoppables, Yin will return soon'

'But why didn't you tell us this Sensei', Ron asked

Silence filled the room once again.

'The time you first visited here Ron, you seemed to be just like any other fellow we had before. I considered you as a guest that needed to be treated well. However, the blade did something that I know will be a sign. It has obeyed you. There were only two people to the mystical monkey power, you and monkey fist. This is a process of anointing the holder of the blade, the one. Monkey Fist has stolen the blade; he was the one that got it first. So, I felt confident you weren't the one destined. Yet you deprive him of the blade. It is a sign I wish to overlook. But seeing that you did not have a lover back then, I firmly said 'It is not him'. I see you the next day leaving Japan. The blade returned into its normal state. 'I'm just hallucinating', I said to myself'

'After the little diablos I was getting worried. The blade was emitting the foreseen signs. I just had to tell. But seeing as the pain that Drakken gave you, I decided not to. You just became a couple and I dare not break your hearts. Then Monkey Fist unearthed Yono, I needed to place Han in your family. I know the reason why Yono went back to Yamanouchi, but I believe that Monkey Fist did not. He was looking for his master; the blade was now emitting a lot of power that it drew Yono here. The fact that you two are couples made it so obvious to me. I can longer hide the truth to your destiny. But after seeing my school wrecked. I just told to myself 'Let them finish high school… they're too young'.

'Graduation time and I was running out of excuses, it was apparent that you already had the right to know, but a force was invading the planet. I can't simply tell it now. Two years later after that incident there came another invasion. You got out of that with your body almost torn. I care about the two of you so much; I thought that the information might finish you off. Then I heard that you two were now going in separate schools in college of your 3rd year. I looked at the blade, its glow now weakening. There might be some kind of loophole, I thought to myself. Three years later the blade began to emit light, but this time much stronger than ever before. The next morning I received your wedding invitation. I told myself 'I will convey it after their honeymoon'.

'Two days after your wedding, the blade emitted red light it showed three red circles, and I believe those are the signs that Yin must come back. Then the scroll began to light too. Then I had a dream when I saw the two of you get killed, and suffice to say I know that it had been connected has it not?'

'I had no other option… If I don't tell it now, it might be your doom… I am sorry Kim, Ron… please forgive me… It's just….', then Sensei just gave a tear.

Kim looked at Ron which looked at her right back.

'So what will we do Kim?'

'I don't know Ron'

Sensei, Kim and Ron where now dwelling each other as the chickens began to give their usual cries. Kim looked at the clock it read 4'o clock.

'Maybe it's time for a little rest', Sensei said. 'We still have much to discuss later'

Kim and Ron went out of Sensei's room and went to their own. They lay on the mattress with their minds full of fear, but with the thought of them being together. The memories they've had over the past 18 years. The happy moments, their first kiss, their first hug, their first 'I love yous'. Their minds soon rested as their bodies went to sleep.